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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog | 20253

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Physics Courses

All Physics Courses

PHYS 1101 General Physics I (4 credits)

First course of a survey of introductory physics, suitable for students who are not familiar with calculus. Topics include Newton¿s laws of motion, energy conservation, momentum, fluids, vibrations, and waves. Elementary algebra and trigonometry are used frequently. Includes lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: none; MATH 1170 recommended. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 3 (LC)]
Common Course Outline

PHYS 1102 General Physics II (4 credits)

Second course of a survey of introductory physics suitable for students who are not familiar with calculus. Topics include heat, electricity, magnetism, electronic circuits, light, and optics. Elementary algebra and trigonometry are employed as needed. Includes lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite(s): none; MATH 1470 recommended. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 3 (LC)]
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PHYS 1200 Ideas of Modern Physics (3 credits)

An introduction to modern physics concepts at a level suitable for all students. Topics of discussion may include Einstein's theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, lasers, nuclear energy, black holes, and dark matter. This course will be mostly non-mathematical, with only trace amounts of math used as needed. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 3 (LL)]
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PHYS 2000 Astronomy (3 credits)

A one-semester survey of introductory astronomy. Topics include the history of astronomy, the formation and composition of our solar system, the evolution of stars and galaxies, the Big Bang model, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the fate of the universe. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 3 (LL).]
Common Course Outline

PHYS 2101 University Physics I (4 credits)

First course of a calculus-based introductory physics sequence. Topics include Newton's laws of motion, gravitation, energy conservation, momentum, fluids, vibrations and waves. Includes lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite(s): MATH 2471 or consent of instructor. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 3 (LC)]
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PHYS 2102 University Physics II (4 credits)

Second course of a calculus-based introductory physics sequence. Topics include electricity, magnetism, electrical circuits, light, and optics. Includes lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 2101 and MATH 2472 or consent of instructor. [Core Curriculum Goal Area 3 (LC)]
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PHYS 2210 Statics and Strength of Materials (3 credits)

Analysis of loads and moments borne by non-accelerating bodies and structures, considering distribution of forces and moments, material deformation, and prediction of material failure. Prerequisite: PHYS 2101.
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PHYS 2220 Dynamics (3 credits)

Dynamics force and moment systems, including applications to systems of particles and rigid bodies, with an engineering emphasis. Prerequisite: PHYS 2101.
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PHYS 2500 Electronics (4 credits)

Use and analysis of digital ICs, with application to computer circuitry and interfacing. Intensive laboratory. Corequisite: PHYS 1101 or PHYS 2101, or consent of instructor.
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PHYS 3103 University Physics III (4 credits)

Final course of a calculus-based introductory physics sequence, with a focus on modern physics. Topics include special relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic physics and radiation, elementary particles, astrophysics, and cosmology. Includes lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2102 or consent of instructor.
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PHYS 3300 Thermal and Statistical Physics (3 credits)

Principles of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Topics include temperature, the laws of thermodynamics, entropy, heat engines and refrigerators, free energy, and Boltzmann and quantum statistics. Prerequisites: PHYS 2102, PHYS 3103, MATH 2472, or consent of instructor.
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PHYS 3400 Mathematical Physics (3 credits)

Introduction to mathematical techniques used to solve problems in the physical sciences. Topics include complex numbers, Fourier series, ordinary and partial differential equations, and series solutions including Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions. Prerequisites: PHYS 2102, MATH 2472, or consent of instructor.
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PHYS 3700 Classical Mechanics (3 credits)

Newton's laws applied to systems of particles and rigid bodies. Topics includes energy and momentum conservation, non-inertial reference frames, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. Prerequisites: PHYS 2101, PHYS 3400 or MATH 2490.
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PHYS 3720 Advanced Laboratory (1 credits)

A laboratory designed to supplement various advanced courses that currently have no laboratory component. Content varies with term and may be repeated. Prerequisite: PHYS 2102.
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PHYS 4100 Solid-State Physics (3 credits)

Fundamentals of condensed matter physics, emphasizing crystalline solids. Includes transport mechanisms, band theory, lattice vibrations, insulators and semiconductors. Prerequisites: PHYS 2102, PHYS 3103, MATH 2472.
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PHYS 4300 Optics (4 credits)

Electromagnetic wave phenomena, including Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, interference, coherence, dispersion, and polarization. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PHYS 2102, PHYS 3400 or MATH 2490, or consent of instructor.
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PHYS 4500 Electromagnetism (4 credits)

Classical theory of electric and magnetic fields. Topics include Maxwell's equations, boundary value problems, static fields, dielectric materials, waves, waveguides, and antennas. Prerequisites: PHYS 2102, PHYS 3400, or consent of instructor.
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PHYS 4700 Quantum Mechanics (3 credits)

Development and formulation of quantum mechanics, with selected applications in spectroscopy, atomic/nuclear structure, and lasers. Prerequisites: PHYS 3103, PHYS 3400.
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PHYS 4800 Special Topics in Theoretical Physics (4 credits)

Advanced topics in electromagnetism, classical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: PHYS 3103, PHYS 3400, and consent of instructor.
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PHYS 4917 DIS Tchg Assoc | (1-2 credits)

Directed Independent Study | Teaching Associate
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PHYS 4980 Research (3 credits)

Research carried out by the student that is based on appropriate methodology and scholarship.
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