Physics, Astronomy and Engineering Science (PHYS) Undergraduate Course Descriptions
Note: Students taking any of the sequence courses (I-II) must earn a grade of "C" or better to be admitted to the next course in the sequence.
PHYS 100. Preparatory Physics
Prepares students who lack proper high school experience to take PHYS 231 or 234. Basic mathematical tools, physical principles, and problem solving techniques. Prereq.: High school algebra or MATH 072. 3 Cr. DEMAND.
+PHYS 101. Famous People of Science
The development of scientific method and current scientific outlook as illustrated by the lives and times of Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Einstein, Curie, and others. 3 Cr. F, ALT.
+PHYS 103. Concepts in Physics
A thematic presentation of ideas, thought, and experimentation in physics. Topics from classical mechanics, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, relativity, structure of matter. Not open to those who have taken PHYS courses other than general education at the 200-level or above. Lab. 3 Cr. F, S.
+PHYS 208. Energy and Environment
Energy forms, resources and conversions. Past and present patterns of energy use. Projections of future demand and supplies of energy. Resources and technologies of future energy alternatives. Environmental problems and conservation strategies associated with energy use. 3 Cr. S.
+PHYS 231. General Physics I
Vectors; kinematics of uniformly accelerated motion; static equilibrium; work and energy; linear momentum; circular motion; rotational work, energy, and momentum; elasticity; fluid statics and dynamics; heat and temperature; kinetic theory of gases; laws of thermodynamics. Lab. Prereq.: Grade of C or better in MATH 112 or a satisfactory score on the appropriate math placement test, or a grade of C or better in PHYS 100. 4 Cr. F, S, SUM.
PHYS 232. General Physics II
Hooke's law; simple harmonic motion; waves, standing waves, sound; electric forces and fields; electric potential; capacitance; resistance; DC circuits; magnetic forces and fields; induced EMF; inductance; impedance; AC circuits; E-M waves; geometric optics; wave optics; optical devices. Topics from modern physics. Lab. Prereq.: PHYS 231. 4 Cr. F, S, SUM.
+PHYS 234. Classical Physics I
Newton's laws of motion; work and energy; linear momentum; rotational motion; equilibrium and elasticity; periodic motion; fluid mechanics; temperature, heat and thermal properties of matter; laws of thermodynamics. Lab. Coreq.: MATH 221. 5 Cr. F, S.
PHYS 235. Classical Physics II
Waves, normal modes, and sound; electrical force, fields, and potentials; capacitance and dielectrics; current and resistance; DC circuits; magnetic forces and fields; induction, AC current; E-M waves; geometric and wave optics; optical instruments. Lab. Prereq.: Grades of C or better in MATH 221 and PHYS 234. Coreq.: MATH 222. 5 Cr. F, S.
PHYS 304. Introduction to Biophysics
Thermal and modern physics, networks, and electromagnetism relevant to biological systems. Prereq.: 232. 3 Cr. DEMAND.
PHYS 308. Informatics for Radiologic Technologists
Information systems and computer technology as applied to usage in Radiologic Imaging, charting, administration and research. Prereq.: MATH 112. 3 Cr. S.
PHYS 309. Radiologic Science Seminar
Four-part seminar to be taken concurrently with the two years spent in the clinical portion of the program. Prereq.: Acceptance into clinical phase. 1 Cr. F.
PHYS 310. Radiologic Science Seminar
Four-part seminar to be taken concurrently with the two years spent in the clinical portion of the program. Prereq.: Acceptance into clinical phase. 1 Cr. S.
PHYS 328. Modern Physics I
Photons, Bohr-Rutherford model of the atom, wave-particle duality, Schroedinger equation, hydrogen atom wave functions, many-electron atoms, Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics. Prereq.: PHYS 235; MATH 222. 3 Cr. F, S.
PHYS 329. Modern Physics II
Special relativity, molecular bonding, quantum theory of solids, nuclear structure, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, elementary particles. Prereq.: PHYS 328 and admission to a major program. 3 Cr. S.
PHYS 333. Optics
Refraction, geometrical optics, optical instruments, diffraction, interference, polarization, and other aspects of physical optics. Lab. Prereq.: PHYS 235, MATH 222. 3 Cr. F.
PHYS 338. Electromagnetic Fields
Static electric fields, steady currents, static magnetic fields, time-dependent fields, Maxwell's equations, plane electromagnetic waves. Prereq.: PHYS 235, 346, MATH 325. 4 Cr. S, ALT.
PHYS 346. Applications in Theoretical Physics
Applications of matrix methods to linear physical systems; applications of vector calculus to 3-dimensional physical systems. The method of series solutions applied to physical wave equations, applications of complex numbers and of Fourier and Laplace transforms. Prereq.: PHYS 235. 3 Cr. F, S.
PHYS 354. Clinical Radiologic Science I
Theory and practice of clinical imaging, imaging equipment, radiation physics and radiation protection and professional responsibilities. Prereq.: Acceptance into an affiliated School of Radiologic Technology. 1-16 Cr. F, S, SUM.
PHYS 408. Physics of Digital Medical Imaging
Digital signal detection and processing as applied to such radiology imaging modalities as CR/DR, CT, MRI, US and NM/PET. Prereq.: 232, MATH 112. 3 Cr. F.
PHYS 409. Radiologic Science Seminar
Four-part seminar to be taken concurrently with the two years spent in the clinical portion of the program. Prereq.: Acceptance into clinical phase. 1 Cr. F.
PHYS 410. Radiologic Science Seminar
Four-part seminar to be taken concurrently with the two years spent in the clinical portion of the program. Prereq.: Acceptance into clinical phase. 1 Cr. S.
PHYS 415. Undergraduate Research
Independent experimental or theoretical research under staff supervision. Recommended to all undergraduate physics majors. Prereq.: Admission to major and consent of department. May be repeated. 1-3 Cr. DEMAND.
PHYS 420. Seminar
Lectures, readings, discussion on selected topics. May be repeated. 1-3 Cr. S, ALT.
PHYS 430. Advanced Physics Laboratory
Experiments relating to topics studied in upper-level physics courses. May be repeated. Prereq.: PHYS 328 or concurrent registration in 328. 2 Cr. F.
PHYS 431. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
The Schroedinger wave equation in differential equation, Dirac, and matrix notation. Application to fundamental systems including the harmonic oscillator, potential barriers, spin, and the hydrogen atom. Prereq.: PHYS 329, 346. 3 Cr. F, ALT.
PHYS 432. Advanced Experimental Physics
Advanced Experimental Physics, Hyperfine and Zeeman spetroscopy, Pulsed Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Electron Spin Resonance, Scientific Writing. Lab. Prereq.: C or better in PHYS 328. Admission to major. Coreq.: PHYS 430. 2 Cr. F.
PHYS 440. Classical Mechanics
Single particle Newtonian dynamics, Lagrangian methods, central force motion, systems of particles, non-inertial reference frames, dynamics of rigid bodies, oscillations and normal modes. Prereq.: PHYS 235, 346. 4 Cr. S, ALT.
PHYS 445. Electro-optics
E-M waves in anisotropic materials; electro-optic, acousto-optic and nonlinear optical effects; semiconductor light sources and detectors. Lab. Prereq.: PHYS 333, 338 or EE 391. 3 Cr. F, ALT.
PHYS 454. Clinical Radiologic Sciences III
Advanced theory and practice of imaging of organs. Producing radiographic images of optimal quality. Film processing, film holders and intensifying screens. Film evaluation. Prereq.: Acceptance into an affiliated School of Radiologic Technology. 1-16 Cr. F, S, SUM.
Physics, Astronomy and Engineering Science (PHYS) Courses for Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate Students
PHYS 435/535. Laser Optics
The interaction of light with matter including conditions for laser gain and oscillation, resonance cavities, and Gaussian beams. Examples of laser systems and applications. Lab. Prereq.: PHYS 333. 3 Cr. S, ALT.
PHYS 436/536. Advanced and Fourier Optics
Multilayer dielectric films, Fresnel reflection and diffraction, applications of Fourier optics. Lab. Prereq.: PHYS 333. 3 Cr. S, ALT.
PHYS 442/542. Topics in Biomedical Engineering
Instrumentation, data analysis and phenomenological principles of clinical interest. Prereq.: ECE 312; ENGR 334; MATH 325 or permission of instructor. 3 Cr. DEMAND.
PHYS 450-455/550-555. Special Topics in Physics
Intensive study of important topics in basic and applied physics. Topics will be selected from relativity, medical physics, biomedical engineering and others. May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 credits. Prereq.: PHYS 235 and consent of the instructor. 1-3 Cr. DEMAND.
PHYS 456/556. Methods and Materials for Teaching Physical Science
Modern techniques and curricula for teaching secondary school physical science. 3 Cr. F, S.
PHYS 476/576. Workshop: Solar Energy
The energy problem, the use of solar energy to help solve this problem, and theoretical background for the design and construction of a solar energy system. 1 Cr. DEMAND.
PHYS 486/586. Workshop: Holography
Basic principles of holography. Constructing simple holographs. 1 Cr. DEMAND.
