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173.
Core Physics. 3 cr. Through
lecture and classroom demonstration, students
investigate the fundamental notions of mechanics:
motion, inertia, force, momentum and energy. Emphasis
is placed on the great Newtonian synthesis of
the 17th century. With this foundation, students
are prepared to move on to topics chosen from
among the following: properties of matter, heat
and thermodynamic, electricity and magnetism,
light and modern physics. This course introduces
students to the analytical processes of the scientific
method and also helps them recognize applications
to the physics involved in everyday life.
174. Core Earth
Physics Science. 3 cr. Spring
Introduction to Earth science
for non-science majors. Survey of the Earth in
the relation to its physical composition, structure,
history, atmosphere and oceans. Also included
is how each of this impacts humans and how humans
have an influence on the processes of the Earth,
its oceans, and its atmosphere.
103. The Big Bang
and Beyond... 3 cr.
Deals qualitatively with the
modern scientific understanding of the origin
and evolution of the universe. The theory of the
Big Bang is presented, together with its observational
evidence: the redshift of distant galaxies, the
cosmic background radiation and the cosmic abundance
of hydrogen and helium. The inflationary universe
and the dark matter problem are included. The
topics of relativistic cosmology, white dwarfs,
neutron stars, black holes, and gravitational
waves manifest explicitly the gravitational tone
of the course: gravity modeling the cosmos, ruling
star evolution and opening a new window to the
universe. The course uses computer-based resources
and includes field trips to nearby observatories.
No previous knowledge of astronomy, physics or
mathematics is required.
167. Technology
and Society. 1 cr.
The objectives of the course
are to make the student aware of the dependence
of society on technological advancements, the
influence technology has on many fields of human
endeavor, the advantages derived from technology,
and the interaction between technology and society
from various society perspectives.
170.
Acoustics. 3 cr.
A course which presents the
physical principles underlying the production,
propagation, and perception of sound. Examples
of the principles are drawn mostly from the world
of musical sound. No mathematical preparation
beyond high school algebra is necessary.
200. Essential
Physics. 4 cr.
A one-semester physics course
especially designed to provide the elements necessary
for a basic understanding of Physics. Topics covered
may include: kinematics in one dimension, forces
and Newton's Laws of Motion, work and energy,
torques, impulse and momentum, fluid flow, electric
forces and electric fields, electric potential
energy and the electric potential, electric circuits,
magnetic forces and magnetic fields, and some
aspects of modern physics. In addition to being
introduced to the physical concepts, the student
will also be instructed in the analytical approach
to problem solving that is useful in all disciplines.
The content of the course may be varied according
to the needs of the students taking the course.
Prerequisite: A good knowledge of high-school
algebra and trigonometry is required. Lecture,
four hours; Laboratory, two hours; Recitation,
one hour. (Note: Students preparing for a medical
degree program must take Physics 201, 202 or Physics
211, 212.)
201, 202. Physics
for the Life Sciences. 4 cr. each
Designed to give the student
a basic knowledge and understanding of mechanics,
properties of matter, heat, wave motion, sound,
magnetism, electricity, light, and modern physics
through the use of modern day examples and applications.
At the completion of this course, the student
should have attained a working knowledge of physics,
its techniques and reasoning such that the knowledge
of physics gained may be applied to future work
in the sciences or other fields of endeavor. Prerequisite:
Mathematics 105 or the equivalent. Students who
have completed Mathematics 116 and pre-engineering
students should take 211, 212. Lecture, four hours;
Laboratory, two hours.
203. Astronomy.
3 cr.
This course provides the student
with a sampling of the principles and concepts
of elementary astronomy and astronomical observation.
Topics covered may include: the scale of the cosmos;
the celestial sphere; the solar system - past,
present and beyond; astronomical tools; properties
of stars and starlight; the life cycle of stars;
black holes and neutron stars; and the origin,
evolution and properties of galaxies. The question
of life on other worlds may also be examined.
This course presumes no scientific background,
and is open to all students within the University.
It is also suitable for completion of non-core
science requirements for students in the College
of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and as a physical
science course for School of Education students.
211, 212. General
Analytical Physics I and II. 4 cr. each
An introduction to the fundamental
theories and applications of classical physics
designed for students of science, math, computer
science, and engineering. A good algebra and trigonometry
background is presumed and methods of using the
calculus are presented. The approach is strongly
quantitative and emphasizes the solving of problems.
Mechanics and electromagnetism are treated in
detail in 211 and 212, respectively. Other topics
such as wave motion, fluid mechanics, elasticity
and oscillations may also be included. Co-requisite
for 211: Mathematics 115, or with the permission
of the instructor. Co-requisite for 212: Mathematics
116, or with the permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite for 212: 211. Lecture, three hours;
Laboratory, two hours.
213. General Analytical
Physics III 4 cr.
The topics to be covered may
include (with subtopics in parentheses): (1) Thermodynamics
(the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics,
entropy, the Carnot cycle, and the kinetic theory
of gases); (2) Optics, (the electromagnetic spectrum,
geometric optics, interference, and diffraction);
(3) Modern Physics (the special theory of relativity,
quantization, the wave-particle duality, the deBroglie
relation, and the uncertainty principle); (4)
Wave Motion (the Doppler Effect, water waves,
and acoustics); (5) Fluids (Archimedes' principle
and Bernoulli's equation). Prerequisite: 212.
Lecture, three hours; Laboratory, two hours.
301. Thermodynamics.
3 cr.
This is an intermediate level
course covering the fundamental principles of
thermodynamics, kinetic theory and statistical
mechanics. The following is a partial list of
items generally included: temperature, thermodynamic
systems, work, heat, the ideal gas, the first
and second laws of thermodynamics, Carnot cycles,
entropy, Maxwell's equations, the kinetic theory
of an ideal gas, P-V and P-T diagrams for a pure
substance, first- and second-order phase transitions,
the chemical potential, and the basic concepts
of classical statistical mechanics. Quantum statistics
may also be studied. Co-requisite: 471; Prerequisites:
213, Mathematics 215.
306. Applied Electronics
3 cr.
This course seeks to combine
a treatment of the principles of modern electronic
instrumentation with practical laboratory experience.
Topics which will be included are: passive and
active electronic components, electronic measuring
instruments, power supplies, amplification, feedback
and control, linear and digital devices. Emphasis
will be on understanding instrumentation rather
than on advanced principles of design. Prerequisites:
202, or 212 or permission of instructor. Lecture
2 hours; Laboratory 3 hours.
329. Advanced
Laboratory I. 1 cr.
This course is a two-part course
designed to prepare the student for later research,
either in graduate school or in industry. In the
first semester, the student will be introduced
to laboratory electronics, performing experiments
and analyzing data. Some of the experiments will
include: basic electrical circuits, gating and
Boolean Algebra, binary and hexadecimal numbering
systems, multiplexing and sequencing, flip-flops,
counters and electronic measurement. There will
be some discussion of experimental design and
systems not studied in the lab. Prerequisite:
213, or 202 and the consent of the instructor.
Laboratory 3 hours.
330. Advanced
Laboratory II. 1 cr.
A continuation of Advanced Laboratory
I that concludes the electronics section and delves
into Modern Physics experiments. Some topics include:
operational amplifiers, filters, power supplies,
practical application of digital circuits, lasers,
the Franck-Hertz experiment, the Millikan oil
drop experiment, the charge to mass ratio (q/m)
of the electron, and, if time permits, basic holography.
Prerequisite: 329 or consent of the instructor.
Laboratory 3 hours.
350/550.
Theoretical Methods in Science. 3 cr.
This course will include a variety
of theoretical methods that are useful for general
problem solving in advanced science and engineering
courses. For example, in atomic and molecular
structure, mechanics, electricity and magnetism,
thermodynamics, and hydrodynamics there are a
variety of specialized differential equations
(both ordinary and partial) that will be studied.
We will also address certain elementary problems
involving the Schrodinger wave equation, which
occurs in quantum mechanics. In addition, we will
include other important theoretical topics, such
as vector, matrix, and tensor methods; complex
arithmetic and complex variable theory; Fourier
and Laplace transforms; and general expansions
using orthogonal functions. Also, simple statistical
methods and numerical algorithms may be covered;
e.g., least squares fitting, Newton's method,
and various Gaussian integration schemes. Prerequisite:
Mathematics 215; Corequisite Mathematics 315.
361/561. Mechanics.
4 cr.
An intermediate level theoretical
classical mechanics course involving concepts
and problems that require the mathematical tools
of vectors, calculus, and matrices. A good calculus
background is indispensable. The topics normally
covered are: oscillations, the motion of a particle
in 3-dimensions, vector calculus, central force
systems, dynamics of many particles, transformation
to the center-of-mass system, collisions, rigid-body
motion, noninertial systems, and the Lagrangian
and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics. Prerequisites:
212, Mathematics 315.
372/572. Electromagnetism.
4 cr.
An intermediate course for the
science and engineering students. The following
topics will usually be discussed: electrostatics,
energy relations in electrostatic fields, dielectrics,
currents and their interaction, magnetic properties
of matter, AC circuits, Maxwell's equations, and
electronic radiation from oscillating charges.
Prerequisites: 361.
402. Optics. 3
cr.
This course introduces the student
to the principles and applications of wave optics,
geometric optics and quantum optics. Specific
topics may include: Maxwell's Equations as they
apply to electromagnetic radiation, reflection
and refraction with dielectric and conducting
media, polarization, properties of lenses and
mirrors, photon theory, and the laser. Lecture,
three hours; Laboratory, two hours (once every
two weeks). Prerequisite: 213, Mathematics 315.
403. Applied Laser
Optics. 2 cr.
This course is primarily an
experimental course with an emphasis on student
work in a laboratory setting. It is open to all
interested science students and it is mandatory
for all physics majors. Some experiments to be
performed are: Laser assembly, the characteristics,
polarization, shapes, and the transverse nature
of a laser beam, the reflection, diffraction,
interference and spectra of lasers and holography.
More advanced experiments could be assigned as
special projects. Prerequisites: 402 or consent
of the instructor.
430W and 431W.
Senior Research I and II. 2 cr.
This is a one year course in
which the student selects a research project,
develops it, and prepares a report on the results.
The student is also required to present results
of his work at a department seminar or an appropriate
scientific meeting if deemed advisable. A research
topic is selected from those suggested by members
of the Physics Department or other science faculty
members. Work is carried out in close coordination
with the selected advisor, although all work must
be the student's own. No grade is given at the
end of the first semester but a final grade is
assigned at the completion of the project in the
Spring Semester.
471. Modern Physics.
3 cr.
This course provides an introduction
to quantum physics with applications drawn mainly
from modern theories of atomic and nuclear structure.
Topics include: the old quantum (Bohr) Theory,
the periodic table, the wave-particle duality,
the uncertainty principle, the Schrodinger equation,
and other aspects of elementary quantum mechanics.
We may include Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics,
the Pauli exclusion principle, and elementary
angular momentum theory. We may also study developments
in nuclear physics, condensed-matter physics,
and elementary particle physics. Prerequisite:
213, Mathematics 215.
474. Quantum Mechanics.
3 cr.
This course provides an undergraduate
introduction to the formalism of modern quantum
theory. The course usually begins with a review
of Schrodinger theory. The main course content
includes one-dimensional potentials, the harmonic
oscillator, angular momentum, spin, and perturbation
theory. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed
on the Hilbert space formulation, the Dirac notation
and the matrix representation. Prerequisite: 471,
Mathematics 315. (The department will accept Graduate
Chemistry 537, Quantum Chemistry, in lieu of 474.)
480/580. Chaos.
3 cr.
This course provides an introduction
to the theory and applications of chaos. The topics
presented may include: characterizations of dynamical
systems and of maps and flows; sensitivity to
initial conditions; studies of one-dimensional
maps including fixed points, periodic orbits,
bifurcation theory, the period-doubling cascade
to chaos, universal scaling laws and the Feigenbaum
constants; the Schwarzian derivative and the critical
orbit; and the Newton Fixed Point Theorem. Then,
the last part of the course is devoted to fractals,
Julia Sets, and the Mandelbrot Set. If time permits
we may study the Lyapunov exponents and the Lorenz
attractor. Students taking this course are strongly
urged to take 480L. However, all majors enrolled
are required to take 480L. Prerequisite: Mathematics
115.
480/580L Chaos
Computer Laboratory. 1cr.
Computer studies of the concepts
introduced in 480. An important topic is the period-doubling
cascade to chaos for the one-dimensional logistic
map. We may also study the Hénon Map, the
Lorenz attractor, Julia Sets, and the Mandelbrot
Set. Laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: Mathematics
115
482W. Elementary
Particle Physics. 3 cr.
This course will include elements
of nuclear structure, as well as the discoveries
and ideas of modern elementary particle physics.
The material covered will be, in part, cultural
and historical. The topics presented may include:
the Special and General Theories of Relativity;
an introduction to quantum mechanics; the charge-independent,
nuclear interaction; the four fundamental forces
in nature; the properties of baryons, mesons,
and leptons; the quark structure of the hadrons,
including the "flavor" and "color"
labels; "asymptotic freedom" and "infrared
slavery"; parity violation in the weak interactions
and other symmetries obeyed or violated in the
various interactions; the electroweak theory;
the unification of the various forces; and GUTS,
supersymmetry, and string theories. Connections
between particle physics and cosmology may be
discussed. Co-requisite: 471; Prerequisite: Mathematics
315; or with the consent of the instructor.
484, 485, 486. Special Topic Courses. 1-3 cr.
each.
These courses are designed to
allow the Physics Major flexibility in designing
his/her program. These courses are offered irregularly
and at times when there is sufficient student
demand to justify the offering of the course.
The courses offered include:
484 Introductory Solid State Physics, 485 Relativity,
and 486 Shop Techniques. Descriptions of these
courses follow.
484. Introductory
Solid State Physics 3 cr.
Bulk properties of materials
are discussed with both the phenomenological and
microscopic approaches. Typical topics are the
geometric structure of solids, waves and diffractions,
thermal properties, the free electron model, bank
theory, superconductivity, magnetic properties
and magnetic resonance. Prerequisites: 213 and
471; Mathematics 215.
485. Relativity.
3 cr.
This course is an introduction
to the Special and General Theories of Relativity.
Topics which may be discussed are: space-time
coordinates and four vectors, the metric tensor,
the Lorentz transformation, simultaneity, the
Lorentz contraction, time dilation, relativistic
dynamics, relativistic threshold problems, Einstein's
Theory of Gravity, the Principle of Equivalence,
space-time curvature, the gravitational red shift,
the Einstein Equations, and applications to Astrophysics
and Cosmology. Prerequisites: 213, Mathematics
315.
486. Shop Techniques.
1 cr.
A basic introduction to machine
shop practices necessary to experimentalists in
all fields. Some of the areas covered are: shop
equipment and its use, materials, soldering and
welding techniques, mechanical drawing and schematics,
electronics construction techniques and practical
application.
487. Problems
in Physics. 1-4 cr.
Special topics and problems
in physics and related subjects suitable for an
independent study.
488. Advanced
Problems in Physics. 1-4 cr.
Problems usually of a more sophisticated
nature than those in 487..
495. Field Studies
I 1-4 cr. Earth Science Courses
These courses have Physics Department
course numbers.
101. Physical Geology.
3 cr.
Comprehensive survey of minerals,
rocks, structures and geologic processes of the
solid earth. Topics covered may include earthquakes,
plate tectonics, volcanism, surface and groundwater,
glaciers, and mountain formation. This course
presumes little or no geologic or scientific background,
and is open to all students within the University.
It is also suitable for completion of non core
science requirements for students in the College
of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and as an earth
science course for School of Education students.
102. Historical
Geology. 3 cr.
A course which examines the
essentials of the Earth's evolutionary development
through time. Topics covered in this course may
include the physical composition and structure
of Earth; plate tectonics and mountain building
processes; the concept of geologic time and its
measurement; and, a history of the development
of life on earth. Evolution of local features
may also be discussed along with their relationships
to plate tectonics. This course presumes no geologic
or scientific background, and is open to all students
within the University. It is also suitable for
completion of non core science requirements for
students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
and as an earth science course for School of Education
students.
232. Geology of
the National Parks 3 cr.
The national parks provide accessible
and protected examples of important geologic processes.
Volcanism, mountain building tectonic activity,
glaciation, groundwater and geothermal activity,
and river erosion are represented. Geologic history
and features of each of the parks will be presented
using slides, supplementary reading material,
and maps. This course presumes little or no geologic
or scientific background, and is open to all students
within the University. It is also suitable for
completion of non core science requirements for
students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
and as an earth science course for School of Education
students.
304. Environmental
Earth Science. 3 cr.
Analysis of geologic aspects
of man's environment with emphasis on geologic
hazards and environmental impact of society's
demand for water, minerals, and energy. Topics
covered may include coastal processes, earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, river alternative energy sources,
and environmental law. This course presumes little
or no geologic or scientific background, and is
open to all students within the University. It
is also suitable for completion of non core science
requirements for students in the College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences, and as an earth science course
for School of Education students.
491. Environmental
And Hydrogeology. 2 cr.
The course introduces students
to the fundamentals of geologic materials and
soils and deals with ground and surface water
and hazardous earth processes, such as flooding
and earth movements. Geological issues of solid
waste disposal, hazardous waste management, and
land-use planning will be covered. The course
will include case histories, field trips, and
a research paper. |
