Physics (PHYS)

Introduces fundamental principles of physics, their experimental basis, and applications in astronomy and engineering for students needing an introductory course in physics. Includes hands-on experiments in select topics. Three-hour lecture; one-hour discussion; two-hour lab. Not available for students with credit in: PHYS 105 or PHYS 201.

Introduces forces, kinetics, equilibria, fluids, waves, heat and sound. Presents concepts and methodologies for understanding physical phenomena. Addresses skills of measurement, data collection, uncertainty analysis, results presentation, and collaboration. Designed for students in health and biological sciences. Not recommended for students majoring in physical science or engineering. Three-hour lecture, one-hour discussion, three-hour lab. Not available for students with credit in: PHYS 201.

Introduces electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics, and modern physics. Presents concepts and methodologies for understanding physical phenomena. Addresses measurement, data collection, uncertainty analysis, results presentation, and collaboration skills. Designed for students in health and biological sciences. Three-hour lecture, one-hour discussion, three-hour lab. Not available for students with credit in: PHYS 202.

Explores our universe for non-science majors with limited mathematics. Introduces the celestial sphere, constellations, solar system, galaxies, and the HR diagram. Investigates topics such as solar system objects, cosmic distance scale, life beyond Earth, exoplanets, stellar evolution, galactic structure, and cosmology. Three-hour lecture.

Examines the astronomical views of Native Americans and looks at how mythos, science and discrimination intersect. Evaluates current cultural conflicts between science and native groups. Draws additional examples of the cultural development of astronomy and science from the Americas, Africa, Oceania, and Asia. Community-based learning designation. Cross-listed with: ETHN 120.

An introduction to the basic physical principles underlying music and musical instruments. Not for credit towards Physics major.

Introduces the academic expectations and scholarly community of the field while connecting students to key campus and departmental resources. Develops essential academic strategies, deepens understanding of the learning process, and promotes insight into the value and purpose of education through guided reflection, skill-building, and career exploration while providing an introduction into Physics and Engineering. Cross-listed with: PENG 195.

Introduces mechanics, heat, and sound. Includes hands-on experiments in mechanics, sound, and heat with basic data and error analysis. Designed for students in physical science, computer science, and engineering. Three-hour lecture, one-hour discussion, three-hour lab.

Introduces electricity, magnetism, and optics. Includes hands-on experiments in electricity, magnetism, and light with basic data and error analysis. Designed for students in physical science, computer science, and engineering. Three-hour lecture, one-hour discussion, three-hour lab.

Special relativity. Elements of quantum mechanics. Introduction to atomic, molecular, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. Three-hour lecture.

Studies programming in a high-level language, such as Python, with applications to science and engineering.

Special topics in physics will be examined.

Introduces students to branches and interdisciplinary fields of physics: experimental, theoretical, and computational. Emphasizes the breadth of applicability of physics as well as current areas of interest through note-taking, discussions, and other resources.

Delves further into the branches and interdisciplinary fields of physics: experimental, theoretical, and computational. Emphasizes the breadth of applicability of physics as well as current areas of interest through note-taking, discussions, and other resources. Cross-listed with: PENG 297.

Vector analysis, conservation laws, planetary motion, rigid body dynamics, free and forced oscillations, normal coordinates, moving coordinate systems, generalized coordinates, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations. Continuum mechanics. Four-hour lecture.

Examines electrostatics, magnetostatics, and Maxwell's equations with basic applications. Four-hour lecture.

Introduces computational physics with applications to classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. Monte Carlo methods. Introduction to molecular dynamics. Three-hour lecture.

Explores advanced experiments in condensed matter, atomic, molecular, optical, nuclear, and modern physics. One-hour lecture, and four-hour lab.

Applies mathematical methods to physical sciences with emphasis on physics. Covers a wide range of mathematical methods, including vector and tensor analysis and coordinate transformations, complex variables, Fourier series and integral transforms, Sturm-Liouville systems and orthogonal functions, partial differential equations, calculus of variations, and probability and statistics.

Examines laws of thermodynamics, and equations of state and state variables to describe thermodynamic systems at or near equilibrium. Covers Legendre transformations and thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell relations, and phase transformations. Investigates applications of thermodynamics such as heat engines, refrigerators, and liquefaction of gases under extreme conditions.

Investigates kinetic theory, classical and quantum statistical mechanics, including the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, partition functions, statistical ensembles, black body radiation, the Debye theory of solids, Fermi and Bose gases, and the Ising model.

Explores quantum mechanics, free particle in wave mechanics, particles in one-dimensional potentials, axiomatic foundations of quantum mechanics, the evolution of states in time, particles in three dimensions, angular momentum, central potentials. Introduces the concept of spin and the exclusion principle, and the Dirac equation with its associated henomenology. Four-hour lecture.

Examines special topics in physics.

Work in a physics-related position under joint supervision of a physics faculty and a member of the sponsoring public or private organization. Consent of instructor and department chair.

Provides opportunity for research, writing, and oral presentation on an experimental, theoretical, or computational research topic of current interest in any branch of physics.

Investigates advanced topics in physics.

Investigates advanced topics in physics.