Physics Course Descriptions

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Lecture and laboratory breakdown of courses is indicated at the end of each description. For example (3-1) indicates three credit hours lecture, one credit hour laboratory (1 credit hour of lab usually equals 2 contact hours). Courses in physics qualifying for the University Core Curriculum are so indicated by UCC.

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101 Introduction to the Physical Sciences 175 General Physics I 176 General Physics II ASTR 201 General Astronomy 205 Intermediate Physics I 206 Intermediate Physics II 207 Intermediate Physics (no lab) 208 Intermediate Physics II (no lab) 311 Electric Circuit Theory 314 Electronics Laboratory 371 Analytical Mechanics 381 Electromagnetic Fields 351 Scientific Programming in BASIC 352 Scientific Programming in FORTRAN 361 Modern Physics 401 Physics and Human Thought 409 Theoretical Mechanics 419 Electromagnetic Theory 429 Quantum Mechanics 439 Thermodynamics 450 Advanced Problems in FORTRAN Programming 471 Observational Astronomy 490 Special Topics in Physics 499 Research

100 Level | 200 Level | 300 Level | 400 Level

401 Physics and Human Thought 3 hours.  The course will cover some of the important ideas in physics and their relationship to other areas of human thought, e.g., philosophy, literature, and art.  These relationships will be made through readings from works that have a direct connection to physics.  The emphasis will be on learning the physical principles and their significance.  The physical theories that will be covered include Newton's Laws, Energy Conservation, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, Special Relativity, and Quantum Mechanics.  These theories will be framed in the context of the times in which they developed.  The course will involve both the solving of "traditional physics problems" and the writing of essays relating the ideas developed equivalent and PHYS 101 or equivalent and MATH 111 or equivalent. (3-0)

409 Theoretical Mechanics 3 hours. advanced methods in mechanics and higher theoretical formulations. matrix and tensor methods are developed. Topics include rigid body mechanics, relativistic mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations. Prerequisites: Physics 371, Mathematics 433. (3-0)

419 Electromagnetic Theory 3 hours. Theory of the electromagnetic field from the standpoint of Maxwell's equations. Plane waves, radiation theory, and the relativistic formulation are included. Prerequisites: Physics 381, Mathematics 432. (3-0)

429 Quantum Mechanics 3 hours. Fundamental physical theory pertaining to the microstate of matter. Topics include quantum mechanical solutions for the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, and the angular momentum states. Prerequisites: physics 361, Mathematics 433. 3-0)

439 Thermodynamics 3 hours. The first and second laws of Thermodynamics; formulations, interpretations, and applications. The kinetic theory of gases and an introduction to the statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: Physics 371, Mathematics 330. (3-0)

450 Advanced Problems in FORTRAN Programming 1 hour. The application of the FORTRAN language to individual projects related to the individual's field of study. prerequisite: Mathematics 330, or concurrent registration. (1-0)

471 Observational Astronomy 3 hours. Lectures and practicum in the observation and understanding of the mechanics of the celestial sphere. Identification of the visible constellations, location and observation of the planets. Messier objects, and solar and lunar studies. The orientation and use of the equatorial telescope will be emphasized. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory. Prerequisites: AST 271, MATH 112 or 115. (2-1)

490 Special Topics in Physics 1-3 hours. advanced course for physics students; Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

499 Research 1-2 hours. Advanced project in physics, done under instructor supervision. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.