Unless otherwise noted, all prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C- or higher.

C053/H091. Physics: Matter and Motion (4 s.h.) F S SS. Core: SA.

An introduction to the ideas and techniques used in the study of motion. Application to a wide variety of physical systems ranging from air molecules to footballs to black holes. Mostly descriptive using photographic techniques, films, and demonstrations.

Note: No laboratory.

C054. Physics: Waves and Modern Physics (4 s.h.) S. Core: SB.

Prerequisite: Physics C053 or C067.

An introduction to the ideas and techniques used in the study of waves. Applications to a wide variety of physical systems ranging from sound, music, light, and color to atoms, nuclei, and elementary particles. Mostly descriptive, using photography, films, and demonstrations.

Note: No laboratory.

C055/H092. Light, Art, and Nature (4 s.h.) F. Core: SA.

An introduction to the properties of light, whether interpreted as rays, waves, or photons. Discussion of the basic ideas of geometric and wave optics, with application to the analysis of photography, color, vision, and modern physics. Emphasis is on factors that permit the artist and observer to understand and more fully control the design and interpretation of images of all kinds. Demonstrations, experiments, and video and computer simulations to analyze signals received by the eyes or instruments.

Note: Course is primarily designed for students interested in the visual arts, but is open to anyone. Minimal mathematics.

C056/H096. Introduction to Astronomy (4 s.h.) F S SS. Core: SB.

Prerequisite: One of the following: Physics C053, C055, or C067.

After a description of local space which includes the universe of galaxies, red shift, and the big bang will be discussed. White dwarfs, red giants, pulsars, black holes, and quasars will be covered. The treatment will be mostly descriptive, utilizing slides, NASA films, and several trips to our planetarium.

Note: No laboratory.

C067. Acoustics (3 s.h.) F. Core: SA.

The course begins with an introduction to the fundamental physics of sound waves. With this as a basis, we will then consider human hearing, musical scales and harmony, the production of sound by musical instruments, the human voice and speech sounds, architectural acoustics, and the electronic reproduction of sound.

Note: For music students, but useful to anyone interested in communications. Open to all students. Minimal mathematics.

C083. College Physics I (4 s.h.) F SS. Core: SA.

Prerequisite: One of the following: Mathematics 0073, C074 or equivalent. Co-Requisite: Main campus sections of Physics C083 (sections numbered below 100) require students to register for both a lecture/lab section (sections numbered below 070) and a recitation section (sections numbered in the 070s) except during summer.

Recommended for, but not restricted to, architecture students and those preparing to enter the College of Allied Health Professions. Not intended as preparation for advanced courses in physics. Selected topics from mechanics.

C084. College Physics II (4 s.h.) S SS. Core: SB.

Prerequisite: One of the following: Physics C083, C085, C087, or 0121. Co-Requisite: Main campus sections of Physics C084 (sections numbered below 100) require students to register for both a lecture/lab section (sections numbered below 070) and a recitation section (sections numbered in the 070s) except during summer.

Recommended for, but not restricted to, architecture students and those preparing to enter the College of Allied Health Professions. Not intended as preparation for advanced courses in physics. Topics include heat, light, electricity, and magnetism, and modern physics.

C085. Introduction to General Physics I (4 s.h.) F SS. Core: SA.

Prerequisite: One of the following: Mathematics 0073, C074, or equivalent. Co-Requisite: Main campus sections of Physics C085 (sections numbered below 100) require students to register for both a lecture/lab section (sections numbered below 070) and a recitation section (sections numbered in the 070s) except during summer.

Open to freshmen and other students in pre-professional programs, including pre-dental and pre-medical programs. Preprofessional students who are biology majors should take Physics 0121 instead. Not intended as a preparation for advanced courses in physics. Topics include motion, gravitation, and heat.

C086. Introduction to General Physics II (4 s.h.) S SS. Core: SB.

Prerequisite: One of the following: Physics C083, C085, C087, or 0121. Co-Requisite: Main campus sections of Physics C086 (sections numbered below 100) require students to register for both a lecture/lab section (sections numbered below 070) and a recitation section (sections numbered in the 070s) except during summer.

Normally follows Physics C085. Open to freshmen and others in preprofessional programs, including pre-dental and pre-medical programs. Pre-professional students who are biology majors should take Physics 0122 instead. Topics include optics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and atoms.

C087. Elementary Classical Physics I (4 s.h.) F S SS. Core: SA.

Prerequisite: (or co-requisite) Mathematics C085. Co-Requisite: Main campus sections of Physics C087 (sections numbered below 100) require students to register for both a lecture/lab section (sections numbered below 070) and a recitation section (sections numbered in the 070s) except during summer.

Primarily for physics, chemistry, engineering, geology, and mathematics majors, but open to others. Topics include elementary vector algebra, one-dimensional motion, particle dynamics, work and energy, conservation of energy, conservation of linear momentum, collisions, rotational kinematics and dynamics, conservation of angular momentum, oscillations, waves, and gravitation.

C088. Elementary Classical Physics II (4 s.h.) F S SS. Core: SB.

Prerequisite: Mathematics C085; Physics C087 or 0121. Co-Requisite: Mathematics 0086; Main campus sections of Physics C088 (sections numbered below 100) require students to register for both a lecture/lab section (sections numbered below 070) and a recitation section (sections numbered in the 070s) except during summer.

Primarily for physics, chemistry, engineering, geology, and mathematics majors, but open to others. Topics include temperature, heat and the first law of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, entropy and the second law of thermodynamics, electrical charges, the electric field, Gauss`s Law, electrostatic potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current, resistance, the magnetic field, Ampere`s Law, Faraday`s Law, inductance, geometrical optics, and interference and diffraction of light.

0095. Independent Study (3 s.h.) F S.

Independent study in physics.

0121. General Physics I (4 s.h.) F SS.

Prerequisite: Mathematics C085-0086. Co-Requisite: Main campus sections of Physics 0121 (sections numbered below 100) require students to register for both a lecture/lab section (sections numbered below 070) and a recitation section (sections numbered in the 070s) except during summer.

Students are expected to have completed a year of college level biology, chemistry, or geology. Topics include mechanics, gravitation, energy conservation, and thermodynamics. Biological applications discussed where appropriate.

Note: Primarily for biology majors, but open to others. Mode: Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.

0122. General Physics II (4 s.h.) S SS.

Prerequisite: Mathematics C085-0086 and one of Physics C087 or 0121. Co-Requisite: Main campus sections of Physics 0122 (sections numbered below 100) require students to register for both a lecture/lab section (sections numbered below 070) and a recitation section (sections numbered in the 070s) except during summer.

Normally follows Physics 0121. Students are expected to have completed a year of college level biology, chemistry, or geology. Topics include optics, electricity and magnetism, atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics. Biological applications discussed where appropriate.

Note: Primarily for biology majors but open to others. Mode: Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.

0161. Computing for Scientists (3 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Mathematics C085-0086; Physics C087-C088 or 0121-0122.

An overview of computer systems, hardware, and software. Designing, writing, debugging, and testing programs using realistic scientific problems. Programming with style and structure. Displaying results in graphical form. Numerical methods, data analysis and simulation. Use of C programming language and Mathematica.

0171. Optics (3 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Physics C088 or 0122.

Nature and propagation of light, reflection and refraction, lenses, optical instruments, polarization, interference, diffraction, modern optics.

0182. Mathematical Physics with Engineering Applications (4 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 0127 and Physics C088 or 0122.

Infinite series, determinants and matrices, ordinary differential equations, vector analysis, curvilinear coordinate systems, Fourier series, properties of Legendre and Bessel functions, partial differential equations. Laboratory portion of course provides training in use of Mathematica, an integrated environment for technical computing, to solve problems in mathematical physics.

Note: No prior computer experience is necessary. Mode: 3 hr. lecture, 2 hr. lab.

0184. Mathematical Physics (4 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 0127 and Physics C088 or 0122.

Infinite series, determinants and matrices, ordinary differential equations, vector analysis, curvilinear coordinate systems, Fourier series, properties of Legendre and Bessel functions, partial differential equations. Laboratory portion of course provides training in use of Mathematica, an integrated environment for technical computing, to solve problems in mathematical physics.

Note: No prior computer experience is necessary. Mode: 3 hr. lecture, 2 hr. lab.

0185. Nuclear Arms: An Interdisciplinary Framework for Decision Making (3 s.h.) S.

Cross Listed with Philosophy 0184, Political Science 0184, and Speech 0184.

One of the most challenging dilemmas facing us today is the nuclear arms race. This course provides background information necessary for us to join the debate. The physics and effects of nuclear weapons, the history of Soviet American relations, efforts at arms control, varied views on national security, and the philosophical and moral questions involved. Students view films, read, analyze the facts, assumptions, and arguments of opposing positions, and formulate their own opinions through discussion, debate, and by keeping a journal.

0187. Electricity and Magnetism (4 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Physics C088 or 0122. Co-Requisite: Mathematics 0127.

Electrostatics, magnetostatics, microscopic interpretation of polarization P and magnetization M, electrostatic and magnetostatic energy, Faraday`s Law, self and mutual inductance, magnetic circuits; integral and differential forms of Gauss, Ampere, and Faraday laws; AC circuits; introduction to the displacement current and Maxwell`s equations.

0187 (Lab). Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory F.
Co-Requisite: Physics 0187.

Laboratory investigation on DC and AC circuits, bridge circuits, sources of emf, Hall effect, and operational amplifier circuits.

0188. Introduction to Modern Physics (4 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Physics C088 or 0122. Co-Requisite: Mathematics 0127.

Special relativity, kinetic theory, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, X-rays, Compton effect, Rutherford scattering, etc. Wave mechanics.

0195-0196. Independent Study (3 s.h.) F S.

Undergraduate independent study in physics.

Note: This course may be repeated for credit.

0201. Classical Mechanics (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 0127 and Physics 0187.

Newton's laws of motion, one-dimensional motion, second order differential equations, harmonic oscillators (damped, forced), vector analysis, conservation laws, three-dimensional motion, central forces, motion in electromagnetic fields, collisions, center-of-mass transformations, two-body problem, numerical/computer solutions, coupled oscillators. Rigid body rotation, statics, elasticity, fluid equilibrium, gravitation.

0202. Analytical Mechanics (3 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Physics 0201.

Moving coordinate systems, three-body problems, partial differential equations, wave propagation (strings, membranes, fluids), boundary value problems, normal modes, fluid equations of motion, viscosity; virtual work, Lagrange's equations, Hamilton's equations; angular momentum of a rigid body, inertia tensor, Euler's equations, Euler angles, tops and gyroscopes, small vibrations.

0211. Classical Electromagnetism (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Physics 0184 and 0187.

Solutions to the equations of Poisson and Laplace; multipole expansions; electrostatic and magnetostatic energy, forces, and torques; Maxwell's equations; the wave equation; radiation fields, Poynting's Theorem, microwave and optical waveguides.

W215. Experimental Physics (3 s.h.) S. Core: WI.

Prerequisite: Physics 0171 and 0188.

An intermediate laboratory course with an introduction to data analysis and error estimation. Students independently perform two or three experiments, with suitable reports.

Note: Capstone W course

0221. Electronics (3 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Physics 0187 or equivalent.

Basic circuit ideas, Thevenin/Norton theorems, input/output impedance, diodes, transistors, feedback, operational amplifiers, elements of digital electronics, transducers for physical measurements.

0231. Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory (3 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Physics C088 or 0122 and Mathematics 0127.

First, second, and third laws, thermodynamic potentials, kinetic theory, and applications to simple systems. The basic ideas of statistical mechanics.

0251. Science and Science Fiction (3 s.h.) S.

Science fiction as a genre; its purposes and styles. The existence of intelligent life in the universe. Communication with other civilizations; problems and probabilities. Interplanetary and interstellar travel. Time travel. Analysis of devices and themes common in science fiction, such as faster-than-light travel. The parallel development of science and science fiction and recent changes and new directions.

0295. Independent Study (3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: By permission of the physics department.

This course offers the opportunity for more advanced independent study.

Note: This course may be repeated for credit.

0306. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Physics 0184 and 0188.

Dual nature of light and matter, de Broglie waves, Schrodinger equation, one-dimensional systems, Hermitian operators, eigenfuctions and eigenvalues. Spin and isospin. Two- and three-dimensional systems. Approximation methods. Theory of scattering.

0321. Introduction to Solid State Physics (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Physics 0306.

Elementary theory of the solid state. Survey of mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of solids.

Note: Course offered on even-numbered years.

0341. Introduction of Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle Physics (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Physics 0306.

Atomic, molecular, and nuclear structure; interaction of ionizing radiation with matter; applications; introduction to sub-nuclear particles.

Note: Course offered on odd-numbered years.

0391-0392. Undergraduate Thesis (3 - 6 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: By permission of the faculty member who will direct the research.

Credit will be given either semester or both.

0395. Problems in Theoretical Physics (2 - 4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: Permission of the faculty member who will direct the research.

Special problems in the field of theoretical physics.

Note: Primarily for undergraduate students in conjunction with graduate courses.
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