Courses

PHYS-100 Astronomy & Classical Physics

Ancient and modern human efforts to understand theuniverse. Focus on the birth, evolution and natureof scientific thought. Includes classical physics and Kepler's laws on the motions of planets. Also covers contemporary views of phenomena such as stars, comets and planets.

PHYS-103 Digital Electronics & Microcomputers

Basic fundamentals of electronics. Uses Boolean Algebra to develop the concepts of logic gates, memory elements, sequential logic, arithmeticelements, ROM and RAM. Combines elements to analyze microcomputer design.

PHYS-104 Analog Electronics

Introduces analog devices, emphasizing integrated-circuit components. Studies timers, operational amplifiers and transducers. Builds on digital concepts introduced in PY:201 to develop understanding of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions.

PHYS-108 Physics of Music

A study of the acoustics of music. Explores the fundamental scientific principles underlying the physical aspects of music - what music is, how music is produced, how we hear it, and how it is transmitted to a listener. Prerequisites: Familiarity with basic music terminology, music performance experience, a fascination with music, or permission from the instructor.

PHYS-204 Introductory Physics I

Introduces the macroscopic phenomena of the physical universe. Applies concepts of force,work, energy and momentum to waves, fluids and thermodynamics. Laboratory stresses methods of acquiring data, computer data processing and analyzing the causes of errors. Each year twosections of this course will be offered: PY:101:L uses high school algebra and trigonometry as the language; PY:101:C uses algebra, trigonometry and calculus as the language.

PHYS-205 Introductory Physics II

Continuation of PY:204. Introduces and applies theconcept of a field to gravitation, electricity, magnetism, circuits, optics and the atom. Laboratory stresses electronic data acquisition and independent discovery of physical principles. Each year two sections of this course will beoffered: PY:102:L uses high school algebra and trigonometry as the language; PY:204:C uses algebra, trigonometry and calculus as the language.

PHYS-301 Newtonian Mechanics

Studies particle and rigid body motion in two and three dimensions. Uses vectors and differential equations. Introduces Lagrangian and Hamiltonian approaches to mechanics.

PHYS-302 Electric and Magnetic Fields

Studies the concepts of fields. Uses mathematics of multivariable functions and vectors. Covers Maxwell's equations and their use in describing electric and magnetic waves.

PHYS-303 Solid State Physics

Introduces the physics of crystalline materials. Discusses lattice dynamics, electron behavior in metals, semiconductors, and dielectric and magnetic properties. Laboratory builds on conceptsintroduced in analog electronics. Studies computer-to-instrument interfacing, emphasizing signal processing, measurement, and control of external processing.

PHYS-304 Classical and Modern Optics

Geometrical optics, including reflection, refraction, thick and thin lenses, stops, mirrors,aberrations and ray tracing. Covers physical optics including interference, diffraction, polarization and optical activity. Discusses quantum optics as they apply to lasers, holographyand magneto/electro-optics.

PHYS-305 Topics in Physics

Selected topics not covered in other courses. May include statistical mechanics, nuclear physics, heat and thermodynamics, material science andplanetary astronomy.

PHYS-401 Electromagnetic and Mechanical Waves

Optical, mechanical and electromagnetic wave phenomena in one, two, and three dimensions. Covers free space, fluids and solids. Begins with Maxwell's equations.

PHYS-402 Quantum Mechanics I

First course covers history of quantum mechanics leading to the Bohr Atom. Second course focuses onmathematical treatment of quantum mechanics fundamentals. Includes Schrodinger formulation, approximation methods, symmetry and angular momentum. Covers applications to simple atoms and molecules.