Physics and Astronomy (PHYS)

Information about experimental courses, when offered, will be available at the Office of the Registrar late in the Spring Quarter preceding the academic year in which the courses are scheduled. Such courses are numbered 191, 291, 391 or 491.

PHYS 121 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS I - 4 hrs
An introduction to mechanics as a foundation for the rest of the discipline of physics based on a working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. Prereq: Placement into and concurrent enrollment in MATH 116 or 120.

PHYS 122 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS II - 4 hrs
A continuation of PHYS 121: Thermodynamics, wave phenomena and electrostatics. Prereq: A C- or better in PHYS 121 or 171 and MATH 116 or 120.

PHYS 123 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS III - 4 hrs
A continuation of PHYS 122: magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics. Prereq: A C- or better in PHYS 122 or 172 and MATH 116 or 120.

PHYS 141 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I LABORATORY 1 hr
PHYS 142 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS II LABORATORY 1 hr
PHYS 143 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS III LABORATORY 1 hr

PHYS 171 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I - 4 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
An introduction to mechanics as a foundation for the rest of the discipline of physics. With laboratory. Coreq: MATH 170.

PHYS 172 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS II - 4 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
A continuation of Physics 171: thermodynamics, wave phenomena and electrostatics. With laboratory. Prereq: A C- or better in PHYS 171/141or permission of the instructor. Coreq: MATH 180.

PHYS 173 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS III - 4 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
A continuation of Physics 172: magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics. With laboratory. Prereq: A C- or better in PHYS 172/142 or permission of the instructor. Recommended Coreq: MATH 190.

PHYS 210 INTRODUCTION OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE - 5 hrs
A descriptive introduction to the physical sciences with emphasis on concepts and scientific thought processes developed through a combination of discussion and laboratory experiences. Prereq: Sophomore standing and a C- or better in MATH 090 if that course is required by placement exam.

PHYS 300 DYNAMICS I - 3 hrs
Foundation of Newtonian Dynamics: motion of particles in linear and nonlinear systems, angular momentum and the central force problem. With computer modeling. Prereq: PHYS 173/143 or PHYS 123/143; and MATH 180.

PHYS 305 DYNAMICS II - 3 hrs
A continuation of Physics 300: rigid body motion, continuum and wave mechanics, chaos. With computer modeling. Prereq: PHYS 300.

PHYS 310 ELECTROMAGNETICS I - 3 hrs
An intermediate treatment of electrostatic fields and potentials. Prereq: PHYS 173/143 or PHYS 123/143; and MATH 180.

PHYS 315 ELECTROMAGNETICS II - 3 hrs A continuation of Physics 310: magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, electrodynamics. Prereq: PHYS 310.

PHYS 320 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS I - 2 hrs
Selected experiments from all areas of physics with emphasis on independent work in the design of experiments, computer data acquisition and analysis, and report writing. Prereq: PHYS 173/143 or PHYS 123/143; and MATH 180.

PHYS 330 OPTICS - 3 hrs
The study of the nature of light based upon the wave and quantum characteristics of electromagnetic radiation. Prereq: PHYS 173/143 or PHYS 123/143; and MATH 180.

PHYS 340 THERMAL PHYSICS - 3 hrs
The study of statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and kinetic theory. Prereq: PHYS 173/143 or PHYS 123/143; and MATH 180.

PHYS 350 ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS - 4 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
Introduction to electronic circuits, passive and active circuit elements, and devices such as operational amplifiers and transducers. With laboratory. Prereq: PHYS 173/143, or PHYS 123/143, or permission of instructor.

PHYS 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY - 2-6 hrs
Independent study of any physics or physics-related topics, including astronomy, industrial applications, or science education. Limited to no more than six hours cumulative credit. Prereq: PHYS 173/143, 5 hours of core physics courses required for the major, and approval of a study plan by the department.

PHYS 420 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS II - 2 hrs
A continuation of Physics 320 with more sophisticated experiments and analysis leading to independent student inquiry and research. Prereq: PHYS 320.

PHYS 430 QUANTUM PHYSICS OF ATOMS, MOLECULES, AND RADIATION I - 3 hrs
Introduction to quantum mechanics and the Schr�dinger equation. Failures of classical mechanics, applications of the Schr�dinger equation, atoms, the periodic table. Prereq: PHYS 173/143 or PHYS 123/143; and MATH 180.

PHYS 435 QUANTUM PHYSICS OF ATOMS, MOLECULES, AND RADIATION II - 3 hrs
A continuation of PHYS 430. Spin, angular momentum, perturbation theory, molecules, radiation. Prereq: PHYS 430.

PHYS 440 SUBATOMIC PHYSICS - 3 hrs
The study of special relativity, nuclear structure and reactions, elementary particles and fundamental processes. Prereq: PHYS 430.

PHYS 450 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS - 3 hrs
The study of solids, liquids, and macroscopic quantum states of matter (superconductivity and superfluidity). Prereq: PHYS 340 and 430.

PHYS 480 RESEARCH - 3 hrs
An opportunity for independent research in experimental and theoretical area of physics of interest to the department. Limited to no more than nine hours cumulative credit. Prereq: 30 hours of physics courses, and approval of a research plan by the department.