Mathematics and Physical Sciences - Physics (PHY) Courses
PHY-100 The Universe 3 credits
This course focuses on the development of the science of astronomy through the use of observations, theories, and models. Topics may include astronomical instruments, the night sky, the solar system, stars and galaxies, or cosmology.
PHY-105 Introduction to CAD 2 credits
A beginning level survey of computer drafting and engineering graphics. No previous CAD experience is required but students should have some basic understanding of science and mathematics as well as some experience as a computer user. Pass/fail only.
PHY-170 Engineering Analysis 2 credits
An application of mathematical modeling and computer techniques to solving problems in engineering.
PHY-210 Statics 3 credits
Prerequisites: PHY-271
Structural analysis of beams and trusses subjected to both concentrated and distributed loads. This course is normally taken by pre-engineering students.
PHY-230 Digital Electronics 3 credits
An introduction to digital logic gates, digital integrated circuits, and the design of combinational and sequential digital systems. No previous electronics experience is required.
PHY-231 General Physics I 3 credits
Corequisites: PHY-231L
A non-calculus survey of physics. Facility with algebra and trigonometry will be assumed. Students with secondary school experience in physics and/or mathematics through calculus are strongly urged to take the PHY-271 - PHY-272 sequence. Three lectures weekly. In special circumstances, this course may be taken for 3 credits without lab. Consult instructor.
PHY-231L General Physics I Lab 1 credit
Corequisites: PHY-231
An integral part of PHY-231 with which the lab should normally be taken concurrently. One laboratory weekly.
PHY-232 General Physics II 3 credits
Prerequisites: PHY-231
Corequisites: PHY-232L
A non-calculus survey of physics. Facility with algebra and trigonometry will be assumed. Students with secondary school experience in physics and/or mathematics through calculus are strongly urged to take the PHY-271 - PHY-272 sequence. Three lectures weekly. In special circumstances, this course may be taken for 3 credits without lab. Consult instructor.
PHY-232L General Physics II Lab 1 credit
Prerequisites: PHY-231
Corequisites: PHY-232
An integral part of PHY-232 with which the lab should normally be taken concurrently. One laboratory weekly.
PHY-240 Electronics 3 credits
Corequisites: PHY-240L
An introduction to DC and AC circuits. Ohm's and Kirchoff's laws, superposition and Thevenin's theorem the resistive circuit, transient analysis, sinusoidal analysis, and frequency response.
PHY-240L Electronics Laboratory 1 credit
Corequisites: PHY-240
Laboratory section for PHY-240.
PHY-271 Analytical Physics I 4 credits
Prerequisites: MAT-151 and MAT-152
Corequisites: PHY-271L, MAT-151 and MAT-152
A general survey of physics for physics majors and pre-engineering students and strongly recommended for any student who plans to do graduate work in any of the sciences or mathematics. Calculus is used extensively and some familiarity with computers is assumed. Four lectures weekly.
PHY-271L Analytical Physics I Lab 1 credit
Corequisites: PHY-271
Laboratory to accompany PHY-271, with which it should be taken concurrently. One laboratory period weekly.
PHY-272 Analytical Physics II 3 credits
Prerequisites: PHY-271
Corequisites: PHY-272L
A general survey of physics for physics majors and pre-engineering students and strongly recommended for any student who plans to do graduate work in any of the sciences or mathematics. Calculus is used extensively and some familiarity with computers is assumed. Four lectures weekly.
PHY-272L Analytical Physics II Lab 1 credit
Corequisites: PHY-272
Laboratory to accompany PHY-272, with which it should be taken concurrently.
PHY-294 Independent Study 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
May be repeated up to a maximum of 4 credits and is subject to arrangement with the Mathematical and Physical Science Department. See independent study guidelines.
PHY-301 Theoretical Mechanics 3 credits
Prerequisites: PHY-272 and MAT-352
A survey of classical and modern topics in dynamics. Topics include orbital mechanics, non-inertial reference frames, rigid-body motion, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods, and elements of nonlinear mechanics and chaos.
PHY-312 Special Topics 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
Independent study of selected areas of physics not available in the regular curriculum.
PHY-313 Thermal Physics 3 credits
Prerequisites: PHY-272
An introduction to Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics and their application to the solution of thermal, mechanical and electrical problems in fluids and solids.
PHY-330 Electricity & Magnetism 3 credits
Prerequisites: PHY-272 and MAT-352
An intermediate level survey of classical electro magnetic theory up to and including the unification of the subject matter in the form of Maxwell's equations.
PHY-400 Quantum Physics 2 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: PHY-272 and MAT-251
Approximately three-fifths of the course covers an introduction to modern quantum physics including the development of matrix methods, the Schroedinger equation, and elementary applications. The last part of the course examines applications of quantum mechanics to atomic, molecular, and solid state systems. Students may enroll for the first three-fifths of the course and earn 2 units of credit or for the full course and earn 3 units of credit.
PHY-494 Independent Study 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
May be repeated up to a maximum of 4 credits and is subject to arrangement with the Mathematical and Physical Science Department. See independent study guidelines.
PHY-497 Internship 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
Individually arranged programs of work and study with the department, academic institutions, private industries, or government agencies. See internship guidelines.