Physics

In this class you will get a chance to explore the scientific wonders of the universe. Topics vary each semester but generally include: motion, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, relativity, atomic structure, molecules, quantum physics, the nucleus, chemistry, meteorology, geophysics, the solar system, stars, and cosmology. PHYS 1010 requires limited math, but has wide applications like electronics, wifi, rockets, satellites, nuclear reactors, lasers, climate change, earthquakes, the tides, eclipses, plate tectonics, fossil fuels, telescopes, solar energy, and the origin of universe. PHYS 1010 is for non-science majors. Premedical and pre-dental students should take PHYS 2010, 2020. "

For non-science majors. Introduces physics and science in everyday life, considering objects from our daily environment and focusing on their principles of operation, histories, and relationships to one another. 1050 is concerned primarily with mechanical and thermal objects, while 1060 emphasizes objects involving electromagnetism, light, special materials, and nuclear energy. They may be taken in either order. "

First semester of introductory physics for engineers and scientists. Classical mechanics, including vector algebra, particle kinematics and dynamics, energy and momentum, conservation laws, rotational dynamics, oscillatory motion, gravitation, thermodynamics, and kinetic theory of gases. Three lecture hours. Prerequisite: APMA 1090 or MATH 1310; corequisite: PHYS 1429. "

A required two-hour workshop accompanying PHYS 1425, including laboratory and tutorial activities. Corequisite: PHYS 1425. "

PHYS 2010 and 2020 constitute terminal course sequence covering the principles of mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. A working knowledge of arithmetic, elementary algebra, and trigonometry is essential. The PHYS 2010 - 2020 sequence does not normally serve as prerequisite for the courses numbered 3110 and above. Students who plan to take more physics should take PHYS 1610, 1620, PHYS 2610, 2620 or PHYS 2310, 2320, 2620. PHYS 2010, 2020, in conjunction with the laboratory, PHYS 2030, 2040, satisfies the physics requirement of medical and dental schools. PHYS 2010 is prerequisite for 2020. Three lecture hours. "

Second semester of introductory physics for engineers and scientists. Electrostatics, including conductors and insulators; DC circuits; magnetic forces and fields; magnetic effects of moving charges and currents; electromagnetic induction; Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic oscillations and waves. Introduces geometrical and physical optics. Three lecture hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 1425, APMA 1110 or MATH 1320. "

Proposed: A required two-hour workshop accompanying PHYS 2415, including laboratory and tutorial activities. Co-requisite: PHYS 2415. "

Introduction to quantum physics and relativity, with application to atomic structure, nuclear and elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, and cosmology. Three lecture hours, one problem hour. Prerequisite: PHYS 2320, 2415, 1720, or 2610, and MATH 2310 or instructor permission. "

Applications of computers to solving basic problems in physical science. Introduction to programming, use of external libraries, and implementation of basic algorithms with focus on numerical methods, error analysis & data fitting. No previous computer experience is required. One Lecture & one lab session per week. Prerequisite: One semester of calculus and one semester of introductory physics (PHYS 1710, 1425, or 2010). "

Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies treated with extensive use of vector calculus; includes the Lagrangian formulation of mechanics. Prerequisite: MATH 3255 (preferred) or MATH 3250, and PHYS 1720, or instructor permission. "

Systematic treatment of electromagnetic phenomena with extensive use of vector calculus, including Maxwell's equations. Prerequisite: MATH 4210, and PHYS 1720 or PHYS 2415, or instructor permission. "

Continuation of PHYS 3650. Intermediate quantum mechanics including perturbation theory; application to systems of current interest. Prerequisite: PHYS 3650. "