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PHYS 140 Physics of Music (2, May, 06)
This course will focus on the physics of various phenomena associated with music. A quantitative, mathematical approach will be used and students will apply the methods of science to gain a greater understanding of music. Topics will include harmonics, frequency and tone, overtones, spectral analysis and the physics of scales.

PHYS 151, 152 General Physics (4/4, F/S)
An introduction to the study of physics focusing on central concepts and problem solving. Topics include mechanics, energy and waves (PHYS 151) and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics (PHYS 152). Three lecture and three laboratory hours each week.  Liberal Arts Foundation - Lab Science, PHYS 151, only.
 Prerequisite: MATH 181 (or evidence of adequate math preparation) for PHYS 151, and PHYS 151 for PHYS 152.

PHYS 170 Introduction to Engineering (1, F05)
An introduction to the theory and practice of engineering. By participating in a design project, students will be introduced to topics such as technical drawing using CAD software, MATLAB, and machine shop skills. The course will also address the branches of engineering, requirements of the engineering professions, and moral and ethical dimensions of engineering as a field of study and as a profession. This course is required for dual-degree engineering students.

PHYS 212 Modern Physics (3, F06)
An introduction to the basic ideas of relativity and quantum theory. The implications of Special Relativity will be explored using the Lorentz transformation. General Relativity will be conceptually introduced. Elementary quantum mechanics using the Schrödinger equation will be applied to atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei, and elementary particles.
Prerequisite: PHYS 152

PHYS 215 Engineering Mechanics: Statics (3, S06)
A study of basic mechanics as it relates to the static stability of structures and other objects using methods of multidimensional vector analysis and virtual work. Topics to be covered include the equilibrium of a particle and a rigid body, structural analysis, friction, center of gravity, and moment of inertia.
Prerequisite: PHYS 151

PHYS 250 Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics (3, F06)
Methods of vector calculus are applied to investigate the multidimensional kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Both translating and rotating systems are explored using such principles as force, torque, work, energy, impulse, and momentum (linear and angular). Prerequisites: PHYS 152 and MATH 182; Recommended Pre/co-requisite: MATH 241

PHYS 251 Mechanics I (3, F06)
A development of classical mechanics beyond the introductory physics level. The course will focus on the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies in one, two, and three dimensions. Topics covered will include central
forces, collisions, and non-inertial frames of reference. Analytical and numerical methods of solution will be included.
Prerequisites: PHYS 152 and MATH 182; Pre/co-requisite: MATH 241

PHYS 258 Analog Electronics (4, S06)
A study of analog circuits comprised of resistors, capacitors, inductors, op-amps and DC and AC voltage and current sources. Methods of analyses include Kirchoff’s Laws, node/mesh, network theorems, bode plots, Laplace transforms, and two-port networks. Some software tools will also be explored. Includes a three-hour weekly laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHYS 152; Pre/co-requisite: MATH 241

PHYS 259 Digital Electronics (4, S07)
An introduction to digital circuits including Boolean algebra, logic gates, Karnaugh maps, decoders, flip-flops, registers, microcomputers, and interface devices. Characteristics and operation of digital integrated circuits will be covered. Some software tools will also be explored. Includes a three-hour weekly laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHYS 152

PHYS 260 Optics (4, OD)
An introduction to the study of light. The course includes topics from geometrical optics, such as optical system analysis and aberration theory, and topics from physical optics, including interference, diffraction, and Fourier optics. Special topics from quantum optics will also be included. Two lecture and three laboratory hours each week.
Prerequisites: PHYS 152 and MATH 182; Pre/co-requisite: MATH 241.

PHYS 275, 276 Experimental Physics Laboratory (1,1 F06&S07)
Selected experiments in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.

PHYS 352 Mechanics II (3, S07)
Newton’s Laws and conservation laws will be reviewed, followed by an examination of Hamilton’s Principle and the Lagrangian formulation of mechanics. Using these tools, topics such as central force motion, dynamics of systems of particles and rigid bodies, and coupled oscillations and normal modes will be explored.
Prerequisite: PHYS 250 or 251; Recommended Pre/co-requisite MATH 261

PHYS 353 Electricity and Magnetism I (3, F05)
An introduction, with applications, to the classical theory of electric and magnetic fields. The course will begin with an overview of vector calculus for electromagnetic theory and will develop Maxwell’s equations.
Pre/co-requisites: PHYS 152, MATH 321

PHYS 354 Electricity and Magnetism II (3, S06)
An examination of the important role of special relativity in electromagnetic phenomena. Maxwell’s equations are introduced in a relativistic manner, and used to investigate the properties of electromagnetic waves. Also included are mathematical techniques for solving the equations of Laplace and Poisson in electrostatics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 353; Pre/co-requisite: MATH 261 recommended

PHYS 355 Thermal Physics (3, S06)
Analysis of laws of thermodynamic equilibria in solid, liquid, and gaseous phases; introduction to statistical mechanics in terms of the microcanonical, canonical and grand canonical ensembles. Prerequisites: PHYS 152, MATH 241

PHYS 356 Quantum Mechanics (3, S07)
Modern quantum mechanics with an emphasis on matrix methods. Topics to be covered include time evolution of wave functions, harmonic oscillators, angular momentum, central potentials, the hydrogen atom and perturbation theory.
Prerequisites: PHYS 212, MATH 241; Recommended Pre/co-requisites: MATH 261

PHYS 471, 472 Physics Project Laboratory (1/1, F/S)
Participation with a faculty member in an individual research project. May be repeated for credit.

PHYS 482 Senior Capstone: Physics Seminar (1, S)
Written and oral presentation of work completed in PHYS 471/472 (for Physics BS) or on a topic of current interest in physics journals (for Physics BA).

PHYS 295, 395, 495 Special Topics in Physics (1, 2, 3 or 4)
Introduction to areas of physics not treated in other courses.

PHYS 391, 392, 491, 492 Independent Study (1, 2, or 3)

PHYS 480 General Science Seminar (1, S)
Written thesis and oral presentation on a topic selected for interdisciplinary breadth describing current scientific research in the area of the student’s concentration, based on a thorough review of scientific literature.

PHYS 496 Honors in Physics (3, OD)