Physics

PHY 101      General Physics I (4)

Algebra-based introduction to mechanics, wave phenomena and thermodynamics. Topics include kinematics, dynamics of linear and circular motion, gravitation, conservation of energy and momentum, fluids oscillations, sound, thermal physics and the laws of thermodynamics. Includes three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Recommended for all Telecommunications majors with appropriate placement scores. Prerequisite: MAT 111 or equivalent. Meets new General Education Natural Science requirement.

 

PHY 102      General Physics II (4)

Algebra‑based introduction to electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Topics include electric forces and fields, electric potential, DC circuits, magnetic forces and fields, electromagnetic induction, AC circuits, electromagnetic waves, geometrical and physical optics and an introduction to modern physics. Includes three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Recommended for all Telecommunications majors with appropriate placement scores. Prerequisite: PHY 101 or equivalent. Meets new General Education Natural Science requirement.

 

PHY 201      Calculus Based Physics I (4)

The first course in a three course calculus based physics sequence. Covers topics in mechanics including motion in one, two and three dimensions, Newton’s laws of motion, work and kinetic energy, motion of rigid bodies, and simple harmonic motion. Also wave motion is briefly covered. Includes three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. This course and PHY 101 cannot both be taken for credit. Prerequisite: MAT 151 or equivalent. Corequisite: MAT 152. Meets new General Education Natural Science requirement.

 

PHY 202      Calculus Based Physics II (4)

The second course in a three course calculus based physics sequence. Covers topics on electricity and magnetism, and some topics on optics and electromagnetic waves. Includes three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. This course and PHY 102 cannot both be taken for credit. Prerequisite: PHY 201 or equivalent.

 

PHY 203      Calculus Based Physics III (4)

The third course in three course calculus based physics sequence. Covers selected topics from thermodynamics (temperature and heart, thermal properties of matter and laws of thermodynamics) and waves (mechanical waves, wave interference and normal modes). Includes lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: PHY 202 or equivalent.

 

PHY 220      Electronics for Scientists (4)

Designed to give students who do not intend to become Electrical Engineers or Technologists a good background in the field of analog and digital electronics. Upon completion of this course, the student should have a practical understanding of test equipment and basic analog circuits such as power supplies, analog switches of operational amplifiers as well as a practical understanding of the operation and use of digital integrated circuits and their application to more complicated data acquisition systems used in modern chemical instrumentation. Three hours of lecture and three hours laboratory per week. May not be taken be electrical engineering, electrical technology or computer engineering technology students. Prerequisite: One year of high school physics or equivalent.

 

PHY 290      Topics in Physics (1-4)

An introductory course in selected topics in Physics not currently covered in any of the listed classes. Topics are chosen to illustrate different fields and applications which are all part of Physics.

 

PHY 351      Modern Physics (4)

Provides a broad overview of the major developments and breakthroughs in physics since the beginning of the 20th century, including Einstein’s special theory of relativity, quantum nature of light, wave nature of particles, introduction to quantum mechanics, atomic structure, molecular and condensed mater physics, nuclear physics, particle physics and cosmology. Includes three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Calculus Based Physics II (PHY 202) and Differential Equations (MAT 230) or equivalents.

 

PHY 361      Intermediate Mechanics (4)

Newtonian theory is used to describe the mechanical behavior of objects. Topics include: Newton’s laws of motion, momentum and energy, motion of a particle in one or more dimensions, motion of a system of particles, rigid body motion, introduction to Lagrange and Hamilton’s equations. Prerequisites: MAT 230, MAT 253, and PHY 201 or equivalents.

 

PHY 371      Electromagnetism (4)

The laws of electricity and magnetism are developed using the language of vector calculus. Topics include: Coulomb’s Law, the electrostatic field and potential, Gauss’ Law, dielectrics, capacitors, electric current, the steady magnetic field, Biot‑Savart Law, Ampere’s Law, magnetic materials, Faraday’s Law, the displacement current, Maxwell’s Equations, and plane electromagnetic waves. Prerequisites: MAT 230, MAT 253, and PHY 202 or equivalents.

 

PHY 381      Quantum Mechanics (4)

An introduction to the theory and applications of Quantum Mechanics. Topics will include: wave‑particle duality, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, quantum states and operators, Schroedinger equation and quantum statistics. Applications will be selected from atomic and solid state physics, including semiconductors and lasers. Prerequisites: MAT 260/230, MAT 253, PHY 351 or equivalents.

 

PHY 472      Electromagnetic Waves and Radiation (4)

Within an advanced mathematical framework that involves vector and tensor algebra, differential and integral calculus, methods of ordinary and partial differential equations, and special techniques of electromagnetism, this course studies the solutions of the Maxwell’s equations (a system of coupled partial differential equations) in various physical situations. It provides an in depth analytical study of electromagnetic waves, their structure, propagation, reflection, transmission, interaction with matter and the mechanisms for their generation by antennas. Prerequisite is Electromagnetism (PHY 371) or equivalent.

 

PHY 490      Special Topics in Physics (4)

A detailed examination of a topic in physics not treated extensively in other physics courses. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

 

PHY 491      Independent Study (Variable 1-4)

Extensive study and research on a particular topic of student interest under the supervision of a faculty member. The student is required to submit a written proposal which includes a description of the project, its duration, educational goals, method of evaluation, and number of credits to be earned. Prerequisite: Matriculated students only, permission of instructor and dean of subject area.