Students who are interested only in satisfying a Core requirement may combine any initial with any final course to complete the sequence, provided that the mathematics requirements are met.

0839. Powering the Future (3 s.h.) RCI: GS.

How can we provide inexpensive, safe, environmentally clean energy supplies for the United States and the world as a whole despite rising population and increasing affluence? Study problems of our conventional fossil and nuclear fuel use, and how they might be relieved; explore the physical and technological possibilities for using energy much more efficiently; investigate various renewable-energy sources (such as solar, hydrogen cells, hydropower, and biofuels) that significantly reduce effects on the environment. In the course lab projects, you will research and develop a sustainable energy proposal for your own home, campus, or community.

Note: This course fulfills a Science & Technology (GS) requirement for students under GenEd and Science & Technology Second Level (SB) for students under Core.

0846. Universe As We Know It (3 s.h.) RCI: GS.

(Formerly: GE-SCI 0065.)

Scientific thinking in the context of the study of astronomy. This course includes the intersection of ethics and science, for example: heroic individual resistance to repressive authority (Galileo), the changing role of women in science (from Pickering’s Harem to Sally Ride), and the use of science to further political agendas (Kennedy’s moon landing program). Extensive use of web resources, the planetarium theater, and self-guided observing assignments.

Note: This course fulfills a Science & Technology (GS) requirement for students under GenEd and Science & Technology Second Level (SB) for students under Core.

0847. How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life (3 s.h.) RCI: GS.

As you observe films, demonstrations and photographic techniques both real and computer-simulated, and as you perform several simple in-home experiments you will gain a basic understanding of the laws of nature as they play out in everyday life. In a special project you will compare the science in different science fiction films.

Note: This course fulfills a Science & Technology (GS) requirement for students under GenEd and Science & Technology Second Level (SB) for students under Core.

0872. The Science of Sound (3 s.h.) RCI: GS.

For living things the ability to hear sounds is an essential tool for survival, and sound is central to speech and languages. In the arts sound also plays a fundamental role, above all in music. The close connection between music, mathematics, and physics has long fascinated scientists. Advances in electronics and computing are revolutionizing the composition, production, and recording of sound. Science of Sound is an interdisciplinary course involving elements of physics, physiology, psychology, music, and engineering. After a four-week introduction to the fundamental physics of sound waves, we will consider human hearing and the human voice; scales, harmony, and sound production by musical instruments; architectural acoustics; and the electronic reproduction of sound. The course includes many in-class demonstrations.

1001. Physics: Matter and Motion (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SA. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C053.)

An introduction to the ideas and techniques used in the study of motion. Application to a wide variety of physical systems ranging from air molecules to footballs to black holes. Mostly descriptive using photographic techniques, films, and demonstrations.

Note: (1) No laboratory. (2) This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology First Level (SA) requirement. To determine if this course in combination with another course can satisfy the GenEd Science & Technology requirement, see your advisor. (3) Students who have taken a higher number introductory physics sequence cannot take this course for credit.

1002. Physics: Waves and Modern Physics (4 s.h.) S. RCI: SB.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C054.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 1001 (C053) or 1003 (C067).

An introduction to the ideas and techniques used in the study of waves. Applications to a wide variety of physical systems ranging from sound, music, light, and color to atoms, nuclei, and elementary particles. Mostly descriptive, using photography, films, and demonstrations.

Note: (1) No laboratory. (2) This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology Second Level (SB) requirement. To determine if this course in combination with another course can satisfy the GenEd Science & Technology requirement, see your advisor. (3) Students who have taken a higher number introductory physics sequence cannot take this course for credit.

1003. Acoustics (3 s.h.) F. RCI: SA. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C067.)

The course begins with an introduction to the fundamental physics of sound waves. With this as a basis, we will then consider human hearing, musical scales and harmony, the production of sound by musical instruments, the human voice and speech sounds, architectural acoustics, and the electronic reproduction of sound.

Note: (1) For music students, but useful to anyone interested in communications. Open to all students. Minimal mathematics. (2) This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology First Level (SA) requirement. (3) Students cannot get credit for this course if they have completed Physics 0872: The Science of Sound.

1004. Introduction to Astronomy (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SB.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C056.)

Prerequisite: One of the following: Physics 1001 (C053), 1005 (C055), or 1003 (C067).

After a description of local space which includes the universe of galaxies, red shift, and the big bang will be discussed. White dwarfs, red giants, pulsars, black holes, and quasars will be covered. The treatment will be mostly descriptive, utilizing slides, NASA films, and several trips to our planetarium.

Note: (1) No laboratory. (2) This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology Second Level (SB) requirement. To determine if this course in combination with another course can satisfy the GenEd Science & Technology requirement, see your advisor.

1005. Light, Art, and Nature (4 s.h.) F. RCI: SA. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C055.)

An introduction to the properties of light, whether interpreted as rays, waves, or photons. Discussion of the basic ideas of geometric and wave optics, with application to the analysis of photography, color, vision, and modern physics. Emphasis is on factors that permit the artist and observer to understand and more fully control the design and interpretation of images of all kinds. Demonstrations, experiments, and video and computer simulations to analyze signals received by the eyes or instruments.

Note: (1) Course is primarily designed for students interested in the visual arts, but is open to anyone. Minimal mathematics. (2) This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology First Level (SA) requirement.

1006. Medical Physics (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: C- or higher in Mathematics 1021 (C073) or equivalent.

Medical Physics is an introductory science elective course that is open to students with little exposure to science or mathematics. With nominal (high school level) mathematics preparation, students can learn how basic principles of physics are utilized in medical processes. Topics to be examined include: the nature of radiation, radiation exposure, nuclear medicine, CT and MR imaging, and ultrasound techniques.

1007. Science & Science Fiction in Film (3 s.h.) SS.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0021.)

This course takes a captivating look at physical phenomena illustrated through 12 popular science fiction films, including Terminator 2, Forbidden Planet, 2010, Total Recall, Deep Impact and Contact. The course covers an introduction to mechanics, astronomy, electricity and magnetism, nuclear physics and nuclear terrorism, and global warming.

1011. College Physics I (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SA. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C083.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Mathematics 1021 (C073) or equivalent transfer. Co-Requisite: Main campus sections require students to register for two sections such that they are registered for a lecture, lab, and recitation.

Recommended for, but not restricted to, architecture students and those preparing to enter the College of Health Professions. Not intended as preparation for advanced courses in physics. Selected topics from mechanics.

Note: Students cannot receive credits for both Physics 1011 and 1021. This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology First Level (SA) requirement. To determine if this course in combination with another course can satisfy the GenEd Science & Technology requirement, see your advisor. Mode: Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.

1012. College Physics II (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SB. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C084.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in one of the following: Physics 1011 (C083), 1021 (C085), 1061 (C087), or 2021 (0121). Co-Requisite: Main campus sections require students to register for two sections such that they are registered for a lecture, lab, and recitation.

Recommended for, but not restricted to, architecture students and those preparing to enter the College of Health Professions. Not intended as preparation for advanced courses in physics. Topics include heat, light, electricity, and magnetism, and modern physics.

Note: Students cannot receive credits for both Physics 1012 and 1022. This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology Second Level (SB) requirement. To determine if this course in combination with another course can satisfy the GenEd Science & Technology requirement, see your advisor. Mode: Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.

1021. Introduction to General Physics I (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SA. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C085.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Mathematics 1021 (C073) or equivalent transfer. Co-Requisite: All sections of this course require students to register both for a lecture/recitation section (4 credits) and a laboratory section (0 credits).

Open to freshmen and other students in pre-professional programs. Students who are biology majors or in pre-medical programs should take Physics 2021 (0121) instead. Not intended as a preparation for advanced courses in physics. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, momentum, static equilibrium, fluids, vibrations, waves, sound, temperature, kinetic theory, heat, and the laws of thermodynamics.

Note: Students cannot receive credits for both Physics 1011 and 1021. This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology First Level (SA) requirement. To determine if this course in combination with another course can satisfy the GenEd Science & Technology requirement, see your advisor. Mode: Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.

1022. Introduction to General Physics II (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SB. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C086.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in one of the following: Physics 1011 (C083), 1021 (C085), 1061 (C087), or 2021 (0121). Co-Requisite: All sections of this course require students to register both for a lecture/recitation section (4 credits) and a laboratory section (0 credits).

Normally follows Physics 1021 (C085). Open to freshmen and others in pre-professional programs. Students who are biology majors or in pre-medical programs should take Physics 2022 (0122) instead. Topics include electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics.

Note: Students cannot receive credits for both Physics 1012 and 1022. This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology Second Level (SB) requirement. To determine if this course in combination with another course can satisfy the GenEd Science & Technology requirement, see your advisor. Mode: Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.

1061. Elementary Classical Physics I (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SA. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C087.)

Prerequisite: (or co-requisite) Mathematics 1041 (C085). Co-Requisite: All sections of this course require students to register both for a lecture/recitation section (4 credits) and a laboratory section (0 credits).

Primarily for physics, chemistry, engineering, geology, and mathematics majors, but open to others. Topics include elementary vector algebra, one-dimensional motion, particle dynamics, work and energy, conservation of energy, conservation of linear momentum, collisions, rotational kinematics and dynamics, conservation of angular momentum, oscillations, waves, and gravitation.

Note: Students cannot receive credits for both Physics 1061 and 2021. This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology First Level (SA) requirement. To determine if this course in combination with another course can satisfy the GenEd Science & Technology requirement, see your advisor. Mode: Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.

1062. Elementary Classical Physics II (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SB. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS C088.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in Mathematics 1041 (C085); A grade of C- or higher in Physics 1061 (C087) or 2021 (0121). Co-Requisite: Mathematics 1042 (0086); All sections of this course require students to register both for a lecture/recitation section (4 credits) and a laboratory section (0 credits).

Primarily for physics, chemistry, engineering, geology, and mathematics majors, but open to others. Topics include temperature, heat and the first law of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, entropy and the second law of thermodynamics, electrical charges, the electric field, Gauss’s Law, electrostatic potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current, resistance, the magnetic field, Ampere’s Law, Faraday’s Law, inductance, geometrical optics, and interference and diffraction of light.

Note: Students cannot receive credits for both Physics 1062 and 2022. This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology Second Level (SB) requirement. To determine if this course in combination with another course can satisfy the GenEd Science & Technology requirement, see your advisor. Mode: Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.

1083. Directed Reading/Study (1 to 4 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0095.)

Prerequisite: Approval of the Physics Undergraduate Advisor required.

Independent study in physics.

Note: This course may be repeated for credit.

1901. Honors Physics: Matter and Motion (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SA. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS H091.)

An introduction to the ideas and techniques used in the study of motion. Application to a wide variety of physical systems ranging from air molecules to footballs to black holes. Mostly descriptive using photographic techniques, films, and demonstrations.

Note: (1) No laboratory. (2) This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology First Level (SA) requirement. 3) Students who have taken a higher number introductory physics sequence or Physics 2921-2922 cannot take this course for credit.

1904. Honors Introduction to Astronomy (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SB. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS H096.)

Prerequisite: C- or higher in one of the following: Physics 1001 (C053), 1005 (C055), or 1003 (C067).

After a description of local space which includes the universe of galaxies, red shift, and the big bang will be discussed. White dwarfs, red giants, pulsars, black holes, and quasars will be covered. The treatment will be mostly descriptive, utilizing slides, NASA films, and several trips to our planetarium.

2021. General Physics I (4 s.h.) F S SS. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0121.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Mathematics 1042 (0086). Co-Requisite: All sections of this course require students to register both for a lecture/recitation section (4 credits) and a laboratory section (0 credits).

Topics include mechanics, gravitation, energy conservation, fluids and waves. Biological applications discussed where appropriate.

Note: Students cannot receive credits for both Physics 1061 and 2021. Primarily for biology majors, but open to others. Mode: Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.

2022. General Physics II (4 s.h.) F S SS. $.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0122.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Mathematics 1042 (0086) and in Physics 1061 (C087) or 2021 (0121). Co-Requisite: All sections of this course require students to register both for a lecture/recitation section (4 credits) and a laboratory section (0 credits).

Normally follows Physics 2021 (0121). Topics include electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics. Biological applications discussed where appropriate.

Note: Students cannot receive credits for both Physics 1062 and 2022. Primarily for biology majors but open to others. Mode: Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.

2083. Directed Reading/Study (2 to 4 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0195.)

Prerequisite: Approval of the Physics Undergraduate Advisor required.

Undergraduate independent study in physics.

Note: This course may be repeated for credit.

2101. Classical Mechanics (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0201.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Mathematics 2043 (0127) and in Physics 1062 (C088) or 2022 (0122).

Newton’s laws of motion, one-dimensional motion, second order differential equations, harmonic oscillators (damped, forced), vector analysis, conservation laws, three-dimensional motion, central forces, motion in electromagnetic fields, collisions, center-of-mass transformations, two-body problem, numerical/computer solutions, coupled oscillators. Rigid body rotation, statics, elasticity, fluid equilibrium, gravitation.

2501. Computing for Scientists (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0161.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Mathematics 1042 (0086) and one of Physics 1062 (C088) or 2022 (0122).

An overview of computer systems, hardware, and software. Designing, writing, debugging, and testing programs using realistic scientific problems. Programming with style and structure. Displaying results in graphical form. Numerical methods, data analysis and simulation. Use of C programming language and Mathematica.

2502. Mathematical Physics (4 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0184.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Mathematics 2043 (0127) and in Physics 1062 (C088) or 2022 (0122).

Infinite series, determinants and matrices, ordinary differential equations, vector analysis, curvilinear coordinate systems, Fourier series, properties of Legendre and Bessel functions, partial differential equations. Laboratory portion of course provides training in use of Mathematica, an integrated environment for technical computing, to solve problems in mathematical physics.

Note: No prior computer experience is necessary. Mode: 3 hr. lecture, 2 hr. lab.

2701. Introduction to Modern Physics (4 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0188.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 1062 (C088) or 2022 (0122). Co-Requisite: Mathematics 2043 (0127).

Special relativity, kinetic theory, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, X-rays, Compton effect, Rutherford scattering, etc. Wave mechanics.

2921. Honors General Physics I (4 s.h.) F. RCI: HO. $.

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Math 1042 (0086) or Math 1942 (H096). Co-Requisite: All sections of this course require students to register both for a lecture/recitation section (4 credits) and a laboratory section (0 credits).

This is the honors version of Physics 2021. Topics include mechanics, gravitation, energy conservation, fluids and waves. Biological applications discussed where appropriate.

2922. Honors General Physics II (4 s.h.) S. RCI: HO. $.

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Math 1042 (0086) or Math 1942 (H096), and a grade of C- or higher in Physics 2921. Co-Requisite: All sections of this course require students to register both for a lecture/recitation section (4 credits) and a laboratory section (0 credits).

This is the honors version of Physics 2022 and normally follows Physics 2921. Topics include electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics. Biological applications discussed where appropriate.

3083. Directed Reading/Study (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0295.)

Prerequisite: Approval of the Physics Undergraduate Advisor required.

This course offers the opportunity for more advanced independent study.

Note: This course may be repeated for credit.

3101. Analytical Mechanics (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0202.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 2101 (0201).

Moving coordinate systems, three-body problems, partial differential equations, wave propagation (strings, membranes, fluids), boundary value problems, normal modes, fluid equations of motion, viscosity; virtual work, Lagrange’s equations, Hamilton’s equations; angular momentum of a rigid body, inertia tensor, Euler’s equations, Euler angles, tops and gyroscopes, small vibrations.

3301. Electricity and Magnetism (4 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0187.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 1062 (C088) or 2022 (0122) and C- or higher in Mathematics 2043 (0127).

Electrostatics, magnetostatics, microscopic interpretation of polarization P and magnetization M, electrostatic and magnetostatic energy, Faraday’s Law, self and mutual inductance, magnetic circuits; integral and differential forms of Gauss, Ampere, and Faraday laws; AC circuits; introduction to the displacement current and Maxwell’s equations. Laboratory portion of the course provides investigation on DC and AC circuits, bridge circuits, sources of emf, Hall effect, and operational amplifier circuits.

3302. Classical Electromagnetism (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0211.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 3301 (0187) and C- or higher in one of Physics 2502 (0184) or Mathematics 4041 (0351).

Solutions to the equations of Poisson and Laplace; multipole expansions; electrostatic and magnetostatic energy, forces, and torques; Maxwell’s equations; the wave equation; radiation fields, Poynting’s Theorem, microwave and optical waveguides.

3701. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0306.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 2701 (0188) and C- or higher in one of Physics 2502 (0184) or Mathematics 4041 (0351).

Dual nature of light and matter, de Broglie waves, Schrodinger equation, one-dimensional systems, Hermitian operators, eigenfuctions and eigenvalues. Spin and isospin. Two- and three-dimensional systems. Approximation methods. Theory of scattering.

4091. Undergraduate Research (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0388.)

Prerequisite: Permission of the faculty member who will direct the research and the Physics Undergraduate Advisor required.

This course offers the opportunity for undergraduate research in physics.

4101. Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0231.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 1062 (C088) or 2022 (0122) and C- or higher in Mathematics 2043 (0127).

First, second, and third laws, thermodynamic potentials, kinetic theory, and applications to simple systems. The basic ideas of statistical mechanics.

4301. Electronics (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0221.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 3301 (0187) or equivalent.

Basic circuit ideas, Thevenin/Norton theorems, input/output impedance, diodes, transistors, feedback, operational amplifiers, elements of digital electronics, transducers for physical measurements.

4302. Optics (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0171.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 1062 (C088) or 2022 (0122).

The emphasis of this course is on physical and laser optics. Topics include review of geometric optics, matrix methods in paraxial optics, fiber optics, wave equations, superposition and interference of light, diffraction, polarization of light, coherence, laser operation, characteristics of laser beams and selected modern optics applications.

4701. Introduction to Solid State Physics (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0321.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 3701 (0306).

Elementary theory of the solid state. Survey of mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of solids.

Note: Course offered on even-numbered years.

4702. Introduction of Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle Physics (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0341.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 3701 (0306).

Properties atomic structure, atomic spectra, selection rules, atoms in electric and magnetic fields; nuclear properties, radioactive decays, nuclear reactions, fission and fusion, and fundamental properties of elementary particles and their interactions.

Note: Course offered on odd-numbered years.

4796. Experimental Physics (3 s.h.) S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: PHYSICS W215.)

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in Physics 2701 (0188).

An intermediate laboratory course with an introduction to data analysis and error estimation. Students independently perform two or three experiments, with suitable reports.

Note: Capstone writing course.
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Last updated 10/20/2009