Course Offerings

Physical Science

PHSI 291  INDEPENDENT STUDY.  A student independently studies a physical science topic with help from instructor.      1-3

PHSI 292  TOPICS.  Topics of special interest in Physical Science.      1-4

PHSI 330  INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM MECHANICS.  Study of Special Relativity including Lorentz Transformation, Mass-Energy Relation, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle and Schroedinger’s equation with applications to nuclear, atomic and molecular structure. Prerequisite: MATH 321.              2

PHSI 343  INTRODUCTORY THERMODYNAMICS. Introduction to basic principles of thermodynamics, including the various states of matter, four basic laws of thermodynamics, electrochemistry and solution equilibria. Prerequisite: MATH 123 and CHEM 114 or PHYS 213.    2

PHSI 345  KINETICS AND EQUILIBRIUM.  Introduction to kinetics and equilibrium. Emphasis on reaction mechanisms and reaction order. Includes directed laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: PHSI 343 and CHEM 114.              2

PHSI 411  INTRODUCTORY STATISTICAL MECHANICS.  Introduction to ensemble behaviors of atoms, and an examination of how quantum behavior by individual atoms and molecules gives rise to the classical limit thermodynamics. Prerequisite PHSI 330 and PHSI 343.            2

PHSI 421  ADVANCED COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE.  Lab-based review of modern computational methods, including molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo Simulation, Semi-empirical and ab initio calculations. Prerequisite: PHSI 411.     2

PHSI 491  INDEPENDENT STUDY.  A student independently studies a physical science topic with help from instructor.      1-3

PHSI 492  TOPICS.  Advanced topics of special interest in Physical Science.        1-4

PHSI 498  UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/SCHOLARSHIP.  An independent project involving integration of the student’s total academic experience in physical science. Prior Application Required. 1-6

Physics

PHYS 111  INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS I.   This is the first course in a two semester algebra-level sequence, covering fundamental concepts of physics.  This sequence is appropriate for pre-professional majors requiring two semesters of physics.  Topics include classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves.  Prerequisite: MATH 102 or MATH 121 or MATH 123 or consent of instructor..   4

PHYS 113  INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS II.  This course is the second course in a two semester algebra-level sequence, covering fundamental concepts of physics.  Topics include electricity and magnetism, sound, light, optics, and some modern physics concepts. Prerequisites: PHYS 111.   4

PHYS 211  UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I.   This is the first course in a two semester calculus-level sequence, covering fundamental concepts of physics.  This is the preferred sequence for students majoring in physical science or engineering.  Topics include classical mechanics and thermodynamics. Prerequisites: MATH 123 or consent of instructor.                          4

PHYS 213  UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II. This course is the second course in a two semester calculus-level sequence, covering fundamental concepts of physics.  This is the preferred sequence for students majoring in physical science or engineering.  Topics include electricity and magnetism, sound, light, and optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 211.                                  4

PHYS 291  INDEPENDENT STUDY.  A student independently studies a physics topic with help from instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.       1-3

PHYS 292  TOPICS. Topics of special interest in physics.    1-4

PHYS 351  INTERMEDIATE QUANTUM MECHANICS.  Quantum mechanics as related to spectroscopy, radioactivity and particle detection. Prerequisite: PHSI 330.                                                       2

PHYS 361  OPTICS.  This is an intermediate level study of geometrical and physical optics.  Topics include analysis of refraction phenomena, thick lenses, wave nature of light, interference, diffraction, and polarization.              3

PHYS 421 ELECTROMAGNETISM.  This is a course in the principles of electricity and magnetism, with applications to dielectric and magnetic materials.  Topics include the development of Maxwell’s equations, and applications. Prerequisites: PHYS 213 and MATH 321.             4

PHYS 424  DIGITAL ELECTRONICS.  This course covers electronic components, digital circuits and their application to interfacing computers with the outside world. Prerequisites: PHYS 213 or consent of instructor.              4

PHYS 439  SOLID STATE PHYSICS. This course looks at solid materials from a microscopic level.  Topics include basic crystal structure; mechanical and thermal properties; and electronic processes with reference to electrical properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.                                                                       3

PHYS 451  CLASSICAL MECHANICS.   This is a systematic introduction to classical mechanics emphasizing motion in three dimensions.  Topics include central forces, harmonic oscillations, non-inertial reference frames, rigid body motion, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics. Prerequisites: PHYS 113 or PHYS 213.                                                      4

PHYS 491  INDEPENDENT STUDY.  A student independently studies a physics topic with help from instructor. 1-4

PHYS 492  TOPICS. Advanced topics of special interest in physics.     1-4

PHYS 498  UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/SCHOLARSHIP.  An independent project involving integration of the student’s total experience in science and/or mathematics, and terminology. Prior Application Required.          1-6