121. Ideas in Physics.

A qualitative introduction to physics for liberal arts majors or students who want a one semester introduction. The conceptual understanding of physics principles rather than their mathematical application is emphasized. The topics covered may vary each semester but will be selected from forces and motion, the properties of matter, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, and relativity. Laboratory accompanies course. Cornerstone 2A. Four hours.

121L. Laboratory: Ideas in Physics.

151. Principles of Physics I.

An introduction for science majors to the principles of physics and their applications using algebra and trigonometry. This first semester of a two semester sequence with 152 will generally cover mechanics, heat, sound, and the properties of matter. Laboratory accompanies course. Prerequisites: Mathematics 130 and Mathematics 131 or Math ACT of 24 or higher. Cornerstone 2A. Four hours.

151L. Laboratory: Principles of Physics I.

152. Principles of Physics II.

A continuation of Physics 151. Topics covered this semester generally include electricity, magnetism, light, optics, and modern physics. Laboratory accompanies course. Prerequisite: Physics 151. Four hours.

152L. Laboratory: Principles of Physics II.

190. Special Topics in Physics.

191. General Physics I.

A two semester, calculus based, sequence with Physics 192 covering the fundamental concepts of physics, including mechanics, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, light, modern physics and relativity. Laboratory accompanies course. Prerequisite: Mathematics 151 or concurrent enrollment. Cornerstone 2A. Four hours.

191L. Laboratory: General Physics I.

192. General Physics II.

A two semester, calculus based, sequence with 191 covering the fundamental concepts of physics, including mechanics, sound, heat, electricity magnetism, light, modern physics and relativity. Laboratory accompanies course. Prerequisite: Physics 191 and Mathematics 151. Four hours.

192L. Laboratory: General Physics II.

210. Introduction to Laser Science.

This course will introduce students to the principles of laser operation, the unique properties of laser light, kinds of lasers, and the application of lasers to various fields such as chemistry, medicine, environmental science, and engineering. Topics will include: divergence and coherence, stimulated emission, population inversion, standing waves and modes, criteria and mechanisms for lasing, Q-switching, gas and solid state lasers, tunable lasers, the quantum nature of light and matter, spectroscopy, fiber optics, and holography. Same as Engineering 210. Prerequisite: Physics 152 or Physics 192, or permission of instructor. Four hours.

210L. Laboratory: Introduction to Laser Science.

In the laboratory, students will receive hands-on experience working with optical components and instrumentation and will work with various laser systems including helium-neon, nitrogen/dye, and semiconductor diode lasers. Properties of lasers and laser light will be investigated, as well as various applications such as spectroscopy, holography, and fiber optics.

230. Modern Physics.

A basic introduction to quantum physics. Topics include: blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, Bohr atom, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, wave functions, the Schroedinger Equation, expectation values, and applications of quantum concepts to atomic and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: Physics 192 and Math 251 or concurrent enrollment. Three hours.

250. Statics.

Vector and scalar treatment of coplanar and noncoplanar force systems. Resultants, equilibrium, friction, centroids, second moments of areas, Mohr’s circle, radius of gyration, internal forces, shear and bending moment diagrams. Same as Engineering 250. Prerequisites: Physics 191 and Mathematics 152 or concurrent enrollment. Three hours.

271. Experimental Physics.

An introduction to experimental techniques in physics, instrumentation, experiment design, data acquisition, statistical analysis of data, and report writing. Students will normally work on several experiments related to electron, atomic, optical or nuclear physics. Prerequisite: Physics 230 or Physics 210. Two hours.

290. Special Topics in Physics.

320. Classical Mechanics.

An intermediate-level course in mechanics beginning with Newton’s Laws. Topics include: projectiles, oscillations, damping, resonance, rotating coordinate systems, coriolis forces, conservation laws, angular momentum, central forces, systems of particles, moments of inertia, rigid body rotation. The course emphasizes solutions to ordinary differential equations, and the use of cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems. Prerequisites: Physics 191 and Math 260, or permission of instructor. Three hours.

330. Digital Systems.         

Students in Digital Systems study introductory solid state electronics, gate circuits, combinational and sequential logic design, and microprocessors. The course includes logic gate families, application of small and medium scale integrated circuits, and microprocessor interfacing. Circuitry is implemented with lab activities and/or computer-based simulations. Prerequisite: Computer Science 265, Computer Organization and Assembly Language or permission of instructor. Same as Computer Science 330 and Engineering 330. Three hours.

340. Electromagnetic Fields.

A study of the electromagnetic field: vector calculus, electrostatics, magetostatics, induction, Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic waves. The development and application of Maxwell’s Equations comprises the core of this study. Other topics may include: Laplace’s and Poisson’s Equations, method of images, multipole expansion, dielectrics, magnetic properties of materials, vector potentials, and wave-guides. Prerequisites: Physics 192 and Math 260. Three hours.

360. Quantum Mechanics.

Introduces the postulates and principles of quantum mechanics. Solutions to the Schroedinger Equation, square wells, tunneling, scattering, the uncertainty principle, eigenvalue problems, Hermitiam operators, angular momentum, spin, hydrogen atom, two-particle systems, time-independent perturbation. Prerequisites: Math 260 and Phys 230 or Chem 302. Three hours.

380. Independent Study in Physics.

390. Special Topics in Physics.

398. Independent Research.