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Physics
PHYS 1014 Conceptual Physics
A qualitative introduction to the basic principles and ideas of mechanics, heat, thermodynamics,
waves, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Demonstrations, exercises, and experiments will be
used to construct the fundamental concepts. Emphasis will be placed on verbal interpretation,
arithmetical reasoning, functional reasoning, and graphical interpretation. There will be some
quantitative and algebraic interpretation. The course is designed for all students. Lecture and
laboratory. II Natural Science
PHYS 1024 Measuring the Universe
An investigation of the methods used by cosmologists to determine the sizes and ages of our solar
system, galaxy, and universe. Students will study gravity, light, optics (including telescopes), the
formation of stars and black holes, Doppler shifts, and the expansion of the universe. II Natural
Science
PHYS 2115 University Physics I
A calculus-based introduction to mechanics and thermodynamics. Fundamental principles such
as energy and momentum conservation are stressed. The development of problem-solving skills
is also emphasized. This is a required course for physics, chemistry, biology, and preengineering majors. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 1304. II Natural
Science or IV
PHYS 2125 University Physics II
A continuation of PHYS 2115. The fundamental concepts of electricity, magnetism, and optics will
be developed in a calculus environment. Continued stress on problem-solving skills. Required for
physics, chemistry, biology, and pre-engineering majors. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite:
PHYS 2115. IV
PHYS 2154 Modern Physics I
An elementary introduction to Einstein’s theory of special relativity with emphasis on Lorentz
transformations between inertial frames of reference. Fundamental relations in mechanics and
electricity and magnetism are presented, along with applications of relativity to the study of
particle interactions. This is followed by a survey of nuclear and elementary particle physics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2125. IV
PHYS 2164 Modern Physics II
An elementary presentation of quantum physics, followed by applications to atoms and molecules,
as well as an introduction to statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2125. IV
PHYS 2404 Optics
A study of geometrical, physical, and modern optics. Emphasis on the electromagnetic wave
nature of light and the particle nature of light, photons. Topics include reflection and refraction,
lenses, optical instruments, interference, diffraction, polarization, spectroscopy, lasers, and laser
light. Prerequisite: PHYS 2125. IV
PHYS 2444 Special Topics in Physics
Exploration of a theme or physical theory that may be of special interest, but is not fully treated in
other courses in the program. Usually offered in May term, with topics announced in advance.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2125 or permission of instructor. IV
PHYS 3014 Classical Mechanics
A study of the statics and dynamics of mechanical systems of interest to engineering and physics
majors. Includes study of kinematics and dynamics presented in various reference frames,
coordinate transformations between frames, rotation of rigid bodies, moments of inertia, spinning
tops, conservation laws, central forces, and introductory Lagrangian mechanics. Prerequisite:
PHYS 2125. IV
PHYS 3054 Electricity and Magnetism
Intermediate mathematical treatment of electric and magnetic fields and potentials. Electric and
magnetic properties of matter, circuits, introduction to Maxwell’s equations, radiation, and
physical optics. Prerequisites: PHYS 2154, MATH 2144. IV
PHYS 3101 Research in Physics
A laboratory course designed to acquaint the student with the techniques and equipment used for
experimental research in atomic and molecular collisions. Topics include building scientific
apparatus, high vacuum systems, single particle counting techniques, electron optics, electronics,
and methods of data analysis. (1⁄4 course unit). CR/NC grading. May be repeated once.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2125.
PHYS 4064 Quantum Mechanics
Introduces the postulates of quantum mechanics and develops the Schroedinger equation along
with angular momentum theory and perturbation techniques. Cases of special interest are studied
including the hydrogen atom, the harmonic oscillator, and the Born approximation for two body
collisions. Prerequisite: PHYS 2164. IV
PHYS 4102 Senior Research in Physics
A capstone laboratory course involving independent research in atomic and molecular collisions.
Students will typically modify existing apparatus and perform new measurements. Results will be
presented in a formal paper. (1/2 course unit.) Prerequisite: PHYS 3101.
PHYS 4214 Independent Study in Physics
Study of a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a professor. The topic should be
appropriate for an undergraduate major in content and level of difficulty, but should also be one
that is not covered in other courses. Major pattern elective in physics. Standard or CR/NC grading.
Prerequisites: Determined by topic.