PHY - Physics

A non-calculus course intended primarily for CNHS majors.  Topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, linear and angular momentum, work and energy, gravity, oscillations and waves, sound and fluids. Lecture and laboratory.  

A continuation of General Physics I.  Topics include, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism and induction, DC and AC circuits, and optics.  Lecture and laboratory.  

This is the first of a two-course sequence in calculus-based general physics. Topics covered include translational and rotational kinematics, Newton's laws of motion and gravitation, work and energy, linear and angular momentum, periodic motion and waves, sound, fluids, and thermodynamics.  Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor. Lecture and laboratory.

This is the second of a two-course sequence in calculus-based general physics. Topics covered include electricity, magnetism, optics, relativity, and selected topics in modern physics. Lecture and laboratory.

This course is an intermediate-level course that covers much of the mathematics that will be used in the upper-division physics courses. Topics covered include infinite and power series, complex variables, linear algebra, vector analysis, differential equations, and Fourier analysis as applied to a variety of physics problems. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor. Lecture only.

This course is an introduction to the physics of the twentieth century. Topics include a study of the special theory of relativity, an introduction to the general theory of relativity, a survey of the experimental basis of quantum physics, and Schrödinger's quantum mechanics, as well as topics selected from atomic and molecular physics, solid-state physics, nuclear and elementary particle physics and cosmology.  Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor. Lecture only.

This course is an intermediate-level course in classical mechanics. Topics include: Newtonian mechanics, oscillatory motion, central-force motion, variational calculus, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, dynamics of systems of particles and rigid bodies, and non-linear systems. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor. Lecture only.

This course is an introduction to the theory and application of electromagnetism. Topics include: electric fields produced by charge distributions, electrostatic potential, electrostatic energy, magnetic forces and fields produced by currents and by magnetic dipoles, introduction to Maxwell's equations, electromagnetism in matter and electromagnetic waves. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor.  Lecture only.

This course is an advanced physics laboratory in which the design and execution of experiments, as well as the analysis and presentation of data and results are emphasized. Students will develop a working knowledge of the conventions of writing scientific papers. Experiments can include topics in astrophysics, atomic and nuclear physics, electronics, optics and mechanics. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor.

This course is an intermediate-level introduction to quantum theory and statistical mechanics. Topics covered include the Schrödinger equation, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, solution of the hydrogen atom, and quantum mechanics in three dimensions. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor. Lecture only.

Independent study in physics and astronomy. Offered at the discretion of the Physics and Astronomy faculty. By permission from the instructor. May be taken for variable credit. May be repeated for credit.

This course is an introductory course on Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics. These two subjects provide simple and powerful tools to study complex systems: large numbers of particles and many degrees of freedom. Topics covered include: the basics of probability theory, statistical description of mechanical systems, the laws of thermodynamics and entropy, the microcanonical and canonical ensembles, and ideal and real gases. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor. Lecture only.

A lecture and/or laboratory course offered at the discretion and availability of the physics faculty. Topics may include modern issues in physics, advanced topics in classical mechanics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics, astrophysics, materials physics and other related subjects. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward the physics major and minor.