P = Prerequisite, R = Recommended, C = Concomitant
I = Fall Semester, II = Spring Semester, S = Summer Session(s)

PHYS P100 Physics in the Modern World (5 cr.) P: MATH M014 or equivalent. A course designed to introduce the student to the methods, principles, and application of physics. Specifically planned for students who have not previously taken courses in physics or chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the qualitative, rather than the quantitative, aspects of physics. I, II

PHYS P105 Basic Physics of Sound (3 cr.) P: MATH M014 or equivalent. The physical principles involved in the description, generation, transmission, and reproduction of sound. Topics discussed include wave motion, resonance, vibrating strings, air columns, Fourier analysis, physics of specific musical instruments, room acoustics, sound reproduction by electronic devices, and explosions. II

PHYS P120 Energy and Technology (3 cr.) P: MATH M014 or equivalent. Provides physical basis for understanding interactions of technology and society, and for the solution of problems, such as energy use and the direction of technological change.

PHYS P151 Excursions into Physics (3 cr.) P: MATH M014 or equivalent. Selected topics with emphasis on major concepts in physics and the people who developed them. I, II

PHYS P201 General Physics 1 (5 cr.) P: MATH M115 or equivalent. First semester of a two-semester algebra-based sequence. Newtonian mechanics, wave motion, heat and thermodynamics. Application of physical principles to related scientific disciplines including life sciences. Lectures, one hour recitation, and one two-hour laboratory each week. I, II

PHYS P202 General Physics 2 (5 cr.) P: PHYS P201. Second semester of a two-semester algebra-based sequence. Electricity, magnetism, light, and an introduction to the concepts of relativity, quantum theory, and atomic and nuclear physics. Lectures, one hour recitation, and one two-hour laboratory each week. I, II

PHYS P221 Physics 1 (5 cr.) C: MATH M215. First semester of a three-semester calculus-based sequence. Newtonian mechanics, oscillations and waves, fluids, heat and thermodynamics. Lectures, one hour recitation, and one two-and-a-half hour laboratory each week. I

PHYS P222 Physics 2 (5 cr.) P: PHYS P222. C: MATH M216. Second semester of a three-semester calculus-based sequence. Electricity, magnetism, DC and AC circuits, light geometrical and physical optics, and introduction to modern physics. Lectures, one hour recitation, and one two-and-a-half hour laboratory each week. II

PHYS P281 Solid State Electronics I (3 cr.) P: MATH M115 or equivalent. Circuit theory, principles of operation and equivalent circuits, semiconductor devices, general amplifier and oscillator characteristics, feedback systems, operational amplifiers, power supplies. I

PHYS P301 Physics 3 (3 cr.) P: PHYS P222, MATH M216. Modern physics, the third semester of a three-semester calculus-based sequence. Special theory of relativity, introduction to quantum theory, atomic and molecular spectra, nuclear, condensed matter, and elementary particle physics. I

PHYS P303 Digital Electronics (3 cr.) P: PHYS P281 or consent of instructor. Integrated lecture and laboratory course. Semiconductor devices, operational amplifiers, oscillators, Boolean Algebra, and digital circuits containing devices such as decoders, multiplexers, light-emitting displays, flip-flops, counters, registers, and memories. II

PHYS P309 Modern Physics Laboratory (2 cr.) P: MATH M216. C: PHYS P301. Fundamental experiments in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics. Emphasis is placed upon developing basic laboratory skills and data analysis techniques, including computer reduction and analysis of data. I (odd years)

PHYS P321 Techniques of Theoretical Physics (3 cr.) P: MATH M216. Introduction to the mathematical methods required for the general equations of theoretical physics with an emphasis on special functions, group theoretic techniques, integral transforms, and partial differential equations.

PHYS P331 Theory of Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.) P: PHYS P222, MATH M216. Electrostatic potentials and electric fields, differential operators, Laplace and Poisson equations, dielectric materials, steady currents, power and energy, induction, magnetic fields, scalar and vector potentials, Maxwell's equations. II (even years)

PHYS P334 Fundamentals of Optics (3 cr.) P: PHYS P222, MATH M216. Geometrical optics: matrix formulation of the laws of reflection and refraction, ray tracing with computers, aberrations. Physical optics: interference, diffraction, polarization, lasers, holography.

PHYS P335 Fundamentals of Optics Laboratory (1 cr.) P: Same as PHYS P334. Arranged laboratory totaling three hours each week. Experiments to illustrate the topics covered in PHYS P334, and to give experience in the use of the spectrometer, the Michelson interferometer, the Fabry-Perot interferometer, and other optics equipment.

PHYS P340 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS P301, MATH M216. Intermediate course covering the three laws of thermodynamics, classical and quantum statistical mechanics, and some applications. I (odd years)

PHYS P441 Analytical Mechanics I (3 cr.) P: PHYS P222, MATH M216. C: MATH M343 or consent of instructor. Elementary mechanics of particles and rigid bodies treated by methods of calculus and differential equations. Hamiltonian and Lagrangian methods, continuum mechanics. I (even years)

PHYS P453 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 cr.) P: PHYS P301. C: MATH M343 or consent of instructor. The Schroedinger Equation with applications to problems such as barrier transmission, harmonic oscillation, and the hydrogen atom. Discussion of orbital and spin angular momentum, and identical particles. Introduction to perturbation theory. II (odd years)

PHYS S405 Readings in Physics (1-3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Independent reading under supervision of a faculty member. Study in depth of a topic of interest to the student, culminating in a research paper.

PHYS S406 Research (1-3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Research carried out in physics, astrophysics, or geophysics, under the supervision of a faculty member.

PHYS T105 Physical Science for Elementary Teachers (5 cr.) P: MATH T101, MATH T102, MATH T103. Principles of physical science with focus on elementary chemistry and physics. Laboratory, demonstration, and exploration enrich course material which is designed at developing the expertise needed for success in the elementary school classroom. Open only to elementary education majors. Does not satisfy the general education requirement in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

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