Physics 107. Astronomy
(4 credits)
Dr. Voytas
This course surveys fundamental concepts and recent developments in astronomy and astrophysics. We will not only look at what kind of things astronomy is concerned with, we will look hard at how we know what we know about those things, whether they be comets, black holes, or the universe itself. This course is accompanied by periodic observing sessions at Weaver Observatory. This is a math-intensive course. Pre-requisite: Minimum Math Placement 22.
Physics 200B. Mechanics & Waves
(5 credits)
Dr. Dollhopf
The study of classical mechanics and waves. Topics include kinematics (the description of motion), dynamics (forces and Newton 's laws), work and energy, impulse and momentum, statics, rotational motion, and waves. There will be 3 class meetings and one 3-hour lab each week. This is the first course in various introductory physics sequences designed for science majors and pre-health students: PHYS 200B & PHYS 205 for pre-health, biology, and geology; PHYS 200B & PHYS 218 for chemistry and math/computer science; PHYS 200B, PHYS 213, PHYS 214, PHYS 215, PHYS 218, & PHYS 220 for physics and pre-engineering majors. Placement into Math 201 is required. Math 201 (Calculus I) is strongly suggested as a co-requisite.
Physics 205. Topics in Classical and Modern Physics
(5 credits)
Dr. Lee
This course is a sequel to Physics 200B, which is a prerequisite, designed specifically for those students such as biology and geology majors and pre-health professionals who need a two semester sequence in physics. Topics to be covered include: geometrical and physical optics, electrostatics, DC circuits, magnetism, relativity and its origins, nuclear physics, and heat and thermodynamics. A three-hour lab will meet most weeks during the semester. Prerequisite: Physics 200B or equivalent.
Physics 218. Introductory Electromagnetism
(5 credits)
Dr. Voytas
The course provides an introduction to the physics of electric and magnetic fields and Direct Current and Alternating Current circuits. We will emphasize applications to the real world and developing familiarity with the appropriate mathematical tools. The laboratory will emphasize DC and AC electric circuits and becoming familiar with such nearly universal instruments as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and signal generators. One three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: Physics 200B; Mathematics 202 is required as a co-requisite.
Physics 311. Mechanics
(4 credits)
Dr. Lee
Classical Mechanics provides an elegant description of the motion of objects under the influence of forces. This course begins with a review of Newton 's Laws of motion and develops sophisticated techniques for using them to solve problems such as the motion of a simple harmonic oscillator and the motions of the planets. We finish with an introduction to the techniques of Lagrange which analyze motion from an energy perspective rather than from a force perspective. Pre-requisites: Physics 220 & 218. Mathematics 212 & 215 are recommended.
Physics 313. Electronics
(2 credits)
Dr. George
The invention of the solid state transistor a little over 50 years ago changed the way we live and work, making possible the variety of cheap and powerful electronic devices that we use every day. This course will provide you with an understanding of basic electronic circuits and devices. The emphasis will be on a hands-on, practical understanding of circuit elements such as diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers. A majority of class time will be spent in the lab, where you will learn to design, construct, test, and use useful circuits such as voltage dividers, filters, amplifiers, and oscillators. Prerequisite: Physics 218.
Physics 332. Electromagnetism
(4 credits)
Dr. Dollhopf
Mathematical theory of electric and magnetic fields. Emphasizes three-dimensional boundary value problems for evaluating the physical behavior of electric and magnetic fields. Maxwell's equations are developed in both the differential and the integral forms and are used in the analysis of electromagnetic phenomena. Pre-requisites: Physics 311 and Math 212 or by permission of the instructor.
