PHYS 103G. Astronomy
An introduction to the study of our universe—its structures and their origin and evolution. Topics include the earth, the moon, planets and stars and how they affect our lives. Simple laboratory experiments and telescopic observation are part of the course. (Four credits.)

PHYS 130G. Introductory Physics I
Topics in classical mechanics, including kinematics, Newton’s laws, work-energy principles, momentum and impulse, and rotational motion. Some differential calculus is used. Co-requisite: MATH 151. (Four credits.)

PHYS 132G. Introductory Physics II
Continuation of Physics 130. Topics include electricity, magnetism, and simple circuit analysis. Differential and integral calculus used freely. Co-requisite: MATH 152. (Four credits.)

PHYS 134. Introductory Physics III
Continuation of PHYS 132. Topics include physical, waves, oscillating motion, optics, special relativity, and introductory quantum physics. (Three credits.)

PHYS 190. Digital Electronics for Computer Science
An introduction to digital circuit design, both combinational and sequential, and their application in constructing digital instruments. Includes microprocessor and elementary assembly language. There is a strong laboratory component to this course. (Four credits.)

PHYS 208. Classical Mechanics
An introduction to the study of particles and systems under the action of various types of forces. Includes harmonic oscillator, central force and Lagrangian formulation. This course makes elegant use of mathematical techniques in solving physical problems. Prerequisites: MATH 254 and PHYS 132. (Three credits.)

PHYS 210. Circuit Analysis
Introduction to the techniques of analyzing resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuits. Topics include Kirchoff’s rules, Thevenin’s theorem, node-voltage method, mesh-current method, properties of RL, RC, and RLC circuits. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: PHYS 132. (Four credits.)

PHYS 211. Analog Electronics
Topics include high and low pass filters, differentiators, integrators, detailed study of transistor circuits, operational amplifiers, comparators, Schmitt triggers, and oscillator circuits. There is a strong laboratory component to this course. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or consent of the instructor. (Four credits.)

PHYS 212. Optics
A study of geometrical and physical optics. Topics include optical instruments, interference, diffraction, dispersion, and topics in modern optics. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: MATH 254 and PHYS 132 or consent of the instructor. (Four credits.)

PHYS 214. Computational Methods for the Natural Sciences
This course will introduce students to the practice of solving problems in the natural sciences using computers. After an introduction to scientific programming, students will learn how to formulate scientific questions in ways that allow them to be solved numerically. After forming questions for study, they will learn how to write their own computer programs to solve these problems. Topics covered will include the use of numerical differentiation and integration, numerical solutions to differential equations, numerical simulation, and approximation techniques to solve specific problems in the natural sciences. This course should serve to provide students with the tools necessary to begin solving computationally intensive problems that occur in the natural sciences. It should be of interest to students in Physics, Chemistry, 3-2 Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science and Biology. Prerequisites: PHYS 132, COMP 160, or consent of the instructor. MATH 323 encouraged. (Three credits.)

PHYS 250. Special Topics (One to three credits.)

PHYS 280. Introduction to Modern Physics
This course will serve to introduce students to the physics of the 20th and 21st centuries. Topics will include introductory atomic physics, nuclear physics, condensed matter physics and particle physics. The course will spend significant time on the modern physics ideas, experimental results, and phenomenology that underlie these topics. Prerequisite: PHYS 130, 132. Prerequisite or co-requisite: PHYS 134. (Three credits.)

PHYS 303. Electricity and Magnetism
A detailed introduction to the principles of electrodynamics. Topics include electrostatics and magentostatics, both in vacuum and matter, and the development of Maxwell’s equations to study electromagnetic fields. Prerequisites: MATH 254 and PHYS 132. (Three credits.)

PHYS 310. Quantum Mechanics
This course will introduce concepts of modern quantum mechanics, including an historical introduction, a review of related classical mechanics techniques and the required mathematical concepts. Topics include postulates of quantum mechanics, matrix formulation, one-dimensional potentials, and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Prerequisites: MATH 254 and PHYS 208. (Three credits.)

PHYS 312. Quantum Mechanics II
Further development of the mathematical methods of quantum mechanics. Three-dimensional potential problems are considered in greater detail. Topics include the hydrogen atom, angular momentum and spin, perturbations, and introductory relativistic quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: PHYS 302. (Three credits.)

PHYS 315L. Advanced Laboratory
This course will help students to learn advanced laboratory techniques and data analysis in Physics. The students will do a selection of 6 to 8 advanced laboratories in Optics, Atomic Physics, Solid State Physics, and Nuclear Physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 132. (One credit.)

PHYS 325. Solid-State Physics
An introduction to solid-state physics, including crystal structure and the thermal, dielectric, and magnetic properties of solids. Topics include band theory and semiconductors, phonons, and superconductivity. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: PHYS 302. (Four credits.)

PHYS 350. Science Seminar
An introduction to the literature of the physical sciences providing the student with the opportunity to prepare and present reports. Required of Juniors and Seniors majoring in chemistry and physics. Other students are invited to participate. May be repeated up to four credits. CR/NC. (One credit.)

PHYS 356. Statistical Physics
An introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Topics include entropy and temperature, Boltzmann distribution, chemical potential and the Gibbs distribution and Fermi and Bose gases. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: PHYS 134 or consent of instructor. (Three credits.)

PHYS 401. Independent Study
Special topics in physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 210, 211 or 212, 303, and 325 or 356. (One to three credits.)

PHYS 420. Senior Research
An individual project in theoretical or experimental physics chosen by the student in consultation with the physics faculty. Prerequisites: PHYS 208, 210, 302, and 303. (Four credits.)

IMPORTANT DATES