PHY-198-298-398. Topics in Physics
Selected topics in the field of physics. These may include one or more of the following: astronomy; geophysics; biophysics; nuclear power and waste; relativity; quantum mechanics; semi-conductors; cryogenics; health physics. May be repeated for credit.
PHY-395-396. Independent Research
PHY-105. Concepts in Physics
Basic concepts of physical science, including the scientific method, will be studied.
Theories, laws, and experiments from mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics,
optics, and atomic and nuclear physics may be included. Viewpoints will be classical
and modern, including quantum and relativistic. Class meets for four hours per week:
two hours of lecture and one two-hour lab each week.
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PHY-140. Scientific Programming
PHY-171. Principles of Classical and Modern Physics
An introductory course designed to promote and understanding of the more important
fundamental laws and methods of mechanics and electricity and magnetism. Laboratory
work to emphasize basic principles and to acquaint the student with measuring instruments
and their use, as well as the interpretation of experimental data. Three hours of
demonstration and lecture, one hour of recitation, and two hours of lab per week.
Co-requisite: MTH-111
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PHY-174. Application of Classical and Modern Physics
An introductory course designed to promote an understanding of the more important
fundamental laws and methods of heat, optics, and modern physics. Laboratory work
to emphasize basic principles and to acquaint the student with measuring instruments
and their use, as well as the interpretation of experimental data. Three hours of
demonstration and lecture, one hour of recitation, and two hours of lab per week.
Co-requisite: MTH-111
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PHY-201. General Physics I
A thorough grounding in the concepts, principles, and laws of mechanics, and wave
motion. Instruction by demonstration and lecture, recitation, and problem solving.
Four hours of demonstration and lecture per week.
PHY-202. General Physics II
A thorough grounding in the concepts, principles, and laws of Electricity and magnetism, optics and light. Instruction by demonstration and lecture, recitation, and problem solving. Four hours of demonstration and lecture per week.
PHY-203. Modern Physics
Modern physics including the experimental basis, concepts, and principles of atomic and nuclear physics. Three hours of demonstration and lecture per week.
PHY-204. General Physics I Lab
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PHY-205. General Physics II Lab
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PHY-206. Modern Physics Lab
This intermediate level laboratory course offers a modern view of some of the famous
experiments in the history of physics leading to the development of relativity and
quantum theory. Additionally, the experiments are designed to prepare students to
conduct experiments in contemporary physics labs. In doing so, this course presents
a hands-on experience to reinforce the learning of fundamental concepts in EM theory,
relativity, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, solid state physics, atomic
physics, and nuclear physics.
PHY-214. Applied Physics
Modeling of various problems in physical, chemical, biological, and environmental
sciences, particularly physical dynamical systems; Includes application of ordinary
differential equations, and Laplace, Fourier, and Z transforms to continuous and discrete
processes, matrix mechanics and eigenvalue problems, statistics and probability, random
processes and distribution functions.
2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of laboratory per week.
PHY-311. Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
This course focuses on the laws of thermodynamics and other thermodynamic concepts including entropy, free energy, equilibrium, and fluctuations as well as their pivotal role in physics and other scientific disciplines. Topics in statistical mechanics will be covered including partition functions, ensembles, kinetic theory, and phase transitions. Three hours of lecture per week.
PHY-312. Analytical Mechanics
Employs advanced mathematical tools to study applications in complex mechanical systems. It offers an advanced differential reformulation of Newton's laws to study dynamical systems in multiple dimensions, conservative force fields, damped and driven oscillations, two-body problem, central forces and planetary motion, and the rotational dynamics of rigid bodies. Additionally, the course delivers a thorough grounding on the calculus of variations, Lagrange's formalism and Hamiltonian mechanics, all being the essential foundations for the development of modern physics (relativity, quantum mechanics, and quantum field theory). Three hours of lecture per week.
PHY-314. Quantum Mechanics
This course presents an intermediate level of Quantum Mechanics using the abstract formulation of linear vector spaces in the Dirac formalism. Topics covered include: spin, addition of angular momentum, scattering and bound particles, the harmonic oscillator, two-body problem and central potential wells in 3D, H-atom and H-like atoms, time-independent perturbation theory, identical particles and the He-atom. In addition to the foundations of Quantum Mechanics, the course offers a selection of advanced and modern topics like entanglement and quantum teleportation. Three hours of lecture per week.
PHY-374. Imaging in Biomedicine
This course will cover different aspects of imaging important to medicine and biomedicine
including optical microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, scanning electron microscopy,
magnetic resonance, ultrasound X-ray, nuclear radiation, microwave and electro-/magneto-encephalographic
techniques as well as image processing. Three hours of lecture and three hours of
lab per week.
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PHY-377. Biophysics
This course presents an overview of the important physical principles governing the behavior of cells and macromolecules. Upper-level mathematics that are useful to understand these phenomena are introduced in a way that is comprehensible to biology majors lacking background beyond basic calculus. In addition to the physical models governing the most ubiquitous molecular and cellular processes, the physics behind the most common experimental techniques used in biology, bioengineering, and biophysics are covered. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week.
PHY-391. Senior Project I
Students will plan and execute a research project in the field of physics or at the
intersection of physics and another related discipline. Projects can be theoretical,
experimental or both and can include the design of unique experiments and simulations.
A detailed progress report and presentation are required. Students pursuing a dual
degree or double major may be eligible to combine this project with the capstone project
of another program (subject to the approval of their advisors in both programs).
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PHY-392. Senior Project II
Students will plan and execute a research project in the field of physics or at the
intersection of physics and another related discipline. This is a continuation of
PHY 391. A professional paper and progress report are required. Students will present
the results of their work in an open-forum. Students pursuing a dual degree or double
major may be eligible to combine this project with the capstone project of another
program (subject to the approval of their advisors in both programs).
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