College of Arts and Sciences
The Faculty of Science
Gessner Science Hall, Room 107
570-422-3341......www.esu.edu/physics
About the Program
Three programs are available in Earth and Space Science.
The Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Space Science is designed to prepare students with a broad background in the Earth and Space Sciences (including astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography).
The Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science (Secondary Education) provides the content needed to teach the Earth and Space Sciences in secondary schools.
The Bachelor of Science in Physics (earth and space science track; see Physics section in catalog) is designed to prepare students either for advanced study in the fields of astronomy, geology and meteorology , or for immediate employment in these sectors.
Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Space Science
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Are you interested in...
- Astronomy
- Geology
- Space Science
Choose Earth and Space Science at ESU
- Small class sizes
- Hands-on environment
- Highly qualified and experienced faculty
Is earth and space science a career path for me?
Career Potential
- Earth science equipment specialists
- Science writing
- Earth and space science data analysis
Career Settings
- Local, state and governmental agencies
- National and private laboratories
- Equipment and technical companies
More detailed career information is available from the department.
Program Features
47 semester hours
- Required major courses: BIOL 114, 474; CHEM 121, 123; GEOG 120, 121, 220, PHYS 121, 122, 124, 131 or 161, 132 or 162, 495; two courses from (PHYS 304, 404, 305; BIOL 469, 480; GEOG 321); one course from (BIOL 200, 210; CHEM 108, 373); 3 additional credits related to the major, approved by the adviser.
- Corequisite courses: MATH 135, 140; one course in CPSC.
- Additional requirements: At least 9 credits of required courses (not corequisites), must be completed at ESU. A minimum of a C must be obtained in each of the required courses.
- Coordinator: Professor David Buckley, Department of Physics
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Program Curriculum Plan
-
(Subject to change by the university without notice)
Freshman Year
Fall
General Education Elective
|
3
|
GEOG 120 GE: Physical Geography
|
3
|
PHYS 121 GE: Astronomy I: Sky and Solar System
|
3
|
*General Education Elective - Group A
|
3
|
ENGL 103: English Composition
|
3
|
PHYS 124: Observational Astronomy Lab
|
1
|
Subtotal
|
16
|
Spring
GEOG 121 GE: Physical Geology
|
3
|
PHYS 122 GE: Astronomy II: Stars and Galaxies
|
3
|
CPSC 101 GE: PC's and Their Uses in Science
|
3
|
MATH 135 GE: Pre-Calculus
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group C
|
3
|
Subtotal
|
15
|
Sophomore Year
Fall
MATH 140 GE: Calculus 1
|
4
|
BIOL 114 GE: Introductory Biology I
|
4
|
General Education Elective
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group A (2nd English)
|
3
|
Fitness Elective
|
1
|
Subtotal
|
15
|
Spring
PHYS 131 GE: Fundamental Physics I
|
4
|
GEOG 220 GE: Meteorology
|
3
|
General Education Elective
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group A
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group C
|
3
|
Subtotal
|
16
|
Junior Year
Fall
General Education Elective
|
3
|
PHYS 132 GE: Fundamental Physics II
|
4
|
CHEM 121 GE: General Chemistry I
|
3
|
CHEM 123 GE: General Chemistry I Laboratory
|
1
|
Earth and Space Science Elective
|
3
|
Fitness Elective
|
1
|
Subtotal
|
15
|
Spring
General Education Elective
|
3
|
BIOL 474 Introduction to Oceanography
|
3
|
Environmental Science Elective
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group A
|
3
|
Earth and Space Science Elective
|
3
|
PHYS 495 Seminar
|
1
|
Subtotal
|
16
|
Senior Year
Fall
General Education Elective
|
2
|
General Education Elective
|
3
|
ESPS-Related Elective
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group C
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group A
|
3
|
Subtotal
|
14
|
Spring
General Education Elective
|
6
|
General Education Elective
|
6
|
General Education Elective
|
1
|
Subtotal
|
13
|
Total Credits
|
120
|
*CMST 111 Speech Communication is recommended.
For more information, contact Program Coordinator David Buckley at 570-422-3351 or via e-mail at dbuckley@po-box.esu.edu.
Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science - Secondary Education
-
Are you interested in...
- Astronomy and Earth Science
- Sharing your love of science with others
- Encouraging students to discover the world around them
- Helping students begin careers in science
Choose Earth and Space Science — Secondary Education at ESU
- Small class sizes
- Hands-on environment
- Highly qualified and experienced faculty
- Partnerships with area school districts
Is Earth and Space Science - Secondary Education a career path for me?
Career Potential
- High School Astronomy Teacher
- High School Earth Science Teacher
- Junior High School Earth Science Teacher
Career Settings
- Public High School
- Private High School or Preparatory Academy
More detailed career information is available from the department.
-
Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science - Secondary Education
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Program Features
48 Semester Hours
- Required major courses: BIOL 114, 474; CHEM 121, 123; GEOG 120, 121, 220; PHYS 121, 122, 124, 131 (or 161), 132 (or 162), 495; 2 courses from (PHYS 304, 305, 404; BIOM 469, 480; GEOG 321); 1 course from (BIOL 200, 210; CHEM 108, 373); 3 additional credits related to the major, approved by the adviser.
- Corequisite courses: MATH 135, 140; one course in CPSC.
- Required professional education courses: MCOM 262; PSED 161, 242, 346, 420, 421, 430, 431; REED 321, PHYS 499.
- Recommended course: CMST 111.
- Additional requirements:
- At least nine credits of required courses (not corequisites), 300-level or above must be completed at ESU. A minimum of a "C" must be obtained in each of the required courses.
- The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has established new requirements for all candidates in teacher preparation programs. Please refer to the section The College of Education in the Undergraduate Catalog for specific requirements for admission into teacher education programs.
- Coordinator: Professor Robert Cohen, Department of Physics.
-
Program Curriculum Plan
-
(Subject to change by the university without notice)
Freshman Year
Fall
PSED 161: Foundations of Education
|
3
|
GEOG 120: GE: Physical Geography
|
3
|
PHYS 121: GE: Astronomy I: Sky and Solar System
|
3
|
*General Education Elective - Group A
|
3
|
ENGL 103: English Composition
|
3
|
PHYS 124: Observational Astronomy Lab
|
1
|
Subtotal
|
16
|
Spring
GEOG 121 GE: Physical Geology
|
3
|
PHYS 122 GE: Astronomy II: Stars and Galaxies
|
3
|
CPSC 101 GE: PC's and Their Uses in Science
|
3
|
MATH 135 GE: Pre-Calculus
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group C
|
3
|
Subtotal
|
15
|
Sophomore Year
Fall
MATH 140 GE: Calculus 1
|
4
|
BIOL 114 GE: Introductory Biology I
|
4
|
PSED 242: Educational Psychology
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group A (2nd English)
|
3
|
Fitness Elective
|
1
|
Subtotal
|
15
|
Spring
PHYS 131 GE: Fundamental Physics I
|
4
|
GEOG 220 GE: Meteorology
|
3
|
MCOM 262: Educational Communication and Technology
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group A
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group C
|
3
|
Subtotal
|
16
|
Junior Year
Fall
REED 321: Teaching of Reading in Secondary Schools
|
3
|
PHYS 132 GE: Fundamental Physics II
|
4
|
CHEM 121 GE: General Chemistry I
|
3
|
CHEM 123 GE: General Chemistry I Laboratory
|
1
|
Earth and Space Science Elective
|
3
|
Fitness Elective
|
1
|
Subtotal
|
15
|
Spring
PSED 420: Seminar in Secondary Education I
|
3
|
BIOL 474: Introduction to Oceanography
|
3
|
Environmental Science Elective
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group A
|
3
|
Earth and Space Science Elective
|
3
|
PHYS 495: Seminar
|
1
|
Subtotal
|
16
|
Senior Year
Fall
PSED 421: Seminar in Secondary Education II
|
2
|
PSED 446: Teaching of Science in the Secondary School
|
3
|
ESPS-Related Elective
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group C
|
3
|
General Education Elective - Group A
|
3
|
Subtotal
|
14
|
Spring
PSED 430: Student Teaching in Secondary Education/Middle School/Junior High School
|
6
|
PSED 431: Student Teaching in Secondary Education/Senior High School
|
6
|
PHYS 499: Student Teaching Internship
|
1
|
Subtotal
|
13
|
Total Credits
|
120
|
*CMST 111 Speech Communication is recommended.
Teacher education program requirements have been changed to reflect new certification rules for students applying for certification after December 31, 2012.
For more information, contact Program Coordinator Robert Cohen at 570-422-3428 or via e-mail at rcohen@po-box.esu.edu.
Science and Technology Center 570-422-3341 www.esu.edu/physics
Course Descriptions
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PHYS 101 GE: Physical Science - Force, Matter and Energy (3)
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This course examines selected fundamental concepts necessary to the understanding of physical phenomena. Topics included are motion, atomic structure, waves, heat and thermodynamics, and nuclear science. Science as a process – its attributes, strengths, and limitations – is also examined. Demonstrations dealing with physical principles characterize much of the course.
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PHYS 102 GE: Physics Liberal Art (3)
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This course acquaints students with what physics is and how it is important. It provides an introduction to physics and its development, examines the physical world in which we live, and explores issues and technologies with which physicists and engineers are involved. This course does not involve problem solving and is available to non-science majors with a non-mathematical background.
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PHYS 103 Science for Involvement (3)
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This course is offered primarily for non-science majors, to help students attain the science literacy and science competencies which are the foundation for acceptable performance in their own chosen fields. The course is group interaction– and activity– oriented, based upon students' selections from a list of the suggested topics.
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PHYS 105 GE: Physics for the Inquiring Mind (3)
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This is a descriptive course designed to raise the level of scientific literacy, particularly in the basic tenets of physics. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, satellite trajectories, and several areas of current interest.
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PHYS 106 GE: Modern Physics (3)
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The course examines recent developments that have led to our current understanding of nature and have influenced human thought and values. The universal symmetries, relativity, and quantum mechanics will be examined in depth by exploring the processes of reasoning and investigation that led to their discoveries and a connection sought between modern physical thinking and events of the current scene.
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PHYS 107 GE: Physics and Forensic Science (3)
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PHYS 110 GE: Sound Waves and Light (3)
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This course is designed to inform the students of the wave nature of the physical world. It is a qualitative presentation of the phenomena of sound, light, electricity, and magnetism.
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PHYS 111 Engineering Graphics (2)
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This course includes multiview projections, pictorial drawings, dimensioning, engineering standards and working drawings. It involves an introduction to creative design, space analysis, graphs, graphical mathematics, vector analysis, and design implementation (CAD and manual). Prerequisite: MATH 120 or 121.
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PHYS 116 Energy Conservation in the Home (3)
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In order to provide a comfortable lifestyle for future generations as well as the present one, intelligent well-informed decisions are necessary. The material presented in this course will help the student understand the problems, options, and costs involved in such decisions so that the student may take informed actions in the use of energy.
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PHYS 117 GE: Energy (3)
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PHYS 118 GE: Solar Energy (3)
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This is a course designed to inform the student of the source of solar energy, what's being done to harness this energy, and how students may benefit from solar devices they may build themselves. The course requires very simple calculations and includes the construction of one solar device. Also included are several detailed analyses of the economics of home solar systems.
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PHYS 121 GE: Astronomy I: The Sky and Solar System (3)
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This course in descriptive astronomy deals with the scientific principles essential to the understanding of astronomy. Topics covered include basic observational astronomy, the historical development of astronomy, spectroscopy and telescopes, planetary science, the origin and evolution of the solar system, and the sun as a star.
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PHYS 122 GE: Astronomy II: Stars and Galaxies (3)
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This course in descriptive astronomy is a continuation of Astronomy I. The topics covered include observational properties of stars, stellar life cycles, pulsars and black holes, the Milky Way Galaxy, extragalactic astronomy, quasars, and cosmology. Prerequisite: PHYS 121.
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PHYS 123 GE: Introduction to Physical Cosmology (3)
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This is a descriptive course which introduces current theories on the origin and evolution of the universe. Particular emphasis is placed on how ideas from such diverse areas of study as extragalactic astronomy, relativity, and particle physics have combined to provide a reasonably coherent theory of the beginning of time and the cosmos. Prerequisite: Honors Program.
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PHYS 124 Observational Astronomy Lab (1)
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PHYS 131 GE: Fundamental Physics I (4)
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Together with Fundamental Physics II, this course covers basic principles and methods of all branches of classical physics at an introductory level. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, gravitation, waves, optics, heat, electricity, and magnetism. Prerequisite: MATH 135.
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PHYS 132 GE: Fundamental Physics II (4)
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Physics 132 is a continuation of Physics 131. Topics covered include electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic radiation and optics. Some brief material on atomic and nuclear physics as well as quantum mechanics is introduced where possible. Prerequisites: PHYS 131; MATH 135.
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PHYS 151 Physics of Flight (3)
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This course is intended to give its students knowledge of the forces acting on aircraft in flight maneuvers, the mechanisms of each flight and engine instrument, aircraft electronics, reference frames used in flight navigation, very high frequency omni range navigation techniques, non-directional beacon navigation techniques, the physical background for federal aviation regulations, and necessary weather consideration.
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PHYS 152 Physics of Flight Lab (1)
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This course is intended to give the student practical applications of the theoretical aspects of the topics covered in PHYS 151. Included in this lab are 10 hours of flight instruction with an FAA certified flight instructor or a student's solo license, whichever comes first. An additional fee is required. Contact the Department of Physics for details.
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PHYS 161 GE: Physics I (4)
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Together with Physics II, this course covers basic principles and methods of all branches of classical physics at an introductory level. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, gravitation, waves, optics, heat electricity and magnetism. Prerequisite: MATH 140.
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PHYS 162 GE: Physics II (4)
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PHYS 201 Statics (3)
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This course examines the composition and resolution of forces, equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies, centroids, moments and products of inertia, distributed forces, analysis of structures, analysis of beams, friction, and virtual work. Prerequisites: PHYS 161, MATH 140, 141 concurrently.
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PHYS 202 Dynamics (3)
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This course considers dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, relative motion, dynamic equilibrium, D'Alembert's principle, work, energy, impulse, and momentum. Prerequisites: PHYS 161, 201; MATH 141.
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PHYS 240 Basic Electronics (4)
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This course is an introduction to basic electronics and instrumentation for scientists. The goal is to introduce the student to modern electronic circuit building blocks – integrated circuits and electronic sensors along with electronic instrumentation. Special emphasis will be placed on the application of the personal computer (PC) as a virtual electronic instrument. The students will receive hands on experience in the use of LabView software that provides a graphical programming environment to use the computer plug-in cards and a PC for analysis and display. This new technology will be used in the study of basic electronic and DC circuits, semiconductor circuit devices (transistors) and analog and digital integrated circuits. Prerequisites: Completion of an introductory physics course and/or permission of the instructor.
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PHYS 241 Linear and Digital Electronics (3)
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PHYS 251 CJA: Traffic Accident Investigation (3)
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The course considers the physical aspects of traffic accident investigation and reconstruction. Included are such topics as recording information, photography, dynamics of vehicles, and speed determination. It is offered in cooperation with the Institute of Criminal Justice Administration.
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PHYS 252 CJA: Advanced Criminalistics (3)
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PHYS 253 CJA: Fire and Arson Investigation (3)
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This course considers the physical aspects of fire and arson investigation. Included are such topics as properties of materials, physical aspects of fires, physical examination of the fire scene to determine origin, ignition sources and their physical aspects, and characteristic physical features indicating incendiarism.
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PHYS 261 Physics III (3)
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This course extends the concepts of PHYS 161 and PHYS 162 to an exploration of wave phenomena, thermodynamics, and special relativity. Prerequisites: PHYS 161, 162, MATH 140, 141 and 240 or concurrent enrollment.
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PHYS 290 Special Topics (Semester hours arranged)
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PHYS 301 Strength of Materials (3)
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This course explores strength and elasticity of materials, theory of stresses and strains, deflection of beams and shafts, torsion, and buckling of structures. Prerequisites: PHYS 201, MATH 140.
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PHYS 304 Modern Physical Astronomy (3)
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This course is a quantitative treatment of modern astronomy stressing the application of basic physics for investigating the properties of celestial bodies and systems. Topics will include basic celestial mechanics, radiation and matter, stellar structure and evolution, the structure and motions of galaxies, and cosmology. Prerequisites: PHYS 131 or 161, 121, 122, MATH 140. Corequisite: PHYS 132 or 162.
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PHYS 305 Physics of the Atmosphere (3)
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This course provides an introduction to the physical process of the atmosphere. Mechanisms affecting heat, moisture and air motion are investigated and related to atmospheric phenomena. Prerequisites: MATH 140, PHYS 131 or 161, GEOG 220, CHEM 121.
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PHYS 328 Mathematical Physics (3)
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PHYS 333 Advanced Physics Lab I (3)
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PHYS 334 Advanced Physics Lab II (3)
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PHYS 350 Cognitive Science (3)
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This interdisciplinary course is a study of a topic of common interest in computer science, linguistics, physical science, neuroscience, philosophy and psychology, namely the acquisition, organization, and expression of knowledge. Prerequisite: Honors Program.
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PHYS 361 Physics IV (3)
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This course introduces the student to the physics of atoms, molecules, nuclei and elementary particles. The course includes early quantum theory, relativistic mechanics, and the wave and quantum properties of photons and electrons; Schrodinger's equation, and its application to the structure of atoms, molecules, and solids; nuclear physics, elementary particles. Prerequisite: PHYS 261, MATH 240, and PHYS 328 or concurrent enrollment.
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PHYS 370 The Rise of Modern Science and Technology (3)
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PHYS 380 Radioisotopes (3)
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PHYS 401 Quantum Physics (3)
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PHYS 402 Contemporary Topics in Science (3)
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This course deals with the nature and theoretical basis of recent noteworthy advances in science. Interdisciplinary in design, the course draws its content from the various disciplines of the natural sciences. Emphasis is placed upon topics being reported upon in professional journals. This course also listed as BIOL 402, and CHEM 402. Prerequisite: PHYS 105 or 117 or 121 or 131 or 161.
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PHYS 403 Optics (3)
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This course will cover geometrical, wave optics and applications of optical phenomena used in industry with an emphasis on how mathematical models of these phenomena are used. Possible topics include diffraction, fourier optics, basics of coherence theory, laser technology, holography and non-linear optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 261 and 328.
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PHYS 404 Introductory Astrophysics (3)
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This is a course in modern astrophysics stressing the application of physical concepts to the study of the heavens. Topics will include radiative transfer, astrophysical radiative processes, stellar structure and evolution, compact stars and black holes, galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, and cosmology. Prerequisites: PHYS 121, 361, MATH 141.
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PHYS 405 The Development of Modern Physical Science (3)
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PHYS 411 Thermal Physics (3)
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PHYS 415 Computational Physics (3)
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This course will introduce students to the new and expanding field of Computational Physics. They will learn how to use the computer to solve equations that cannot be solved analytically ("by hand"). Besides reading and learning about the techniques, students will be expected to actually write software to implement some of the techniques learned in class (as homework). This course is meant to extend CPSC 211 Scientific Computing with FORTRAN to more advanced physics problems. Prerequisites: PHYS 162, CPSC 111 (or 211). Corequisite: MATH 341.
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PHYS 421 Statistical Physics (3)
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Students study large-scale systems consisting of many atoms or molecules. Subjects of statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, thermodynamics, and heat are introduced. Prerequisites: PHYS 162, MATH 240.
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PHYS 423 Advanced Electronics (3)
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This course will develop the theory of precision operational amplifier circuits, analog to digital converters, digital to analog converters and analog switches. The course will introduce the student to digital design using discrete circuits, PAL's and Field Programmable Gate arrays. The student will learn about the control and interfacing of these circuits to microcontrollers as well as understanding the implications of hardware vs. software control and processing of signals. Prerequisites: PHYS 240, MATH 140, 141 and either PHYS 162 or 132.
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PHYS 428 Theoretical Physics (3)
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The main thrust of this course will be the application of various standard mathematical techniques to the solution of upper level problems in Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Wave Theory, Fluid Dynamics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Physics, and Relativity. Students considering advanced study or employment in the field of Physics or Engineering are highly encouraged to enroll. Prerequisites: PHYS 261, MATH 240.
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PHYS 431 Electromagnetic Theory (4)
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This course starts with an introduction to electrostatic problems. The student is then introduced to special relativity and the Lorentz transformation. Special relativity is then used to transform the electrostatic problem to understand magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations, and electrodynamics. Finally, an introduction to electromagnetic waves and their propagation is developed. Prerequisites: PHYS 161, 162. Corequisite: MATH 341.
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PHYS 432 Applied Electromagnetic Theory: Radio Waves and High Frequency Circuits (4)
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This course will apply Maxwell's equations to the propagation of electromagnetic waves in free space, wave guides and coaxial cables. The transmission line equation will be developed and analyzed for the case of real practicable transmission line. Maxwell's equations will be used to analyze antennas. Prerequisites: PHYS 161, 162, 431 and Math 341.
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PHYS 433 Atomic and Nuclear Physics (3)
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PHYS 441 Theoretical Mechanics (3)
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PHYS 471 Special Problems in Physics (3)
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This course introduces the student to detailed and complete treatments of problems which require expertise from several areas. Prerequisites: PHYS 161, 162, 261,361.
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PHYS 485 Independent Study (Semester hours arranged)
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PHYS 486 Field Experience and Internships (Semester hours arranged)
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PHYS 493 Research in Physics (3)
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PHYS 495 Seminar (1)
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Participants perform self-guided, in-depth examinations of relatively common phenomena, contemporary issues and/or recent research in physical and related fields. Supporting evidence and theory is documented in formal written and/or oral reports by participants. Attendance in departmental colloquia is required. Prerequisites: PHYS 131 and 132, or 161 and 162.
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PHYS 499 Student Teaching Internship (1)
