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.

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.

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.

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.

The course covers the developments in physics of the 20th century that 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 the discoveries and a connection sought between modern physical thinking and events of the current scene. Prerequisite: PHYS 102 or 105.

The course considers forensic evidence and the reliability of the data analyzed in the laboratory. It looks at basic physics principles found in optics, statics and kinesmatics and shows how forensic scientists apply them to court room evidence.

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.

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.

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.

This course introduces the concept of energy in all its forms and discusses its role in modern society. Discussions include sources of energy, along with their social and environmental impact.

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 the 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.

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.

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.

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.

This course is intended to give the student experience in the observational techniques of modern astronomy. The course is designed to complement Physics 122 Astronomy 2, but may be taken with Physics 121 Astronomy I. Corequisite: PHYS 121 or 122.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Continuation of Physics I. Prerequisites: MATH 140, PHYS 161. Corequisite: MATH 141

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.

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.

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.

This course is designed for students in the sciences or computer sciences who wish to review basic electricity and how electronic components are combined to form linear (e.g. amplifier) and digital functions.

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.

This course considers forensic evidence and data disclosed in the laboratory and its reliability. An understanding of the scope of expert examinations is achieved. The nature of the results expected from laboratory inquiries conducted by trained specialists is realized.

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.

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.

These courses are designed to meet specific needs of groups of students or are offered on a trial basis in order to determine the demand for and value of introducing them as part of the university curriculum.

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.

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.

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.

This course introduces the student to common problem-solving techniques used in solving advanced physics problems. Many typical mathematical tools that are essential to solving physics problems are introduced and practiced in this course. Prerequisites: PHYS 162, MATH 240.

This course is an open-ended but directed laboratory activity in both classical and modern physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 161, 162. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 261.

This course has the same description as PHYS 333, but different experiments are performed. These two courses can be taken in either order. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 261.

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.

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.

The Rise of Modern Science and Technology is an in-depth study of the development of modern physical science and its connection to technology. The models that are considered training points for scientific theory are examined in detail. The mutual interaction of science and technology is presented within the context of scientific development. Prerequisites: Introductory science course at the college level and junior standing; Honors Program.

This course is a study of the origin and characteristics of nuclear radiations emitted from radioisotopes and their attenuation in matter. Laboratory emphasis is placed upon detection and measurement of nuclear radiations and the use of radioisotopes in scientific studies and research. Prerequisite: PHYS 105 or 117 or 131 or 161.

This course introduces ideas of wave mechanics and matrix mechanics. Schrodinger's equation is applied to simple problems. Approximation techniques for the more difficult problems of nuclear and atomic physics are studied. Prerequisites: PHYS 262, MATH 341.

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.

This lecture/laboratory course will cover both geometrical and wave optics. Geometrical optics will include a study of the property of lenses and mirrors and the ray tracing techniques used to design optical components. Wave optics will include superposition and interference of single and multiple light beams. The lab will focus on hands-on applications such as optical instrument design and analysis, fiber optics and laser technology. Prerequisite: PHYS 161 and 162 or PHYS 131 and 132, MATH 140 and 141.

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, 262, MATH 141.

This course examines past works and philosophical thought of noted physical scientists. Emphasis is placed on the nature of scientific discovery and the processes of science. This course is also listed as CHEM 405. Prerequisite: PHYS 105 or 117 or 121 or 131 or 161.

This course deals with heat and thermodynamics and applications to special systems, kinetic theory of gases, and statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: PHYS 162; MATH 141.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PHYS 431 Electromagnetic Theory (4:3:3)

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.

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.

This course examines the quantum-mechanical basis of atomic and nuclear structure and studies the phenomena of atomic and nuclear transitions. Prerequisite: PHYS 262.

This course discusses the application of Newtonian mechanics to more complicated systems than those studied in Physics I. Prerequisites: PHYS 261, 328, MATH 240.

This course introduces the student to detailed and complete treatments of problems which require expertise from several areas. Prerequisites: PHYS 161, 162, 261, 262.

This experience is taken upon the initiative of a student who seeks to study with a knowledgeable faculty member in order to deepen a specific interest in a particular academic discipline. Independent study is a process through which a student either sharply increases his/her already advanced knowledge of a subject matter or increases his/her appreciation about an academic discipline that is related to a student's advanced knowledge of a subject. The proposed independent study must be submitted to the department for approval. The faculty member supervising the independent study must provide a minimum of five (5) hours of time per credit hour upon request of the student. Prerequisite: PHYS 105 or 131 or 161.

Prerequisite: PHYS 105 or 110 or 117 or 121 or 131 or 161.

This course is an experimental investigation selected by the student in consultation with a member of the faculty and carried out under the faculty's supervision. Approximately twelve hours of research per week is required for three credits. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing as a physics major or by permission of the department.

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.