Physics Major

Basic principles of chemical reactions and descriptive chemistry are integrated in terms of atomic structure, bonding theory, molecular geometry, reaction rates, equilibrium, and thermodynamics. (Three lecture hours and three lab hours per week.)

A continuation of CHM 111. (Three lecture hours and three lab hours per week.)

The first course in the regular calculus sequence. Basic techniques of differentiation and integration are covered. Topics from Analytic Geometry are introduced.

Techniques of integration, sequences and series, parametric equations, vector valued functions.

A calculus-based introductory physics course that covers kinematics and Newton's laws of motion; conservation laws for momentum, energy, and angular momentum; torques and static equilibrium; simple harmonic motion. (Three hours lecture, two hours of lab and one hour of tutorial per week.)

Using a modern high-level programming language, this course introduces algorithmic problem solving, basic control structures, basic data structures, and procedural abstraction.

Continuation of PHY 120 covering electric fields and forces, electric potential, resistors, capacitors and DC circuits; magnetic fields and forces, electromagnetic induction and inductors, electromagnetic waves and Maxwell's equations; and geometrical and physical optics. (Three hours lecture, two hours of lab and one hour of tutorial per week.)

The differential and integral calculus of multi-variate functions, line and surface integrals, Green's Theorem, Divergence Theorem, Stokes' Theorem.

First-order differential equations, linear equations, and linear systems, power series solutions, Laplace Transforms.

The third semester of the introductory physics sequence as required by physics and pre-engineering majors. Topics covered include rotational motion and rigid-body motion; mechanical waves, sound waves and acoustical phenomena; statistical mechanics; AC circuits; special relativity; and interference and diffraction of light. (Three hours lecture, two hours of lab and one hour of tutorial per week.)

An intermediate course that is basic for graduate work in physics. Topics covered include direct and alternating current circuits, static electric and magnetic fields, and Maxwell's equations. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week.

The motion of a particle and a system of particles as described by Newtonian mechanics are studied. Vector algebra and vector calculus are used. Velocity dependent forces, central forces, oscillatory motion, rigid body motion, and moving coordinate frames are typical topics.

Equilibrium thermodynamics, the first law, equations of state, changes of state, the second law, criteria for spontaneity, electrochemistry, and applications to chemical and physical systems. (Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week.) Cross listed with CHM 321 Physical Chemistry.

In this course a quantitative understanding of atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics is presented through the applications of introductory quantum mechanics. The course is valuable to both physics majors and chemistry students who need a background in quantum mechanics. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week. Cross listed with CHM 322 Physical Chemistry.

This is an independent study of theoretical physics at an advanced undergraduate level. Students will meet with the professor for guidance and discussion at regularly appointed times. This course is designed to allow students to choose the area of advanced study most relevant to their educational goals. Any student planning to apply to a graduate program in physics is strongly advised to take two Senior Physics courses, one of which should focus on the study of advanced quantum mechanics. The second course should be an area of interest to the student. Standard topics for students continuing to graduate school include advanced optics, nuclear physics, particle physics and solid state (condensed matter) physics. Students interested in engineering graduate school might consider further study in the area of Advanced Mechanics. Students may choose an area of interest other than those listed above, provided it is approved by their advisor and the course instructor. (offered fall and spring semesters, respectively.)

Students present oral and written reports and discuss topics dealing with the history and philosophy of science. This course is to be taken by all physics majors in either the junior or senior year. Meets the general education writing intensive requirement.