Physics Minor

The third semester of the introductory physics sequence as required by physics and engineering majors. Topics covered include introduction to relativity, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, condensed matter, nuclear physics, the standard models of particle physics, the standard cosmological model, and new frontiers of physics. (Three hours lecture and two hours of lab per week.) Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in PHYS 210 and MATH 116. Corequisite: PHYS 220L (Offered fall semester.)

A study of vector forces and their analysis, equilibrium of particles and of rigid bodies, structural analysis and internal forces, distributed forces, center of gravity and centroids. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in ENGR 101 and PHYS 200. ENGR 250 and PHYS 200 may be taken concurrently. (Offered fall semester.)

Introduction to the concept of energy and the laws governing the transfers and transformations of energy. Emphasis on thermodynamic properties and the first and second law analysis of systems and control volumes. Integration of these concepts into the analysis of basic power cycles is introduced. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in ENGR 240 and PHYS 220. ENGR 308 and PHYS 220 may be taken concurrently. (Offered fall semester.)

This course is a multi-disciplinary project-based course that combines mechanical and electronic/electrical systems. The course introduces students to integration of mechanical systems analysis, sensors, software development, electrical systems, control algorithms, testing, design, and simulations of robotic systems. Being a project-based course, it will have a substantial laboratory component supporting team-based design, integration, and testing of robotic systems. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in ENGR 230. (Offered spring semester.)

This course introduces the concept of designing with environmental responsibility in mind. Current environmental regulations, their historical significance, and the agencies responsible for enforcement are introduced. Sustainability in engineering will be defined with it's impacts on the economy and society. New and established technologies promoting sustainability will be evaluated. The concept of life-cycle costs will be introduced. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in ENGR 240. (Offered spring semester.)

Logic circuit elements, logic function and Boolean algebra, combinational logic circuits, PLD and CPLD, introduction to VHDL, sequential logic circuits, finite state machine, memory devices and systems. Two hours lecture and one two-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in ENGR 101 and PHYS 210. Corequisite: ENGR 302L. (Offered fall semester of odd calendar years.)

Introduction to principal concepts and methods of fluid mechanics. Topics include pressure, hydrostatics, and buoyancy; open systems and control volume analysis; mass conservation and momentum conservation for moving fluids; viscous fluid flows, flow through pipes; dimensional analysis; boundary layers, and lift and drag on objects. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in PHYS 210. (Offered fall semester of odd calendar years.)

This course will address principles and properties of engineering materials and manufacturing processes with a focus on their appropriate selection in design. Based on these principles and properties, as well as hands-on laboratory experiences, students will develop systematic methods for matching materials and process choices to the mechanical, thermal, electro-magnetic, and environmental constraints set by the technical requirements of a design problem or project. Prerequisites: Grade of C- or higher in CHEM 111, ENGR 322, and PHYS 210. (Offered fall semester of even calendar years.)

This course will address development of basic, practical knowledge and skills in operating manual and CNC-controlled machine tools. Both subtractive and additive manufacturing processes will be explored, and students will learn best practices for making informed choices between them based on design needs. Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) will be introduced to provide background for future courses (e.g. senior capstone project). Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in ENGR 312. (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years.)

This course introduces systems dynamic control fundamentals and their design issues for electrical engineering applications. Emphasis is on linear, time-invariant, multi-input multi- output systems. Topics include open and closed-loop state-space representations, analytical solutions, computer simulations, stability, controllability and controller design. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in ENGR 230. (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years.)

This course will cover the physics of diodes; diode applications; physics, biasing, and small-signal models of bipolar junction transistors (BJT's) and field-effect transistors (FET's); frequency response of amplifiers; feedback; oscillators; operational amplifiers; and active filters. (Three hours lecture and two hours lab each week.) Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in ENGR 230. (Offered fall semester of even calendar years.)

This course will have a theoretical and hands-on experience of mathematical modeling in mechanical systems; thermal stresses, beam elements, and solid models. Prerequisites: Grade of C- or higher in ENGR 308 and ENGR 322. (Offered spring semester of even calendar years.)

An introduction to microcontroller and embedded systems. Microcomputer hardware organization and software programming; use of microcontrollers in embedded systems. Two hours lecture and two hours lab. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in ENGR 302. (Offered spring semester of even calendar years.)

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 per week. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in PHYS 210. (Offered spring of even calendar years.)

An intermediate course on quantum mechanics using matrix formalism and operator methods; quantum states of photons and electrons, measurement, angular momentum and rotation, two-particle systems and entanglement, time evolution, harmonic oscillator, wave mechanics in three dimension. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in PHYS 220. Corequisite: PHYS 324L. (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years.)

Laboratory applications of upper level physics in one of Greenville's labs. Special emphasis will be given to developing skills to conduct experiments and use of instrumentation, automation, and data analysis. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in PHYS 220. (Offered fall semester of odd calendar years.)

Introduces the structure of an atom and its arrangement to form solid materials. Highlights the deviation from an ideal atomic or imperfections within the atomic arrangement. Presents the relationship between these atomic arrangements and the material's mechanical, thermal, electronic, magnetic, and photonic properties. (Offered Spring of Odd Years)

This course explores the fundamental principles of vehicle dynamics, including acceleration, braking, road loads, ride, cornering, suspensions, steering systems, rollover, and tire mechanics. Students will learn to model and analyze vehicle behavior under various conditions, enhancing their understanding of automotive engineering and performance optimization. Prerequisites: C- or better in ENGR 240, ENGR 260, and PHYS 200.