Courses in Physics
1101/1111 Stellar Astronomy Laboratory (0-2). Laboratory experiences to supplement Physics 1301. Topics included are stellar magnitudes and distances, spectroscopy and spectral classification, stellar evolution, stellar motions, galaxies, and cosmology. Some night observing sessions are required.
1102/1112 Solar System Astronomy Laboratory (0-2). Laboratory experiences to supplement Physics 1302. Topics included are planetary orbits, telescopic observations of Saturn and Jupiter, lunar features, comets, celestial coordinates, celestial sphere concepts. Some night observing sessions are required.
1301/1311 Fundamentals of Astronomy (3-0). An introductory study of the current knowledge and techniques of astronomy. Stellar astronomy and cosmology will be emphasized.
1302/1312 Astronomy of the Solar System (3-0). A study of the current knowledge and techniques of astronomy as applied to our solar system. Information obtained from recent planetary probes and lunar exploration will be emphasized.
1421/1401 General Physics I (3-3). Study of mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. (This course will not count as the introductory physics course for physics majors and pre-engineering majors.) Prerequisite: Math 1302 or equivalent.
1422/1402 General Physics II (3-3). Study of electricity, magnetism, light, and atomic physics. (This course will not count as the introductory physics course for physics majors and pre-engineering majors). Prerequisite: Physics 1421.
1441/2425 Fundamentals of Physics I (3-3). A comprehensive course with emphasis placed on the capacity to utilize the fundamental concepts of mechanics and thermodynamics in the solution of problems. Prerequisite: Credit for or parallel registration in Mathematics 2331.
2331 Introduction to Mathematical Physics (3-0). An introduction to specific mathematical topics as applied to standard problems in physics. Prerequisite: Mathematics 2332.
2333 Dynamics (3-0). A study of the kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies using the concepts of force, mass, and acceleration; work, and energy; impulse and momentum. Prerequisites: Physics 1441 and Mathematics 2332.
2442/2426 Fundamentals of Physics II (3-3). A comprehensive course with emphasis placed on the capacity to utilize fundamental concepts of electricity, magnetism, and optics in the solution of problems. Prerequisites: Credit for or parallel registration in Mathematics 2332 and Physics 1441.
3331 Mechanics (3-0). Vectors, Newtonian mechanics, noninertial reference frames, central forces,
systems of particles, rigid bodies, Lagrange's equations, and oscillating systems.
Prerequisites: Physics 2331 and 2442.
3332 Thermal and Statistical Physics (3-0). A study of thermodynamics and statistical methods in physics with applications from classical and quantum physics. Prerequisites: Physics 2331 and 2442.
3341 Electricity and Magnetism (3-0). Maxwell's equations, electrostatics, magnatostatics, and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisites: Physics 2331 and 2442.
3443 Electronic Instruments (3-3). A study of the basic electronic instruments and their uses in science. Laboratory emphasis on the applications of these instruments and their operation and maintenance. Prerequisites: Physics 2442
3444 Digital Electronics (3-3). A study of the behavior of digital logic circuit elements, with an emphasis on applications in research instrumentation, industrial controls, and computer design. Prerequisite: Computer Science 2311 or equivalent.
3461 Modern Physics (3-3). An introduction to atomic physics, nuclear physics, and solid state physics. Prerequisite: Physics 2442.
4191, 4291, 4391 Research. Individual research problems for superior students majoring in
physics. (May be repeated to a total of six semester hours credit.)
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
4362 Solid State Physics (3-0). Crystallography, x-ray diffraction, metals, insulators, electrical, and
optical properties of semi-conductors and low temperature techniques.
Prerequisites: Physics 2331, 2442.
4363 Quantum Mechanics (3-0). A study of the fundamental principles of quantum theory with emphasis on both the Schroedinger and matrix formulations. Prerequisites: Physics 2331, 3461
4364 Advanced Physics (3-0). A survey of advanced experimental techniques common to physics and engineering, review of baccalaureate employment and educational opportunities, communication of scientific information, and a comprehensive assessment of under graduate physics knowledge. Prerequisites: Physics 3461 and senior standing.
4452 Applied Optics (3-3). An experimental study of geometrical and physical optics with emphasis on current applications to physics and related fields of study. Prerequisites: Physics 2331, 2442.
4462 Applied Radiation Physics (3-3). A study of the production and detection of radiation and its interaction with matter. Emphasis will be placed on nuclear radiation. Prerequisites: Physics 2331, 2442.
COURSES IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE (P S)
1101*, 1102*/1115, 1117 Introduction to Physical Science Laboratory (0- 2). Required laboratory experiences to supplement Physical Science 1301 and 1302, respectively.1301, 1302/1315, 1317 Introduction to Physical Science (3-0). An introduction to the foundations of physical science, including selected areas of physics, chemistry, space science, weather. Credit to be validated by credit in Physical Science 1101, 1102, respectively. Concurrent enrollment in laboratory required.
3311*, 3312* Physical Science Concepts (3-0). A study of physical systems and sub-systems, interactions, variables, motion, energy, electricity, and magnetism.
*Physical Science 3311 and 1101 may be taken concurrently and Physical Science 3312 and 1102 may be taken concurrently if needed to meet distributional laboratory requirements.
COURSES IN GEOLOGY (GEOL)
1401/1403 Physical Geology (3-2). Earth materials, structure, landforms, mineral resources, and the processes that form them. Includes plate tectonics and how humans are affected by Earth processes.1402/1404 Historical Geology (3-2). Application of geological principles to interpret four billion years of Earth history recorded in rocks. Includes evolutionary changes and the use of fossils in time and space.
3302 Hydrology (3-0). A quantitative overview of the hydrologic cycle including both surface and groundwater hydrology. Topic to include surface water, aquifer properties, groundwater, modelling, human use and abuse of water resources, contamination, and extraction. Prerequisites: Geology 1401 or 1402 and Math 1302.
3303 Environmental Geology (3-0). This course emphasizes the complex physical relations between land, sea, atmosphere, and human activity. Topics include geologic hazards, land management, water resources, hazardous waste disposal, energy resources, mineral resources, conservation of resources and ocean science. Prerequisites: Geology 1401 or 1402 and Math 1302.
3400 Petrology (3-3). Description, classification, and interpretation of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Descriptions include tectonic setting, sedimentary environment, and pressure-temperature conditions. Laboratory work consists of hand sample description, examination of thin sections under a petrographic microscope, and field trips. Prerequisites: Geology 1401 or 1402
3411 Structural Geology (3-2). A study of ways rocks and continents deform by faulting and folding, methods of picturing geologic structures in three dimensions, and causes of deformation. Includes a weekend field trip project and an introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) Prerequisites: Geology 1401 or 1402
3600 Field Geology (0-12). A five or six week summer field course on geologic mapping techniques. Techniques emphasized: measuring stratigigraphic sections, collecting and plotting fold and fault data, drafting geologic maps and cross-sections, and preparing reports. Prerequisites: Geology 3411 and Geology 3333
4191, 4291, 4391 Research. Individual research problems for students seeking a minor in geology. May be repeated for a total of six semester hours credit.
4300 Introduction to Geophysics (3-0). Application of physics to the study of geologic and environmental problems. Theory and application of seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical methods in the exploration of the Earth's subsurface. Topics in earthquake and exploration seismology, magnetic and gravitational fields of the earth and their use in interpretation, and geodetic methods. Prerequisites: Geology 1401 or 1402 and Physics 2442.
4310 Geophysical Signal Analysis (3-0). Construction, analysis, and interpretation of geophysical signals. Theory and application of Fourier transforms, filter theory and application, spectral analysis, signal-to-noise enhancement, seismic wave propagation, seismic array processing and computer applications. Prerequisites: Geology 1401 or 1402 and Physics 2331.