Physics
Dr. Bruce Liby
Chair of the Department
Lower Division Requirements
All physics majors must take the following courses in their freshman and sophomore years:
| PHYS 101 | Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 102 | Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 214 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| PHYS 223 | Physics III | 3 |
| PHYS 224 | Physics IV | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | Optics | 2 |
| PHYS 253 | Optics Lab II | 1 |
| One of the following: | 6 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| General Chemistry: Honors and General Chemistry: Honors | ||
| MATH 285 | Calculus III | 3 |
| or MATH 287 | Honors Calculus III | |
| MATH 286 | Differential Equations | 3 |
Upper Division Requirements for the B.S. Major in Physics
| PHYS 309 | Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 311 | Atomic and Nuclear Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 312 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 314 | Electromagnetic Waves | 3 |
| PHYS 351 | Modern Physics Laboratory I | 2 |
| PHYS 352 | Modern Physics Lab II | 2 |
| PHYS 410 | Advanced Theoretical Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 443 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 450 | Seminar | 1 |
| PHYS 444 | Research Project in Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 445 | Research Project in Physics | 2 |
This track is standard preparation for graduate studies in physics.
Upper Division Requirements for the B.A. Major in Physics
| PHYS 309 | Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 311 | Atomic and Nuclear Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 314 | Electromagnetic Waves | 3 |
| PHYS 351 | Modern Physics Laboratory I | 2 |
| PHYS 352 | Modern Physics Lab II | 2 |
| PHYS 441 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
| Twelve credits in the Humanities | 12 | |
The B.A. Physics major program is useful to those interested in careers in such fields as history of science, technical writing, and patent law.
Grade Requirements
For graduation a physics major must have a 2.00 cumulative index in all required physics courses and the elective science and engineering courses. A minimum grade of C is required in all major courses.
The Cooperative 3-2 Program
A track II major may choose to complete the required Physics courses in three years leaving all science and free electives to the senior year. The final two years of the five year sequence may then be spent in Engineering. At the end of the fourth year the student receives the B.S. in Physics and at the end of the fifth year the B.S. in Engineering.
Minor
Requirement for a Minor in Physics
5 courses or 15 credits in approved physics courses.
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 101 or 197 and 198 | 4 | CHEM 101 or 197 and 198 | 4 |
| MLL1 | 3 | ENGL 110 | 3 |
| LLRN 102 or PHIL 213 | 3 | MLL1 | 3 |
| MATH 185 or 109 | 3 | MATH 186 or 110 | 3 |
| PHYS 101 | 4 | PHYS 102 | 4 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 285 or 287 | 3 | MATH 286 | 3 |
| PHYS 223 | 3 | PHYS 224 | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | 2 | PHYS 253 | 1 |
| PHYS 214 | 3 | CMPT 101 | 3 |
| RELS 110 | 3 | Social Sciences | 3 |
| HIST 150 | 3 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HSS Elective | 3 | PHYS 352 | 2 |
| PHYS 351 | 2 | PHYS 314 | 3 |
| PHYS 309 | 3 | RELS Catholic Studies | 3 |
| PHYS 311 | 3 | PHIL 150 | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | MUSC 150 or ART 150 | 3 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HSS Elective | 3-6 | HSS Elective | 9 |
| PHYS 441 | 3 | Electives | 6 |
| RELS Global/Contemporary | 3 | ||
| Social Sciences | 3-3 | ||
| Electives | 3 | ||
| 15-18 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits: 122-125 | |||
Bachelor of Science in Physics
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MLL | 3 | ENGL 110 | 3 |
| LLRN 102 or PHIL 213 | 3 | CHEM 102 or 197 and 198 | 4 |
| MATH 185 or 109 | 3 | MLL | 3 |
| PHYS 101 | 4 | MATH 186 or 110 | 3 |
| CHEM 101 or 197 and 198 | 4 | PHYS 102 | 4 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 285 or 287 | 3 | MATH 286 | 3 |
| PHYS 223 | 3 | PHYS 224 | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | 2 | PHYS 253 | 1 |
| PHYS 214 | 3 | CMPT 101 | 3 |
| RELS 110 | 3 | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Social Sciences | 3 | HIST 150 | 3 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYS 351 | 2 | HSS Elective | 3 |
| PHYS 309 | 3 | PHYS 352 | 2 |
| PHYS 311 | 3 | PHYS 312 | 3 |
| RELS Catholic Studies | 3 | PHYS 314 | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | PHIL 150 | 3 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MUSC 150 or ART 150 | 3 | HSS Elective | 3 |
| PHYS 443 | 3 | PHYS 410 | 3 |
| PHYS 444 | 2 | PHYS 445 | 2 |
| RELS Global/Contemporary | 3 | PHYS 450 | 1 |
| Electives | 3 | Electives | 6 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits: 124 | |||
Courses
PHYS 101. Physics I. 4 Credits.
A calculus approach to the basic concepts of mechanics (Physics I) and electricity and magnetism (Physics II). Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory. Pre-requisite or Corequisite: MATH 103 or MATH 185 or MATH 121 or MATH 155.
PHYS 102. Physics II. 4 Credits.
A calculus approach to the basic concepts of mechanics (Physics I) and electricity and magnetism (Physics II). Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory. Pre-requisite: MATH 103 or MATH 185 or MATH 121 or MATH 155. Corequisite: MATH 104 or MATH 186 or MATH 122 or MATH 156.
PHYS 105. Principles of Physics I. 4 Credits.
An introduction to the basic principles and concepts of Physics including mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory.
PHYS 106. Principles of Physics II. 4 Credits.
An introduction to the basic principles and concepts of physics including mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory.
PHYS 107. Introduction Physics I. 4 Credits.
An algebra based approach to the basic concepts of mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, optics and elementary atomic and nuclear physics. Emphasis is on biological applications. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory.
PHYS 108. Introduction Physics II. 4 Credits.
An algebra based approach to the basic concepts of mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, optics and elementary atomic and nuclear physics. Emphasis is on biological applications. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory.
PHYS 151. Introduction to Physics Research. 3 Credits.
Elementary Research projects for beginning students in physics. Students learn how to pursue an open ended question under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Permission of department chair required.
PHYS 152. Introduction Physics Research II. 3 Credits.
Elementary Research projects for beginning students in physics. Students learn how to pursue an open ended question under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Permission of department chair required.
PHYS 201. Wave Theory of Light and Matter. 3 Credits.
Intermediate level introduction to electromagnetic waves and the theory of light, geometrical and physical optics, introduction to quantum concepts and the wave nature of matter with applications to the solid state.
PHYS 209. Introduction to Theoretical Physics. 3 Credits.
Vector Analysis, Matrices and eigenvalue problems, introduction to Partial Differential Equations as applied to physics. Three lectures.
PHYS 214. Electricity and Magnetism. 3 Credits.
Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, Faraday's Law, Maxwell's equations using vector analysis.
PHYS 221. Physics of Digital Systems. 4 Credits.
The basic physics and selected circuit applications of solid state devices such as the diode, transistor and op-amp as used in digital systems. The lectures will concentrate on the development of band theory and the diode equation from first principles while the lab will concentrate on digital circuit application using TTL and analog IC'S. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: PHYS 101, PHYS 102 sequence.
PHYS 223. Physics III. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the theory of oscillations and waves. Introduction to the special theory of relativity. Introduction to wave mechanics and the SchrF6dinger equation.
PHYS 224. Physics IV. 3 Credits.
Elements of thermodynamics and an elementary introduction to condensed matter physics.
PHYS 250. Optics. 2 Credits.
The nature of light and its interaction with matter. Reflection, refraction, polarization, interference, diffraction and propagation of light through media. Lenses, optical elements and optical devices will be explored via lecture and experiments. One lecture and one 4-hour lab per week.
PHYS 251. Intermediate Laboratory. 1 Credit.
This laboratory course will complement the material presented in Physics 201. Experiments in mechanical waves, geometrical and physical optics, and modern physics. One three hour period per week. Corequisite: PHYS 201.
PHYS 253. Optics Lab II. 1 Credit.
Experiments in optics at an advanced level including measuring the cardinal points of an optical system, optical aberrations, lasers and laser applications, Newton's rings, interferometry, holography, electro-optics, optical modulation, and matrix optics.
PHYS 309. Mechanics I. 3 Credits.
Dynamics of particles and systems; Gravitation; Rotating Coordinates; Motion of rigid bodies, Lagrangian formulation. Coupled oscillators. Three lectures.
PHYS 311. Atomic and Nuclear Physics. 3 Credits.
SchrF6dinger wave theory for atomic structure. Magnetic field effects on atoms. Atomic and molecular spectra. Introductory nuclear physics. Three lectures.
PHYS 312. Quantum Mechanics. 3 Credits.
Introduction to Quantum theory. One dimensional quantum systems. The harmonic oscillator. Central Potentials.
PHYS 314. Electromagnetic Waves. 3 Credits.
Electromagnetic waves and their interaction with matter. Maxwell's Equations in free space and dielectric media. Classical theory of the laser.
PHYS 323. Astronomy. 3 Credits.
An intermediate level overview of the solar system and the physical properties of stars, stellar evolution, galaxies and the universe at large.
PHYS 341. Topics: in Astrophysics. 3 Credits.
Independent study of topics of astrophysical interest such as Stellar Evolution, Radiation Theory and Stellar Atmospheres, Star Clusters and Galactic Rotation, Interstellar Matter. Approval of Chair necessary.
PHYS 342. Topics: in Astrophysics. 3 Credits.
Independent study of topics of astrophysical interest such as Stellar Evolution, Radiation Theory and Stellar Atmospheres, Star Clusters and Galactic Rotation, Interstellar Matter. Approval of Chair necessary.
PHYS 351. Modern Physics Laboratory I. 2 Credits.
Experimental verification of properties of atomic structure. One three-hour period.
PHYS 352. Modern Physics Lab II. 2 Credits.
Advanced experiments in atomic and nuclear physics. Properties of radioactivity. One three-hour period.
PHYS 375. Internship for Juniors. 3 Credits.
Students participate in an off-campus training experience closely related to one of the areas of physics. Frequent meetings with the advisor plus a paper are required. Prerequisites: Junior status, 3.0 GPA, and permission of the student's advisor or the Chair.
PHYS 410. Advanced Theoretical Physics. 3 Credits.
Complex variables, Integral Transform Methods and Green's Function Methods in theoretical physics. Three lectures.
PHYS 414. Electromagnetic Radiation II. 3 Credits.
Dielectric and Magnetic materials, electromagnetic waves in free space and media. Dipole radiation.
PHYS 415. Statistical Mechanics. 3 Credits.
Statistical mechanics of many body systems. Equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems. Phase transitions.
PHYS 432. Solid State Physics. 3 Credits.
Lattices and crystal binding. Phonons and lattice vibrations. Thermal properties of insulators. Metals, free electron gas, energy bands. Semiconductors, mobility, life times, p-n junctions. Superconductivity, B.C.S. theory. Phase transitions Magnetorthermal properties. Three lectures.
PHYS 434. Research Problems in Physics. 2 Credits.
PHYS 435. Research Problems in Physics. 2 Credits.
PHYS 441. Senior Thesis. 3 Credits.
An independent study program in experimental or theoretical physics to provide an opportunity for the scientific development of advanced undergraduate physics majors. Minimum of six hours a week devoted to an organized study program is required. Permission of department chair necessary.
PHYS 442. Senior Thesis. 3 Credits.
An independent study program in experimental or theoretical physics to provide an opportunity for the scientific development of advanced undergraduate physics majors. Minimum of six hours a week devoted to an organized study program is required. Permission of department chair necessary.
PHYS 443. Quantum Mechanics. 3 Credits.
Development of the formal structure of quantum mechanics. Time independent perturbation theory. Theory of scattering. Second quantization.
PHYS 444. Research Project in Physics. 2 Credits.
Introductory level student research projects in either experimental or theoretical physics carried out under the guidance of a faculty member.
PHYS 445. Research Project in Physics. 2 Credits.
Introductory level student research projects in either experimental or theoretical physics carried out under the guidance of a faculty member.
PHYS 450. Seminar. 1 Credit.
Single and sequential lectures on special topics in physics. Track I majors are required to present a research paper on either a theoretical or experimental topic in the spring semester of the senior year.
PHYS 453. Experimental Physics I. 2 Credits.
Experience building and using apparatus such as electronic instrumentation, vacuum equipment, LASERS, magnets, detectors, scales, etc. A blend of classical and contemporary experiments.
PHYS 454. Experimental Physics II. 2 Credits.
Experience building and using apparatus such as electronic instrumentation, vacuum equipment, LASERS, magnets, detectors, scalars, etc. A blend of classical and contemporary experiments.
PHYS 475. Internship for Seniors. 3 Credits.
Students participate in an off-campus training experience closely related to their area of physics. Frequent meetings with the advisor plus a paper are required. Prerequisites: Senior status, 3.0 GPA, and permission of the student's advisor or the Chair.