Physics & Astronomy
Dr. Rostislav Konoplich
Chair of the Department
Dr. Sezar Fesjian
Assistant Chair of the Department
Physics is the study of natural phenomena, from subatomic scales to the scale of the entire universe. Physics is the most basic and fundamental science, and provides the basis for deep understanding in many fields of study and all of technology.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers B.S. and B.A. degrees in Physics, a Minor in Physics, a Minor in Astronomy and a Concentration in Theoretical Physics. Small class sizes and close collaboration between students and faculty create comfortable learning and research environments. Students in the Department of Physics and Astronomy collaborate with faculty on a variety of topics from early universe cosmology and neutron star astrophysics to particle physics, optics and condensed matter. Our students publish articles in leading research journals and make presentations at national and international conferences. With support from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Manhattan College they participate in research and internships during the academic year and over the summer, both on campus and at locations such as Brookhaven National Laboratory (USA) and CERN (Switzerland). Our alumni have successful careers in science, data science, teaching, engineering, medicine, finance and other fields.
Lower Division Requirements
All physics majors must take the following courses in their freshman and sophomore years:
PHYS 101 & PHYS 191 | Physics I and Physics I Lab | 4 |
PHYS 102 & PHYS 192 | Physics II and Physics II Lab | 4 |
PHYS 209 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 3 |
PHYS 233 | Physics III | 3 |
PHYS 234 | Physics IV | 3 |
PHYS 261 | Intermediate Laboratory I | 1 |
PHYS 262 | Intermediate Laboratory II | 1 |
SCI 100 | Science Orientation Seminar I | 1 |
SCI 101 | Science Orientation Seminar II | 1 |
CMPT 101 | Computer Science I | 3 |
MATH 185 | Calculus I | 3 |
or MATH 187 | Honors Calculus I | |
or MATH 155 | Calculus for the Life Sciences I | |
MATH 186 | Calculus II | 3 |
or MATH 188 | Honors Calculus II | |
or MATH 156 | Calculus for the Life Sciences II | |
MATH 285 | Calculus III | 3 |
or MATH 287 | Honors Calculus III | |
MATH 286 | Differential Equations | 3 |
CHEM 101 & CHEM 103 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I | 4 |
CHEM 102 & CHEM 104 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Laboratory II | 4 |
Total Credits | 44 |
Students selected for the honors sequence will be enrolled in the honors sections of Physics I and II (PHYS 101H and PHYS 102H).
Upper Division Requirements for the B.S. Major in Physics
The B.S. Physics major program is standard preparation for those students interested in graduate studies in physics.
PHYS 301 | Computational Physics | 3 |
PHYS 309 | Mechanics I | 3 |
PHYS 311 | Atomic & Nuclear Physics | 3 |
PHYS 312 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
PHYS 314 | Electromagnetic Waves | 3 |
PHYS 341 | Topics in Astrophysics | 3 |
PHYS 350 | Optics | 3 |
PHYS 352 | Modern Physics Lab II | 2 |
PHYS 410 | Advanced Theoretical Physics | 3 |
PHYS 415 | Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
PHYS 440 | Research Project in Physics | 3 |
PHYS 443 | Quantum Mechanics II: Quantum Computing & Information | 3 |
PHYS 445 | Research Project in Physics | 2 |
PHYS 450 | Seminar | 1 |
PHYS 446 | Topics in Cosmology | 3 |
Total Credits | 41 |
Upper Division Requirements for the B.A. Major in Physics
The B.A. Physics major program is useful to those interested in careers in fields such as education, technical writing, and patent law. It also provides a full foundation for graduate studies in physics.
PHYS 301 | Computational Physics | 3 |
PHYS 309 | Mechanics I | 3 |
PHYS 311 | Atomic & Nuclear Physics | 3 |
PHYS 314 | Electromagnetic Waves | 3 |
PHYS 350 | Optics | 3 |
PHYS 352 | Modern Physics Lab II | 2 |
PHYS 441 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
PHYS 446 | Topics in Cosmology | 3 |
Total Credits | 23 |
Grade Requirements
For graduation, a physics major must have a 2.00 cumulative index in all required physics courses and elective science and engineering courses. A minimum grade of C is required in all major courses.
Minor in Physics
The minor in Physics consists of a minimum of 15 credits. Specific requirements are listed below. A grade of at least C is required for all courses meeting the requirements for a minor in Physics.
Application: To pursue the minor in Physics, a student must get a Minor Form from the department secretary, fill it out, and have it approved by the Chair of the Department. An approved form will be forwarded to the appropriate Dean.
Minor Requirements
The minor in Physics consists of a minimum of 15 credits including PHYS 101+191 and PHYS 102+192. The remaining courses should be chosen from the list below, with the approval of the Chair of the Department.
The following upper-level courses may be used toward the Physics minor: PHYS 209, 233, 234, 261, 262, 301, 309, 311, 312, 314, 341, 350, 352, 410, 415, 440, 443, 445, 446 and 450.
Minor in Astronomy
The minor in Astronomy consists of a minimum of 15 credits. Specific requirements are listed below. A grade of at least C is required for all courses meeting the requirements for a minor in Astronomy.
Application: To pursue the minor in Astronomy, a student must get a Minor Form from the department secretary, fill it out, and have it approved by the Chair of the Department. An approved form will be forwarded to the appropriate Dean.
Minor Requirements
Required 3 credits courses: PHYS 101, 102, 222, 341.
At least one of the following 3 credits upper-level courses offered by the Department is required: PHYS 301, 309, 311, 312, 314, 350, 440, and 446.
The Concentration in Theoretical Physics
The concentration in Theoretical Physics offers students the opportunity to acquire a deep conceptual understanding of fundamental physics and provides a foundation for professional work not only in physics and related fields but also in such fields as astrophysics, biophysics, engineering and applied physics, geophysics, mathematical physics, computer science, finance, and medicine. This concentration includes the following courses: Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS 312), Quantum Mechanics II (PHYS 443) and Advanced Theoretical Physics (PHYS 410).
PLANS OF STUDY
Bachelor of Science in Physics
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PHYS 101 & PHYS 191 | 4 | PHYS 102 & PHYS 192 | 4 |
MATH 185, 187, or 155 | 3 | MATH 186, 188, or 156 | 3 |
RELS 110 | 3 | CMPT 101 | 3 |
SCI 100 | 1 | SCI 101 | 1 |
ENGL 110 | 3 | ENGL 150 | 3 |
14 | 14 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PHYS 233 | 3 | PHYS 209 | 3 |
PHYS 261 | 1 | PHYS 234 | 3 |
MATH 285 or 287 | 3 | PHYS 262 | 1 |
CHEM 101 & CHEM 103 | 4 | MATH 286 | 3 |
LLRN 102 or PHIL 213 | 3 | CHEM 102 & CHEM 104 | 4 |
Modern Language | 3 | Modern Language | 3 |
17 | 17 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PHYS 301 | 3 | PHYS 312 | 3 |
PHYS 309 | 3 | PHYS 314 or 415 | 3 |
PHYS 311 | 3 | PHYS 341 or 410 | 3 |
PHYS 350 or 446 | 3 | PHYS 352 | 2 |
MUSC 150 or ART 150 | 3 | PHIL 150 | 3 |
RELS Catholic Studies | 3 | ||
15 | 17 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PHYS 440 | 3 | PHYS 410 or 341 | 3 |
PHYS 443 | 3 | PHYS 415 or 314 | 3 |
PHYS 446 or 350 | 3 | PHYS 445 | 2 |
RELS Global/Contemporary | 3 | HIST 150 | 3 |
Social Sciences | 3 | Social Sciences | 3 |
Electives | 3 | PHYS 450 | 1 |
18 | 15 | ||
Total Credits: 127 |
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PHYS 101 & PHYS 191 | 4 | PHYS 102 & PHYS 192 | 4 |
MATH 185, 187, or 155 | 3 | MATH 186, 188, or 156 | 3 |
RELS 110 | 3 | CMPT 101 | 3 |
SCI 100 | 1 | SCI 101 | 1 |
ENGL 110 | 3 | ENGL 150 | 3 |
14 | 14 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PHYS 233 | 3 | PHYS 209 | 3 |
PHYS 261 | 1 | PHYS 234 | 3 |
MATH 285 or 287 | 3 | PHYS 262 | 1 |
CHEM 101 & CHEM 103 | 4 | MATH 286 | 3 |
LLRN 102 or PHIL 213 | 3 | CHEM 102 & CHEM 104 | 4 |
Modern Language | 3 | Modern Language | 3 |
17 | 17 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
PHYS 301 | 3 | PHYS 314 or 415 | 3 |
PHYS 309 | 3 | PHYS 352 | 2 |
PHYS 311 | 3 | PHIL 150 | 3 |
PHYS 350 or 446 | 3 | RELS Catholic Studies | 3 |
MUSC 150 or ART 150 | 3 | Electives | 6 |
15 | 17 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
RELS Global/Contemporary | 3 | PHYS 441 | 3 |
Social Sciences | 3 | HIST 150 | 3 |
PHYS 446 or 350 | 3 | Social Sciences | 3 |
Electives | 6 | Electives | 6 |
15 | 15 | ||
Total Credits: 124 |
Courses
PHYS 101. Physics I. 3 Credits.
A calculus approach to the basic concepts of mechanics. Three lecture hours. Must also register for PHYS 191 lab. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 155 or MATH 185, or MATH 187.
PHYS 102. Physics II. 3 Credits.
A calculus approach to the basic concepts of electricity and magnetism. Three lecture hours. Must also register for PHYS 192 lab. Prerequisite or corequisite PHYS 101 and MATH 156, or MATH 186, or MATH 188.
PHYS 105. Principles of Physics I. 4 Credits.
An introduction to the basic principles and concepts of Physics including mechanics, oscillations and waves. Three lecture hours.
PHYS 106. Principles of Physics II. 4 Credits.
An introduction to the basic principles and concepts of physics including, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics. Three lecture hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 105 or equivalent.
PHYS 107. Introduction to Physics I. 4 Credits.
An algebra based approach to the basic concepts of mechanics, oscillations and waves, fluid statics and dynamics with biological applications. Three lecture hours.
PHYS 108. Introduction to Physics II. 4 Credits.
An algebra based approach to the basic concepts of electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics and elementary modern physics with biological applications. Three lecture hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 107 or equivalent.
PHYS 151. Introduction to Physics Research. 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. 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 191. Physics I Lab. 1 Credit.
Physics I Laboratory. Three lab hours, Co-requisite: PHYS 101.
PHYS 192. Physics II Lab. 1 Credit.
Physics II Laboratory. Three lab hours. Co-requisite: PHYS 102.
PHYS 195. Principles of Physics I Lab. 0 Credits.
Principles of Physics I Laboratory. Three lab hours. Co-requisite: PHYS 105.
PHYS 196. Principles of Physics II Lab. 0 Credits.
Principles of Physics II Laboratory. Three lab hours. Co-requisite: PHYS 106.
PHYS 197. Introduction to Physics I Lab. 0 Credits.
Introduction to Physics I Laboratory. Three lab hours. Co-requisite: PHYS 107.
PHYS 198. Introduction to Physics II Lab. 0 Credits.
Introduction to Physics II Laboratory. Three lab hours. Co-requisite: PHYS 108.
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. Mathematical Methods in Physics. 3 Credits.
Complex algebra and analysis, vector analysis, matrices and eigenvalue problems. Fourier series and introduction to linear spaces. Introduction to partial differential equations as applied to physics. Three lecture hours. Prerequisites: C or better in PHYS 102 and MATH 285 or MATH 287.
PHYS 214. Electricity and Magnetism. 3 Credits.
Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, Faraday's Law, Maxwell's equations using vector analysis. Spring. Pre-requisite: C or better in PHYS 102; MATH 285.
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 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: PHYS 101, PHYS 102 sequence.
PHYS 222. Astronomy. 3 Credits.
An intermediate level broad overview in astronomy such as spherical astronomy, reference systems, rotational dynamics, astronomical tools, solar system, space weather, exoplanets, star formation, stellar evolution, galaxies and the large scale structure of the Universe. Pre-requisite: C or better in PHYS 101 and PHYS 102.
PHYS 233. Physics III. 3 Credits.
Introduction to oscillations, mechanical waves, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics. Three lecture hours. Pre-requisite: C or better in PHYS 102.
PHYS 234. Physics IV. 3 Credits.
Gravitation, electromagnetic waves, optics, introduction to modern physics, and solid state physics. Three lecture hours. Pre-requisite: C or better in PHYS 102.
PHYS 261. Intermediate Laboratory I. 1 Credit.
Experiments in mechanical waves, fluids, and thermodynamics. Three lab hours.
PHYS 262. Intermediate Laboratory II. 1 Credit.
Experiments in electricity and magnetism, optics, and introductory modern physics. Three Lab hours.
PHYS 301. Computational Physics. 3 Credits.
An introduction to computational physics. Monte Carlo techniques. Numerical differentiation and integration. Searching, fitting and data analysis. Differential equations. Three lecture hours. Pre-requisites: C or better in PHYS 102 and MATH 285 or MATH 287.
PHYS 309. Mechanics I. 3 Credits.
Dynamics of particles and systems; Gravitation; Rotating Coordinates; Motion of rigid bodies, Lagrangian formulation. Coupled oscillators. Three lectures. Pre-requisite: C or better in PHYS 209 or with permission of department chair.
PHYS 311. Atomic & Nuclear Physics. 3 Credits.
Schroedinger wave theory for atomic structure. Magnetic field effects on atoms. Atomic and molecular spectra. Introductory nuclear physics. Three lectures. Pre-requisite: C or better in PHYS 209 or with permission of department chair.
PHYS 312. Quantum Mechanics I. 3 Credits.
Introduction to Quantum theory. One dimensional quantum systems. The harmonic oscillator. Central Potentials. Pre-requisite: C or better in PHYS 209 or with permission of department chair.
PHYS 314. Electromagnetic Waves. 3 Credits.
Electro-magnetic waves and their interaction with matter. Maxwell's Equations in free space and dielectric media. Pre-requisite: C or better in PHYS 209 or with permission of department chair.
PHYS 341. Topics in Astrophysics. 3 Credits.
Topics of current interest in astrophysics, including stellar structure and atmospheres, evolution and remnants, formation of stars and planetary systems, galactic structure and evolution of galaxies. Pre-requisite: C or better in PHYS 209 or with permission of department chair.
PHYS 342. Topics: in Astrophysics. 3 Credits.
Topics of current interest in astrophysics, including stellar structure and atmospheres, evolution and remnants, formation of stars and planetary systems, galactic structure and evolution of galaxies. Prerequisite: C or better in PHYS 209.
PHYS 350. Optics. 3 Credits.
Wave optics, light and matter, interference, diffraction, polarization, and advanced topics in Optics. Three lecture hours. Pre-requisites: C or better in PHYS 102 and MATH 285 or MATH 287.
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 four-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 Chair.
PHYS 410. Advanced Theoretical Physics. 3 Credits.
Vector and tensor analysis, complex variables, integral transform and Green's function methods in theoretical physics, special functions and partial differential equations, group theory in quantum mechanics. Three lecture hours.
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 in equilibrium. Thermal behavior and phase transitions in condensed matter. Boltzmann's equation and non-equilibrium phenomena.
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 440. Research Project in Physics. 3 Credits.
Introductory level student research projects in either experimental or theoretical physics carried out under the guidance of a faculty member.
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 II: Quantum Computing & Information. 3 Credits.
Development of the formal structure of quantum mechanics. Time independent perturbation theory. Theory of scattering. Entanglement, Bell's theorem, quantum computing and quantum information. Pre-requisite: C or better in PHYS 312 or with permission of department chair.
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 446. Topics in Cosmology. 3 Credits.
Topics of current interest in cosmology, including cosmic distance ladder, geometry of the expanding universe, thermal history and cosmic microwave background, inflation and the primordial era. Prerequisite: C or better in PHYS 209 or with permission of department chair.
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 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.
PHYS 499. Independent Study. 1-3 Credit.
Individual study or research under faculty supervision. Pre-requisite: Permission of the Department Chair.