Physics

Major

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Major (58 credits)

I. Required Core Courses (46 credits)

• PHYS 11, 12/University Physics I, II (4, 4)
• PHYS 14/Electronics (4)
• PHYS 103/Modern Physics (4)
• PHYS 107/Mechanics (4)
• PHYS 123/Advanced Physics Laboratory I (4)
• PHYS 125/Mathematical Physics (4)
• PHYS 190/Junior/Senior Physics Seminar (2)
• MATH 7, 8/Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, II (4, 4)
• MATH 17/Calculus and Analytic Geometry III (4)
• MATH 104/Differential Equations (4)

II. Electives (select three from the following six courses) (12 credits):

• PHYS 105/Electrodynamics (4)
• PHYS 109/Optics (4)
• PHYS 110/Thermal Physics (4)
• PHYS 111/Computational Modeling of Neural Systems (4)
• PHYS 120/Quantum Mechanics (4)
• PHYS 124/Advanced Physics Laboratory II (4)
• PHYS 129/Special Topics in Physics (4)

III. Optional (2-4 credits)

PHYS 135/Independent Study/Research in Physics (2-4)

For Graduate School:

PHYS 105 and 120 are essential; additional physics, mathematics, computer science, and chemistry courses and independent study are recommended after consultation with the academic adviser.

Minor

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Minor (20 credits)

I. Required Courses (8 credits)

• PHYS 11/University Physics I (4)
• PHYS 12/University Physics II (4)

II. Three upper-level courses in physics (12 credits). PHYS 14 may be substituted for one upper-level course.

Faculty

Faculty

• Professor: James Supplee (chair)
• Assistant Professor: Minjoon Kouh, Robert Murawski
• Professor Emeritus: Robert Fenstermacher, John Ollom

Courses

Courses Offered

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PHYS 111 - Formerly 1 - Introductory Physics I (4)

PHYS 111 - Formerly 1 - offers topics in mechanics: motion, Newton's laws, energy, conservation laws, collisions, gravitation, fluid behavior, oscillations, and waves. Thermodynamics. This is a non-calculus based course.
Note that PHYS 1 does not satisfy the prerequisites for upper-level physics courses; students who are or might be interested in further physics courses should take PHYS 11 and 12 instead. Meets: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, three hours laboratory Corequisite: L Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

PHYS 112 - Formerly 2 - Introductory Physics II (4)

PHYS 112 - Formerly 2 - includes electricity, magnetism, and electrical circuits. Light and optics: lenses, diffraction and interference of light. Introductory topics in modern physics. This is a non-calculus based course.
Note that PHYS 2 does not satisfy the prerequisites for upper-level physics courses; students who are or might be interested in further physics courses should take PHYS 11 and 12 instead. Meets: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: PHYS 111 - Formerly 1 - or equivalent Corequisite: L Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

PHYS 113 - Formerly 3L - General Physics Laboratory I

The laboratory correlated with PHYS 111 - Formerly 1 - and 11. Topics in mechanics, heat, and waves.
This laboratory work is considered as one component (25%) of the total grade earned in either PHYS 111 - Formerly 1 - or 11. Meets: Three hours laboratory Corequisite: PHYS 111 - Formerly 1 - or 11. Offered fall semester.

PHYS 114 - Formerly 4L - General Physics Laboratory II

The laboratory correlated with PHYS 112 - Formerly 2 - and 12. Topics in electricity and magnetism, optics, and elements of atomic and nuclear physics.
This laboratory work is considered as one component (25%) of the total grade earned in either PHYS 112 - Formerly 2 - or 12. Meets: Three hours laboratory. Corequisite: PHYS 112 - Formerly 2 - or 12. Offered spring semester.

PHYS 101 - Formerly 5 - Introductory Astronomy I-The Solar System (4)

An introduction to the astronomy of the solar system. The first part of the course will focus on some foundational material. This introductory material includes the celestial sphere, apparent motion of objects in the sky, angular and distance measurements, the electromagnetic spectrum, spectroscopy, and telescopes. We will then go on to discuss the overall scale and structure of the solar system as well as the properties of the planets and major non-planetary components of the solar system, including asteroids, comets, meteoroids, and interplanetary dust. This course includes quantitative reasoning and problem solving, which requires a willingness to use simple algebra. In addition, there will be an observational component using Drew's telescopes.
Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

PHYS 102 - Formerly 6 - Introductory Astronomy II-Stars, Galaxies, and the Cosmos (4)

An observational and theoretical investigation of the components of the universe, including the structure and evolution of stars and galaxies; how black holes and quasars fit into current cosmological models; determination of the size and fate of the universe, and the probability of life as we know it outside of our Earth. Observatory sessions are offered as part of the course.
Offered even semesters in even-number years.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

PHYS 103 - Formerly 7 - How Things Work (4)

Primarily for non-science majors, the course is a practical introduction to the physics of everyday life, focusing on the operation of objects in our daily environment. Potential objects for study include the roller coaster, musical instruments, automobile, television, laser, and nuclear reactor. Exploration of these devices leads to a conceptual understanding of general physics principles.
Meets: Four hours class Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS

PHYS 201 - Formerly 10 - Robotics Engineering (4)

This course is designed for students interested in engineering. It is a hands-on, project-based course, where teams of 3-5 students will build and test robots to perform a pre-defined task (e.g., navigating through obstacles, picking-up and carrying specified objects to a destination, etc.). The robots will compete against each other at the end of the course. The lectures will cover the basics of how certain sensors and motors work, and basic programming techniques for processing the sensor inputs and for generating motor outputs.
Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Repeatable as topic varies. Prerequisite: PHYS11 (or PHYS1) and CSCI1, or permission of instructor. Offered Monday-Friday, from 10am to 5pm, during January Term.
Fulfills: BI, Q

PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - University Physics I (4)

PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - is the normal introductory physics courses recommended for all science majors; also recommended for other students interested in physics. Because many students take calculus and PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - in the same semester, calculus is introduced gradually and discussed as needed. Offers topics in mechanics: motion, Newton's laws, energy, conservation laws, collisions, gravitation, oscillations, and waves. Thermodynamics.
Meets: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, three hours laboratory Corequisite: L. Corequisite or Prerequisite: Calculus (MATH 7, or equivalent) Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - University Physics II (4)

PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - is the normal introductory physics courses recommended for all science majors; also recommended for other students interested in physics. Includes electricity, magnetism, and electrical circuits. Light and optics: lenses, mirrors, diffraction and interference of light.
Meets: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - or equivalent. MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - or equivalent. Corequisite: L Corequisite or Prerequisite: Prerequisite or corequisite; MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - , or equivalent. Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

PHYS 255 - Formerly 14 - Electronics (4)

A laboratory course introducing electronic and instrumental techniques important in modern scientific experimentation. Includes DC and AC circuits, test instruments, power supplies, transducers, operational amplifiers, basic digital devices, and circuit simulation with computers. Extensive use of integrated circuits with strong emphasis on applications. Intended to provide background for advanced laboratory work in the sciences.
Meets: Two hours lecture, six hours laboratory Prerequisite: PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - and MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years.

PHYS 250 - Formerly 103 - Modern Physics (4)

A descriptive and mathematical introduction to topics in contemporary physics. Topics include special relativity, early quantum theory, the Schroedinger equation and its applications, and additional selected topics from general relativity, atomic, nuclear, solid state, and elementary particle physics.
Meets: Four hours lecture Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - , 12 and MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - Offered fall semester. Same as: MAT 848 - Formerly 848 -
Fulfills: WI

PHYS 330 - Formerly 105 - Electrodynamics (4)

A classical treatment of electrodynamics in vacuum and matter. Electrostatic and magnetostatic fields. Maxwell's equations. Electromagnetic waves in conductors and non-conducting media. An introduction to the mathematics of vector calculus.
Meets: Four hours lecture Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - , 12, and MATH 250 - Formerly 17 - Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years.

PHYS 301 - Formerly 107 - Mechanics (4)

A study of Newton's laws applied to the motion of particles and systems of particles. Forced and damped harmonic oscillators. Central-field motion, collisions, conservation laws, Lagrangian mechanics, and Hamilton's equations. Also rigid body dynamics and topics in computational physics.
Meets: Four hours lecture Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - , 12, and MATH 250 - Formerly 17 - Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

PHYS 331 - Formerly 109 - Optics (4)

A study of the wave equation, properties of wave motion, and electromagnetic waves. The propagation of light, dispersion, and absorption. Geometrical optics, lenses, optical systems. Superposition, interference, and Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction. Topics in modern optics.
Meets: Four hours lecture Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - , 12, and MATH 250 - Formerly 17 - Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.

PHYS 332 - Formerly 110 - Thermal Physics (4)

A study of the fundamental concepts of classical thermodynamics and the thermal behavior of gases, liquids, and solids. The kinetic theory of gases. Statistical thermodynamics, including Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Applications to an ideal diatomic gas, electrons in metals and monatomic crystals. Connection between statistical thermodynamics and information theory.
Meets: Four hours lecture Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - , 12, and MATH 250 - Formerly 17 - Offered fall semester in even-numbered years.

PHYS 366 - Formerly 111 - Computational Modeling of Neural Systems (4)

Computational neuroscience is the study of the brain as a computational and information-processing organ. It is a highly interdisciplinary field that employs various ideas and techniques from physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, psychology, and (of course) neuroscience. In this course, we cover the following topics: biophysics of a single neuron; dynamics of neural networks; models of associative memory and object recognition; and numerical methods and tools for analyzing and simulating a dynamical system. We study the fundamental biophysical properties and processes of the neurons and their networks, while also learning to use several analytical and numerical methods for studying a complex dynamical system. The goal of the course is to develop an interdisciplinary approach for analyzing a biological system.
Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - , MATH 150 - Formerly 7 - . Corequisite: PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - , MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - . Same as: NEUR 366 - Formerly NEURO 111 -
Fulfills: BI

PHYS 360 - Formerly 120 - Quantum Mechanics (4)

A study of the formalism and applications of quantum theory. Wave mechanics, interpretation of the quantum wave function, one-dimensional bound states, scattering and tunneling. Quantum mechanics in three dimensions. Two-particle systems, bosons and fermions, exchange forces. Approximation methods. Applications to atomic and molecular configurations.
Meets: Four hours lecture Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - , 12, and MATH 315 - Formerly 104 - Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

PHYS 304 - Formerly 123 - Advanced Physics Laboratory I (4)

Experimental physics at an advanced undergraduate level. Includes working in an increasingly independent format on a series of selected projects from a variety of physics areas. Lectures and laboratory work give specific attention to experimental design, laboratory techniques, computer data acquisition and analysis, and error propagation and analysis. Also serves as preparation for possible subsequent experimental research such as might be undertaken in PHYS 300 - Formerly 135 - .
Meets: One hour lecture, six hours laboratory Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - , 12, 14, 103 and MATH 250 - Formerly 17 - Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.
Fulfills: WM

PHYS 305 - Formerly 124 - Advanced Physics Laboratory II (4)

Experimental physics at an advanced undergraduate level. Includes working in an increasingly independent format on a series of selected projects from a variety of physics areas. Lectures and laboratory work give specific attention to experimental design, laboratory techniques, computer data acquisition and analysis, and error propagation and analysis. Also serves as preparation for possible subsequent experimental research such as might be undertaken in PHYS 300 - Formerly 135 - .
Meets: One hour lecture, six hours laboratory Prerequisite: PHYS 304 - Formerly 123 - Offered fall semester in even-numbered years.

PHYS 321 - Formerly 125 - Mathematical Physics (4)

An introduction to methods used in solving problems in physics and other sciences. Calculus of variations and extremum principles. Orthogonal functions and Sturm-Liouville problems. Fourier series. Series solutions of differential equations. The partial differential equations of physics. Transform and Green's function methods of solution. Nonlinear equations and chaos theory.
Meets: Four hours lecture Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - or permission of instructor; and MATH 315 - Formerly 104 - Offered fall semester on even years. Same as: MATH 325 - Formerly 125 -

PHYS 329 - Formerly 129 - Special Topics in Physics (4)

Topics chosen on the basis of instructor and student interest from areas such as condensed matter, atomic physics, particle physics; astrophysics, nonlinear phenomena, laser physics, and relativity.
Course may be repeated. Meets: Four hours lecture Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined.

PHYS 300 - Formerly 135 - Independent Study/Research in Physics (2-4)

An opportunity for independent work by upper-class students. Individual projects in experimental, theoretical, or computational physics selected in advance of registration and after conferral with and approval by the instructor. Available projects are often related to faculty research interests or to the development of course-support materials, such as new laboratory experiments.
May be repeated for at most eight credits. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and the department Offered every semester.

PHYS 400 - Formerly 190 - Physics Seminar (2)

A junior-senior seminar meeting weekly to discuss current and/or historical topics in physics. Oral presentations by students on selected readings from such areas as experimental or theoretical research, government science policy, pseudoscience, and physics education.
Meets: Two hours seminar Prerequisite: Physics major with junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

AP Exams

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

Students receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the physics A, B, or CEM examinations should consult the department about the possibility of course exemption. The determination is made on an individual basis according to the student’s background and preparation. Approval of the department is required for credit and exemption related to any course included in the Physics major. Students not awarded such credit toward the major for scores of 4 or 5 may receive four credits toward the general education requirements of the College. In such cases, satisfactory scores are considered the equivalent of PHYS 5, 6 or 7.