Physics, Pre-Engineering, and Physical Science
103. General Physics I
An introductory course in physics for students of science and engineering. Topics include:
vectors, statics, dynamics, rotation, conservation laws, vibrations, and thermodynamics.
Students without calculus admitted with permission of instructor. 3 credits Fall
Dr. Neeson
103L. General Physics Laboratory I
Basic experiments in classical physics designed to complement the topics covered in
Physics 103. 1 credit Fall Drs. Kiefer, Neeson
104. General Physics II
A course designed to follow Physics 103. Topics include: electricity and magnetism,
circuit analysis, electromagnetic waves, optics and modern physics. Students without
calculus admitted with permission of instructor. 3 credits Spring Dr. Neeson
104L. General Physics Laboratory II
Basic experiments in classical and modern physics designed to implement topics covered in
Physics 104. 1 credit Spring Drs. Kiefer, Neeson
110. Physics for Medical Technicians
A one semester general physics course which emphasizes the principles of physics that are
most important to a medical technician. The course topics include optics, forces, motion,
energy, heat, fluids, electricity, and radioactivity. 4 credits Fall Dr. Kiefer
110L. Physics for Medical Technicians
Two hours per week laboratory with experiments in areas covered in Physics 110. 1 credit
Spring Dr. Kiefer
201. Theoretical Mechanics
Vector algebra and calculus. Kinematics of a point. Dynamics of a system of points.
Kinematics of rigid bodies. Impulse, Momentum, Work and Energy. 3 credits Fall Dr. Neeson
203. Modern Physics
A study of the transition from classical to modern physics. Topics treated are: relativity,
electro-magnetic radiation, discoveries of electron and nucleus, Bohr Theory of atomic
structure and introductory quantum mechanics. (formerly Atomic Physics) 3 credits Fall Dr.
Kiefer
252. Engineering Mechanics
The study of statics and dynamics with engineering applications. Deformation, strain and
stresses in solids of one, two, and three dimensions. Introduction to the mechanics of
continuous media, the kinematics and dynamics of fluids; viscous flow, turbulence,
Bernoulli's theorem , and the Navier-Stokes equation. 3 credits spring Dr. Neeson
301-302. Electricity and Magnetism
Topics covered include vector analysis, selected topics in vector calculus, the
electrostatic field of force, Gauss' law and the application of these principles to the
solution of problems involving various geometries is considered. The electrostatic field
in dielectric media, boundary value problems in dielectric media, and electrostatic energy
and the application of energy concepts are studied. Electric current and circuit analysis
are included. Other topics include the magnetic field of steady currents, electromagnetic
induction, magnetic properties of matter, magnetic energy, slowly varying currents,
Maxwell's Equations, and the applications of Maxwell's Equations. Prerequisite-Math
251-252. First semester 3 credits Second Semester 3 credits. Fall-Spring Dr.
DiMattio
304. Thermodynamics
Temperature, Thermodynamic systems, Work, the First Law, Heat, Ideal gases, the Second
law, Reversibility and irreversibility, the Carnot cycle, Entropy, Boltzmann statistics,
Equipartition of energy. Introductory statistical mechanics. 3 credits On Occasion Dr.
Budzinski
309. Experimental Physics I
This course introduces the student to the experimental techniques associated with the
intermediate level physics courses. Choice of experiments will depend upon the student's
background and interest. 3 credits Spring Dr. Budzinski
312. Internship in Applied Physics
This course is a practicum designed to give qualified juniors an opportunity to spend a
summer in a structured industrial or research setting so that they can immerse themselves
in a project involving applied physics. Open to second semester junior physics majors and
with special permission students with a physics minor. 3 credits On Occasion Dr. Neeson
402. Nuclear Physics
This course in nuclear physics includes the topics of natural radioactivity, nuclear
disintegration, nuclear energy, beta decay, nuclear reactions, nuclear particles, fission,
fusion and angular momentum. Much stress is placed on attempts to unify knowledge of the
nucleus so that the course climaxes with the discussion of nuclear structure and the
applicability of nuclear models in the interpretation of various phenomena. 3 credits On
Occasion Dr. Neeson
403. Electronics
This course is designed for the advanced undergraduate student or the incoming graduate
student who desires a basic training in electronics. The course seeks to acquaint the
student with the physical principles which govern the use of electronic devices and to
allow the student to use these components in the design of circuits. 3 credits On Occasion
Staff
404. Solid State
Crystal Structures and solids. Lattice vibrations. Thermal properties of solids, Electron
theory of metals, dia-, para-, and ferromagnetism, Semi-Conductors, Transistors.
Prerequisite-Physics 203. 3 credits On Occasion Dr. Budzinski
405. Advanced Mechanics
A study of the kinematics and dynamics of point particles and rigid bodies using the
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods. The course emphasizes those aspects of classical
mechanics important in modern physical theories. (Offered on demand.) Prerequisites-Math
252, Physics 201 and permission of the instructor. 3 credits On Occasion Dr. Neeson
406. Introductory Quantum Mechanics
De Broglie waves and wave packets, the Schroedinger equation, applications to
one-dimensional problems, the hydrogen atom, perturbation theory, angular momentum and
electron spin. (Offered on demand.) Prerequisite-Physics 203-405 and permission of the
instructor. 3 credits On Occasion Dr. Kiefer
407. Topics in Biophysics
A study of the principles and experimental techniques of physics as they apply to
biological systems. Special emphasis will be given to the interactions as they occur on
the molecular level. Prerequisite permission of the instructor. 3 credits On Occasion Dr.
Kiefer
408. Optics
Study of Wave motion, Huygen's principle. Dispersion. Some facts concerning the spectrum,
Interference, Diffraction, Double refraction, Plane polarized light, the Electromagnetic
theory of light, Velocity of light, the Origin of spectra. 3 credits Spring Dr. Neeson
409. Experimental Physics II
This course is a continuation of Physics 309. Experiments of a more sophisticated nature
are available. The experiments are related to lecture courses at the senior level. 3
credits On Occasion Dr. Budzinski
410. Special Problems in Physics
Designed to allow qualified seniors to undertake independent study or experimentation in
some subject in Physics under the direct supervision of one of the department staff.
Modern computer methods will be employed wherever possible so that the student may become
acquainted with programming, etc. 3 credits On Occasion Staff
451. Applied Methods in Computational Physics
Problem solving in a wide range of engineering and physics applications, including
electricity and magnetism, solid and fluid mechanics, optics, thermal physics, atomic and
nuclear physics. Emphasis is placed on numerical methods, approximation techniques, and
advanced computer skills for solutions of problems arising in realistic engineering
situations. Prerequisite-Computer Science 127 or equivalent. 3 credits On Occasion Dr.
Kiefer
452. Modeling and Simulation of Physical Systems
Practice in the numerical solution of differential equations and systems of such
equations. Finite difference and finite element methods are used on applications drawn
from several areas of Physics and Engineering. Prerequisites-Physics 451 or Math 431 3
credits On Occasion Dr. Kiefer
490. Physics Senior Comprehensive
This is an oral comprehensive required of all physics seniors. 0 credits Spring
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103. Engineering Graphics
Introduction to engineering drawing and Computer Aided Drafting(CAD). 3 credits
Spring Dr. Kiefer
203. Statics
Static equilibrium of rigid bodies. Topics include concurrent forces, moments, and
truss systems.
3 credits Dr. Kiefer
204. Dynamics
Kinematics and dynamics of a particle and of a rigid body. Principles of momentum,
work, and energy
are discussed, as well as motion in three dimensions. 3 credits Dr. Neeson
205. Strength of Materials
Elementary analysis of strength and deformation of deformable bodies subject to various
force
systems. Strain and stresses in solids of one, two, and three dimensions. 3
credits Dr. Neeson
220. Introduction
to MatLab®
At the present time, much technical and scientific calculation is done with
commercially produced software packages. One
of those most widely used in industry and academia is MatLab®.
This course provides an introduction to that software package, along with
an introduction to the numerical solution of problems in physics and
engineering. Students will learn to
write programs in the MatLab environment as well.
3 Credits.
On Occasion. Dr. Kiefer
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101. Earth Science
A survey of physical properties and processes of the Earth. The content is drawn from
geology, atmospheric science and oceanography. Topics may include the motion of the Earth,
atmospheric circulation, plate tectonics and igneous activity, and physical properties of
the oceans. This course will not satisfy the natural science requirements for science
majors. 3 credits Fall & Spring Dr. Budzinski
102. Physical Science
An introductory level course for non-science majors. Physical principles are discussed at
the conceptual level with minimum use of mathematics. The application of these principles
to everyday experiences is stressed. Among the topics covered are: motion, forces, energy,
momentum, structure of atoms and molecules, liquids, gases, temperature, and heat. This
course will not satisfy the science requirement for science majors. 3 credits Fall &
Spring Dr. Budzinski
105. Geology
A survey, with emphasis on physical geology, considering processes at work on the earth's
crust, such as glaciation, weathering, mass movement, water, diastrophism, and a
consideration of rocks and minerals composing the crust. 3 credits Fall Staff
106. Stars and Stellar Systems
A survey of the universe beyond our solar system: stars and multiple star systems,
nebulae, galaxies, quasars, pulsars, and black holes. Models of the universe's origin and
modern observing techniques will also be discussed. 3 credits Fall & Spring Dr.
DiMattio
107. The Solar System
How do the planets move through space and indeed what are the planets like? How did our
solar system come into existence? What is our sun like? These and other questions will be
treated in depth in the introduction to the astronomical aspects of our star system. 3
credits Fall & Spring Dr. Budzinski
108. Physics for Poets
This course is intended for non-science majors. It investigates the basic theories of
modern physics after a brief discussion of those classical ideas that are relevant.
Historical, philosophical, and social implications of developments in modern physics are
also considered. The course requires no college mathematics as a prerequisite although
three years of high school mathematics is strongly recommended. This course will not
satisfy the natural science requirement for science majors. 3 credits Fall Dr. Neeson
109. Physics of Sensory Perception
The physical and biophysical principles of sensory reception will be covered. Emphasis
will be given to the visual and auditory systems. Mechanisms of neural transmission and
information coding will be covered. This course will not satisfy the natural science
requirement for science majors. 3 credits On Occasion Dr. Kiefer
113L. Astronomy Laboratory
Basic experiments in astronomy combining astronomical observations with laboratory
exercises. May be taken with PHSC 106 or PHSC 107 to fulfill the four hour laboratory
science requirement. 1 credit Fall & Spring Staff
115. Alternative Energy Sources
This course is intended for the student who has had an exposure to the rudiments of
science and who is interested in exploring the topic of energy sources. This course will
deal with energy sources which are state of the art or near state of the art. Each energy
source will be examined from the point of view of the physical principles involved and the
practical limitations of the utilization. Discussions where pertinent will also include
hazard analyses. 3 credits Spring Dr. Neeson
116. Historical Geology
General principles and the origin of the earth. Attention will be directed primarily to
the nature of physical conditions and the record of life during the geologic history of
the continent of North America. Some treatment will be given to the areas of Europe,
because most major divisions of the rock succession were first recognized and defined
there. Students having physical geology as an introductory course will be able to tie into
a time sequence many previously unassociated facts in relation to the age of the earth. 3
credits Spring Staff
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