PHYS 224 - Electricity & Magnetism
Prerequisites: MATH-102, PHYS-114/115
Corequisites: MATH-203, PHYS-225 Minimum Class Standing: NA
An investigation of the physics of electricity and mangetism with a focus on the physics of electric and magnetic fields and their effects on electric charges. Topics will include the relationship between charges, forces, fields, potentials, and currents, as well as the physics of capacitors, resistors, and inductors. Terms Offered: All
PHYS 225 - Electricity & Magnetism Lab
Prerequisites: MATH-102, PHYS-114/115
Corequisites: MATH-203, PHYS-224 Minimum Class Standing: NA
This laboratory investigates the physics of electricity and magnetism. It includes a practical study of electric potential and electric current, as well as the fundamental circuit elements: capacitors, resistors, and inductors. Terms Offered: All
PHYS 235 - Computers in Physics
Prerequisites: CS-101, PHYS-224, PHYS-225,
and permission of instructor Minimum class standing: SO
This course exposes applied physics students to the multiple ways computers are used by professionals in industry, academia, and government laboratories. Problems in physics will be solved through analytical or symbolic software tools, numerical approaches implemented in spreadsheets and basic scripts written in a structured style, and experimental tools for control and data acquisition. This combination of symbolic, numerical and experimental work will give students a practical toolbox of techniques to solve new problems and meet challenges in upper level classes, graduate school, and/or postgraduate positions. Terms offered: Winter, Spring
PHYS 302 - Vibration, Sound and Light
Prerequisites: MATH-203, PHYS-224, PHYS-225
Corequisite: MATH-204 Minimum Class Standing: SO II
The phenomena of vibration and waves provide a fundamental background necessary to approach a wide variety of applications in physics and engineering. The first part of this course will introduce students to the basics of vibration, including the effects of real damping, response to driving forces, nonlinear oscillation and application to several acoustical, optical, electrical, and mechanical systems. After this introduction to vibration, the course will focus on wave motion. The behavior of non-dispersive waves in solids, acoustic sound waves, electromagnetic waves, and transverse waves on a string will be discussed along with an introduction to Fourier analysis as a means of analyzing wave signals. Non-dispersive waves in non-uniform media will also be explored with applications to several different types of waves occurring in nature. Basic wave phenomena including reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference will be discussed with respect to a variety of wave types. Students successfully completing this course will be well prepared for further study in optics, acoustics, vibration, and electromagnetic wave propagation. Terms offered: Summer, Fall
PHYS 342 - Materials Sci and Nanotech
Prerequistes: CHEM-135 or CHEM-137, PHYS-224, PHYS-225
Minimum Class Standing: SO
This course describes the relationship between the structure and properties of metals, semiconductors, ceramic and the materials at the micron and nanoscale size. Important crystal structures, imperfections, defects and diffusion in bulk and nano scale materials are discussed. Characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) are introduced. A brief introduction of quantum mechanics, especially potential well and tunneling through a barrier necessary to understand the behavior of nano size material, is also introduced. Optical properties of the quantum dots, fabrication and applications of MEMS and NEMS, giant magneto resistance (GMR), spintronics, magnetic tunnel junctions and nanophotonics are discussed. Terms Offered: Winter, Spring
PHYS 362 - Modern Physics
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-224/225
Minimum Class Standing: SOII
This course is an overview of the discoveries and applications of physics from the early 20th century on. Topics include relativity, quantum phenomena, wave-particle duality, quantum physics, solid state physics, semiconductors and superconductors, and nuclear and particle physics. Laboratory experiments will accompany topics introduced in lecture. Terms Offered: Summer, Fall
PHYS 376 - Photonics and Optoelec
Prerequisites: MATH-203, PHYS-224, PHYS-225
Minimum Class Standing: SO
The course is intended for all those who want to find out and understand what lasers, fiber optics, and photonic devices are all about without a reliance on rigorous mathematical treatment. This course covers the fundamental aspects of optical fibers. It also provides an introduction to integrated optic devices. Various techniques for the manipulation of laser light based on electro-optic, magneto-optic and acousto-optic effects are described. The course ends with a discussion of optical detection principles and the working of a solar cell. While the level of prerequisites and mathematical sophistication is intermediate, intense independent learning and academic maturity is expected. Terms Offered: Winter, Spring
PHYS 388 - Acoustics in Human Environment
Prerequisites: PHYS-224, PHYS-225
Minimum Class Standing: JR
This course surveys elements in acoustics that involve human factors, including the physiology of hearing, psychoacoustics and sound quality metrics, and the basic signal processing needed for these metrics. Topics in architectural and room acoustics will also explore how we experience and control our acoustic environment. While the level of prerequisites and mathematical sophistication is intermediate, intense independent learning and academic maturity is expected. Computer software will be used to manipulate audio signals and understand processing that is often automated (and used carelessly). In this course, less emphasis will be placed on technical practice that may change. Instead, students will be challenged to understand why standards are written as they are, how metrics are designed, and how "rules of thumb" originated. Terms offered: Summer, Fall
PHYS 412 - Theoretical Mechanics
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-114
Minimum Class Standing: NA
A look at classical physics. Topics include the projectile motion with air resistance, simple harmonic and nonlinear oscillation, central force motion, Kepler's laws and planetary motion, motion in noninertial reference frames, motion of systems of particles, rigid body motion, Lagrangian mechanics, and Hamiltonian theory. Computational methods for solving advanced physics problems will also be introduced. Terms Offered: Three term rotation (every third term).
PHYS 446 - Solid State Physics
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-362
Minimum Class Standing; JR
This course covers advanced topics in physics of solids such as crystal lattices, reciprocal lattice vectors and momentum space, Brillouin zone, elastic waves in crystals, phonons. inelastic scattering by phonons, phonon heat capacity, density of states, energy band gap and Bloch functions, Kronig-Penny model for periodic well and reciprocal space, effective mass, Fermi surfaces, artificial structures of semiconductors. The last two weeks of the course include a few special topics in solid state physics selected from Dielectrics, ferroelectrics, diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, andi-ferromagnetism, Giant Magneto-resistance (GMR) and defects in solids. Terms offered: Winter (odd years), Spring, (even years)
PHYS 452 - Thermodynamics & Stats Physics
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-362
Minimum Class Standing: SRI
This course is designed to introduce the student to statistical approaches for the analysis of systems containing a large number of particles. Specific topics include the fundamentals of thermodynamics, conditions for equilibrium and stability, ensemble theory, non-interacting systems, and phase transitions. Terms Offered: Three terms rotation (every third term)
PHYS 462 - Quantum Mechanics
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-362
Minimum Class Standing: JR
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Topics include: photons, matter waves, the Bohr model, the time-independent Schrodinger equation (and its application to one dimensional potentials), quantization of angular momentum, spin, the hydrogen atom, multi-electron atoms, and perturbation theory. Terms offered: Three terms rotation (every third term)
PHYS 464 - Nuclear Physics
Prerequisites: CHEM-135 or CHEM-137, PHYS-224, PHYS-225
PHYS-362 Minimum Class Standing: JR
This course discusses the nuclear structure, nuclear instability, and nuclear reactions. It also discusses various detectors and instruments, including gas detectors, proportional counters, Geiger counters, scintillation detectors and particle accelerators. The biographical effects of radiation and its industrial applications in tracing, gauging, materials modification, sterilizations, and food preservations are also introduced. Course discusses the applications of nuclear physics for diagnosis and treatment in medical sciences including Computer Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Radiation Therapy (RT). The course also discusses radioactivity, nuclear fission, fusion, and nuclear reactors. While the level of prerequisites and mathematical sophistication is intermediate, intense independent learning and academic maturity is expected. Terms Offered: Winter (even years), Spring (odd years).
PHYS 477 - Optics
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-302
Minimum Class Standing: JR
A study of geometrical and physical optics. Topics in geometrical optics include phenomena of reflection, refraction, total internal reflection and their application to imaging systems consisting of lenses and mirrors. Physical optics will start from the electromagnetic wave nature of light and will focus on such wave-like phenomena as optical interference, diffraction, polarization, and dispersion of light. Limited topics in interaction of light with matter, crystal optics, optical properties of materials and their applications in such areas as optoelectronics, photonics and fiber optics will also be addressed. The lab investigates optical component analysis, ray tracing, interferometry, diffraction, polarization, interference, optical fibers and other special topics. Terms Offered: Summer, Fall
PHYS 485 - Acoustic Testing and Modeling
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-302
Minimum Class Standing: NA
This course combines testing and measurement in the Acoustics Laboratory, modeling approaches including the finite element method, and exposure to textbook and journal literature to explore basic phenomena in acoustics. Each time the course is offered, students and the instructor will select three modules from a larger set, so that the course may be tailored to meet the needs and interests of students and faculty. Module topics include acoustics oscillators, structural vibration, source models, three-dimensional wave propagation, impedance and intensity, and transducers. Additional modules may be offered. Students in this course will collaborate to develop understanding through lab work, modeling, and theory. Each module will culminate in a presentation. Terms Offered: Winter, Spring
PHYS 495 - Scientific Research in Phys I
Prerequisites: 16 credits of PHYS, permission of a
Physics faculty member Minimum Class Standing: SR
This initial half of the senior research experience in Physics equips the student with necessary tools for a chosen project with a faculty member. Background literature will be emphasized, including searching databases to build a thorough bibliography. Planning for the research work will involve demonstrating mastery of the necessary lab or computer skills specific to the topic. Opportunities to work with faculty advisors will be coordinated by the Physics Department Head, who will collect proposals from students interested in this course. Regardless of the topic, students will develop skills in planning, executing, and communicating research through one-on-one interaction with faculty. Terms Offered: All
PHYS 496 - Scientific Research in PHYS II
Prerequisite: PHYS 495; permission of a PHYS faculty
member Minimum Class Standing: SRII
This second half of the senior research experience in Physics allows students time to conduct, reflect upon, and communicate work done under the mentorship of a Physics faculty advisor. The prerequisite course (PHYS-495) is designed for planning and background efforts. Critical thinking and clear communication of results is emphasized. Regardless of the topic, students will develop skills in planning, executing, and communicating research through one-on-one interaction with faculty. Terms Offered: All
PHYS 498 - Senior Research
Prerequisite: Senior II Standing
An advanced research experience in applied physics which will require an exhaustive literature search and a review paper on a topic of interest to the student, as well as the design of an extended research project in the student's chosen area, experimental collection and analysis of data, and both oral and written presentation of results. Exceptional presentations may be submitted for presentation at a professional meeting or for publication in a journal. Terms Offered: As Needed
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