Physics 100 (Engineering 100) (1) -- Computing in Physics and Engineering
Prerequisite: Pass/Fail only. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Staff
Fall
Engineering 101 (3) -- How It Works, How It’s Made
Prerequisite: Designed for non-science and non-major students. An introduction to the engineering and science behind devices that students use or are exposed to everyday. Contemporary equipment and technology along with their applications are presented first, gaining familiarity with a subject before studying the underlying scientific aspects. By investigating “how it works,” students become aware of fundamental physical principles. Examining “how it’s made,” students are exposed to the engineering design criteria which govern all manufactured objects. Kuehner
Fall 2008 and alternate years
Physics 111 (3) -- General Physics I
Prerequisite: Mathematics 101 or equivalent. An introduction to classical mechanics and thermodynamics. Topics include Newton’s laws, wave motion, and the laws of thermodynamics. Under most circumstances, this course should be taken simultaneously with Physics 113. Staff
Fall
Physics 112 (3) -- General Physics II
Prerequisite: Physics 111 A continuation of Physics 111. Topics include electricity and magnetism, optics, relativity, and quantum theory. Under most circumstances, this course should be taken simultaneously with Physics 114. Staff
Winter
Physics 113 (1) -- General Physics Laboratory I
Prerequisite: Corequisite: Physics 111 A laboratory course to accompany Physics 111. Laboratory exercises in classical mechanics. Staff
Fall
Physics 114 (1) -- General Physics Laboratory II
Prerequisite: Corequisite: Physics 112 A laboratory course to accompany Physics 112. Laboratory exercises in electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Staff
Winter
Physics 115 (3) -- Apples and Anti‑Apples: Physics for the Non‑Scientist
A conceptual overview of the fundamental ideas of modern physics. This non‑laboratory course presents the essential concepts and philosophical and ethical aspects of the most important developments in modern physics, such as quantum mechanics, relativity, particle physics and statistical physics. Discusses the impact of these concepts on our continuous efforts to understand the universe. Algebra and geometry are used but no calculus. Mazilu
Spring 2008 and alternate years
Physics 150 (4) -- The Immense Journey: Harmonices Mundi
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. The classical astronomy of the solar system is traced by a study of Greek astronomy and the revolutionary ideas of Kepler and Newton. The apparent and real motions of the earth, moon, and planets are studied in detail, as well as special phenomena such as eclipses, tides, and objects such as comets and asteroids. Emphasis is on comprehension and application of principles rather than memorization of facts. The laboratory stresses the observational aspects of astronomy. Elementary geometry, algebra, and trigonometry are used in the course. Laboratory course. Staff
Fall
Physics 151 (4) -- Stellar Evolution and Cosmology
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. An introduction to the physics and astronomy of stellar systems and the universe. Stellar evolution, the special and general theories of relativity, and cosmology are studied. An assessment is made of the probabilities for life elsewhere in the universe. The feasibility of communication over interstellar distances also is investigated. Emphasis is on comprehension and application of principles rather than memorization of facts. The laboratory stresses the observational aspects of astronomy. Elementary geometry, algebra, and trigonometry are used in the course. Laboratory course. Sukow
Spring
Engineering 160 (3) -- CADD: Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
Prerequisite: Mathematics 102 with C or better. An introduction to engineering and architectural drawing using a CADD program. Basic orthographic projection, pictorials, and assembly drawings. Introduction to the use of solid modeling in three dimensions. Kuehner
Spring
Physics 202 (3) -- Relativity
Prerequisite: Physics 111 and 113. An examination of the special theory of relativity. Emphasis is placed on kinematic effects of the theory, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and electromagnetic implications of the theory. A brief introduction to general relativity is entertained. Reese
Spring
Engineering 203 (3) -- Mechanics I: Statics
Prerequisite: Mathematics 102. Pre- or corequisite: Physics 111. The science of mechanics is used to study bodies in equilibrium under the action of external forces. Emphasis is on problem solving: trusses, frames and machines, centroids, area moments of inertia, beams, cables, and friction. Van Ness
Fall
Engineering 204 (3) -- Mechanics II: Dynamics
Prerequisite: Engineering 203. A study of kinetics of particles and rigid bodies including force, mass, acceleration, work, energy, momentum. A student may not receive degree credit for both Engineering 204 and Physics 230. Kuehner
Winter
Physics 207 (Engineering 207) (4) -- Electrical Circuits
Prerequisite: Physics/Engineering 225. A detailed study of electrical circuits and the methods used in their analysis. Basic circuit components, as well as devices such as operational amplifiers, are investigated. The laboratory acquaints the student both with fundamental electronic diagnostic equipment and with the design and behavior of useful circuits. Laboratory course. Sukow or Eason
Fall
Physics 208 (Engineering 208) (3) -- Electronics
Prerequisite: Physics/Engineering 207. An introduction to basic analog and digital electronics. Topics may include diodes, transistors, logic gates, flip-flops, counters and timers, and phase-locked loops. The integrated laboratory component of this course acquaints the student with the design of basic analog and digital circuits, and with the diagnostic techniques used to study these circuits. Laboratory course. Sukow or Eason
Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.
Physics 210 (3) -- Modern Physics
Prerequisite: Corequisite: Physics 112. An introduction to the special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics and the experiments that led to the theory. Selected topics from atomic, molecular, nuclear, statistical, and solid state physics are discussed. The choice of topics may vary from year to year. Reese
Fall
Physics 215 (4) -- Optics
Prerequisite: Physics 225 (Engineering 225). A study of the properties of electromagnetic waves with special emphasis on visible light. Wave descriptions are developed for scattering, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, and polarization. Topics in geometrical optics are also studied, including lenses and aberration theory. Laboratory course. Sukow
Winter 2009 and alternate years
Physics 220 (3) -- Electricity and Magnetism
Prerequisite: Physics 112 and 114; Prerequisite or corequisite: Physics 225 (Engineering 225). An introduction to the classical theory of electric and magnetic fields. The basic equations of electromagnetism (Maxwell’s equations) are developed through a study of electrostatics, steady-state magnetism, and electromagnetic induction. Eason
Winter
Physics 225 (Engineering 225) (3) -- Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering
Prerequisite: Physics 112, Mathematics 221. Study of a collection of mathematical techniques particularly useful in upper-level courses in physics and engineering: vector differential operators such as gradient, divergence, and curl; functions of complex variables; Fourier analysis; orthogonal functions; matrix algebra and the matrix eigenvalue problem. Mazilu
Winter
Physics 230 (3) -- Newtonian Mechanics
Prerequisite: Physics 111 and 113. A thorough study of Newton’s laws of motion, rigid body motion, and accelerated reference frames. A student may not receive degree credit for both Engineering 204 and Physics 230. Staff
Winter
Physics 240 (Engineering 240) (3) -- Thermodynamics
Prerequisite: Physics 112 and Mathematics 221. A study of the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, thermodynamic properties of matter, and applications to engineering processes. Van Ness
Winter
Physics 245 (3) -- Statistical Physics
Prerequisite: Physics 210 or Physics/Engineering 240. A study of the statistical methods used in various branches of physics. The Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distribution functions will be derived and applied to problems in thermodynamics and the physics of solids. Mazilu
Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.
Physics 251 (Engineering 251) (4) -- Experimental Methods in Physics and Engineering
Prerequisite: Physics 112 or permission of the instructor. An introduction to the design and implementation of experimental methods. Execution of the methods focuses on current data acquisition techniques, along with a study of standard data reduction and analysis. Results are examined in order to review the experimental method employed and to redesign the method for future experiments. This course is intended for any science major interested in performing experimental research on campus or in graduate school. Kuehner
Fall 2007 and alternate years
Physics 255 (Engineering 255) (3) -- C++ for Engineering and Physics
Prerequisite: Physics 112. An introduction to the C++ computing language, with applications characteristic of computation-intensive work in engineering and physics. Difference approximations to differential equations, stochastic methods, graphical presentation, and nonlinear dynamics are among the topics covered. Students need not have previous experience with C++. Mazilu
Spring
Physics 260 (Engineering 260) (3) -- Materials Science
Prerequisite: Physics 112. An introduction to solid state materials. Study of the relation between microstructure and corresponding physical properties for metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Van Ness
Winter
Engineering 265 (Biology 265) (6) -- Integrative Science: Cardiovascular Disease
Prerequisite: Biology 111 or Physics 112. This course integrates biology, physics, engineering and mathematical modeling through the study of the cardiovascular system and cardiovascular disease. A variety of cardiovascular disease states are used to reinforce basic mechanical and electrical principles of cardiovascular physiology. Treatments using these physiological and/or engineering principles are also considered, such as cardiovascular drugs and drug delivery systems, heart and blood vessel transplantation, defibrillators and heart monitors, etc. Laboratories provide an opportunity to investigate fluid dynamics, cardiovascular monitoring using physiological transducers, computer heart/vessel modeling software, diagnostic imaging (ultrasound/MRI), etc. Speakers and site visits highlight cardiovascular medicine (clinical and/or veterinary), epidemiology, FDA medical device approval and testing, vascular stent design, etc., to provide a wider relevance to our discussions. Laboratory course. Eason, l'Anson
Spring 2008 and alternate years
Engineering 295 (3) -- Intermediate Special Topics in Engineering
Prerequisite: Physics 111 and 112. Intermediate work in bioengineering, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics or materials science. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits with permission and if the topics are different. Staff
Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.
Engineering 301 (3) -- Solid Mechanics
Prerequisite: Engineering 203. Internal equilibrium of members; introduction to mechanics of continuous media; concepts of stress, material properties, principal moments of inertia; deformation caused by axial loads, shear, torsion, bending and combined loading. Van Ness
Fall
Engineering 302 (3) -- An Introduction to the Finite Element Method
Prerequisite: Engineering 301 and Mathematics 332. An introduction to the finite element method using a variational approach to obtain numerical solutions of differential equations governing physical problems. Examples will be drawn from solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and electrostatics. Staff
Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.
Engineering 311 (4) -- Fluid Mechanics
Prerequisite: Engineering 204 or Physics 230. Fluid statics; application of the integral mass, momentum, and energy equations using control volume concepts; introduction to viscous flow and boundary layer theory. Laboratory course. Kuehner
Winter
Physics 315 (3) -- Nuclear Physics
Prerequisite: Physics 210 and Mathematics 221. Topics include radioactivity, nuclear reactions, high-energy physics, and elementary particles. Staff
Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.
Engineering 330 (3) -- Mechanical Vibrations
Prerequisite: Engineering 204 or Physics 230, Mathematics 332. Analysis of lumped parameter and continuous systems (free and forced, damped and undamped, single- and multi-degree-of-freedom); transient response to shock pulses; simple linear systems; exact and approximate solution techniques; and solution to continuous systems using partial differential equations. Staff
Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.
Physics 340 (3) -- Quantum Mechanics
Prerequisite: Physics 210; Corequisite: Mathematics 332. The Schrödinger wave formalism is established and applied to the harmonic oscillator, a particle in a square well, and the hydrogen atom. Williams
Fall
Engineering 351 (1) -- Solid Mechanics Laboratory
Prerequisite: Engineering 301. Experimental observation and correlation with theoretical predictions of elastic behavior of structures under static loading; statically determinate and indeterminate loading of beams and trusses; shear; and torsion. Laboratory course. Van Ness
Fall
Physics 361 (Engineering 361) (3) -- Polymer Science and Engineering
Prerequisite: Physics/Engineering 240 or Chemistry 261 or permission of the instructor. Science and engineering of large molecules. Physical and chemical structure of polymers correlated with mechanical properties. Crystal morphology. Theory of rubber elasticity. Time and temperature dependent properties of polymers. Relevance to polymer physics and chemical and mechanical engineering. Van Ness
Spring
Engineering 395 (3) -- Special Topics in Engineering
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Advanced work in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, or materials science. Topics selected based on student interest. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits with permission and if the topics are different. Staff
Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.
Physics 401 (1) -- Directed Individual Study
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor Advanced work and reading in topics selected by the instructor to fit special needs of advanced students. This course may be repeated with permission for a total of six credits. Staff
Engineering 401 (1) -- Engineering Problems
Prerequisite: Junior standing and approval of the instructor. A special course of instruction, reading and investigation designed to serve the needs of individual students in a selected field of proposed engineering endeavor. May be repeated for degree credit with permission. Staff
Physics 402 (2) -- Directed Individual Study
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor Advanced work and reading in topics selected by the instructor to fit special needs of advanced students. This course may be repeated with permission for a total of six credits. Staff
Engineering 402 (2) -- Engineering Problems
Prerequisite: Junior standing and approval of the instructor. A special course of instruction, reading and investigation designed to serve the needs of individual students in a selected field of proposed engineering endeavor. May be repeated for degree credit with permission. Staff
Physics 403 (3) -- Directed Individual Study
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor Advanced work and reading in topics selected by the instructor to fit special needs of advanced students. This course may be repeated with permission for a total of six credits. Staff
Engineering 403 (3) -- Engineering Problems
Prerequisite: Junior standing and approval of the instructor. A special course of instruction, reading and investigation designed to serve the needs of individual students in a selected field of proposed engineering endeavor. May be repeated for degree credit with permission. Staff
Physics 421 (1) -- Directed Individual Research
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor Staff
Engineering 421 (1) -- Directed Individual Research
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Staff
Physics 422 (2) -- Directed Individual Research
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor Staff
Engineering 422 (2) -- Directed Individual Research
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Staff
Physics 423 (3) -- Directed Individual Research
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Staff
Engineering 423 (3) -- Directed Individual Research
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Staff
Physics 493 (3-3) -- Honors Thesis
Fall-Winter
Engineering 493 (3-3) -- Honors Thesis
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and departmental honors candidacy. Staff
Fall-Winter
