Physics

A concentration and minor are offered in Physics. The physics curriculum offers a variety of topics in physics that form the basis of an engineering or physics degree which can be completed at another institution.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Physics Program will:

  1. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-based learning skills to understand, interpret and solve problems.
  2. Model mechanical, thermodynamic, and electromagnetic processes and use mathematical methods to solve problems and predict outcomes.

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

PHYS 110 : Foundation of Physics

Introduces college-level physics. Topics include the fundamental principles of motion, electricity and magnetism, work and energy, and wave motion and its relationship to sound and light.

Credits

3

Corequisites

PHYS 110 Laboratory.

PHYS 211 : General Physics I

Explores college-level physics. Topics include the fundamental principles of mechanics, thermal properties of matter, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics based on a knowledge of college-level algebra and trigonometry.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

HS or college trigonometry course.

Corequisites

PHYS 211 Laboratory.

PHYS 212 : General Physics II

Continues discussions from PHYS 211. Topics include the fundamental principles of mechanics, thermal properties of matter, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics based on a knowledge of college-level algebra and trigonometry.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

HS or college trigonometry course.

Corequisites

PHYS 212 Laboratory.

PHYS 231 : Engineering Physics I

Introduces fundamental theories and principles in classical physics of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics with an introduction in modern physics based on the knowledge of calculus and vector manipulations. This course is designed for physics and pre-engineering students and majors requesting calculus-based physics.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

MATH 231 and 232.

Corequisites

PHYS 231 Laboratory.

PHYS 232 : Engineering Physics II

Continues discussions from PHYS 231. Introduces fundamental theories and principles in classical physics of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics with an introduction in modern physics based on the knowledge of calculus and vector manipulations. This course is designed for physics and pre-engineering students and majors requesting calculus-based physics.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

MATH 231 and 232. May be taken concurrently with MATH 231 or 232.

Corequisites

PHYS 232 Laboratory.

PHYS 245 : Circuit Analysis

Explains AC and DC circuit components; energy and power; series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits; source conversions, Thevenin, and Norton equivalency; mesh and nodal analysis; RLC circuits and frequency response.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

MATH 232 and PHYS 232.

PHYS 248/448 : Special Topics

Available as needed. Topics may include specialized areas of engineering or physics according to student needs and instructor's specialization.

Credits

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Permission of the professor.

PHYS 293/493 : Special Problems

Available as needed. Includes independent study or elective work in physics or pre-engineering under the direction of a physics or pre-engineering faculty member.

Credits

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Permission of the professor.

PHYS 342 : Thermodynamics

Introduces the basic tools necessary for the analysis of any engineering system in which energy transformations occur. Topics include energy and entropy analysis, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, the thermodynamiv properties of pure substances, and applications to fluid and thermal components and thermodynamic cycles.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

MATH 231 and PHYS 232.

PHYS 351 : Statics

Introduces fundamentals of statics, vector analysis of forces and moment in two- and three- dimensions, free body diagrams, static equilibrium, moments of inertia, centroids, shearing forces, bending moments, and dynamics.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

MATH 233 and PHYS 231.

PHYS 352 : Dynamics

Introduces the study of dynamic systems. Topics include motion of a particle; motion of a rigid body; relative motion; kinetics of translation and plane motion; work energy methods; impulse/momentum methods; mechanical vibrations.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

MATH 233, PHYS 231 and 351.

PHYS 411 : Modern Physics

Discusses physics of atomic particles, including the classical theory and the development of the major modern viewpoints.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

MATH 232 and PHYS 232.

PHYS 412 : Electromagnetism

Explores calculus and vector approach to electricity and magnetism. Topics include electrostatics, electrical circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic theory, and electromagnetic waves through the Maxwell equation.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

MATH 232 and PHYS 232.

PHYS 448 : Special Topics

Available as needed. Topics selected from specialized areas of engineering or physics according to student needs and instructor's specialization.

Credits

1 - 3

PHYS 493 : Special Problems

Available as needed. Independent study or elective work in physics or pre-engineering under the direction of a physics or pre-engineering faculty member.

Credits

1