Worcester State University · Courses

PY

25 courses with the subject PY, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.

PY 101Introduction to Astronomy

Tools of the astronomer. The nature of stars, their location and cosmology. Planets and the solar system.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 105How Stuff Works (Concepts in Physics)

Physics is all around you. It is in the sights you see, the sounds you hear, the things you feel, and even in your sense of taste. Stressing conceptual understanding and critical reasoning over quantitative analysis, this course aims to give students the background and habits of mind that will help them understand how the world works. Topics will include: Newton's Laws, energy, momentum, rotation, fluids, heat, and waves. The class is two hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory. Credit will not be awarded for more than one of PY 105, PY 221, and PY 241.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 106Concepts in Physics II

LASC Categories: NSP successful completion of a college-level math class. Electrostatics, including electric forces and electric potential. Simple circuits, electrical power, and generators. Magnetic ﬁelds and forces, light, and relativity. Credit will not be awarded for more than one of PY 106, PY 222, and PY 242.’ Every year. 3 Credits

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2020-2021
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 110Astrophotography

The course aims to introduce the fundamental principles of astrophotography or imaging astronomical objects. We will be using optical telescopes to observe the night sky as well as the sun to understand astrophotography as a scientific tool to understand our universe.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 112Physics in Art4

LASC Categories: NSP, LAB, QAC, WAC successful completion of a college-level math class, and EN-102. Concepts in optics and modern physics applied to the analysis of paintings, conservation of art objects, and detection of forgeries. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory. Every year.

Subject: PY
Credits (min): 4
Credits (max): 4
Credit unit: Credits
Type: course
Edition: 2020-2021
Source: catalog.worcester.edu
Prerequisite: Accuplacer score of 3 or above or

PY 114Physics of Waves

Wave phenomena, including water waves, sound, acoustics, musical instruments, optics and quantum mechanics. Analysis of propagation, power, scattering and interference.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 180Introduction to Engineering Calculations & Problem Solving

Introduction to Engineering Analysis is a foundational course designed for WSU students to develop essential problem-solving and analytical skills applicable across all engineering disciplines. The course introduces systematic problem-solving methodologies and fundamental engineering principles. Students will engage in hands-on learning, utilizing computer software such as spreadsheets, graphics programs, and databases to solve and present engineering problems. Additionally, the course incorporates physics and chemistry hands-on lab engagements to reinforce theoretical concepts through practical applications. An introduction to engineering design is also provided, culminating in a small design project that allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 193First Year Seminar

Introductory level course covering topics of special interest to first-year students. Offered only as a First-Year Seminar.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 217General Astronomy

Algebra-based Astronomy course covering a breadth of topics, primarily focusing outside of the solar system. Topics include: nature and evolution of stars; supernova; white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes; galaxies, quasars, and dark matter; large scale structure of the universe; the Big Bang; and dark energy. Emphasis will be on the physical principles underlying the astronomical phenomena.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 220Energy and the Environment

Explore the important questions surrounding energy, environment, and climate.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 221General Physics I

Physics with algebra and trigonometry, including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, gravity, oscillators, waves, and heat. Three hours lecture and two hours lab. Credit will not be awarded for more than one of PY 105, PY 221, and PY 241.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 222General Physics II

Physics with algebra and trigonometry including electric and magnetic fields, resistance, capacitance, inductance, reflection, refraction, interference, relativity, and quantum physics. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory. Credit will not be awarded for more than one of PY 106, PY 222, and PY 242.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 240Optics3

and MA-190, or consent of instructor. Image formation with mirrors and lenses. Interference, diffraction, dispersion, and polarization Lasers. Microscopes and spectrometers. Cameras and image processing. Every 2-3 years.

Subject: PY
Credits (min): 3
Credits (max): 3
Credit unit: Credits
Type: course
Edition: 2020-2021-undergraduate
Source: catalog.worcester.edu
Prerequisite: one semester of college level physics

PY 241Physics I (Mechanics)

Physics with calculus, including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, gravity, oscillators, waves and heat. Three hours lecture and two hours lab. Credit will not be awarded for more than one of PY 105, PY 221, and PY 241.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 242Physics II ( Electricity, Magnetism and Optics )

Physics with calculus including electric and magnetic fields, resistance, capacitance, inductance, reflection, refraction, interference, relativity and quantum physics. Three hours lecture and two hours lab. Credit will not be awarded for more than one of PY 106, PY 222, and PY 242.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 250Observational Astronomy

Orientation in the night sky. Use of telescopes and cameras. Conduct astronomical observations. Analysis and interpretation of astronomical data.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 297Selected Topics in Physics1-6

Lecture or laboratory course in a selected area in physics. Topics announced in advance. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.

Subject: PY
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 6
Credit unit: Credits
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 310Modern Physics

Special relativity. The wave nature of matter, introductory quantum mechanics, and atomic physics. Condensed matter. Radioactivity. Nuclear and particle physics.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 345Computational Biophysics and Quantitative Biology

Quantitative methods in biology, with an emphasis on computational, statistical physics approaches. Physical aspects of molecular and cellular biology including polymer physics, equilibrium states, diffusion, and chemical kinetics will be covered. Introduction to thermodynamics and soft condensed matter physics as applied to biological systems. The course serves as an introduction to programming. Methods of Monte Carlo simulation, descriptive statistics, and machine learning will be covered. Three lecture hours and three computer laboratory hours per week.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 360Introduction to Materials Science3

Physical structures of solids. Electrical, magnetic, thermal and optical properties of solids, liquids and soft matter. Structure-property relationships in materials. Cross-listed with CH-360.

Subject: PY
Credits (min): 3
Credits (max): 3
Credit unit: Credits
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 370Introduction to Nuclear Science3

Fundamentals of nuclear science. Topics include nuclear structure and forces, radioactive decays, nuclear reactions, and modern applications. Cross- listed with CH-370.

Subject: PY
Credits (min): 3
Credits (max): 3
Credit unit: Credits
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 408Directed Study: Physics3-4

Directed study offers students, who because of unusual circumstances may be unable to register for a course when offered, the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with agreement from a physics faculty member.

Subject: PY
Credits (min): 3
Credits (max): 4
Credit unit: Credits
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 410Independent Study: Physics1-6

Opportunity for advanced students to pursue a topic of special interest involving extensive reading, experimentation, and research. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.

Subject: PY
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 6
Credit unit: Credits
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 415Advanced Physics-Astronomy Research and Fieldwork

Students develop and execute a research project in physics or astronomy under the supervision of a physics faculty member. May include the development of a formal proposal, background literature search, data collection either in the field or in a laboratory, analysis and interpretation of data, and production of a research paper summarizing the findings.

Subject: PY
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

PY 460Physics Internship1-4

Advanced students assigned to external public or private agency, working under agency and physics faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Consent of physics faculty.

Subject: PY
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 4
Credit unit: Credits
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog
Source: catalog.worcester.edu

Source: Worcester State University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61