45 courses with the subject PHYS, 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.
PHYS 10100Introduction to Physics I (LA)
Principles and concepts of classical physics (algebra-based). Mechanics, including rotational motion and energy and momentum conservation, properties of matter. Three lectures and one recitation/laboratory per week or three two-hour lecture/recitation/laboratory sessions per week. Prerequisites: Math placement score 2 or higher, math placement assessment score of 54 or greater, or completion of MATH 10400, MATH 10800, or MATH 11000 (with a C- or better). (F,Y) Attributes: ENRE4 Credits
A continuation from PHYS 10100 of the principles and concepts of classical physics (algebra-based). Standing waves and sound, physical and geometrical optics, electrostatics, magnetism, DC circuits, fluids, heat, and thermodynamics. Three lectures and one recitation/laboratory per week or three two-hour lecture/recitation/laboratory sessions per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 10100. (S,Y) Attributes: ABSS4 Credits
PHYS 11000Introductory Mathematical and Computational Methods for Physics (LA)
Bridges mathematics and computational skills to physical applications and prepares students for future study in Physics and Astronomy. The aim of this course is to develop tools for quantitatively analyzing problems common to courses in the Physics and Astronomy majors; topics will include applying algebraic tools, concepts from trigonometry, and use of spreadsheets to collect and analyze data in the Physics context. Prerequisites: Math placement in group 1 or higher, math placement assessment score of 76 or greater, MATH 10800 (may be taken concurrently) OR MATH 11100 (may be taken concurrently). (F,Y) 2 Credits
Intended as an introductory course for physics majors and science enthusiasts. Covers algebra-based topics in the physics core curriculum: light waves, optics, quantum properties of light, and special relativity. Emphasis is placed on the mathematical analysis of concepts as well as on developing conceptual understanding through active learning. Three two-hour lecture/recitation/laboratory sessions per week. Prerequisites: Math group 2 or higher, or MPLC score of 54 or higher, OR PHYS 11000 (may be taken concurrently). (F,Y) 4 Credits
Introductory calculus-based physics for students majoring in STEM fields. Topics include vectors, kinematics in one and two dimensions, dynamics, work, energy, momentum, heat, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and entropy. Emphasis is placed on the mathematical analysis of concepts as well as developing conceptual understanding through active learning. Three two-hour lecture/recitation/laboratory sessions per week. Prerequisites: MATH 10800 or MATH 11100. (S,Y) 4 Credits
Introductory calculus-based physics for students majoring in STEM fields. Topics include gravity and the gravitational field, static electric fields and Coulomb's law, electric potential, capacitors, Ohm's law, the magnetic field and Ampere's law, induction and Faraday's law, and an introduction to fluids. Emphasis is placed on mathematical analysis as well as developing conceptual understanding through active learning. Three two-hour lecture/recitation/laboratory sessions per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 10100 OR PHYS 12200; MATH 11200. (F,Y) 4 Credits
Survey of the physical production of music, sound wave behavior, the perception of music by the human ear and brain, the production of musical sound by the voice and instruments (including electronic synthesis), and an analysis of how music propagates in different physical spaces. No previous knowledge of physics or music is assumed. Prerequisites: Math placement score 3 or higher, math placement assessment score of 46 or greater, or completion of MATH 10000 (with a C- or better). (Y) Attributes: SC3 Credits
PHYS 14700Time to Act: The Science and Politics of Global Climate Change (LA)
Blends science with the social, economic, and political aspects of climate change to highlight the importance of rapid action to ensure a sustainable future. Course topics include an overview of climate science and its use in the detection, attribution, and prediction of climate and societal impacts, energy systems and their role in warming our planet, climate skepticism, existing and proposed mitigation and adaptation strategies. PHYS 14700 and ENVS 14700 are crosslisted; students cannot earn credit for both. (E) Attributes: HSIS, SC3 Credits
Physical basis of sound, with an emphasis placed on musical instruments, the human voice, and sound recording and reproduction. Physics concepts are introduced and developed as needed to understand these areas. Open to all students. Prerequisites: Math placement score 2 or higher, math placement assessment score of 54 or greater, or completion of MATH 10400, MATH 10800, or MATH 11000 (with a C- or better). (Y) 3 Credits
PHYS 17200Earth: Evolution of a Habitable World with Lab (LA)
Formation and evolution of planet Earth from the astronomer's perspective: creation of elements, the first rocks, development of oceans, the first atmosphere, formation of the moon, records of climate history, and how life on Earth fits into the context of life in the universe. Examination of Venus and Mars as possible analogs for Earth's evolution (past and future). Other topics include the influence of the sun on Earth's climate, the greenhouse effect, the geologic record of the development of continents, and the asteroid and comet impact hazard. Emphasis is placed on our sources of knowledge, the errors of our measurements, and the attendant model uncertainties in predicting Earth's future. Students enrolled in this course attend the lecture of PHYS 17100, but also meet for an additional weekly lab. Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 17100 and PHYS 17200. Prerequisites: Math placement in group 3 or higher, math placement assessment score of 46 or greater, or completion of MATH 10000 (with a C- or better). (S,Y) 4 Credits
PHYS 17801Professional Physics and Astronomy Seminar I (NLA)
Introduction to the physics program for all beginning physics majors or those considering the major. Discussions about career opportunities, the various physics degree paths, and strategies for being a successful and engaged physics major. Participation in the physics department seminar required. (F,Y) 1 Credit
PHYS 21000Intermediate Mathematical and Computational Methods for Physics (LA)
Applies quantitative and analytical techniques to physical applications and supports students in their intermediate course study of Physics and Astronomy. Topics include practice applying mathematical and computational tools such as single variable integration, series, the complex plane, ordinary differential equations and computer programming to physical situations. Prerequisites: PHYS 11000; MATH 11200. (F,Y) 2 Credits
Completes a comprehensive introduction to the principles of physics necessary for advanced coursework in the field. Topics include: mechanical oscillations of one and several particles, the classical wave equation and the behavior of its solutions, one-dimensional quantum mechanics, classical angular momentum, and an introduction to quantum mechanics in three dimensions. Emphasizes analytical techniques common across both classical and quantum domains. Prerequisites: PHYS 12100; PHYS 12300; PHYS 21000; MATH 21100. (S,Y) 4 Credits
One-semester course in which a student may pursue a topic of interest in physics. Offered on demand only. May be repeated up to a total of six credits. Permission of instructor required. (IRR) 0.5-3 Credits
PHYS 24300Sustainable Energy: Powering the World (LA)
Survey of energy. Topics include solar, wind, geothermal, electricity, fossil fuels, heat transfer, and the economic and environmental opportunities created by energy efficiency and sustainable energy systems. The course culminates with a final Energy Design Project. PHYS 24300 and ENVS 24300 are cross-listed. Students may not earn credit for both ENVS 24300 and PHYS 24300. Prerequisite: Math placement score 2 or higher, math placement assessment score of 54 or greater, or completion of MATH 10400, MATH 10800, or MATH 11000 (with a C- or better). (S,Y) Attributes: HSIS, QL, SC4 Credits
Intermediate design laboratory course in which students conduct investigations in various areas of applied physics. Emphasis is placed on the development of good laboratory techniques, simple circuit building, computer interfacing to equipment for data-taking, data analysis, data presentation (using computer graphical interface), and formal report writing. Prerequisites: PHYS 12100; PHYS 12300; PHYS 21000 (maybe be taken concurrently) or COMP 17100 (may be taken concurrently). (S,Y) 2 Credits
Intermediate laboratory course in which students conduct three investigations in various areas of physics. Emphasis is placed on the development of good laboratory techniques, data-taking procedures, data analysis, data presentation (using computer graphical interface), and formal report writing. Prerequisite: PHYS 12100; PHYS 12300; PHYS 21000 or COMP 17100 (may be taken concurrently). (S,Y) 2 Credits
PHYS 27800Professional Physics and Astronomy Seminar II (NLA)
Continuation of professional preparation for careers in physics and astronomy. Covers introduction to effective communication skills, effective teamwork strategies, and includes tutorials in software commonly used in physics careers. Students will also engage in a series of discussions about undergraduate research, summer opportunities for research and internships, and careers in physics, and will draft resumes and cover letters. (F,Y) 1 Credit
PHYS 28000Learning Assistant Practicum in Physics (NLA)
This course prepares our undergraduate Learning Assistants with the foundations of pedagogy necessary to assist our introductory physics students with their coursework. Additionally, this course provides procedural support for the Learning Assistants by strengthening students' pedagogical content knowledge. Prerequisites: B or higher in PHYS 10100, PHYS 10200, PHYS 12200, PHYS 12300, PHYS 16000, ASTR 17400, or ASTR 17500. (F) 1 Credit
Original research participation with a faculty member in a specialized field. Six credit limit. PHYS 29900 and ASTR 29900 are crosslisted courses; credit can only be earned for one. Permission of instructor required. (Y,F-S) 0.5-3 Credits
PHYS 31000Advanced Mathematical and Computational Methods for Physics (LA)
Applies analytical and computational techniques to physical applications, and supports students in their advanced course study of Physics and Astronomy. Topics include practice applying mathematical tools such as multivariate calculus, fields, linear algebra, and advanced differential equations to physical situations. Applications include the use of mathematical techniques in advanced computational analysis. Prerequisites: COMP 17100; PHYS 22400. (F,Y) 4 Credits
Intermediate mechanics, including statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, central forces, planetary motion, and Lagrange's equations. Extensive computer analysis. Culminates in a computational simulation of a physical system based on the equations of motion. Prerequisites: Either PHYS 31000 or the combination of PHYS 22400 and MATH 21400. (S,Y) 4 Credits
Intermediate course in electricity and magnetism that builds on the foundation received in PHYS 12300. Topics include electric and magnetic fields, Gauss's law, electric potential, circuits, Ampere's law, Faraday's law, and Maxwell's equations. Explores electromagnetic phenomena through both analytical and computational exercises. Prerequisites: COMP 17100; PHYS 22400. (F,Y) 4 Credits
Advanced theory course with emphasis on understanding the nature of quantum theory and how it differs from classical ideas. Topics include the Stern-Gerlach experiments and quantum measurements, the Schrödinger equation and solutions to various potentials, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Prerequisites: Either PHYS 31000 or the combination of PHYS 22400, MATH 21400, and MATH 23100. (S,Y) 4 Credits
Topics include laws of thermodynamics with applications, thermodynamic functions and potentials, kinetic theory, statistical mechanics, real and idealized systems, and intermolecular processes. Prerequisites: COMP 17100 and PHYS 22400. (F,Y) 4 Credits
One-semester course in which a student may pursue a topic of interest in physics. Offered on demand only. May be repeated for a total of six credits. Permission of instructor required. Prerequisites: PHYS 22400. (IRR) 0.5-3 Credits
Advanced laboratory course in which students will learn how to apply the engineering design process to identify a design need, consider the associated requirements and constraints of the project, brainstorm design solutions, analyze the proposed solutions to identify the strongest option, build a prototype, and iterate through stages of testing and improvement until a viable end product is produced. Students work as part of a design team with individual responsibilities and will practice presenting their design through “pitches” and customer presentations. All students will complete post-design reflections. Prerequisites: COMP 17100; PHYS 25000; PHYS 27800. (F,Y) Attributes: QL4 Credits
Advanced laboratory course in which students are expected to conduct four or five investigations in areas such as mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism. Emphasis is placed on the development of good laboratory techniques and data-taking procedures. Students are expected to become familiar with modern developments in instrumentation, formal report writing (in LaTeX), and the statistical basis for data and uncertainty analysis. Includes both independent work and work in teams. Prerequisites: COMP 17100; PHYS 22400; PHYS 26000; PHYS 27800. (S,Y) Attributes: ENRE, NS, QL4 Credits
Original research participation with a faculty member in a specialized field. Intended for students with prior experience from PHYS/ASTR 29900-29910. Six credit limit. Permission of instructor is required. PHYS 39900 and ASTR 39900 are crosslisted courses; credit can only be earned for one. (F-S,Y) 0.5-3 Credits
Building on the foundation gained in PHYS 32300, this course completes the mathematical treatment of electromagnetic fields, including: electric and magnetic fields in matter, energy and momentum of EM fields, EM waves, EM potential theory, EM radiation, and special relativity. Prerequisites: PHYS 31000; PHYS 32300. (IRR) 4 Credits
PHYS 43000Selected Topics in Advanced Physics (LA)
Advanced course in which students apply their physics skills to advanced topics. Current topics will be chosen based on faculty and student interests and may include environmental science, geophysics, and physics topics such as atomic, condensed matter, nuclear, and optical physics. This course may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: PHYS 22400. (Y) 2-4 Credits
Subject
PHYS
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects.
Designed to offer applications of physics concepts in a setting appropriate to students' interest and training. Internships are arranged individually at the student's request with an instructor and a sponsoring agency and with departmental approval. Students must follow the guidelines of the School of Humanities and Sciences and complete the H&S internship application. Permission of instructor required. (IRR) 1-12 Credits
PHYS 49000Professional Physics and Astronomy Seminar Capstone (LA)
Provides opportunities for students to explore connections between the integrative core curriculum, the physics major, other learning experiences while at Ithaca College or abroad, and future goals. Students will develop a written reflection and engage in career preparation activities. (F,Y) Attributes: CP1 Credit
First half of the capstone experience in which students design, conduct, and report on a senior project. The final project can be a research paper, theory project, computational project, engineering project, or experimental project. Emphasis placed on independent work. Culminates in a formal written proposal. Prerequisites: PHYS 36000, PHYS 32600 or PHYS 35000 (any of which may be taken concurrently); WRTG 10600 or equivalent. (IRR) Attributes: WI1 Credit
Second half of the capstone experience in which students complete a senior project, culminating in a formal written project report. Emphasis placed on independent work. Prerequisite: PHYS 49300; WRTG 10600 or equivalent. (IRR) Attributes: WI2 Credits
Original research participation with a faculty member in a specialized field. Intended for students with prior experience from PHYS/ASTR 39900-39910. Six credit limit. Permission of instructor is required. PHYS 49900 and ASTR 49900 are crosslisted courses; credit can only be earned for one. (F-S,Y) 0.5-3 Credits
Advanced study of the nature of quantum theory and how it differs from classical ideas. Topics include the uncertainty principle, the Schrödinger equation and solutions to various potentials, perturbation theory, and the one-electron atom. Prerequisite: Graduate student in good standing or permission of instructor. (IRR) 3 Credits
PHYS 54000Inquiry and the Nature of Science for the Science Teacher
Considers issues pertaining to the nature and practice of science, especially as they relate to science education. Explores aspects that distinguish scientific inquiry from other forms of inquiry. Examines safety issues of teaching science in a classroom, and teaching science in the context of the community. Cross-listed with BIO 54000, CHEM 54000, and ENVS 54000. Students can receive credit for only one of: BIOL 54000, CHEM 54000, ENVS 54000, and PHYS 54000. Prerequisites: Graduate student in good standing. (IRR) 3 Credits
PHYS 54100Science Topics Every Science Teacher Should Know (LA)
Review of the major science topics all science teachers should know as recommended by the National Science Teachers Association. Cross-listed with BIOL 54100, CHEM 54100, and ENVS 54100. Students can receive credit for only one of: BIOL 54100, CHEM 54100, ENVS 54100, PHYS 54100. Prerequisite: Graduate student in good standing. (F, Y) 3 Credits
Graduate students are expected to gain a thorough understanding of several experiments carried out during the term rather than to complete a large number of small projects. Emphasis is placed on independent work. Available experiments include nuclear techniques, gamma ray spectroscopy, and the Mossbauer effect. Prerequisite: Graduate student in good standing or permission of instructor. (S,E) 3 Credits
Advanced study of topics chosen based on faculty and student interests; topics may include advanced astronomy, environmental science, geophysics, and physics topics such as atomic, condensed matter, nuclear, and optical physics. This course may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisite: Graduate student in good standing or permission of instructor. (IRR) 3 Credits
Subject
PHYS
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects.
One-semester course in which a student may pursue a topic of interest in physics, supervised by a member of the department. Offered on demand only. May be repeated for credit, up to a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (IRR) 3-6 Credits
Subject
PHYS
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for credit, up to a maximum of 6 credits.
PHYS 69800Education Research for the Science Teacher (LA)
Original research participation with a science education faculty member. Designed to strengthen student understanding of science education research methodology and the science education research literature. Cross-listed with BIOL 69800, CHEM 69800, and ENVS 69800. Students can receive credit for only one of: BIOL 69800, CHEM 69800, ENVS 69800, PHYS 69800. Offered on demand only. Prerequisite: Graduate student in good standing. (SU, IRR) 3 Credits
Original research participation with a faculty member in a specialized field. Designed to strengthen the student's understanding of the nature of science, science research methodology, and the scientific literature. Course may be repeated for credit, up to a maximum of 6 credits. Offered on demand only. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (IRR) 3-6 Credits
Subject
PHYS
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated for credit, up to a maximum of 6 credits.
