37 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 1000Physics with Application to Environmental Topics3
A course designed to present the basic concept of physics in their application to the study of the environment. (Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
An introduction to the field of astronomy. This course will acquaint the student with the methods and tools of modern astronomy. The historical development of astronomical models is briefly reviewed. The student will study the population of stars in the universe, their evolution, and the processes responsible for it. They will study in some detail our galaxy, the solar system, and the planets. Current cosmological theories will be reviewed. (Three hours lecture per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
A study of the process by which scientists acquire, analyze, and organize information. The student is challenged to observe carefully, to experiment, to analyze critically, and to synthesize results into an analytical (i.e. mathematical) formalism. The student thus learns by actively exploring the physical world rather than merely reading about it. Practice of the scientific method is emphasized more than coverage of a definite body of knowledge. (Two lecture and two laboratory hours per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 1410Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology3
A course that gives students a relatively broad background in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The course does not have a traditional lecture-practice class format but rather has the form of seminars with inclusion of visual presentations and specifically designed labs. The course will give the students an overview of the nanoscience, which is each day more and more important in all science disciplines and technology. It consists of the two parts: Nanoscience Background, and Nanoscience Applications and Instrumentation. Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
MATH 1100 and MATH 1200 with a grade of “C” or better. An introduction to the principles of physics for students majoring in the life sciences. Topics covered include: kinematics in one- and two-dimensions, vectors, particle dynamics, energy, rotational and oscillatory motion, fluids, and sound and waves. (Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 2110 . A continuation of PHYS 2110 . Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, heat, and thermodynamics. (Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
MATH 2010 or permission of instructor. A study of the fundamental concepts in physics and their use in analyzing physical systems. Topics covered: one-dimensional kinematics, vectors and kinematics in two-and three-dimensions, Newton’s laws and particle dynamics, rotational kinematics and dynamics, temperature, thermal properties of matter, the first law of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases. (Three hours lecture and one recitation hour per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
MATH 2020 or permission of instructor. Continuation of PHYS 2305 that includes the study of electricity and magnetism. Topics covered: electric fields, Gauss’s law, electric potential, capacitors, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, Ampere’s law, Faraday’s law, inductance, magnetic materials, AC Circuits and Maxwell’s Equations. Recitation (Three hours lecture and one recitation hours per week.) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
MATH 2020 , or permission of instructor. Continuation of Physics 2305. Topics covered include: simple harmonic oscillation, mechanical waves, sound, geometrical optics, refraction, wave interference, diffraction, the kinetic theory of gases, and the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Recitation (Three hours lecture and one recitation hours per week.) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 2305 . First semester physics laboratory course for students majoring in science. Students will develop laboratory skills, and be introduced to statistical methods of data analysis. This course will familiarize students with the principles of mechanics, kinematics and statics through hands on experimentation. Experiments will include the study of projectile motion, acceleration, gravitational force, friction, conservation of energy and momentum and rotational motion. (Two hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 2310 . The goal of this course is to use hands-on experimentation to familiarize students with the principles of electromagnetic theory and the techniques used to measure electromagnetic properties. Experiments will involve the study of electric forces, fields and potentials, DC and AC electrical circuits, magnetic fields, and magnetic induction. (Two hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 2500Introduction to Biophysics3
A basic overview of the key concepts of biophysics, especially molecular biophysics, by applying physical principles, methods, and techniques to the study of biophysical phenomena. Lectures stress the elementary behavior of ions, proteins, and nucleic acids in the biological membranes, biopolymers, muscular movement, and nervous systems. The course objectives will be accomplished through lectures and discussion of selected topics in class, through laboratory studies, group exercises, and by assigned parts of text. Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 2320 ; MATH 2030 . A presentation of the classical theory of electricity and magnetism. Topics include: electrostatics, magnetostatics, fields of moving charges, and Maxwell’s equations. (Three hours lecture per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 3070Electricity and Magnetism II3
A brief review of PHYS 3060 (Electricity and Magnetism I), including a review of Maxwell’s Equations, followed by a study of energy and momentum of electromagnetic fields; plane waves (boundary conditions, absorption and dispersion, and wave-guides); potential formulation; gauge transformation; moving fields and retardation effects; dipole radiation; radiation reaction; relativity; relativistic dynamics; field tensor. Many of the concepts studied in this course, such as electromagnetic waves and radiation fields, will become important guides for practicing experimental physics. A clear understanding of field theory, gauge transformations, and relativity will create a foundation for pursuing theoretical physics. (Three lecture hours per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 2310 and PHYS 2420 , or permission of the instructor. An introduction to the fundamental principles of electronic components and devices and their applications to instrumentation in the physical sciences and engineering. Topics covered include: analog circuit design and analysis, measurement instruments and techniques, and an introduction to digital logic. (Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 2320 and MATH 2030 . A presentation of the classical theory of mechanics. Topics include: particle dynamics, central forces, dynamics of a system, oscillations, motion of rigid bodies, and LaGrange Equations. (Three hours lectures per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 3120Mechanics II3
Continuation of PHYS 3110 (Mechanics I). A presentation of the classical theory of mechanics. Topics include: particle dynamics, central forces, dynamics of a system, oscillations, motion of rigid bodies, LaGrange and Hamiltonian equations, coupled oscillations, and Special Relativity. The students will learn to analyze the motion of 1-dim linear and (some) non-linear systems, to implement 2-dim and 3-dim vector calculus operations on simple mechanical system, to analyze motion under a central force, to analyze collisions in a center of mass system, to analyze rigid body motion, to apply Lagrangian and Hamiltonian equations, and to analyze small oscillations and wave propagation in simple continuum systems. (Three lecture hours per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
An introduction to the computerization of data acquisition, instrumentation control, and the manipulation and analysis of signals. (One hour lecture and four hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 3310 or permission of instructor. A study of optics and the experimental basis for modern physics. Fundamental constants of atomic physics will be measured. (Four hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 3210 or permission of instructor. This is an advanced laboratory course that focuses on electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with solids. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the principles and experimental techniques at the forefront of materials research through hands on experimentation. Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 3290Environmental Physics3
A study of physical models of environmental systems and the instrumentation utilized to measure the environmental parameters used in such models. (Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 2320 or permission of the instructor. A study of special relativity and an introduction to quantum theory and its application to simple systems. Elements of atomic, solid state, and nuclear physics will be included. (Three hours lecture per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 2320 or permission of the instructor. A study of computational modeling and simulation of classical systems including projectile motion, orbital motion, oscillators, and linear and non-linear systems. Students will investigate algorithms, programming, debugging, and analysis of results and data. (Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 3110 and PHYS 3310 . A study of the principles of statistical mechanics. Topics include: approach to equilibrium, thermodynamics, property of ideal gases, kinetic theory, equilibrium between phases and chemical species, as well as quantum statistics and some applications. (Three hours lecture per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 2320 and MATH 3020 . A study of the mathematical methods used in the development of physical theories and models. Topics include: coordinate system transformations, linear algebra, differential equations, complex analysis, vector calculus and special functions. (Three hours lecture per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 3060 or permission of the instructor. A study of classical and modern optical phenomena including geometrical Fresnel and Fourier optics, lasers, fiber optics, and optoelectronic devices. (Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 4250Science Instrumentation (4 to 5)
An interdepartmental course that provides junior and higher-level students majoring in biology, chemistry, and physics with a general knowledge of the theory and application of instrumental methods widely used in science. The course gives practical experience in the operation of instruments and interpretation of the data gathered from these instruments and shows how these instrumental methods can be used to make measurements and solve problems common to all three of scientific areas. (Two-three lecture and three-five laboratory hours per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 3310 . A study of the principles of quantum mechanics, the Schrodinger equations and its applications to 1-dimensional systems, the hydrogen atom, perturbation methods, and scattering. (Three hours lecture per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 4310Quantum Mechanics II3
A study of the time-independent perturbation theory and its application to the description of the fine structure of Hydrogen, the Zeeman effect, and Hyperfine splitting. Students will use time-dependent perturbation theory to study two-level system and the absorption and emission of radiation. Topics include the one- and two-electron atoms, hydrogen molecule and molecular bond, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, scattering theory, the deuteron problem in nuclear physics, the nature of the nuclear force, and alpha decay. Students will be introduced to partial wave analysis and the Born approximation, the adiabatic approximation, and the variational principle. (Three hours lecture per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 4300 . A study of nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, the nuclear force, models of the nucleus, elementary particles, their production and decays, and their symmetries. (Three hours lecture per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 4300 . A study of symmetries and crystalline structure of solids, electrical, and magnetic properties of solids, semi-conductors, low temperature phenomena, and excitations in solids. (Three hours lecture per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 3410 , PHYS 3060 , and PHYS 3310 . A continuation of PHYS 3410 that focuses on modeling and simulating continuously distributed systems. The course includes a study of special functions and Gaussian quadrature, boundary values and Eigen values problems, explicit and implicit methods, relaxation and spectral methods for the solution of partial differential equations, stability of solutions, and Monte Carlo Methods. (Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 3310 , PHYS 3060 . A study of the principles of atomic and molecular spectra and the design and operation of spectrometers for the study of these spectra. Attention will be given to applications of spectroscopic techniques in areas such as materials processing, communication, and environmental studies. (Two lectures and two hours laboratory per week) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
PHYS 4700Physics Research Seminar1
Prerequisites: Advanced standing or permission of instructor. This course is designed to familiarize the student with selected research topics in physics, applied physics and engineering. The students will learn how research is structured in the chosen field of study and to understand the motivations and benefits that drive this research. The students will learn how to conduct a literature review, to extract information from journal articles, and to present the information. The course consists of three components: introductory lectures given by the instructor, student discussion panels and student seminar presentations. Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor. This course is designed to provide the student with experience in supervised physics research activities. Projects may involve inquiry, apparatus design, literature review, computer software programming or utilization, experimental tasks, implementation of procedures either theoretical or experimental. The research opportunities which students may select are provided by faculty who serve as the student’s research supervisor and mentor. This course may be repeated with the same or different instructors for a maximum of six (6) credit hours. Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
Subject
PHYS
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
3
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated with the same or different instructors for a maximum of six (6) credit hours.
Prerequisites: Senior classification. Each physics major is expected to complete a project in her/his area of concentration. The student must select a topic and the supervisor of the project from a departmentally approved list by the end of the junior year. The student must produce a written and an oral report. (May be taken in multiple semesters for a maximum of 12 credit hours.) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
Senior classification. Each physics major is expected to complete a project in her/his area of concentration. The student must select a topic and the supervisor of the project from a departmentally approved list by the end of the junior year. The student must produce a written and an oral report. (May be taken in multiple semesters for a maximum of 12 credit hours.) Click here for the Fall 2026 Class Schedule
Source: North Carolina Central University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61
