47 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 1010The Physical Universe3
Effective Date 09/13/2016 In this class you will get a chance to explore the scientific wonders of the universe. Topics vary each semester but generally include: motion, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, relativity, atomic structure, molecules, quantum physics, the nucleus, chemistry, meteorology, geophysics, the solar system, stars, and cosmology. PHYS 1010 requires limited math, but has wide applications like electronics, wifi, rockets, satellites, nuclear reactors, lasers, climate change, earthquakes, the tides, eclipses, plate tectonics, fossil fuels, telescopes, solar energy, and the origin of universe. PHYS 1010 is for non-science majors. Premedical and pre-dental students should take PHYS 2010, 2020.
Effective Date 08/01/2015 For non-science majors. Covers physical science topics including chemistry, meteorology, geophysics, solar system, stars, and cosmology. Limited math, but with wide applications like periodic table, climate change, earthquakes, plate tectonics, fossil fuels, telescopes, solar energy, origin of universe. 1010 and 1020 may be taken in any order. Pre-medical and pre-dental students should take PHYS 2010, 2020
Effective Date 08/01/2026 Explores the physics behind everyday life, considering objects from our daily environment and their principles of operation. Through these explorations, the course illustrates the deep impact of physics on our lives and on our society, addressing topics like climate change, energy policy, and economic growth. PHYS 1050 focuses on the movement of objects, heat and energy, fluids, sound, and time. PHYS 1050 and 1060 may be taken in either order.
Effective Date 01/01/2026 Explores the physics behind everyday life, considering objects from our daily environment and their principles of operation. Through these explorations, the course illustrates the deep impact of physics on our lives and on our society, addressing topics like climate change, energy policy, and economic growth. PHYS 1060 focuses on electricity, magnetism, light, special materials and nuclear science. PHYS 1050 and 1060 may be taken in either order.
Effective Date 08/01/2010 For non-science majors. Examines how new understandings of the natural world develop, starting with the ancient world and emphasizing two famous scientists as case studies. Galileo was the first to make subtle use of experiment, while Einstein was the first to realize time is not absolute and that mass can be converted to energy.
Effective Date 08/01/2025 Energy has always been essential to civilization, and never more than in the modern world. But what is energy? Will affordable sources of energy disappear in our lifetimes? Will our thirst for energy inevitably lead to climate change? Physics 1110 helps answer these questions, explaining the physical nature of energy, the ways we produce and consume it, and how changes in energy technology will shape our future. Requires high-school algebra.
Effective Date 09/22/2020 A study of the physics concepts behind the motion of spinning and curving projectiles in worldwide sports such as soccer, tennis, basketball, baseball, football, etc. and rolling and sliding balls/diska along a flat surface. Basic explanations include utilizing kinematics, gravity, friction, air flow, and Newton’s Laws. Learn about hang time, topspin, dimples,drag crisis, sideways forces, least energy launch angle, jumping, and crouching. Requisites Enrollment not allowed if previously taken or currently enrolled in PHYS 1559 #3 The Science of Sports
PHYS 1420Introductory Physics 1: Classical Mechanics, Waves, and Thermodynamics3
Effective Date 08/01/2022 First semester of the introductory physics sequence recommended for prospective physics majors. Topics include particle kinematics and dynamics, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, fluids, oscillatory motion, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. Emphasis is on building foundations for future studies in physics. Three lecture hours.
MATH 1320; or instructor permission. Requisites Students can’t enroll if previously taken PHYS 1425 or PHYS 1710 Credits: 3
PHYS 1425Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers3
Effective Date 08/01/2022 First semester of introductory physics sequence recommended for engineers. Topics include particle kinematics and dynamics, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, fluids, oscillatory motion, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. Emphasis is on development of skills for practical applications. Three lecture hours.
MATH 1320 or equivalent. Requisites Students can’t enroll if previously taken PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1710 Credits: 3
PHYS 1429Introductory Physics 1 Workshop1
Effective Date 08/01/2021 Group problem solving, data acquisition and analysis, and application of physics to real life scenarios in the framework of classical mechanics and thermodynamics. The course is geared towards STEM majors and required for engineering and physics majors.
PHYS 1655Introduction to Python for Scientists and Engineers3
Effective Date 04/21/2022 This course provides an introduction to the Python programming language with applications to common problems in the science and engineering fields. It emphasizes three core skills: analyzing data, simulating data, and visualizing data. No previous programming or computer experience is required.
MATH 1210 or equivalent, or instructor permission. Requisites Students can’t enroll if previously taken PHYS 1559 #4 Python for Scientists and Eng Credits: 3
PHYS 1660Practical Computing for the Physical Sciences1
Effective Date 04/03/2015 This course teaches how to use the computer to solve quantitative problems. This involves learning the skills to write computer programs dedicated to certain tasks, to visualize data graphically, to use scientific software, and to learn other practical skills that are important for a future career in the sciences.
PHYS 1670Introduction to Data Mining: Teaching Machines to Think Like Scientists3
Effective Date 08/01/2026 Knowledge can be hidden in massive datasets, from particle collisions to star surveys to material assays. This course introduces data mining and machine learning ideas through a hands-on approach; no programming experience required! You will learn to visualize and model data using techniques like classification, regression, clustering, and dimensionality reduction. Examples drawn from physics and other STEM disciplines show how data-driven methods can complement traditional scientific reasoning. Requisites Students cannot enroll if they previously completed PHYS 1559 Topic #5 Machine Learning
Effective Date 03/24/2021 Overview of current areas of research in the broad discipline of physics, including the historical context of their development. Describes various career options in physics, including academia, government, and industry. Outlines the college physics curriculum and describes opportunities to participate in research at the university. Requisites Students can’t enroll if previously taken PHYS 1910
PHYS 2010Principles of Physics 1 for Pre-Health Students3
Effective Date 05/01/2026 Physics 2010 and 2020 constitute a terminal course sequence covering the principles of mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. A working knowledge of arithmetic, elementary algebra, and trigonometry is essential. PHYS 2010, 2020, in conjunction with the laboratories PHYS 2030, 2040, satisfy the physics requirement of medical and dental schools. PHYS 1425 or PHYS 2010 should be completed before taking PHYS 2020.
PHYS 2020Principles of Physics 2 for Pre-Health Students3
Effective Date 05/01/2026 Physics 2010 and 2020 constitute a terminal course sequence covering the principles of mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. A working knowledge of arithmetic, elementary algebra, and trigonometry is essential. PHYS 2010, 2020, in conjunction with the laboratories PHYS 2030, 2040, satisfy the physics requirement of medical and dental schools. PHYS 1425 or PHYS 2010 should be completed before taking PHYS 2020.
Effective Date 08/01/2021 Group problem solving, data acquisition and analysis, and application of physics to real life scenarios in the framework of classical mechanics and thermodynamics. The course satisfies the requirements for pre-health students.
Effective Date 08/01/2021 Group problem solving, data acquisition and analysis, and application of physics to real life scenarios in the framework of electricity and magnetism. The course satisfies the requirements for pre-health students.
PHYS 2410Introductory Physics 2: Electricity, Magnetism and Optics3
Effective Date 08/01/2022 Second semester of the introductory physics sequence recommended for prospective physics majors. Topics include electricity, magnetism, circuits and optics. Emphasis is on building foundations for future studies in physics. Three lecture hours. PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1425; co-requisite MATH 2310; or instructor permission Requisites Students can’t enroll if previously taken PHYS 2415 or PHYS 1720
Effective Date 08/01/2022 Second semester of introductory physics sequence recommended for engineers and other scientists. Topics include electricity, magnetism, circuits and optics. Emphasis is on development of skills for practical applications. Three lecture hours.
MATH 2310; or instructor permission. Requisites Students can’t enroll if previously taken PHYS 2410 or PHYS 1720 Credits: 3
PHYS 2419Introductory Physics 2 Workshop1
Effective Date 08/01/2021 Group problem solving, data acquisition and analysis, and application of physics to real life scenarios in the framework of electricity and magnetism. The course is geared towards STEM majors and required for engineering and physics majors.
Effective Date 01/01/2022 Introduction to quantum physics and relativity, with application to atomic structure, nuclear and elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, and cosmology. Three lecture hours, one problem hour.
PHYS 1720 or 2410 or 2415, and MATH 2310 or instructor permission. Credits: 4
PHYS 2640Elementary Laboratory II3
Effective Date 01/01/2020 Elementary Lab for Physics Majors, 2nd semester. Selected experiments in mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism and optics. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours per week.
PHYS 1710, 1720, 2620, 2630; or instructor permission. Credits: 3
PHYS 2660Fundamentals of Scientific Computing3
Effective Date 01/01/2022 Applications of computers to solving basic problems in physical science. Introduction to programming, use of external libraries, and implementation of basic algorithms with focus on numerical methods, error analysis & data fitting. No previous computer experience is required. One Lecture & one lab session per week.
One semester of calculus and one semester of introductory physics (PHYS 1710, 1420, 1425, or 2010). Credits: 3
PHYS 2720Problem Solving and Special Topics in Classical Physics3
Effective Date 01/01/2026 Develop and extend the techniques of introductory physics and calculus to solve more complicated problems. The course covers topics in mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, waves, and optics. Recommended
Effective Date 01/01/2022 Application of basic physics principles to functions of the human body: biomechanics, metabolism, cardiovascular, cognitive & respiratory systems, and the senses. Medical diagnosis and therapy technologies (e.g., PET, MRI, CT) are discussed.
one semester of calculus and PHYS 2010 or PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1425 or PHYS 1710.
Corequisite
PHYS 1710 or PHYS 2020 or PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415 or instructor permission. Credits: 3
PHYS 3110Widely Applied Physics3
Effective Date 08/01/2011 Applications of physical principles to a diverse set of phenomena: order of magnitude estimates, dimensional analysis, material science and engineering, astrophysics, aeronautics and space flight, communications technology, meteorology, sound & acoustics and fluid dynamics. Not all topics will be covered in every course. Three lecture hours. (Y)
Effective Date 08/01/2020 Basic physics principles of energy sources and energy production, conversion, distribution, and storage. This course will focus on the basic physics principles and applications of engines, nuclear energy, solar power and photovoltaic, geothermal, wind and hydropower, fuel cells, batteries, bioenergy and fossil energy, as well as energy harvesting in the internet age. We will also learn a closely related topic of physics of climate and “drawdown”. The course will conclude with the outlook of renewable energies. Three lecture hours.
Effective Date 01/01/2023 Selected experiments in mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours per week.
Effective Date 01/01/2022 The course begins by covering the fundamentals of analog and digital electronics, including the use of transistors, FET’s, operational amplifiers, TTL, and CMOS integrated circuits. Following this students conduct projects with modern microcontroller boards (Arduino and Raspberry Pi) using the concepts and the experience gained from the prior fundamentals. Six laboratory hours.
Effective Date 01/01/2022 Approximately five experiments drawn from the major fields of physics. Introduces precision apparatus, experimental techniques, and methods of evaluating experimental results. Outside report preparation is required. Six laboratory hours.
Effective Date 01/01/2022 Approximately five experiments drawn from the major fields of physics. Introduces precision apparatus, experimental techniques, and methods of evaluating experimental results. Outside report preparation is required. Six laboratory hours.
Effective Date 01/01/2023 Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies treated with extensive use of vector calculus; includes the Lagrangian formulation of mechanics.
MATH 2310 or equivalent, MATH 3250 or equivalent, and PHYS 2720 or instructor permission. Credits: 3
PHYS 3250Applied Nuclear Physics3
Effective Date 03/15/2011 Applications of nuclear physics and nuclear energy: Introduction to nuclear physics, radioactivity, radiation standards and units, interaction of radiation with matter, accelerators, x-ray generators, detectors, biological effects, nuclear medicine, nuclear fission and reactors, nuclear fusion. Three lecture hours. (Y)
Effective Date 08/02/2026 Includes temperature and the laws of thermodynamics; introductory treatments of kinetic theory and statistical mechanics; and applications of Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac distributions. Recommended
Effective Date 01/01/2024 This course covers linear algebra and complex analysis, with a review of vector calculus. Emphasis is on applications in physics. Students cannot receive credit for both PHYS 3340 and MATH 4210.
Vector calculus (MATH 2310 or MATH 2315 or APMA 2120) and ordinary differential equations (MATH 3250 or APMA 2130). Credits: 3
PHYS 3420Electricity and Magnetism I3
Effective Date 01/01/2026 Systematic treatment of static electromagnetic phenomena with extensive use of vector calculus, including Maxwell’s equations. Recommended
MATH 4220, PHYS 1720 or PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415, and PHYS 2720. Credits: 3
PHYS 3430Electricity and Magnetism II3
Effective Date 05/01/2011 Includes Maxwell’s equations; electromagnetic waves and their interaction with matter; interference, diffraction, polarization; waveguides; and antennas.
Effective Date 10/21/2021 Independent study supervised by a faculty member, culminating in a written report, essay, or examination. May be repeated for credit.
PHYS 3620Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics3
Effective Date 01/01/2015 The course will examine basic principles of simple theories for metals, the basics of crystallography and crystal structures, the reciprocal space, lattice vibrations, elastic properties of solids, electronic band structure, impurities and defects, dielectric properties, magnetism and superconductivity.
Effective Date 08/01/2023 Surveys computational methods for problem solving in the physical sciences. Topics include numerical precision and efficiency, solutions of differential equations, optimization problems, Monte Carlo simulation, statistical methods, and data analytics. Tools for data visualization and use of libraries in both C/C++ and Python will be explored.
MATH 3250, MATH 4210 or PHYS 3340, PHYS 2620, or instructor permission. Credits: 3
PHYS 3660Quantum Physics II3
Effective Date 01/01/2010 Continuation of PHYS 3650. Intermediate quantum mechanics including perturbation theory; application to systems of current interest.
Effective Date 01/01/2010 Individual study of topics in physics not normally covered in formal classes. Study is carried out under the tutelage of a faculty member with whom the requirements are agreed upon prior to enrollment. (S-SS)
Effective Date 01/01/2021 A research project on a topic in physics carried out under the supervision of a faculty member culminating in a written report. May be taken more than once. (S-SS)
