Physics (PHY)

Students will be introduced to the exciting field of physics, especially current topics of interest in physics research. Students will be mentored on how to succeed in physics and the many opportunities available to physics majors.

This course offers a comprehensive survey of physics, covering a wide range of topics including motion, Newton's laws, energy, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Emphasizing a conceptual understanding of physics, the course integrates critical thinking skills and real-world applications.

This calculus-based course serves as the first in a two-part series, covering topics like kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid dynamics, oscillatory motion, and waves. Designed for science and engineering majors, the course integrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world applications.

Laboratory experience for PHY 2048 illustrating the practical applications of Newtonian mechanics.

Second semester of a calculus-based two semester sequence of general physics (mechanics, wave motion, sound, thermodynamics, geometrical and physical optics, electricity and magnetism) for science, mathematics, and engineering students

Laboratory experience for PHY 2049 illustrating the practical applications of electricity, magnetism and optics.

This course is the first in a two-part series intended for non-physics majors, offering an algebra and trigonometry approach to topics such as kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid dynamics, oscillatory motion, and waves. The course fosters analytical and critical thinking skills to promote a scientific understanding of the real world. The curriculum is inquiry based and fully integrated with laboratory and/or field experiences which emphasize active learning strategies.

Laboratory experience for PHY 2053 illustrating the practical applications of Newtonian mechanics.

Students continue their study of the nature of the physical world in this course. Principles of electricity and magnetism, light and modern physics will be investigated.

Laboratory experience for PHY 2054 illustrating the practical applications of electricity, magnetism and optics.

The topics we cover in this course include special relativity, interaction of radiation with matter, particle-wave duality, atomic and x-ray spectra, Bohr model of atom, Schrodinger wave equation, and introduction to solid state Physics.

Classical Mechanics, Laws of Newton, Particles, LaGrangian, and Hamiltonian formalisms.

Investigation of static properties of electric and magnetic fields. Electrostatic fields and potentials, dielectrics, classical conductivity, RC circuits, Fourier and finite element methods are discussed.

The topics we cover in this course include Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and elements of Statistical Mechanics.

An internship provides the student with an opportunity to work on a project in a laboratory or classroom setting. If this work is completed off-campus the student must work with a qualified supervisor at the site as well as a faculty mentor. Goals and objectives will be planned by the student, faculty mentor, and the off-campus supervisor when applicable.

The topics we cover in this course include computer applications in Physics, numerical modeling and simulations of Physics processes using linear Algebra, and differential equations and Monte Carlo methods.

The topics we cover in this course include Quantum Mechanics and its applications to particles, nuclei, atoms, molecules, and condensed matter.

Advanced laboratory topics are treated. Modern physics laboratory equipment is used and the student is introduced to current laboratory practice.

Individual Study under the direction of a faculty mentor. Topic will be selected based on mutual agreement between the student and the faculty member.

Individual research under the direction of a faculty mentor. Topic will be selected based on mutual agreement between the student and the faculty member.

Students develop and work on a research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Students are encouraged to take primary responsibility for projects.

Special sessions exploring the current issues in physics. Topics may vary and are selected on the basis of what is new or currently relevant in the field.

Students research an approved physics topic using current scientific literature and present their results. Physics content knowledge from earlier courses is reviewed and proficiency is evaluated.

Students create a research report following the guidelines outlined by their faculty mentor. Students will present the research project at a venue determined by their faculty mentor.