Courses & Requirements
Requirements for the Physics Major
Required Courses
PHY-131: Introduction to Computer Programming (4.00)
This introduction to computer science emphasizes problem solving and data analysis skills along with computer programming skills. Using Python, students will learn design, implementation, testing, and analysis of algorithms and programs. And within the context of programming, they will learn to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and express those solutions clearly and accurately. Problems will be chosen from real-world examples such as graphics, image processing, cryptography, data analysis, astronomy, video games, and environmental simulation. Students will get instruction delivered in-person and through interactive media. Class time will focus on collaborative team projects to solve real-life problems. Prior programming experience is not a requirement for this course. (Cross-listed with MAT-131.)
PHY-202: Intro Physics I/Lab: Mechanics (4.00)
A calculus-based course with laboratory covering Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, and other classical physics topics. Credit cannot be received for both PHY-102 and 202. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.
Course requisites: Prereq MAT-118; Pre- or coreq MAT-119 Corequisite MAT-119
PHY-203: Intro Phys II/Lab: Electricity and Magnetism (4.00)
A calculus-based course with laboratory covering Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, and other classical physics topics. Credit cannot be received for both PHY-102 and PHY 202. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.
Course requisites: PHY-202 (grade C- or higher) and MAT-119
PHY-205: Intro to Math for Physicists/Engineers (4.00)
This course introduces mathematical topics that are necessary tools in the study of physics and related disciplines. Students will practice employing these tools, such as complex numbers, differential equations, laplace transforms and linear algebra, within the context of specific physical phenomena.
Course requisites: MAT-119 (grade C- or higher) and PHY-202
PHY-210: Modern Physics (4.00)
One-semester introduction to the fundamentals of modern physics with integrated modern physics laboratory. Students perform simulations and experiments important to the development of modern physics and are introduced to modern experimental techniques. Topics include: relativity, atomic physics, wave phenomena, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and particle physics. Course provides a broad base of understanding of modern physics for use in upper-level physics and astronomy courses.
Course requisites: PHY-203 w/ grade C- or higher Req'd pre- or corequisite MAT-220
MAT-220: Multivariable Calculus (4.00)
MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS--The geometry of curves and surfaces and the calculus of functions of two or more variables, including partial differentiation, multiple integrals, and vector analysis.
Course requisites: 119 with a minimum grade of C-
Research/Seminar Requirement
Students must complete at least 2 credits of 400-level work. This could include research, internships, independent study or PHY-420.
PHY-400: Capstone Colloquium (1.00)
Monthly colloquium for all students enrolled in all 400-level courses in a given semester. Students will share research, projects and internship results. Course is pass/fail. Can be taken multiple times. Corequisite: Any 400-level Physics or Astronomy course.
Course requisites: Required co-req: another 400-Level PHY or AST course
PHY-401: Problem-Solving in Physics (1.00)
An additional course for students seeking greater depth in physics problem-solving. Students will identify specific areas of physics for development or enrichment and will work together to solve a variety of physics problems. May be repeated for credit.
Course requisites: PHY-210
PHY-410: Directed Reading (1.00)
Directed reading courses are offered by all academic programs and are open to qualified juniors and seniors to pursue reading outside a program's listed courses. Nonmajors who demonstrate sufficient preparation in the discipline may also apply. Applications to take directed reading are available in the Office of Academic Advising. A 410 course carries 1 to 4 semester hours of credit.
PHY-420: Advanced Seminar in Physics (2.00)
A capstone experience for astrophysics and physics majors. Topics will include use of online and other research resources, research methods and the ethics of scientific research. Students in the class will report regularly on their research experiences, or if they are not actively engaged in a research project with a faculty member on recent advances as reported in the scientific literature. Cross-listed with AST-400.
Course requisites: Req'd corequisite PHY-400
PHY-440: Directed Research (1.00)
Directed research courses are open to junior and senior majors to work with a faculty member on a project related to a particular field of intellectual or artistic interest, or to non-majors who demonstrate sufficient preparation in the discipline. Applications are available in the Office of Academic Advising and must be returned to the assistant dean of the college for approval. A 440 course carries 1 to 4 semester-hours credit.
Course requisites: Req'd corequisite PHY-400
PHY-450: Credit Internship (1.00)
For juniors and seniors who want a more-focused academic component to accompany their internship, the independently designed 450 may be an option. Students must identify a faculty sponsor and complete detailed paperwork for approval from the Office of Internship and Career Development. See the Special Curricular Opportunities section for more information.
Course requisites: Req'd corequisite PHY-400
Additional Courses
Students must complete at least 20 additional credits in physics, typically 5 courses.
PHY-231: How to Think Like a Data Scientist (4.00)
This course introduces students to the importance of gathering, cleaning, normalizing, visualizing, and analyzing data to drive informed decision-making, no matter the field of study. Students will learn to use a combination of tools and techniques, including spreadsheets, SQL, and Python to work on real world datasets using a combination of procedural and basic machine learning algorithms. They will also learn to ask good, exploratory questions and develop metrics to come up with a well thought-out analysis. Presenting and discussing an analysis of datasets chosen by the students will be an important part of the course. Like PHY/MAT-131, this course will be "flipped," with content learned outside of class and classroom time focused on hands-on, collaborative projects. Cross-listed with MAT-231.
Course requisites: PHY/MAT-131 (or permission)
PHY-311: Laboratory Physics (4.00)
Students perform experiments important to the development of modern physics. They are introduced to modern experimental techniques, including keeping a formal lab notebook, computer-aided data acquisition, electronic instruments, and data and error analysis.
Course requisites: PHY-210
PHY-321: Classical Mechanics (4.00)
Newton's system for describing and predicting motion, the formulations of Lagrange and Hamilton, central forces, oscillations, chaos, rigid bodies, accelerated reference frames, relativity, continua, and waves.
Course requisites: PHY-203 (or taken under old # PHY-111)
PHY-331: Thermal Physics (4.00)
Equilibrium thermodynamics, statistical methods, quantum methods in thermal physics, discussion of thermal phenomena such as phase transitions, superconductivity, superfluidity, magnetism and applications in chemistry, engineering, and astrophysics.
Course requisites: PHY-203 (or taken under old # PHY-111)
PHY-341: Electromagnetism (4.00)
Maxwell's equations applied to static and to dynamic situations, production and propagation of electromagnetic radiation.
Course requisites: PHY-111 or 203 (# change from 111 to 203 in 2015) Pre- or co-requisite MAT-220
PHY-361: Quantum Physics (4.00)
Spin and matrix mechanics. Dirac notation. Schroedinger's equation applied to one-dimensional situations and then to atomic, nuclear and molecular phenomena. Systems of identical particles.
Course requisites: PHY-210
PHY-371: Introduction to General Relativity (4.00)
An overview and introduction to general relativity, including flat spacetime (special relativity), tensors, the calculus of curvature, and the Einstein equation. Other topics may include neutron stars, black holes, the early universe, evolution of the universe, and Cosmic Microwave Background.
Course requisites: PHY-210 and MAT-220 must be taken previously.
AST-300: Astrophysics I: Radiation (4.00)
The application of physics to the study of astronomical radiation. Topics include multiwavelength astronomical telescopes and instruments, stellar and planetary radiation transfer, stellar evolution, the interstellar medium, the intergalactic medium, magnetic fields and cosmology.
Course requisites: Physics 203
AST-301: Astrophysics II: Dynamics (4.00)
The application of physics to the study of astronomical structures and motions. Topics include dynamics from planetary to galactic scales, distance determination, galaxy evolution, mass distributions, large-scale structure and cosmology.
Course requisites: PHY-203 (or as taken under old # PHY-111)
CHE-360: Physical Chemistry II (4.00)
An advanced course that builds on concepts learned in the foundational physical chemistry course (CHE-260). Topics covered will include quantum mechanics, spectroscopy and materials science.
Course requisites: MAT119 or equivalent; CHE-260 or PHY-210
Requirements for the Physics Minor
Required Courses
PHY-131: Introduction to Computer Programming (4.00)
This introduction to computer science emphasizes problem solving and data analysis skills along with computer programming skills. Using Python, students will learn design, implementation, testing, and analysis of algorithms and programs. And within the context of programming, they will learn to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and express those solutions clearly and accurately. Problems will be chosen from real-world examples such as graphics, image processing, cryptography, data analysis, astronomy, video games, and environmental simulation. Students will get instruction delivered in-person and through interactive media. Class time will focus on collaborative team projects to solve real-life problems. Prior programming experience is not a requirement for this course. (Cross-listed with MAT-131.)
PHY-202: Intro Physics I/Lab: Mechanics (4.00)
A calculus-based course with laboratory covering Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, and other classical physics topics. Credit cannot be received for both PHY-102 and 202. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.
Course requisites: Prereq MAT-118; Pre- or coreq MAT-119 Corequisite MAT-119
PHY-203: Intro Phys II/Lab: Electricity and Magnetism (4.00)
A calculus-based course with laboratory covering Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, and other classical physics topics. Credit cannot be received for both PHY-102 and PHY 202. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.
Course requisites: PHY-202 (grade C- or higher) and MAT-119
PHY-210: Modern Physics (4.00)
One-semester introduction to the fundamentals of modern physics with integrated modern physics laboratory. Students perform simulations and experiments important to the development of modern physics and are introduced to modern experimental techniques. Topics include: relativity, atomic physics, wave phenomena, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and particle physics. Course provides a broad base of understanding of modern physics for use in upper-level physics and astronomy courses.
Course requisites: PHY-203 w/ grade C- or higher Req'd pre- or corequisite MAT-220
Additional Courses
Two additional physics courses as approved by the department.