Department of Physics and Space Science

Gerald Smith

Physics is the most basic of the natural sciences. Its domain includes the study of the smallest fundamental particles of nature and the largest aggregations of galaxies in the universe. It is a study of forces and conservation principles. The language of physics is mathematics, and the deepest understanding and the most elegant expressions of physics are communicated symbolically through mathematics.

Students interested in the study of physics may take courses in support of their major or complete a designated sequence leading to a minor.  Students desiring a minor in physics complete PH 211/L, 212/L, 321, 323; two from 261, 271, and 421; and CH 361 or MA 371, to total twenty-two hours.

Students preparing to teach mathematics, chemistry or biology are encouraged to complete a University minor in physics to strengthen their preparation and give them greater employment options.

Students desiring to complete an engineering program are encouraged to take as much physics, chemistry and mathematics course work as possible prior to transferring to a university that offers the engineering program of interest.  Recommended courses include PH 211-212, 261, 321, 323, 421; MA 171-172, 273, 371, 311, 471; and CH 161-162, 361-371.

Courses in Physics

PH 111 Physics and the Modern World               (3)

The excitement of seeing the physics in the world around us makes this course appropriate for students majoring in humanities, social sciences and education. Principles studied in motion, light, and waves are from classical physics (conceptual rather than mathematical) but students will be introduced to ideas from twentieth-century relativity, quantum physics, and cosmology. Must be taken concurrently with PH 111L.

Fall, Spring

PH 111L Laboratory for Physics and the Modern World                         (1)

Physical observations and measurements in experiments that relate to topics in the lecture course are assigned, some of which are done outside the laboratory as ‘every-day world’ physics. Must be taken concurrently with PH 111.

Fall, Spring

PH 211 Principles of Physics I                           (3)

The physical principles of motion of particles and interaction forces, equilibrium, work-energy, fluids, wave motion and sound are introduced using conceptual ideas and problem solving. Parallel mathematical derivations will introduce students to calculus formulations. Must be taken concurrently with PH 211L. Prerequisite: College algebra-trigonometry or introductory calculus

Fall

PH 211L Laboratory for Principles of Physics I            (1)

Selected experiments in topics that parallel the lecture course in motion, equilibrium and sound using analog and digital electronic data acquisition with traditional equipment will introduce the student to methods of investigating scientific phenomena and communicating results. Must be taken concurrently with PH 211.

Fall

PH 212 Principles of Physics II                          (3)

The physical principles of thermodynamics, electromagnetic radiation and light, electricity and magnetism, relativity, quantum theory and nuclear physics are introduced using conceptual ideas and problem solving. Parallel mathematical derivations will introduce students to calculus formulations. Must be taken concurrently with PH 212L. Prerequisite: PH 211 or consent

Spring

PH 212L Laboratory for Principles of Physics II           (1)

Selected experiments in topics that parallel the lecture course in heat, optics, electricity and magnetism, and radiation physics will continue the methods used for investigating scientific phenomena and communicating scientific findings. Students will be introduced to LabVIEW VI instruments. Must be taken concurrently with PH 212.

Spring

PH 261 Analog and Digital Electronics               (2)

An introduction to electricity, electronic components, and digital electronic circuits will be covered.  In the lab students will build analog and digital circuits that demonstrate these topics. Course meets for one lecture and one 3-hour laboratory session.

Spring Even Years

PH 271 Astronomy                                             (3)

An introduction to the universe and concepts of our solar system, including origins of planets, stars and galaxies will be studied. Group observations of the evening sky will be part of the course. Knowledge of algebra is assumed.

Fall Even Years

PH 321 Modern Physics and Cosmology                      (3)

An historical development of atomic physics, quantum theory, particle models, relativity and cosmology will be studied. Prerequisites: PH 212 and MA 172 or permission

Spring Odd Years

PH 323 Nuclear and Radiation Physics               (3)

An introduction to radiation and radioactivity, nuclear interactions and nuclear structure, fission and fusion, and particle accelerators will be studied. Prerequisites: PH 212L and MA 172

Fall Odd Years

PH 421 Selected Topics in Physics                    (2)

Directed studies on selected topics in space physics and cosmology, theoretical physics, and critical problems of 21st century physics. May be taken as a laboratory research project. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission

Individualized

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