Physics

Algebra-based introduction to Newtonian mechanics. Emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving: motion, forces, Newton's laws applied to both linear and rotational situations, momentum, energy, and conservation laws. Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry are expected. A math compe-tency assessment is administered. Includes two-hour laboratory. Fall, Spring.

Continuation of PHYS 141 with the extension of basic concepts to include fluids, vibrations and waves, thermal physics, thermodynamics, electrostatics, electrical circuits and magnetism, and geometrical and physical optics. Includes two-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: IHPHYS 141. Spring.

A hands-on, minds-on inquiry-based exploration of the basic physical principles that underlie our observations and experiences in the everyday world. Topics include motion, forces, energy, fluids, sound, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and the atom. Ideal for preservice teachers. Prerequisite: IQL 101 or by permission of the instructor. Fall, Spring.

The history and philosophy of science (astronomy, chemistry, geology, physics, and evolution) from its origins in Ancient Greece through Rome, the Middle Ages, the Islamic period, and the Renaissance to the Scientific Revolution of the 17th century to modern times, including plate tectonics, rela-tivity, quantum physics and cosmology. Prerequisites: ITW 101 and IQL 101 or equivalent. Fall.

The first semester of a two-semester calculus-based sequence for science and technology majors. Emphasized are kinematics, forces, both static and dynamic, energy and momentum, gravitation and fluids, thermal physics, and thermodynamics. Includes a two-hour laboratory. Spring.

A continuation of PHYS 241 that treats rotational dynamics and angular momentum, oscillations and waves such as sound, geometrical and physical optics, electrostatics, electric circuits, and magnetism. Includes a two-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Grade C or higher in PHYS 241 or permission of instructor. Fall.

Instrumentation, DC and AC circuitry, signals and noise, filters, amplifiers, transducers, and solid-state components. Digital concepts and applications, including coding, gating and counting, and logic circuitry. Includes three-hour lab. Prerequisite: PHYS 142 or PHYS 242. Alternate years.

An opportunity for a qualified student to explore work in an area of individual interest, selected and pursued in consultation with a faculty member. Consent is required from the instructor who will supervise the independent study. May be repeated for a total of 4 credits.

An interdisciplinary exploration of how analyses of the physics of sound aid our understanding of music. Students will learn how sound is created, sustained, amplified; how limits in human physiology shape approaches to music; and how physical properties of instruments relate to tone quality and give insight into different genres of music. Prerequisites: 24 credits in ISP, including ITW 101 and IQL 101. Fall, Spring.

Temperature and the zeroth law, heat, work and energy, the three laws of thermodynamics, and applications. Emphasis is on entropy and its applications: the thermodynamic potentials, aspects of kinetic theory, and Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics. Prerequisites: Grade C or higher in PHYS 242 or permission of instructor. Alternate years.

Analytical treatment of Newton's laws in kinematics and dynamics, oscillations, non-inertial reference systems, gravitation and central forces, mechanics, and motion of rigid bodies. Lagrangian mechanics. Prerequisite: Grade C or higher in PHYS 242 or permission of instructor. Alternate years.

A lab-lecture format with laboratory exercises to complement such topics as special and general relativity, the historical overview of atomic and nuclear physics, wave-particle duality, the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation and applications, nuclear structure, radioactivity and nuclear reactions, fission and fusion, elementary particles, and the Standard Model. Prerequisite: Grade C or higher in PHYS 242, or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.

Vector analysis, Coulomb's law, the electric field, Gauss's law, the Poisson and Laplace equations, properties of dielectrics, electric current, Ampere's law, electromagnetic induction, and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: Grade C or higher in PHYS 242 and MATH 361 or permission of instructor. As needed.

Study of selected topics not covered adequately in other Physics courses. Includes the study of experimental techniques and results, as well as various theoretical models. Prerequisites: Grade C or higher in PHYS 242 and permission of instructor. Fall, Spring.

Individualized, directed study in an area of Physics or to a depth not normally available within the curriculum. The student initiates a research project or takes part in ongoing research under supervision of a faculty investigator. May be repeated for a total of 4 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall, Spring.