Physics Courses (PHY)

PHY 2252 General Physics I (3)
    An introduction to the laws of mechanics and thermodynamics. Prerequisite:  MTH 1114 or 1115.  Co-requisite:  PHY L252.
PHY L252 General Physics I Laboratory (1)
    Laboratory work emphasizes basic principles of mechanics and thermodynamics, the use of measuring instruments, and the interpretation of data. Co-requisite:  PHY 2252.
PHY 2253 General Physics II (3)
    An introduction to the laws of optics, electricity and magnetism. Prerequisite:  PHY 2252, L252.  Co-requisite:  PHY L253.
PHY L253 General Physics II Laboratory (1)
    Laboratory work emphasizes basic principles of electricity, magnetism and optics, the use of measuring instruments, and the interpretation of data. Co-requisite:  PHY 2253.
PHY 2262 Physics I with Calculus  (3)
    Principles and laws of mechanics and thermodynamics, utilizing the methods of calculus. Prerequisite:  MTH 1125.  Co-requisite:  PHY L262.
PHY L262 Physics I with Calculus Laboratory (1)
    Laboratory work emphasizes basic principles of thermodynamics and mechanics, the use of measuring instruments, and the interpretation of data.  Co-requisite:  PHY 2262. 
PHY 2263 Physics II with Calculus  (3)
    Principles of electricity, magnetism and optics, utilizing the methods of calculus.  Prerequisite:  PHY 2262, L262.  Co-requisite:  PHY L263. 
PHY L263 Physics II with Calculus Laboratory (1)
    Laboratory work emphasizes basic principles of electricity, magnetism and optics, the use of measuring instruments, and the interpretation of data.  Co-requisite:  PHY 2263.
PHY 4410 Modern Physics (3)
    Special relativity, quantum mechanics, and many electron systems.  Prerequisites:  MTH 1125 and PHY 2253, L253 or PHY 2263, L263. Co-requisite:  PHY L410.
PHY L410 Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
    Selected experiments in modern physics.  Co-requisite:  PHY 4410.
PHY 4411 Advanced Modern Physics (3)
    Foundations of statistical physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, elementary particles, astrophysics, and cosmology. Prerequisite: PHY 4410
PHY 4420 Mechanics (3)
    Kinematics and dynamics of particles and systems of particles. Prerequisite:  MTH 2227 and PHY 2253, L253 or PHY 2263, L263.
PHY 4430 Electromagnetic Fields (3)
    Vector fields, dielectric and magnetic media, fields in conductors, electric and magnetic circuit elements.   Maxwell's equations and boundary condition problems in one, two and three dimensions.  Prerequisite:  MTH 2227 and PHY 2253, L253 or PHY 2263, L263.
PHY 4459 Optics (3)
    The principles of geometrical and physical optics.  Image formation, refraction, diffraction, origin of spectra, polarized light, and optical activity. Prerequisite:  PHY 2253 and L253 or PHY 2263 and L263.  Co-requisite:  PHY L459.
PHY L459 Optics Laboratory (1)
    Selected experiments in geometric and physical optics.  Laboratory work emphasizes the basic principles of optics, the use of measuring instruments, and the interpretation of data. Co-requisite:  PHY 4459.
PHY 4491- Guided Independent Research (1-4)
  4492 A physics research project under the direction of a faculty member.   The project must culminate in a written report with the results reported at a department seminar.  Prerequisite:  Senior standing or permission of department chair.  Also see index for “Independent Study and Research.”
PHY 4493- Guided Independent Study (1-4)
  4494 Independent study for advanced students under the direction of a faculty member.  Prerequisite:  Permission of department chair. Also see index for “Independent Study and Research.”
PHY 4495 Topics in Physics (3)
    Focus on a topic of timely nature and/or special interest.  Prerequisites:  PHY 2253 and L253 or PHY 2263 and L263.