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Physics

Resources

Contact Information

Robert Benjamin
Department Chair & Professor
Phone: (262) 472-5114
Location: Upham Hall 156
Patricia Filipiak
Department Associate
Phone: 262-472-1067
Location: Upham Hall 151

Physics Courses

  • ENERGY
    Physics 100, Credits: 3

    An examination of energy; its nature, the forms in which it appears, its transformation, current and future sources, and energy issues faced by an informed electorate.

  • LIGHT AND COLOR
    Physics 120, Credits: 4

    An introduction to light science for students in the visual arts and for students with an interest in art. The course includes the properties of light and color, the interaction of light with matter, the formation of visual images and color vision.

  • PHYSICS FOUNDATIONS
    Physics 130, Credits: 5

    This course will explore topics in classical physics (motion, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light) and modern physics (atomic structure, quantum mechanics, and relativity) with an emphasis on how the principles explain and predict phenomena we observe every day.

  • PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I
    Physics 140, Credits: 5

    An algebra-based course in classical mechanics at the introductory level. The content covers kinematics, Newton's laws, conservation laws, oscillations and waves, applications to fluids and elasticity, and thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Applications to the life and health sciences are emphasized, and essential MCAT subject matter is included. Basic understanding of trigonometry and the manipulation of vectors is necessary.

  • PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS II
    Physics 141, Credits: 5

    An algebra-based course in electricity and magnetism, circuits, electromagnetic waves, optics and an introduction to modern physics. Applications to the life and health sciences are emphasized, and essential MCAT subject matter is included. Basic understanding of trigonometry and the manipulation of vectors is necessary. Students with adequate mathematical preparation may wish to consider taking the PHYSCS 180 series.

  • FROM EINSTEIN TO STAR TREK
    Physics 150, Credits: 3

    This introductory survey course will focus on areas of modern physics that are frequently discussed but often misunderstood. The theories of Einstein and other physicists will be used to examine science fiction devices such as time machines, warp drives, and mass transporters. Integrated throughout will be a discussion of what are science, science fiction, and pseudo-science.

  • PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS I
    Physics 180, Credits: 5

    A lecture/lab course in introductory physics including a mathematically rigorous analysis of mechanics, vibrations, wave motion, and thermodynamics using calculus. For majors and minors in physics, engineering, chemistry, mathematics. Four one-hour lectures and one two-hour lab per week. Previous study of calculus recommended.

  • PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS II
    Physics 181, Credits: 5

    A lecture/lab course in introductory physics including a mathematically rigorous analysis of electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and modern physics using calculus. For majors and minors in physics, engineering, chemistry, and mathematics. Four one-hour lectures and one two-hour lab per week.

  • FRONTIERS OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICS
    Physics 190, Credits: 1

    An introduction to career tracks and career opportunities in engineering and physics. This course will feature readings on different career possibilities in engineering and physics and visiting lectures by practicing physicists and engineers. Professional skills, identification of career tracks, and scientific and technical communication will be emphasized. One hour lecture per week.

  • PHYSICS FOR EVERYDAY THINKING
    Physics 212, Credits: 4

    An activity-based, hands-on learning course that focuses on conceptual understanding of physics phenomena. The course emphasizes a student-oriented pedagogy. Topics include motion, forces, energy, light, heat, electricity, and magnetism as well as the nature of science. Elementary education students will find this course particularly helpful as it explores ideas related to how children and students learn physics.

  • INTERMEDIATE LABORATORY
    Physics 221, Credits: 2

    A laboratory course concentrating on techniques of recording, interpretation of, and reporting experimental data. Extensive use will be made of computers in data processing. Topics covered include data acquisition and the recording of data, error analysis, numerical analysis, graphing techniques, computational tools and report writing.

  • ELECTRONICS FOR AUDIO
    Physics 222, Credits: 2

    This course is going to explore the physical properties, propagation, and perception of sound. It will provide students hands-on opportunity to work with common equipment used in audio technologies including filters, amplifiers and the utilization of common electronic equipment and components.

  • PHYSICS OF SOUND AND MUSIC
    Physics 240, Credits: 3

    A descriptive course that deals with various properties of sound, the generation of sound by traditional musical instruments and the electronic production and reproduction of sound. The physical process of hearing and the acoustical properties of rooms are also included.

  • PHYSICS RECITATIONS I
    Physics 290, Credits: 1

    Topics include, limits, increments and infinitesimals and their applications to physical problems, differentiation and differentials in physics, integration as anti-differentiation and integration of higher derivatives (application to kinematics in one dimension), vector and coordinate frames: application to kinematics in two and three dimensions, definite integrals and the integral as an area: application to mechanical energy and work. One-hour lecture per week.

  • PHYSICS RECITATIONS II
    Physics 291, Credits: 1

    Topics include partial derivatives, increments, and total derivatives: application to force and potential energy, linear momentum, angular momentum, and the dynamics of systems, integrals in two and three dimensions: application to the dynamics of rigid bodies including rotations and forces in equilibrium. One-hour lecture per week.

  • MECHANICS - STATICS
    Physics 305, Credits: 3

    A study of forces on rigid bodies in equilibrium. Topics include force systems, equilibrium, distributed forces, structures, friction, internal forces, centroids and moments of inertia. This course also introduces notations and operations associated with tensor calculus.

  • MECHANICS - DYNAMICS
    Physics 310, Credits: 3

    A study of classical mechanics. Topics will include Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangean and Hamiltonian formalisms, symmetry principles, conservation laws, oscillations, central force and two-body problems, collisions and scattering cross-sections, motion in non-inertial reference frames, and rigid body motion. Required of all majors and minors in physics. Three one-hour lectures per week.

  • INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS SCIENCE
    Physics 316, Credits: 3

    An introduction to materials science with emphasis on general properties of materials. Topics will include bonding, crystal structure, defects in materials, failure, phase diagrams, and mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal and magnetic properties of metals, ceramics, electronic materials, composites and organic materials.

  • INTRODUCTION TO NANOTECHNOLOGY
    Physics 321, Credits: 3

    Since nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field, students taking this course will develop a cross-disciplinary communication. They will learn the basics of physical phenomena at nanoscales. Through the in-class experimental activities, students will gain hands-on experience and will develop a better understanding of most common tools used in nanotechnology.

  • METHODS OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS
    Physics 324, Credits: 4

    Topics covered include methods of theoretical physics, vector analysis, differential equations of mathematical physics, analytic functions and integration in the complex plane, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, Fourier transforms, and their applications in physics.

  • CLASSICAL ELECTROMAGNETISM
    Physics 325, Credits: 3

    A study of the electrostatic field, electric multipoles, dielectrics, special methods in electrostatics, the magnetic field, magnetic materials, time-varying fields, conservation laws, and electromagnetic waves. Three one-hour lectures per week.

  • ANALOG AND DIGITAL ELECTRONICS
    Physics 330, Credits: 4

    An introductory lab-based course in electronics with emphasis on solid state devices, diode and amplifier circuits, waveform generation, operational amplifiers, digital circuitry and microcomputer applications to physical measurement.

  • MODERN PHYSICS
    Physics 344, Credits: 4

    Topics covered include relativity, selected topics of 20th century physics, atomic and molecular structure, elementary quantum physics and its applications in modern technology, elementary nuclear physics and fundamental particles. Laboratory experiments complement material presented in lectures.

  • OPTICS
    Physics 360, Credits: 4

    This course provides an introductory study of optical phenomena. Geometrical and physical optics beginning with a mathematical treatment of light waves and their interaction with materials. Topics also include interference diffraction, spectroscopy and spectroscopic instruments, polarization, light sources and detectors, lasers, holography, and some topics in modern optics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.

  • THERMAL PHYSICS
    Physics 364, Credits: 3

    A study of the Laws of Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. Thermodynamic topics include potentials, equilibrium, phase transitions and critical phenomena with applications to gasses, liquids and solids. Statistical Mechanics topics include Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein Statistics.

  • JUNIOR SEMINAR
    Physics 389, Credits: 1

    Students will become familiar with physics literature and learn to write abstracts and project proposals. They will demonstrate proper methods of verbal and visual presentation by delivering a graded series of talks, concluding with a satisfactory colloquium on a physics topic. Students will also learn about career, internship, and graduate school opportunities and prepare materials for future applications.

  • VIBRATIONS AND WAVES
    Physics 424, Credits: 3

    This course emphasizes the relationship between vibrations and waves. Topics include free and damped vibrations in linear and non-linear systems with one- and several-degrees of freedom, longitudinal and transverse waves, and the wave equation. Analytic treatment and applications to real phenomena are stressed throughout this course.

  • QUANTUM MECHANICS
    Physics 425, Credits: 3

    This course will explore the tools and postulates of Quantum Mechanics. Topics will include one and three-dimensional problems, angular momentum, as well as approximation methods such as time independent perturbation theory, and Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) methods. Three one-hour lectures per week.

  • SENIOR SEMINAR
    Physics 489, Credits: 1

    Students will review introductory and upper-level topics covered as part of the physics major. This course will consist of weekly homework sets and quizzes to prepare students for the Physics Major Field Test as the final exam for the course. Students will also learn about career and graduate school options and meet with visiting engineers and physicists.

  • WORKSHOP
    Physics 490, Credits: 1-8

    Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Repeatable for a maximum of 3 credits in major or minor in physics.

  • TRAVEL STUDY
    Physics 491, Credits: 1-3

    Variable topics. Faculty-led field courses.

  • PHYSICS COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
    Physics 493, Credits: 1

    The course gives the student an opportunity to intersperse full time study with full time employment. The student will be interviewed by a potential employer identified by the Physics Department. If accepted as an employee, the student may work from one to four terms. A work term is defined as a semester or a summer of employment. No more than two credits may be counted towards the Physics Major. A written report is required.

  • PHYSICS SEMINAR
    Physics 494, Credits: 1

    Variable topics. Group activity. An advanced course of study in a defined subject matter area emphasizing a small group in intense study with a faculty member. Repeatable.

  • SPECIAL STUDIES
    Physics 496, Credits: 1-10

    Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings. Repeatable for a maximum of 3 credits in major or minor in physics.

  • EXCHANGE STUDY
    Physics 497, Credits: 1-12

    Variable Topics

  • INDEPENDENT STUDY
    Physics 498, Credits: 1-3

    Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 3 credits in major or minor in physics.

  • INDEPENDENT STUDENT - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
    Physics 498R, Credits: 1-3

    Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 3 credits in major or minor in physics.



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