21&62:750:109Astronomy and Cosmology (3-0-3) A nonmathematical presentation of contemporary views of the origin,
evolution, and structure of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the
universe. Special topics include neutron stars, black holes,
gravitationally strange objects, and the "Big Bang." A similar course
is offered at NJIT as PHYS 202. Recommended for nonscience majors. |
21&62:750:202Physics as a Liberal Art (3) Nonmathematical treatment of the major ideas in physics from ancient times to the present; relativity, the uncertainty principle, quantum theory, cosmology, and the atom as viewed by classical and modern physics; atomic energy; impact on culture and society. Recommended for nonscience majors. |
21&62:750:203,204General Physics I,II (4,4) A trigonometry- and algebra-based course treating the basic concepts of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, light, and some modern physics. Prerequisite: 21&62:640:114. Students who major in physics and mathematics are advised to enroll in 21&62:750:213,214 instead of this course. |
21&62:750:205,206Introductory Physics Laboratory (1,1) Laboratory courses for 750:203,204 or 750:213,214. Lab. 3 hrs. Pre- or corequisites: 21&62:750: 203,204 or 213,214. |
21&62:750:213,214University Physics (4,4) A calculus-based introductory course in physics. Topics include mechanics, wave phenomena, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Pre- or corequisites: 21&62:640:135,136. Intended for physics and mathematics majors and preengineering students, but open to all qualified students. |
21&62:750:315Introductory Thermodynamics (3) Concludes the introductory sequence in physics. Interpretation and application of the laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical physics. Prerequisites: 21&62:750:203,204 or 213,214 and one year of introductory calculus. |
21&62:750:316Introduction to Modern Physics (3) Interaction of radiation with matter; elementary quantum theory; atomic and nuclear physics; relativity; solid-state physics. Prerequisites: 21&62:750:203,204 or 213,214. |
21&62:750:333Applications of Mathematics to Physics (3) Emphasis on applications of mathematical techniques to physical problems: infinite series, matrices, determinants, partial differentiation, multiple integrals, vector analysis, and Fourier series. Prerequisites: 21&62:750:213,214 or 203,204; 21&62:640:136. |
21&62:750:361,362Mechanics I,II (3,3) Dynamics of particles and systems; theory of small oscillations and mechanical waves; rigid bodies; Lagrange and Hamilton formalism. Prerequisites: 21&62:640:314; 21&62:750:315,316, 333; or permission of instructor. |
21&62:750:385,386Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (3,3) Electrostatics; magnetostatics; Maxwell's equations with applications; electrodynamics. Prerequisites: 21&62:750:315,316, 333; 21&62:640:314; or permission of instructor. |
21&62:750:402Statistical Mechanics (3) Statistical thermodynamics, classical, and quantum statistical mechanics, and elementary transport theory. Prerequisites: 21&62:750:315, 361,362. |
21&62:750:403Introduction to Atomic and Nuclear Physics (3) Discussion of experiments that led to the quantum theory; atomic spectra; atomic structure; laser science and nuclear physics. Prerequisites: 21&62:750:361,362, 385,386, or permission of instructor. |
21&62:750:404Quantum Mechanics (3) Schrödinger equation; operators; correspondence principle; uncertainty principle; the harmonic oscillator; the hydrogen atom; elementary scattering theory; elements of matrix mechanics; perturbation theory. Prerequisites: 21&62:750:361, 385,386, or permission of instructor. |
21&62:750:406Introductory Solid-State Physics (3) Crystallography and structure of crystals; bonding of atoms; structure and properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators; luminescence and fluorescence of crystals, photoconductivity; solid-state devices. Prerequisites: 21&62:750:361, 385,386, or permission of instructor. |
21&62:750:407Advanced Physics Laboratory I (1) Design of experiments and instrumentation techniques; data acquisition and analysis; graphic representation of experimental data; study of errors and reliability of results; AC and DC circuit theory. Corequisites: 21&62:750:315,316, 333, or permission of instructor. |
21&62:750:408Advanced Physics Laboratory II (1) Detailed examination of design concepts and measurement techniques; experiments in physical and geometric optics, coherent optics, acoustics, microwave signal propagation, and atomic and nuclear physics. Lab. 3 hrs. Corequisites: 21&62:750:315,316, or permission of instructor. |
21:750:410Physical Electronics (2) Development of physical models for nonlinear devices (diodes, transistors) used in modern electronic circuits; analysis of practical circuits; construction and examination of rectifiers, signal generators, basic digital circuits, and measurement systems. Lec. 1 hr., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21&62:640:135,136; 21&62:750:213,214 or 203,204. |
21&62:750:411Physical Optics (3) Electromagnetic theory of light, interference, diffraction, polarization, double refraction, absorption, scattering, dispersion, and introduction to quantum optics. Prerequisites: 21&62:750:385,386 or permission of instructor. |
21&62:750:461Computational Methods in Applied Physics (3) General computer programming modeling methods and techniques; numerical solutions to integro-differential equations; eigenvalue problems; applications of computer-aided design and other packages. Prerequisite: 21&62:640:314. Pre- or corequisite: 21&62:750:404. |
21&62:750:462Mathematical Methods of Theoretical Physics (3) Vector and tensor analysis; matrix methods; complex variables; Sturm-Lieuville theory; special functions; Fourier series and integrals; integral equations; numerical solutions of differential equations. Prerequisites: 21&62:640:314, 21&62:750:361, or permission of instructor. |
21&62:750:471Introductory Relativity Theory (3) Special theory: simultaneity, Lorentz transformations, four vectors, and electromagnetic field transformation; General theory: principle of equivalence, parallel displacements, and geodesics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. |
21&62:750:485,486Individual Research in Physics (BA,BA) Qualified students may undertake individual research under the supervision of a member of the department. |
21&62:750:491,492Physics Seminar (1,1) Group discussions of selected current topics in physics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. |
21&62:750:493,494Readings in Physics (BA,BA) Independent study supervised by a member of the department. For qualified students who wish to investigate a specific area or topic in physics in greater depth than is normally covered elsewhere in the curriculum. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. |
