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50:750:103
Is the Universe Elegant? (R) (3)
This course is designed to explore the frontier areas of physics (particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology) in a manner accessible to students from all backgrounds and stresses the development of conceptual understanding before computational literacy. Limitations of scientific knowledge and the insufficiency of science to answer questions of origin and value will be discussed as well.
Designed for nonscience majors.
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50:750:131
Elements of Physics I (R) (3)
Intended for physics majors and engineering students, but open to other qualified students. A calculus-based introduction to classical physics: mechanics, heat, wave motion, sound, electricity, and light.
Corequisites: 50:640:121 and 50:750:133.
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50:750:132
Elements of Physics II (R) (3)
A calculus-based introduction to classical physics: mechanics, heat, wave motion, sound, electricity, and light.
Corequisites: 50:640:122 and 50:750:134. Intended for physics majors and engineering students, but open to other qualified students.
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50:750:133
Introductory Physics Laboratory I (R) (1)
The laboratory illustrates phenomena and concepts studied in 50:750:131 -OR- 50:750:203.
Corequisite: 50:750:131 or 50:750:203.
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50:750:134
Introductory Physics Laboratory II (R) (1)
The laboratory illustrates phenomena and concepts studied in 50:750:132 -OR- 50:750:204.
Corequisite: 50:750:132 or 50:750:204.
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50:750:140
Introduction to Scientific Programming (R) (3)
Students will gain an introduction to scientific programming and numerical methods utilizing a scripting environment such as MATLAB. Particular emphasis will be placed on solving relevant problems in biology, physics, and engineering. No prior exposure to computer programming will be assumed.
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50:750:203
General Physics I (R) (3)
An introduction to mechanics, heat, wave motion, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and selected topics from modern physics.
Prerequisite: 50:640:115.
Corequisite: 50:750:133. For biology, chemistry, premedicine, predentistry, and preveterinary medicine students, but may be taken by others.
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50:750:204
General Physics II (R) (3)
An introduction to mechanics, heat, wave motion, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and selected topics from modern physics.
Prerequisite: 50:640:115.
Corequisite: 50:750:134. For biology, chemistry, premedicine, predentistry, and preveterinary medicine students, but may be taken by others.
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50:750:232
Elements of Modern Physics (3)
Topics from special relativity, quantum theory, atomic physics, molecules, statistical physics, solid-state physics, nuclear physics, and elementary particles.
Prerequisite: 50:750:132.
Corequisites: 50:640:221 and 50:750:238.
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50:750:233
Electric Circuits I (3)
DC and steady-state AC circuit analysis, network theorems, matrix methods, two ports, controlled sources, nonlinear elements, transients, step and impulse response, and computer methods.
Prerequisite: 50:640:121. Corequisite: 50:750:235. Equivalent to Principles of Electrical Engineering I (14:332:221).
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50:750:235
Electric Circuits Laboratory I (1)
Laboratory exercises to accompany and illustrate 50:750:233.
Corequisites: 50:750:233. Equivalent to Principles of Electrical Engineering I Laboratory (14:332:223).
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50:750:238
Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
Students will perform experiments of great historical significance that helped to reshape our understanding of physics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Examples include the Millikan Oil-Drop and Frank-Hertz experiments.
Corequisite: 50:750:232.
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50:750:253
Mechanics I (3)
Equilibrium of planar and spatial systems, analysis of structures, friction, centroids and moments of inertia, virtual work, dynamics of particles, and rigid bodies.
Prerequisites: 50:640:122 and 50:750:131. Equivalent to Engineering Mechanics: Statics (14:440:221).
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50:750:301
Electromagnetic Theory (3)
Electrostatic field, dielectrics, steady currents, magnetic fields and materials, and electromagnetic induction.
Prerequisites: 50:750:232 and 50:640:314.
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50:750:302
Electromagnetic Waves and Optics (3)
Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, radiation, guided waves, dispersion, reflection, refraction, interference, polarization, and optics of solids.
Prerequisite: 50:750:301.
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50:750:307
Electronics (3)
This course is designed to give a hands-on introduction to electronics for all interested students. Topic covered include AC and DC circuit analysis, signal characteristics and acquisition, transistors, feedback, operational amplifiers, power supplies, noise, digital circuits, instrumentation, computer interfacing, and optimization of measurements. Emphasis will be placed upon the development of practical knowledge and skills. One lab and one course meeting per week.
Prerequisite: 50:750:132 or 204 or permission of instructor.
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50:750:309
Analytical Mechanics (3)
Particle dynamics, simple harmonic motion, central forces, statics and
dynamics of rigid bodies, waves, and Lagrange's and Hamilton's
equations.
Prerequisites: 50:750:132 and 50:640:314.
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50:750:310
Analytical Mechanics II (3)
Continuation of 50:750:309. Particle dynamics, simple harmonic motion, central forces, statics and dynamics of rigid bodies, waves, and Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations.
Prerequisites: 50:750:132 and 50:640:314.
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50:750:321
Physics of Music (3)
This course is designed to explore the physics behind music in a manner accessible to students from all backgrounds. It will cover the fundamentals of the production, propogation, and reception of sound. Topics covered will include: waveforms, modulation, intensity and the decibel scale, wave packets, beats, reflection, refraction, interference, the Doppler shift, simple harmonic oscillator, work, energy, resonance. It will cover the production of sound by strings, percussions, blown pipes, and blown reeds. Finally, the fundamentals of room acoustics will be investigated.
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50:750:322
3D Printing (3)
This course will provide students with a working knowledge and understanding of 3D printing. Several aspects of the revolutionary technology will be examined spanning a wide spectrum of topics including: additive manufacturing, computer aided design software, phase changes in thermoplastics, social impact of the technology. In addition to exposing students to the underlying science of the technology, students will gain experience in both designing items suitable for printing and seeing through to its successful fabrication.
Fulfills the Gen Ed PLS requirement.
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50:750:351
Thermal Physics I (3)
Temperature-dependent properties of gases, liquids, and solids, such as specific heat, vapor pressure, dielectric constant, internal energy, entropy, compressibility, and conductivity. Presents classical thermodynamics, which derives relations between various quantities, and statistical methods used to derive classical thermodynamics from the atomic point of view. Presents Brownian motion, random walks, and fluctuation. Gives applications of the second law to the production and uses of energy.
Prerequisites: 50:750:132 and 50:640:221.
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50:750:362
Biophysics (3)
An introductory biophysics course for undergraduate or graduate students
with at least two semesters of undergraduate physics, intended for
students trained in either the physical or life sciences. Themes
include both novel physical insights gained from study of biological
systems as well as the power of physical descriptions for advancing
biological understanding. The course will explore random and diffusive
phenomena in cellular processes, the effect of frictional forces on
molecular motion in the low Reynolds number environment of the cell, and
the role of entropy and free energy in driving reactions and assembly. Students will learn the importance of elastic descriptions for
understanding the biological function of fibrous proteins, membranes,
and DNA. Fundamental properties of cellular circuits, including ion
channels and nerve impulses, will be presented.
Prerequisite: 50:750:132. Often cross-listed with 56:121:565.
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50:750:374
Energy and Environment (3)
The physics, economics, and polluting properties of the three conventional power sources: coal, oil, and natural gas (including gasification of coal and oil shale). Studies solar power and discusses conservation of energy in home and industry. Considers the more important advantages and shortcomings and the environmental impacts of aspects of wind, tidal, geothermal, and magneto-hydrodynamic power; the hydrogen economy; and nuclear power, including fusion. Where appropriate, considers the possible use of these in transportation systems. Gives causes of energy crises and proposes various suggestions for a national energy policy.
Fulfills the Gen Ed PLS requirement.
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50:750:406
Condensed Matter and Materials Physics (3)
This course is an introductory approach to condensed matter and materials physics. The fundamentals of electronic theory will be introduced and utilized to relate the optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of materials. Topics will include, but not be limited to, semiconductor band structure, atomic binding energies, crystalline structures and ferroic-type ordering. Additionally, select topics from soft condensed matter physics such as the physics of polymers and electro-optical properties of liquid crystals will be covered.
Prerequisites: 50:750:232 and 50:640:314.
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50:750:413
Elements of Quantum Mechanics I (3)
Probability waves, Schrodinger and Klein-Gordon equations, eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, wave packets, unitary and hermitian operators, matrix elements, commutation relations, perturbation theory, radiative transitions, and scattering theory.
Prerequisites: 50:750:232 and 50:640:314.
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50:750:417
Computational Physics I (3)
Applications of the computer to the solution of large-scale problems in physics including the numerical solution of the differential equations of electromagnetic theory, integration of the Schrödinger equation for realistic problems, and applications of matrix methods to problems in mechanics and engineering.
Prerequisite: 50:750:232.
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50:750:418
Computational Physics II (3)
Continuation of 50:750:417. Emphasis placed on the application of computer simulation techniques, including the Monte Carlo method, to problems in statistical physics (especially the subject of phase transitions) and other areas of interest.
Prerequisite: 50:750:354.
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50:750:420
Methods of Materials Characterization (3)
The fundamentals of materials characterization will be introduced including optical, surface, and structural techniques. Methods will include Uv-Vis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, atomic force, optical and electronic microscopies, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence measurements.
Lec. 1 hr., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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50:750:430
Optical Microscopy (3)
Optical microscopy is an invaluable tool in a broad range of scientific research ranging from geology to pharmacology, however, its foundations are planted in physics. This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive
survey of optical microscopy techniques through a series of lectures and
hands-on demonstrations. Students will begin by learning the fundamentals of optical image formation and microscope design, and this foundation will be built upon with particulars that characterize specific techniques. Optical microscopy techniques that will be covered include brightfield, darkfield, and phase-contrast microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, multiphoton laser scanning microscopy, as well as super-resolution techniques.
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50:750:463
Mathematical Physics (3)
Mathematical techniques used in advanced work in the physical sciences. Covers determinants, matrices, ordinary and partial differential equations, boundary and eigenvalue problems, Fourier-series and integrals, transform theory, orthogonal functions, and complex variables. Extensive problem work.
Prerequisites: 50:750:121 and 50:640:314. Often cross-listed with 56:121:563.
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50:750:489,490
Independent Studies (BA,BA)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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50:750:491-492
Research in Physics I,II (3,3)
In consultation with a faculty adviser, students will develop and carry out an independent research project. The students will be required to present a seminar to the department and to produce a written paper that is suitable for publication in an undergraduate research journal. Students will also be strongly encouraged to present a poster at an undergraduate research conference or the equivalent.
Prerequisite: Open only to physics students in their junior or senior year.
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50:750:495,496
Honors Program in Physics (3,3)
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Liberal Arts Colleges 
