131 Elements of Physics I.
Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory weekly. Introductory course using algebra. Study of classical mechanics (including rotational motion), heat, and sound. Offered fall semester.
132 Elements of Physics II.
Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory weekly. Continuation of Physics 131. Study of classical electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity, atomic and nuclear theory. Prerequisite: Physics 131. Offered spring semester. Note: As a prerequisite for higher physics courses, with permission of the department, Physics 131 and 132 may be substituted for Physics 141 and 142.
141 General Physics I.
Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory weekly. Introductory course using calculus. Study of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and wave motion. Prerequisite: Mathematics 121. Offered fall semester.
142 General Physics II.
Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory weekly. Continuation of Physics 141. Study of classical electromagnetism, optics, and atomic theory. Prerequisites: Physics 141; Mathematics 122. Offered spring semester.
211 Modern Physics.
Introduction to concepts of modern physics. Topics include relativity, Bohr-Rutherford atom, wave mechanics, atomic and nuclear theory. Prerequisites: Physics 142; Mathematics 223. Offered fall semester.
212 Intermediate Physics Laboratory.
Some fundamental experiments of modern physics: Millikan charge on electron, Planck’s constant, Franck-Hertz effect, and Beta decay. Offered spring semester. 221 Statics. The study of equivalent force systems using vector algebra. Emphasis on analysis of structures, stresses, and bending moments. Method of virtual work. Prerequisite: Physics 141. Offered fall semester.
222 Dynamics.
Kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies using vector calculus. Study of work, energy and momentum methods. Euler’s equations. Introduction to Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations. Prerequisite: Physics 141. Offered spring semester.
251 Electronics.
Electron dynamics, circuit analysis, instrumentation and quantum electronics are discussed. Prerequisite: Physics 142. Offered spring semester of even-numbered years.
311 Thermodynamics.
Study of heat transfer and laws of classical thermodynamics with applications to heat engines, gases, and cryogenic systems. Prerequisites: Physics 142; Mathematics 223. Offered fall semester of evennumbered years.
312 Kinetic Theory and Statistical Mechanics.
Topics include transport theory, Boltzmann’s equation, classical and quantum statistics with applications. Prerequisite: Physics 311. Offered spring semester of odd-numbered years.
361 Mathematics for Physics.
Boundary and eigen-value problems, vector calculus, partial differential equations, Fourier series. Prerequisite: Mathematics 233. Offered fall semester of odd-numbered years.
411 Electricity and Magnetism.
Study of electrostatics and electromagnetism. Solutions of Maxwell’s equations in vacuum and material media. Prerequisites: Physics 142; Mathematics 233. Offered fall semester of even-numbered years.
412 Electromagnetic Waves.
Study of propagation of electromagnetic waves in conducting and nonconducting media. Solutions to wave equation. Introduction to quantum optics. Prerequisite: Physics 411. Offered spring semester of odd-numbered years.
490 Physics Research for Elementary School Teachers.
Supervised research experience open only to dual majors in Childhood Education and Natural Science. Recommended for students in their junior or senior year. Four hours per week researching, designing, and possibly testing pedagogical tools that enhance teaching and learning of concepts in matter and energy required to be taught in elementary school by the New York State Department of Education. Prerequisite: Physics 131 or 141. Offered as needed.
511 Introductory Quantum Mechanics.
Topics covered include de Broglie’s hypothesis, uncertainty principle, solutions of Schroedinger’s equation, angular momentum, perturbation theory. Prerequisites: Physics 211; Mathematics 233. Offered fall semester of oddnumbered years.
512 Atomic and Nuclear Physics.
Topics in atomic and nuclear physics using quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: Physics 511. Offered spring semester of even-numbered years.
531 Solid State Physics.
Description of properties of crystalline solids using wave mechanics. Applications include semiconductors and superconductivity. Prerequisite: Physics 211. Offered spring semester of even-numbered years.
541 Experimental Physics I.
Under guidance of a faculty member, students will plan and construct an experimental project of their choice. Emphasis on experimental technique. Prerequisite: Physics 212. Offered fall and spring semesters.
542 Experimental Physics II.
Under guidance of a faculty member, students will complete and evaluate their project. Emphasis is on data analysis and critical evaluation of experiments. Prerequisite: Physics 541. Offered spring semester.
543 Senior Thesis.
Under guidance of a faculty member, students prepare a professional-style paper about their project with the aim of possible journal publication. Prerequisite: Physics 542. Open only to senior majors in Physics.
591 Special Topics in Physics.
Discussion of one or more areas of current research having common interest of class. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered fall semester of even-numbered years.
592 Seminar.
Attendance is required of all juniors and seniors majoring in physics. All seniors are expected to present a paper.
