Courses
PC-120 Astronomy (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) An exploration of how mankind's understanding of the universe has evolved and is still developing. Early astronomy, planets sun, stellar evolution, and galaxies are covered with emphasis on mankind's confrontation with the unknown. The present day fascination with pulsars, quasars, extra-solar system planets, and black holes are discussed.
PC-125 Musical Acoustics (Variable; Variable; 4.00 Credits; F,N) This course covers concepts of physics as applied to music. Topics include sound and resonance, pitch and tuning systems, psychoacoustics, anatomy of the ear, workings of musical instruments, electronic music fundamentals and literature, a review of musical notation, and aural recognition of intervals and pitches. Students will design and build a musical instrument, and participate in a performance.
PC-189 Physics Seminar I (Fall; Yearly; 1.00 Credit) Seminar series, required of all freshmen Physics/Physics-Engineering POEs, consisting of research seminars given by invited speakers and members of the department, both faculty and students. Discussions regarding specific career opportunities and preparation for graduate studies will also be an integral part of the seminar series. For Freshmen.
PC-199 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits; N) Entry level treatment of a variety of academic/practical experiences in physics such as Musical Acoustics and Physics Phun Night Practicum. Note abbreviated ST: (Title). Students may take each ST: course for credit.
PC-200 General Physics I (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; QM,N) An algebra-based introduction to the basic principles of mechanics (including periodic motion, fluid static's and dynamics), heat and thermodynamics, molecular theory and wave motion (including acoustics). Note: a working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required. Corequisite: PC206.
PC-201 General Physics II (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; QM,N) An algebra-based introduction to basic principles of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and optics. Additional topics may include atoms and molecules, nuclear physics, relativity and solid state physics. Note: a working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required. Corequisite: PC 207. Prerequisite: PC 200.
PC-202 Intro Physics I (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; QM,N) A calculus-based introduction to the basic principles of mechanics (including periodic motion, fluid static's and dynamics), heat and thermodynamics, molecular theory and wave motion (including acoustics). Corequisite: PC 206 and MA 130-Calculus I.
PC-203 Intro Physics II (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; QM,N) A calculus-based introduction to basic principles of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves and optics. Additional topics may include atoms and molecules, nuclear physics, relativity and solid state physics. Corequisite: PC 207. Prerequisites: PC 202 and MA 130.
PC-206 Physics Lab I (Fall; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; N) An introductory laboratory experience designed to accompany PC 200 and PC 202. The individual experiments will correlate with the beginning courses. Involves computer acquisition of data for some experiments. Note: a special fee is assessed. Corequisites: PC200 or PC202.
PC-207 Physics Lab II (Spring; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; N) An introductory laboratory experience designed to accompany PC 201 and PC 203. The individual experiments will correlate with the beginning courses. Involves computer acquisition of data for some experiments. Note: a special fee is assessed. Corequisite: PC203 or PC201.
PC-209 Electronics (Spring; Variable; 3.00 Credits; N) An introduction to the theory and application of analog and digital electronics, starting with basic AC and DC circuits. The unit explains the principles of operation of the power supply, amplifier, oscillator, logic circuits, micro controllers, and other basic circuits. An associated laboratory component allows construction of and measurements on the circuits under consideration. Note: a special fee is assessed.
PC-239 Nuclear Threat (Spring; Variable; 4.00 Credits; CA,H,N,CW,CAII) This course examines the development and ramifications of nuclear weapons. Students will learn the basic physics upon which these devices operate, and explore moral issues that arose in the interactions of communities impacted by their construction, use and testing, including the perspectives of scientists, government officials, and affected citizenry. Current issues and concerns regarding nuclear weapons will be studied as well. Prerequisites: Sophomore, Junior or Senior standing.
PC-289 Physics Seminar II (Fall; Yearly; 1.00 Credit) Seminar series, required of all sophomore Physics/Physics-Engineering POEs, consisting of research seminars given by invited speakersand members of the department, both faculty and students. Discussions regarding specific career opportunities and preparation for graduate studies will also be an integral part of the seminar series. Prerequisite: for Sophomores with Physics or Engineering Physics POEs.
PC-299 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits; N) Entry level treatment of a variety of academic/practical experiences in physics such as Musical Acoustics and Physics Phun Night Practicum. Note abbreviated ST: (Title). Students may take each ST: course for credit.
PC-300 Modern Physics (Fall; Yearly; 5.00 Credits; CW,N) The origin and progress of physics in the 20th century, including relativity and quantum theory with applications in atomic and molecular physics, nuclear physics, elementary particles and possibly some solid state physics. Note: A special fee is assessed. Prerequisites: MA230 and PC203. Corequisite: MA235
PC-301 Theoretical Modern Physics (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) Same as PC 300 without the lab.
PC-307 Advanced Physics Lab (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N,CW,QS) Provides laboratory projects at the intermediate level. A series of projects is offered which best meet the educational needs of the student. Prerequisite: PC 300. Special fee assessed.
PC-308 Science Olympiad Leadership (Spring; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits) See ED308.
PC-314 Philosophy of Physics (Spring; Variable; 3.00 Credits; CW,H,N) Explores philosophical issues in physics emphasizing problems of space, time, motion and difficulties concerning scientific explanation, causation and laws of nature. Topics may include the nature of geometrical knowledge, philosophical impact of relativity theory; absolute versus relative conceptions of space and time; problems of measurement, experimentation and testing hypothesis; and philosophical issues raised by quantum mechanics and/or other physical theories. Prerequisites: Sophomore standingor permission.
PC-320 Engineering Mechanics I: Statics (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) A problem-solving approach to applied mechanics involving equilibrium of co-planar and non-planar force systems, analysis of frames and trusses, friction, centroids and moments of inertia. Prerequisite: PC 202.
PC-321 Engineering Mechanics II: Dynamics (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) A problem-solving approach to applied mechanics involving the kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies. Techniques involving Newton's laws, work-energy and impulse momentum are presented and used extensively. Prerequisite: PC 320.
PC-330 Nuclear Physics (Spring; Variable; 3.00 Credits; CW,N) Presents nuclear concepts including nomenclature, structure, forces, reactions and models. Introductory nuclear reactor physics, elementary particles and quantum mechanics are covered as necessary. Prerequisite: PC 300.
PC-340 Mathematical Methods in Physics (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) An introduction to the mathematics used in advanced physical science courses. The emphasis is on early exposure to mathematical techniques and their applications rather than on rigorous derivation. Topics include series analysis, complex variables, theory, matrix mechanics, ordinary and partial differential equations, vector and tensor analysis, and Fourier series. Prerequisites: PC203 and MA230.
PC-350 Thermodynamics (Spring; Variable; 3.00 Credits; N) An intermediate level course treating the concept of temperature and its measurement, the concepts of heat and work, the laws of thermodynamics, applications of these concepts to physical systems, the elements of statistical mechanics and as many topics of current concern as time allows. Prerequisites: MA235 and PC300.
PC-389 Physics Seminar III (Fall; Yearly; 1.00 Credit) Seminar series, required of all junior Physics/Physics-Engineering POEs, consisting of research seminars given by invited speakers and members of the department, both faculty and students. Discussions regarding specific career opportunities and preparation for graduate studies will also be an integral part of the seminar series. Prerequisite:PC189 and PC289 and junior standing.
PC-399 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits; N) Intermediate to advanced level treatment of a variety of areas within physics such as solid state physics, astrophysics, general relativity, and medical physics. Abbreviated ST: (Title). Students may take each ST: course for credit.
PC-402 Quantum Mechanics (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) A rigorous introduction to the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, including topics such as the Schrodinger Equation, the " particle-in-a-box, " the harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, theorems of quantum mechanics, and electron spin. Time permitting, some attention may be given to philosophical issues arising out of the theory. Prerequisites: two of the following must be taken: MA235 or PC340 or CH305 or PC300.
PC-410 Mechanics (Fall; Variable; 4.00 Credits; N) A study of classical mechanics including Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian approaches. Emphasis is placed on developing the student's ability to analyze physical problems involving particles, systems of particles and rigid bodies. Insight is provided into a variety of techniques for solving such problems. Prerequisites: PC 203 and PC 340.
PC-420 Electricity & Magnetism I (Fall; Variable; 3.00 Credits; N) A study of electromagnetic phenomena, including electrostatics, electric fields in matter, magnetostatics, magnetic fields in matter, and an introduction to electrodynamics (including an introduction to Maxwell's equations). Corequisite: PC 340. Prerequisite: PC 203.
PC-421 Electricity & Magnetism II (Spring; Variable; 3.00 Credits; N) A continuation of PC 420, including a study of topics such as conservation laws in electromagnetism; electromagnetic waves, potentials, and fields; radiation; and an introduction to relativistic electrodynamics. Prerequisite: PC 420.
PC-430 Optics (Spring; Variable; 3.00 Credits; N) The wave theory of light as applied to interference, diffraction, polarization, and image formation. Major emphasis on Fourier techniques. Study of geometrical optics, quantum optics, and radiometry as time permits. Prerequisites: PC300 or PC301.
PC-450 Physics Research I (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00-4.00 Credits; CW,N) An opportunity for the student to do an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty member. Note: listed as Research: (title); may be taken multiple times for credit. Prerequisite: permission.
PC-451 Physics Research II (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-4.00 Credits; N) ) An opportunity for students to do a more advanced independent research project under the guidance of a faculty member. Prerequisite: permission.
PC-489 Physics Seminar IV (Fall; Yearly; 1.00 Credit) Seminar series, required of all senior Physics/Physics-Engineering POEs, consisting of research seminars given by invited speakers and members of the department, both faculty and students. Discussions regarding specific career opportunities and preparation for graduate studies will also be an integral part of the seminar series. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: for Seniors with Physics or Engineering Physics POEs.
PC-490 Physics Internship (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00-9.00 Credits; N) (See chapter, " Special Programs " under internships.) Note: may be repeated up to a total of 9 hours of credit. Corequisite: PC 495. Prerequisite: permission and Junior or Senior standing.
PC-491 Electricity & Magnetism (Fall; Irregular/On Demand; 4.00 Credits; N) A study of electromagnetic phenomena, including electrostatics, electric fields in matter, magnetostatics, magnetic fields in matter, introductory electrodynamics including Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves, potentials, and fields. Corequisite: PC 340. Prerequisite: PC 203.
PC-495 Internship Seminar/Research (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00-6.00 Credits; N) Requires students to reflect on the internship experience and/or pursue research related to the placement. Corequisite: PC 490. Prerequisite: permission.
PC-499 Physics Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits) Allows the department to offer titles not normally offered. Prerequisites vary by course.