Physics

Courses Taught

• AST 102 Stellar Astronomy
  Study of stars and the universe as a whole, its origin, structure, and uniqueness of its varied objects. The history and physical principles underlying astronomical observation will be covered. Students will develop analytical skills, apply physical principles to astronomical phenomena, and learn observational and laboratory technique. Does not count toward the physics major; appropriate course for non-science majors. Three class hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisite: Facility with algebra and geometry.
• PHY 112 Physics for Physics Majors II
  An introduction to modern physics and thermodynamics: Continuation of the special theory of relativity; introductory principles of quantum physics; applications in atomic, nuclear, and particle physics; and an introduction to thermodynamics. Differential and integral calculus is introduced and used. Prerequisites: Physics 111 and Math 111, which may be taken concurrently, or permission of instructor. Four class hours and three laboratory hours. Prospective physics majors or students interested in dual-degree engineering. Open to first-year students; sophomore students interested in the physics major may enroll with permission of instructor.
• PHY 290 Mentored Research Internship
  Quarter credit internship graded S/U.
• PHY 330 Electricity & Magnetism
  Intermediate course in electromagnetism, including vector fields and vector calculus, electrostatic field theory, dielectrics, magnetic phenomena, fields in matter, Maxwell's equations, Laplace's equation and boundary value problems, and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisites: Physics 211 and Physics 255. Three class hours.
• PHY 352 Optics and Laser Physics
  Advanced laboratory course that introduces intermediate optical systems and diagnostic techniques for laser-plasma applications. Labs include optical alignment, periscopes, compound lens systems, interferometry, and Schlieren. Lectures cover the nature of light, geometric optics, physical optics, lasers, introductory plasma physics, and common/advanced plasma diagnostic techniques. Students are required to have taken Physics 112 and encouraged to have taken Physics 211