PHYSICS (PHYS)

PHYS 107 - THE HIDDEN LIFE OF THE STARS

Prerequisite: High school geometry and trigonometry

Stars have a rich history in the development of our understanding of nature. Stellar life cycles will be used to illustrate concepts in modern astronomy. The history of understanding the stars will lead from Copernicus and Galileo to modern ideas in particle physics and relativity. Basic concepts from astronomy will be developed in an algebraic framework and applied to understanding the life cycle of a star, including birth, main cycle, and death. There may be evening observation field trips. Meets Core credit for natural sciences.

Credit: 3

PHYS 201-202 - GENERAL PHYSICS

Prerequisite: High school algebra and geometry; PHYS 201 for 202

This course presents to liberal arts and pre-professional students the basic concepts, unifying principles and cultural aspects of the whole field of physics. Three lectures-recitations and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Credit: 4-4

PHYS 205-206 - UNIVERSITY PHYSICS

Prerequisite: MATH 206; PHYS 205 for 206

This is a thorough course designed to impart a working knowledge of the fundamental principles, practical applications and techniques of general physics to physics majors, pre-engineering students and others specializing in the physical sciences. Four lecture-recitations and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Credit: 5-5

PHYS 320 - ORIGINS OF THE UNIVERSE

Prerequisite: High school algebra and trigonometry

A look from the scientific view point into the origin of the universe. The course takes a conceptual approach in understanding the two great physical theories of the twentieth century, Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, followed by applications in particle physics and cosmology. No previous science knowledge is assumed or required. Meets Core credit for natural sciences.

Credit: 3

PHYS 350 - SCIENCE AS A CULTURAL FORCE

Prerequisite: See CHEM 350 for course information

Credit: 3

PHYS 552 - HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES IN MODERN PHYSICS

Prerequisite:

A chronicle of modern physical science starting with the discovery of the x-rays and the electron. The course will progress through current research and trends in physical thought. The post-Newtonian physics of the 20th and 21st centuries will be studied with a focus on the people involved in its development. Lecture, hands on activities, and laboratories based on key discoveries will guide the student form the basic concepts of light and the atom to the current ideas of modern physics.

Credit: 3