Basic concepts and applications of physics for the non-science major. Scientific principles and quantitative relationships involving mechanics, energy, heat and temperature, waves, electricity and magnetism, and the theory of the atom are covered. A laboratory provides hands-on experience with the principles of physics. CA 3-LAB.

A basic introductory astronomy course without laboratories, including principles of celestial coordinate systems and telescope design; applications of fundamental physical laws to the sun, planets, stars and galaxies; evolution of stars, galaxies and the universe; recent space probe results, modern cosmology, astrobiology. Night observing sessions are an integral part of the course. CA 3.

A basic introductory astronomy course including principles of celestial coordinate systems and telescope design; applications of fundamental physical laws to the sun, planets, stars and galaxies; evolution of stars, galaxies and the universe; recent space probe results, modern cosmology, astrobiology. Basic quantitative laboratory techniques relevant to astronomy. Night observing sessions are an integral part of the course. CA 3-LAB.

Concepts of physics applied to current problems of the physical environment: energy, transportation, pollution. No previous knowledge of physics is assumed. Not applicable to any requirement that specifies a course in "general physics." CA 3.

Principles of physics and quantitative reasoning applied to astrobiology, the search for extraterrestrial life, and cosmic, stellar, and atmospheric conditions for habitability. A systems perspective on the impacts of human civilization on habitability. CA 3.

Basic principles of physics and scientific reasoning will be taught in the context of the production and perception of music, emphasizing the historic and scientific interplay between physics and music. Basic quantitative laboratories pertaining to sound, music, and waves. No previous knowledge of physics or music is assumed. CA 3-LAB.

A non-calculus based course introducing the laws of force and motion applied to mechanical phenomena. Concepts such as work, mechanical energy, linear and angular momentum, and energy conservation are explained. The laboratory offers fundamental training in precise measurements. CA 3-LAB.

A non-calculus based course introducing the principles governing electromagnetic phenomena, including electromagnetic radiation and waves and electric circuits. The laboratory offers fundamental training in precise measurements. CA 3-LAB.

Physics problems, emphasizing applications of calculus, dealing with topics in general physics. Intended for those students who have taken or are taking PHYS 1202Q and who desire to have a calculus-based physics sequence equivalent to PHYS 1401Q-1402Q or 1501Q-1502Q.

Quantitative study of the basic facts and principles of physics with an emphasis on mechanical phenomena. Concepts such as work, mechanical energy, linear and angular momentum, and energy conservation are explained. The laboratory offers fundamental training in physical measurements. Recommended for non-engineering students who desire to have a calculus-based physics sequence. It is also recommended for science majors for whom a one year introductory physics course is adequate. CA 3-LAB.

Quantitative study of the basic facts and principles of physics with an emphasis on electromagnetic phenomena, including electromagnetic radiation and waves and electric circuits. The laboratory offers fundamental training in physical measurements. Recommended for non-engineering students who desire to have a calculus-based physics sequence. It is also recommended for science majors for whom a one year introductory physics course is adequate. CA 3-LAB.

Introduction to Newton's laws, their extensions and applications. Concepts such as work, mechanical energy, linear and angular momentum, and energy conservation are explained. Basic concepts of calculus are used. Recommended for prospective Engineering majors. CA 3-LAB.

Introduction to principles of electromagnetism and Maxwell's equations, including electric circuits, electromagnetic wave propagation, optics, and other relevant applications to engineering. Basic concepts of calculus are used. Recommended for prospective Engineering majors. CA 3-LAB.

Quantitative exploration of the structure of matter, including gas laws, electric and magnetic forces, the electron, x-rays, waves and lights, relativity, radioactivity, and spectra. This course is recommended for prospective Physics majors. CA 3-LAB.

Foundational principles of mechanics: kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, angular momentum, torque, gravitation, waves, harmonic motion and nonlinear dynamics. Basic concepts of calculus are used. Recommended for prospective Physics majors, this course is taught integrating theory, experimental activities, and collaborative problem solving in an active learning setting. CA 3-LAB.

Foundational principles of electromagnetism: electrostatics, magnetostatics, electrodynamics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic wave propagation, and optics, including some of their relevant applications to physics. Basic concepts of calculus are used. Recommended for prospective Physics majors, this course is taught integrating theory, experimental activities, and collaborative problem solving in an active learning setting. CA 3-LAB.

A basic introduction to numerical and mathematical methods required for the solution of physics problems using currently available scientific software for computation and graphics.

The inadequacies of classical physical concepts in the submicroscopic domain. The revision of physical principles that led to special relativity and modern quantum theory. Application to topics chosen from atomic and molecular physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics and elementary particle physics.

Theoretical mathematical methods required for physical science courses.

Experiments in classical and/or quantum phenomena with an emphasis on acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting experimental data. Extensive writing in the style of experimental reports and/or journal articles.

The conceptual framework describing astronomical objects. Topics include orbits, light, and stars. Concepts of statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and relativity as needed for astrophysical topics.

Observational astronomy and applications to astrophysical phenomena. Topics include telescopes and astronomical instrumentation, production of chemical elements and molecules, distance scales, black holes and compact objects, gravitational lensing, galaxy kinematics and structure, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic rays, gravitational waves, and Big Bang cosmology.

Newton's Laws of motion applied to mass points, systems of particles, and rigid bodies.

Further applications of Newton's Laws; continuous media; Lagrange's and Hamilton's formulation of dynamics.

The principles of devices and their applications to instrumentation in science and engineering. Rectification, filtering, regulation, input and output impedance, basic transistor circuits, operational amplifiers, preamplifiers for photodiodes and other transducers, logic gates, and digital circuits.

Advanced theory and applications of electrostatics, magnetostatics, potentials, and electromagnetic fields in matter.

Advanced theory and applications of electromagnetic fields. Gauge transformations, electromagnetic waves and radiation, and relativistic corrections to electrodynamics.

The laws of thermodynamics and their microscopic statistical basis; entropy, temperature, Boltzmann factor, chemical potential, Gibbs factor, and the distribution functions.

Elementary Principles of quantum mechanics; solutions to the Schrödinger equation for bound states and scattering in one dimension; general solution for central forces in two and three dimensions, orbital angular momentum and spin, and other fundamental quantum mechanical principles.

Applications of quantum mechanics, useful approximation methods, the variational method, the WKB method, scattering and other advanced topics.

In-depth exploration of classical and quantum phenomena through advanced experimentation using contemporary methods.

Introduction to original investigation performed by the student under the guidance of a faculty member. The student is required to submit a brief report at the end of each semester.

Special topics taken in a foreign study program. Consent of Department Head required, normally to be granted prior to the student's departure. May count toward the major with consent of the advisor.

Research investigation for the advanced undergraduate. Research and writing of a Thesis are required. Final public presentation is recommended.

(Also offered as ERTH 4550.) The composition, structure, and dynamics of the Earth's core, mantle, and crust inferred from observations of seismology, geomagnetism, and heat flow.

(Also offered as ERTH 4560.) Evolution of the solar system, celestial mechanics, tidal friction, internal composition of planets, black-body radiation, planetary atmospheres.

The physics of lasers, including optical pumping and stimulated emission, laser rate equations, optical resonators, Gaussian beam propagation, Q-switching, mode-locking and nonlinear optics. Applications to gas, solid-state and tunable laser systems.

An introduction to geometrical and physical optics. Thick lenses, stops, aberrations, interference, diffraction, polarization.

Crystal lattices, lattice waves, thermal and electronic properties, imperfections in solids.

Properties of nuclei and particles, conserved quantities, isospin, quark model, Fermi gas model, electroweak interaction, high energy scattering.

The structure and evolution of stars. Gravitational collapse, hydrostatic equilibrium, novae and shocks, and compact objects with degenerate matter.

Galaxy formation and evolution in the hierarchical expanding Universe. Properties of the interstellar medium, including star formation and radiative transfer; stellar populations, structure, kinematics and dynamics of galaxies.

Gravity and the problem of motion from the ancient Greeks to Newton to Einstein. Special relativity. General relativity. Curvature. Classic tests of general relativity. Gravitational waves. Black holes. Newtonian cosmology. Big Bang theory. Inflation. Dark matter. Dark energy. Accelerating universe.

Basic principles and techniques of observational and computational astrophysics. Statistical techniques for data analysis and interpretation of astronomical data. Data mining, visualization, and numerical techniques in simulations of astrophysical systems. Includes short research projects using data from observations and/or simulations.