PHY 131 Galileo and the Church
1 Credit
A role-playing game team taught by the religion and physics departments exploring the ideas behind the 1616 hearings of the Catholic Church examining Galileo’s views of cosmology and the 1632-1633 trial of Galileo for heresy. Students are assigned roles of faculty and Cardinals in the conservative faction of Aristotle and Aquinas, the Lincean faction of (Prince Federico) Cesi and Galileo, a moderate faction of undecideds, as well as other indeterminate Cardinals and the Pope. Students will use primary texts written by Aristotle and Galileo, the declarations of the Council of Trent, and the Bible to debate the issues. There will be two labs studying telescopes and parallax.
PHY 111 is cross listed as REL 111
PHY 241: Physics I
4 Credits
The classical physics topics of motion, forces, momentum, energy, waves, and thermodynamics thermal physics will be studied through the use of basic problem-solving skills, algebra, and laboratory experiences. Three lectures and one laboratory experience per week.
Prerequisite: MAT 140
Offered: Fall (A)
PHY 242: Physics II
4 Credits
In classical physics, topics of electromagnetism, circuits, and optics will be studied, and the modern physics topics of relativity, quantum mechanics and the atom will be introduced. Problem solving and laboratory skills will continue to be stressed. Three lectures and one laboratory experience per week.
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in PHY 241
Offered: Spring (A)
PHY 251: Modern Physics
4 Credits
Major topics covered in this course are relativity, quantum theory of light, wave nature of matter, and an introduction to quantum mechanics, solid state physics, and nuclear physics. Three lectures and one laboratory experience per week.
Prerequisite: PHY 242.
Offered: Fall (A) or as needed
PHY 301: Math Methods of Physics
3 Credits
An introduction to advanced techniques of applied mathematics used in Physics and Chemistry, including applied linear algebra, ordinary differential equations, and Laplace’s Transforms.
Prerequisite: MAT 240
Offered: Fall (A) or as needed
PHY 311,312, 411,412: Physics Seminars I, II, III, IV*
1 Credit
Investigation of a topic of current interest in Physics selected by the students in consultation with a Physics faculty.
Prerequisite: PHY 242, Juniors or Seniors only
PHY 331: Classical Mechanics
3 Credits
This course will cover statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations, fluid statics, and vibrations.
Prerequisites: PHY 242 and PHY 301, or consent of the instructor
Offered: Fall (A) or as needed
PHY 333: Electronics*
4 Credits
This course is designed to provide the students with a basic understanding of electronic devices and circuits. The topics covered are DC and AC circuits, diode circuits and semiconductor devices, and amplifiers. Three lectures and one laboratory experience per week.
Prerequisite: PHY 242
PHY 335: Thermal Physics
3 Credits
The topics covered in this course are the study of equation of the state, the laws of thermo- dynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics.
Prerequisite: PHY 242
Offered: Spring (A) or as needed
PHY 345: Electromagnetism
3 Credits
The major topics covered in this course are vector analysis, electrostatic and magneto static fields, Maxwell’s equations, and uniform plane wave propagation.
Prerequisite: PHY 242 and PHY 301
Offered: Fall (E)
PHY 435: Optics
3 Credits
A course in modern optics covering geometrical, wave and modern optics with application to atomic spectroscopy and lasers.
Prerequisite: PHY 242
PHY 445: Solid State Physics
3 Credits
An introduction to solid state physics including topics on crystal structures, electron and mechanical waves in crystals, semiconductors, and electric and magnetic properties of solids.
Prerequisite: PHY 331 and 345 or consent of the instructor
PHY 455: Quantum Mechanics
3 Credits
An introduction to quantum mechanics including topics on wave mechanics, Schrodinger equation and its application for a box, barrier, square well, harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom.
Prerequisite: PHY 242 and 301 or consent of the instructor
Offered: Spring (A) or as needed