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PHYS
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102
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Introduction to the Physical Universe, LE
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(3)
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Elementary study of physics and chemistry as applied to understanding
the universe. Topics include planet Earth, the solar system, stars and
galaxies, cosmology, introduction to astrophysics, the role of physics
in understanding natural phenomena, plus historical and philosophical
development of scientific thought. Active learning strategies including
writing are employed. MATH 105 is recommended as background.
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PHYS
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104
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Explorations in Science and Society, LE
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(4)
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Science is full of discourse and debate, but what are these scientists
arguing about and how does it affect you? This class is more than just
a physics class. It is a class in how science as a whole works and its
ramifications for society at large. We will examine the different circumstances
under which scientists may disagree and explore the extent to which these
disagreements can affect public policy. In addition to learning about
contemporary debates in science, students will also take part in debates
and will work collaboratively to propose unique solutions to problems
in sustainability and resource management.
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PHYS
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151-
152
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Principles of Physics I and Lab
Principles of Physics II and Lab
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(4)
(4)
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A one-year algebra and trigonometry-based introductory physics course
using the workshop method. This method combines inquiry-based cooperative
learning with the comprehensive use of computer tools for data acquisition,
data analysis and mathematical modeling. Kinematics, Newton's Laws of
motion, conservation laws (energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum),
rotational motion, and oscillations are studied during the first semester.
In the second semester, topics in electricity, magnetism, dc circuits,
thermodynamics, and geometric optics are covered. Recommended for life
science and pre-med. students. Prerequisite: MATH 141-142. A passing grade
of C- or better in PHYS 151 or PHYS 211 is a prerequisite for PHYS 152.
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PHYS
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200
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Special Topics in Physics
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(1-4)
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Topics in physics of wide interest and interdisciplinary nature will
be offered as requested. Regular offerings include physical science for
elementary and junior high teachers, conceptual physics and physics of
biology. Prerequisite: MATH 105.
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PHYS
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211-
212
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Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and Lab
Physics for Scientists and Engineers II and Lab
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(4)
(4)
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A one-year calculus-based introductory physics course using the workshop
method. This method combines inquiry-based cooperative learning with the
comprehensive use of computer tools for data acquisition, data analysis
and mathematical modeling. Kinematics, Newton's Laws of motion, conservation
laws (energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum), rotational motion,
and oscillations are studied during the first semester. In the second
semester topics in electricity, magnetism, dc circuits, thermodynamics,
and chaos dynamics are covered. Recommended for physical science, mathematics,
computer science, and 3-2 engineering students and for biology majors
preparing for graduate study. Three two-hour sessions per week. Prerequisite:
MATH 141-142. Co-requisites: MATH 201-202. A passing grade of a C- or
better in PHYS 211 is a prerequisite for PHYS 212.
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PHYS
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300
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Special Topics in Physics
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(1-4)
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Topics of interest and importance to students majoring in the physical
sciences are offered as needed. Regular offerings include topics such
as solid state physics, particle physics, and others in modern physics
are offered as requests are made or need arises. Prerequisite: MATH 142.
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PHYS
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301
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Introduction to Modern Physics
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(3)
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Elementary concepts of modern physics. Topics include: special relativity,
elementary quantum theory, atomic and molecular spectra, X-rays, introduction
to solid state, nuclear and laser physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 152 or
212.
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PHYS
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305
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Optics and Electronics
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(4)
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This class is intended to give students a background in practical optical
and electronic design. Topics studied include lenses and mirrors, systems
of lenses and mirrors and aberrations in lenses and mirrors, polarizers
and filters, interference and diffraction, logic gates flip-flops and
counters, displays, various sensors and operational amplifiers as amplifiers,
active filters and oscillators and timers. Ray diagrams and Fermat's Principle
of least time are treated along with waves, the electromagnetic basis
for understanding polarization, and Laplace Transforms for circuit analysis.
Prerequisites: PHYS 152 or 212 and MATH 202.
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PHYS
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309
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Mathematical Methods of Physics
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(4)
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Specifically designed to introduce physical science students to the elements
of mathematics that are useful in the upper division coursework. Prerequisites:
MATH 202, 204. This course is a prerequisite for most of the upper division
physics classes and should be taken as early as possible.
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PHYS
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311
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Analytical Mechanics
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(4)
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Intermediate problems in Newtonian mechanics, system of particles, dynamics
of rigid bodies, gravitation, moving coordinate systems, mechanics of
continuous media, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, and the theory
of small vibrations. Prerequisites: MATH 202, 204; PHYS 212, 309.
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PHYS
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352
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Methods of Teaching Physical Sciences
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(3)
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For physics secondary education majors. Offered on sufficient demand.
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PHYS
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370
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Scientific Computing
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(3)
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An introduction to programming techniques that apply to a wide range
of scientific disciplines. Topics include basic programming principles,
equation solving, and model simulation. Prerequisites: PHYS 211, or both
PHYS 151 and MATH 201 or equivalent. Students who have completed CMPT
201 may not take this course without instructor's approval. Same as BIOL
370 and CHEM 370.
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PHYS
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400
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Advanced Topics in Physics
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(1-5)
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Meets the special needs of physics majors. Subjects offered include:
(a) Topics in Modern Physics: Relativity and Quantum Theory, and (b) Biophysics.
The course offering depends upon student need and interest. Prerequisite:
consent of instructor.
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PHYS
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401
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Directed Studies
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(1-4)
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A tutorial-based course used only for student-initiated proposals for
intensive individual study of topics not otherwise offered in the Physics
Program. Prerequisites: senior standing and consent of instructor and
school dean.
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PHYS
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410
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Quantum Mechanics
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(4)
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A study of the basic principles of quantum mechanics and its application
to atomic structure, molecular structure and spectroscopy. A laboratory
section accompanies the lecture. Prerequisites: CHEM 112; MATH 204; PHYS
212, 309. Same as CHEM 421.
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PHYS
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411
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Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
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(4)
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A study of the theoretical macroscopic properties of matter. An introduction
to statistical mechanics, chemical thermodynamics and kinetics with applications
to gases, solutions, and phase and chemical equilibria. A laboratory section
accompanies the lecture. Prerequisites: CHEM 112; MATH 204; PHYS 212;
309. Same as CHEM 422.
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PHYS
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425
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Quantum Physics
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(3)
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Study of the mathematical fundamentals of quantum mechanics and its application
to diverse non-chemical problems. Applications include quantization of
problems, measurability, fundamental particles, scattering, operator algebra,
representation theory, and more approximate methods. Prerequisite: PHYS
410.
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PHYS
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430
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Undergraduate Research
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(1-4)
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Students undertake a portion of a research project and learn all aspects
of scientific inquiry. One credit hour equates to three hours per week
in the laboratory. This course may be taken one credit at a time. Permission
of a faculty mentor is required.
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PHYS
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431
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Electrodynamics
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(4)
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Fundamental theories of electricity and magnetism from the viewpoint
of fields. Topics include electrostatic fields, Laplace's and Poisson's
equations, magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations, propagation of electromagnetic
waves, and electromagnetic radiation. Prerequisites: PHYS 212, 309; MATH
204.
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PHYS
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440
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Internship
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(1-8)
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Offers students the opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge with
practical experience. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing (for transfer
students, at least 15 hours completed at Westminster), minimum 2.5 GPA,
completion of the Career Resource Center Internship Workshop, and consent
of program director and Career Center Internship Coordinator.
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PHYS
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487
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Undergraduate Teaching
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(1)
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Provides an opportunity for teaching experience in lower-division laboratories
by junior- and senior-level Physics majors. PHYS 487 may not be used as
elective hours in the Physics majors or minors. This course is graded
Credit/No Credit. Prerequisite: consent of program director.
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