PHYSICS (PHY)

Courses

PHY 112: ASTRONOMY

Credits 3
Discover the many methods we have to observe our universe, virtually visit new planets, chat about the lives and times of the stars, and unravel the truths we can verify about the structure of our universe. This course will mix observational activities, discussion and debate, lecture, and mini experiments covering topics in astronomy.

PHY 201H: HONORS GENERAL PHYSICS I

Credits 4

This course explores mechanics and heat. Three lectures and one laboratory period. This course fulfills the Foundations Program requirements for a natural science.

PHY 202: GENERAL PHYSICS II

Credits 4
This course explores sound, electricity, magnetism, and light. Three lectures and one laboratory period.

PHY 202H: HONORS GENERAL PHYSICS II

Credits 4

This course explores sound, electricity, magnetism, and light. Three lectures and one laboratory period. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for a science with a lab.

PHY 213: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING PROBLEM SOLVING

Credits 3
This introductory course is designed to acquaint students with the variety of engineering disciplines, as well as provide students with the basics of the engineering mindset. The ability to develop and resolve solutions to applied problems is a necessary skill for a multitude of disciplines. The structure of the course emphasizes group projects and the use of computers to create models to solve problems.

PHY 275: APPLIED OPTICS

Credits 3

The course investigates the general methods and applications of optics within the natural sciences. We will consider the optics of waves, the electromagnetic nature of light, reflection and refraction, interference and diffraction, polarization and geometrical optics, and optical instruments widely used in the natural sciences.
 

PHY 301: MECHANICS I: STATICS

Credits 3
The goal will be to endow students with a fundamental understanding of the engineering mechanics of static objects and fluids. Students will emerge proficient in problem solving, application of physical mechanical principles and critical thinking skills. This will be the first course in a year-long sequence on engineering mechanics. Topics to be covered include: Vector Algebra/Calculus, Vector forces and moments in 2-D and 3-D systems, Equivalent systems of forces, Equilibrium of rigid bodies, Centroids, centers of gravity, and distributed forces, Trusses, frames, machines: two-force and multi-force members, Beams: internal forces, shear and bending moment diagrams, Dry friction, Wedges and screws, Moments of inertia, Fluid Statics, Virtual work mechanics essentials.

PHY 302: MECHANICS II: DYNAMICS

Credits 3
This course is a 3 credits course, the second in a year-long sequence on engineering mechanics, the first being statics, a required sequence for most engineering tracks. Students will explore the fundamentals of physical-mechanical principles and apply them to the dynamics of objects and fluids. Topics to be covered include: friction forces and spring forces, power, work, and energy, momenta, impulses, and collisions, dynamics of systems of particles, kinetics of a rigid body, fluids. This course is only offered in the spring, every other year. There is no lab requirement for this course.

PHY 480: SEMINAR IN PHYSICS

Credits 3
The student researches specified areas of physics under the guidance of faculty members for oral presentation and defense before the class. Written papers are submitted for final review. Offered upon sufficient demand.

PHY 491: INEPENDENT STUDY

Credits 3

Directed study in an area of physics. Open to students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who have completed at least six courses in science. Offered by arrangement with a faculty member.

PHY 491–492: INDEPENDENT STUDY

Credits 3
Directed study in an area of Physics. The course is open to students who have completed a minimum of six science courses and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Offered by arrangement.

PHY 492: INEPENDENT STUDY

Credits 3

Directed study in as area of physics after having completed PHY 491. Open to students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least six courses in science. Offered by arrangement with a faculty member.