Undergraduate Course Descriptions
PHY 102 Basic Physical Science (2 credits)
This introductory study of physics includes motion, forces, energy, waves, heat,
electricity, and magnetism. Designed for the non-science majors; includes laboratory.
Prerequisite: MTH 100 or equivalent placement. Not open to students with credit for PS 101.
PHY 119 College Physics I (4 credits)
An algebra-based study of mechanics: translational and rotational motion, the laws of
conservation of energy and momentum, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics, and basic
thermodynamics; includes laboratory. Prerequisite: MTH 160 or equivalent. Not open to
Chemistry majors.
PHY 120 College Physics II (4 credits)
An algebra-based study of electricity and magnetism, optics, introductory modern physics,
and simple harmonic motion and waves; includes laboratory. Prerequisite: MTH 160 or
equivalent. Not open to Chemistry majors.
PHY 219 General Physics I (4 credits)
A calculus-aided study of mechanics: translational and rotational motion, the laws of
conservation of energy and momentum, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics, and basic
thermodynamics; includes laboratory. Prerequisite: MTH 240 or equivalent.
PHY 220 General Physics II (4 credits)
A calculus-aided study of electricity and magnetism, optics, introductory modern physics,
and simple harmonic waves; includes laboratory. Co-requisite: MTH 241.
PHY/ESS 348c Thematic Studies: History of Science (4 credits)
A study of some of the revolutions in scientific theory from the beginnings of Western
civilization to the present. Topics include the Aristotelian cosmos and the historical
foundations of astronomy, geology, biology, natural history, chemistry, and physics;
includes laboratory. Prerequisites: ENG 101-102 or 110-111.
PHY/CHM 439 Thermodynamics and Kinetics (4 credits)
Topics include the kinetic theory of gases and the three basic laws of thermodynamics and
their application to pure substances, simple mixtures, and chemical equilibria. Latter
topics include kinetics of reactions. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: CHM 230; MTH
241; PHY 219, 220.
PHY/CHM 440 Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy (4 credits)
Quantum mechanics - topics include quantum theory, atomic and molecular structure,
theoretical principles of spectroscopic and resonance methods, and surface science;
includes laboratory. Prerequisites: CHM/PHY 439.
PHY/BIO/CHM/ESS 473 Research Methods (2 credits)
An introduction to independent scientific research with emphasis on experimental design,
literature survey, data collection, and analysis. Prerequisite: Consent of the
instructor.
PHY 1/2/3/485 Special Topics (1-4 credits)
Concentrated study in a particular area. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHY/BIO/CHM/ESS 498 Seminar (2 credits)
A survey of the literature in an area of current interest in the natural sciences.
Special emphasis is placed on interpretation of published work. Prerequisite: Consent
of the instructor.
