Physics Department Course Descriptions

ENGINEERING COURSES

ENGR 201 - ENGINEERING GRAPHICS AND DESIGN - 3 sem. hrs.

This course teaches manual graphics and technical drawing techniques and principles, and introduces computer graphics. It considers topics in descriptive geometry, pictorial representation, drafting conventions, and computer aided design (CAD) and drafting.

ENGR 303 - ENGINEERING STATICS - 3 sem. hrs.

This first course in engineering vector mechanics deals with the statics of rigid bodies and introduces analysis of deformable solids. Topics include equilibrium of force systems, analysis of frames and structures, friction, centroids, moments of inertia, and distributed forces in beams.
Prerequisite: PHYS 320.

ENGR 304 - ENGINEERING DYNAMICS - 3 sem. hrs.

This course in engineering vector mechanics deals with the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, using engineering examples throughout. Topics include the kinematics and kinetics of particles, systems of particles, and rigid bodies.
Prerequisite: ENGR 303

ENGR 490 - INDEPENDENT STUDY: ENGINEERING - 1-6 sem. hrs. Students solve problems and earn credit for work performed independently outside the classroom requirement of any specific course in the curriculum. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.


ASTRONOMY COURSES

PHYS 271 - FRONTIERS IN ASTRONOMY - 3 sem. hrs.

This course is designed for non-science majors. Each part of the course is concerned with a different part of the new revolution in astronomy showing how much there is that is fresh and young in the oldest science. Major topics are stellar evolution-life histories of stars, galaxies and the universe cosmology, and the solar system-emphasizing knowledge gained via the space program. This course is approved for General Education-Core 7.

PHYS 371 - THE SOLAR SYSTEM - 3 sem. hrs.

This course is designed for all curricula. An in-depth study of the solar system and its component parts; the sun, the moon, the planets, the interplanetary medium and aspects of space science, will be the main contents of the course. This course is approved for General Education-Distribution 3.
Prerequisite: PHYS 271 or consent of instructor.

PHYS 471 - RELATIVITY, BLACK HOLES, AND COSMOLOGY - 3 sem. hrs.

This course is designed for all curricula. The topics covered are divided into five parts: Special Relativity, Black Holes, Galaxies and Quasars, and Cosmology. The course will emphasize some of the central apparent paradoxes of relativity and how their descriptive understanding applies to phenomena and topics such as black holes and cosmology. This course is approved for General Education-Distribution 3.
Prerequisite: PHYS 271 or permission of the instructor.

PHYS 472 THE SUN 3 sem. hrs.

This course is designed for all curricula. It is an in-depth study with observational and computational laboratory of the sun and the solar atmosphere. The laboratory of the sun and the solar atmosphere. The photosphere, chromosphere, corona and solar spectrum will be the main topics covered. Solar-Terrestrial relationships will be dealt with in each of the topics indicated above. This course is approved for General Education-Distribution 3.
Prerequisite: PHYS271 or equivalent, and PHYS 201 or equivalent.


PHYS 490 INDEPENDENT STUDY 2-5 sem. hrs.

PHYSICS COURSES

PHYS 101 - PHYSICAL SCIENCE - 3 sem. hrs.

This course introduces the classical concepts of physics with an emphasis on the understanding of their application to common phenomena encountered in todays world. This course meets four hours per week including a two hour laboratory. This course is approved for General Education-Core 7 and Distribution 3.

PHYS 201 PHYSICS I 4 sem. hrs.

This is an introductory course for non-physics majors. The basic principles of physics are emphasized and selected applications are discussed. Topics covered include mechanics, theory of gases, thermodynamics and sound. The student should have knowledge of elementary algebra and basic trigonometry. A lab is included. This course is approved for General Education-Core 7 and Distribution 3.

PHYS 202 - PHYSICS II - 4 sem. hrs.

This second semester of the introductory physics course for non-physics major covers topics in electricity and magnetism, light, atomic and nuclear structure. This course includes a two hour lab. This course is approved for General Education-Distribution 3.
Prerequisite: PHYS 201.

PHYS 301 - NATURE OF SOUND - 3 sem. hrs.

This is a basic laboratory course in the science of sound with application to hearing and music. Topics include vibration, the perception of sound in a room, and sources of sound. This course is approved for General Education-Distribution 3.

PHYS 302 - THE NATURE OF LIGHT AND COLOR - 3 sem. hrs.

This course is an introductory study of the characteristics and properties of light and color. Principles are developed which have broad relationships to everyday phenomena; e.g., the color of the sky, the mixing of colored lights and pigments, the use of corrective lenses for vision defects, lasers and holography, fluorescent dyes and detergents, etc. This course is designed for a broad spectrum of students with little or no background in science but a strong interest in light and color. Laboratory included. This course is approved for General Education-Distribution 3.

PHYS 303 - THE NATURE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY - 3 sem. hrs.

This course introduces the basic principles underlying the structure and behavior of atoms and nuclei and of how these principles lead to the development of modern nuclear technology and its impact on society. Topics discussed will include: properties and detection of radiation; uses of radiation; uses of radiation in industry and medicine, radioactive dating, power sources, hazards, etc.; nuclear power (fission, fusion, and breeders) and its environmental impact. There are no prerequisites. (Laboratory included.) Not for BA physics majors. This course is approved for General Education-Distribution 3.

PHYS 311 - TECHNICAL ELECTRONICS I - 4 sem. hrs.

This course develops the fundamental concepts of dc and ac circuits, including magnetic effects. Solid state devices and their uses are introduced. Practical circuits and the use of measuring devices are stressed in the exercises. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

PHYS 312 - TECHNICAL ELECTRONICS II - 4 sem. hrs.

A continuation of SP121, this course introduces the use of active components (diodes, transistors, etc.) and integrated circuits (op amps, etc.) in the design and construction of basic electronic circuits. The course includes a two hour laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHYS 311 or its equivalent.

MFGT 405 - INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS - 3 sem. hrs.

This course introduces students to basic robotics concepts and to the uses of robots functioning appliances. This course meets 4 hours per week and includes a 2 hour laboratory. This course is approved for General Education-Core 7.

PHYS 150 - PHYSICS ORIENTATION - 3 sem. hrs.

This course introduces the students of physics, engineering, and related areas to the processes involved in problem solving. Students do computational work using calculators and computers.

PHYS 181 - PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS - 3 sem. hrs.

This course is a one-semester course that introduces the basic principles of physics with special emphasis on applications to biological systems, especially appropriate for students in health related fields. This course is approved for General Education-Core 7.

PHYS 182 - CLINICAL INSTRUMENTATION - 3 sem. hrs.

A one-semester course devoted to the study of basic mechanical, electrical and optical principles as they are utilized in instruments found in the clinical laboratory. Various instruments will be studied in detail.
Prerequisite: PHYS 181

PHYS 320 - UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I - 4 sem. hr.

The courses PHYS 320 and PHYS 321 form a two semester sequence in calculus based physics which is traditionally required of all students majoaring in phyics, engineering, and related sciences. PHYS 320 is an analytical study of classical mechanics, waves, and thermodynamics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 150 or permission, and concurrent enrollment in MATH 112. This course is approved for General Education Distribution and Elective.

PHYS 321 - UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II - 4 sem. hr.

This course, a continuation of PHYS 320, examines the fundamental observational data of electricity and magnetism and their theoretical interpretation. It includes Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves and radiation, with emphasis on optics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 320 and concurrent enrollment in MATH 212, or by permission of the instructor.

PHYS 322 - PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS LABORATORY - 1 sem. hr.

This laboratory course, designed for physics, engineering and science majors, studies methods and techniques of experimental research through selected physics experiments. Students interface computers for data collection, computation, and the various form of analysis, and use microcomputers and software and the university¹s mainframe computer to analyze, graphically display, and discuss experimental results.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 320, or by permission of the instructor.

PHYS 323 - PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS II - 1 sem. hr.

This course continues Physical Measurements Laboratory I, PHYS 322.
Prerequisites: PHYS 322 and concurrent enrollment in PHYS 321, or permission.

PHYS 313 - DIGITAL ELECTRONICS - 3 sem. hr.

This course develops the principles of digital logic and arithmetic, and the electronic implementation of these principles. Combinational and sequential logic techniques such as Boolean algebra and Karnaugh mapping are introduced. Discrete digital gates as well as MSI circuits are used in circuit design. This course includes a laboratory. This course is approved for General Education-Elective.
Prerequisite: PHYS 312 or permission of the instructor.

PHYS 314 - ELECTRONIC TROUBLESHOOTING - 3 sem. hrs.

This course outlines the basic techniques used to troubleshoot electronic circuits. Concepts such as equipment specifications, reliability, and component characteristics are introduced. Use of test equipment is developed, and standard methods of troubleshooting are explored. Attention is given to technique applicable to linear, digital, and power circuits. The basic principles of system maintenance and troubleshooting are also introduced.
Prerequisite: a previous course in electronics. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.

PHYS 315 - INTRODUCTION TO MICROPROCESSORS - 3 sem. hrs.

This course introduces the student to the microprocessor, microprocessor systems, programming, and interfacing. Since no prior knowledge of digital electronics is assumed, a brief introduction is given to binary arithmetic, experiments on programming and interfacing. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab. This course is approved for General Education-Distribution 3.
Prerequisite: a knowledge of basic electricity and electronics.

PHYS 325 - INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS - 3 sem. hrs. This course surveys at the intermediate level the origin, development and present status of the important concepts of modern physics. It presents the theoretical development of the concepts with their classical historical features to provide a perspective on the growth and present trends in physics.This course is approved for General Education-Elective.
Prerequisite: PHYS 321, or by permission of the instructor.

PHYS 305 - CLASSICAL PHYSICS LABORATORY I - 2 sem. hrs.

A laboratory course consisting of intermediate and advanced laboratory experiments in classical physics. The experiments will include the analyses of experimental data and their relationship to the appropriate fundamental theory. The course will cover all areas of classical physics, such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, heat and thermodynamics and optics.
Prerequisite or co-requisite: PHYS 321, 4 hours of lab per week.

PHYS 404 - PHYSICS LABORATORY FOR TEACHERS - 2 sem. hrs.

A study of laboratory procedures and techniques used in secondary schools. Equipment, safety procedures, demonstrations, and tactics of innovation are discussed and investigated to enable the student to develop competencies in the efficient utilization of the laboratory.
Prerequisite: 12 sem. hrs. of physics, or by permission of the instructor.

PHYS 405 - MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY I - 2 sem. hrs.

A laboratory course consisting of intermediate and advanced laboratory experiments in modern physics. The experiments will include the analyses of experimental data and their relationship to the appropriate fundamental theory and will cover all areas of modern physics, such as atomic, nuclear and solid state physics.
Prerequisite or co-requisite: PHYS 325. 4 hours lab per week.

PHYS 410 - OPTICS - 3 sem hrs.

An intermediate study of geometrical and physical optics. Topics in geometrical optics will include the nature of light, reflection, refraction, dispersion, thick lenses, aberrations and the design of optical systems. Topics in physical optics will include wave theory of light, diffraction, interference, and polarization.
Prerequisite: PHYS 321, or by permission of the instructor.

PHYS 420 - MECHANICS I - 3 sem. hrs.

A study of classical mechanics on an intermediate level. Topics covered: Lagrange¹s equations, the central force problem, the dynamics of a system of particles, the motion of rigid bodies and Hamilton¹s equations and the dynamics of oscillating systems.
Prerequisites: ENGR 303, ENGR 304 and PHYS 251 or permission of the instructor.

PHYS 421 - MECHANICS II - 3 sem. hrs.

A continuation of PHYS 420.

PHYS 430 - ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I - 3 sem. hrs.

This course studies the mathematical theories of electricity and magnetism at an intermediate level. It develops Maxwell¹s equations and uses them extensively.
Prerequisite: PHYS 321 and concurrent enrollment in Differential Equations, or by permission of the instructor.

PHYS 431 - ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM II - 3 sem. hrs.

A continuation of PHYS 430.

PHYS 441 - THERMAL PHYSICS - 3 sem. hrs.

A study at the intermediate level of physical phenomena that depend on temperature. Topics will include the three laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic potentials, equations of state and various applications to simple and multi-component systems.
Prerequisites: PHYS 321, or by permission.

PHYS 449 - MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS - 3 sem. hrs.

This course studies the application of various mathematical techniques to advanced problems in physics. Topics may include, but are not limited to functions of a complex variable, the calculus of residues, integral transforms and special functions of mathematical physic.
Prerequisites: PHYS 420 or PHYS 430 or permission of the instructor.

PHYS 453 - QUANTUM PHYSICS - 3 sem. hrs.

An introduction to the basic postulates of non-relation and its physical interpretation will be investigated. The representation of physical quantities by mathematical operators will be introduced and applied to a limited number of exactly solvable problems. Approximation methods will be developed for dealing with time independent problems.
Prerequisites: PHYS 325 and MATH 317.

PHYS 490-493 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PHYSICS - 2-5 sem. hrs.

The Independent Study program aims to serve those students whose scholarly bent seems most clearly adapted to independent work. Students are permitted to resolve problems and to earn credit for work performed outside the classroom requirement of any specific course in the curriculum.

PHYS 496-497 - INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICS - 2-5 sem. hrs

PHYS 550 - THE BIRTH OF MODERN SCIENCE - 3 sem. hrs.

This course, to be taught in Oxford, England, used an historical perspective to examine the development of those concepts now considered central to science. It stresses the interrelated nature of the sciences and considers topics from physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology and geology.

 


MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY COURSES

MFGT 101 - MANUFACTURING PROCESSES - 3 sem. hrs.

This course develops a working knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of the basic machining operations. The student will build skills and learn safe practices through laboratory work and will learn the theory of metal working. 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab.

MFGT 102 - MANUFACTURING PROCESSES - 3 sem. hrs.

The student will develop the following objectives: (1) capabilities of manufacturing processes; (2) strengths and weaknesses regarding speed, precision, surface finishes and surface integrity; and (3) development of a sequence of operations necessary to convert raw material into finished articles. 3 hours lab per week.

MFGT 105 - ENGINEERING MATERIALS - 3 sem. hrs.

This course develops a working knowledge of the materials used in industry, their properties, and the factors involved in selection for specific applications. It emphasizes those materials most often encountered in designing and using industrial tooling and equipment.

MFGT 110 - TECHNICAL DRAWING I - 3 sem. hrs.

This course develops the fundamental skills necessary to create and interpret basic Engineering Drawings. It includes Geometric Construction, Lettering, Multiview Projection, Sectioning, Auxiliary Views, Dimensioning, Tolerancing, Fasteners, and Working Drawings. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

MFGT 111 - TECHNICAL DRAWING II - 3 sem. hrs.

This course continues Technical Drawing I, emphasizing the following topics: Axonometric and Oblique Projection, Perspective, Intersections and Developments, Gears and CAMs, Structural and Piping Drawing, Welding, Graphics, and some basic descriptive Geometry. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

MFGT 201 - INTRODUCTION TO QUALITY CONTROL - 3 sem. hrs.

Basic statistical quality control principles are presented, with tools available for planning, evaluation, reporting, and control of quality in manufacturing, with emphasis on quality and performance improvement in order to reduce costs of manufacturing. The course presents basic statistical control and probability concepts, distributions, terminology, sampling plans, control charts, and their use. To enroll, students must have skill in algebra or permission of the instructor.

MFGT 410 - FLUID POWER - 3 sem. hrs.

This course develops a knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics as used for power and control of industrial equipment. The student, after completion of the course, will be able to design control circuits and to size and select components for a wide range of applications.

MFGT 309 - MOLD DESIGN I - 3 sem. hrs.

This course develops a basic understanding of molds for compression and transfer of thermosetting plastics and for injection molding of thermoplastics. Projects include the design of several complete molds in order to build a beginning level competency.
Prerequisite: MFGT 111.

MFGT 215 - MACHINE DESIGN - 3 sem. hrs.

This course develops a basic knowledge of the principles involved in the layout and design of industrial machinery with particular emphasis on the selection, sizing, and design of machine components. The course consists of lectures and class exercises in component selection and sizing. To enroll students must have skill in algebra or permission of the instructor.

MFGT 225 - STATICS AND STRENGTHS OF MATERIALS - 3 sem. hrs.

This course introduces statics and strengths of materials concepts and develops computational skills. To enroll, students must have skill in algebra and trigonometry or permission of the instructor.

MFGT 260 - JIGS AND FIXTURE DESIGN - 3 sem. hrs.

This course builds a basic knowledge of gauging and workholding devices used in metalworking manufacturing. Projects include designing several complete tools in order to develop beginning competency.

MFGT 365 - DIE DESIGN - 3 sem. hrs.

This course introduces punch press dies for manufacturing of parts from sheet metal in the form of strip or coil. The students learn how dies function, the types of parts which may be manufactured using dies, how to calculate press tonnage and stripping forces, and how to choose and size components. Design projects reinforce the learnings.
Prerequisite: MFGT 110.

MFGT 302 - COMPUTER-AIDED DRAFTING I - 3 sem. hrs.

This course introduces the student to the various CAD Systems used in industry and develops operational skills on microcomputer based CAD software. It covers methods of geometric construction, dimensioning, lavering, storage, plotting, revision and related topics.
Prerequisite: MFGT 110. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.

MFGT 375 - COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURING (CAM) - 3 sem. hrs.

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of programming and operating digitally controlled machine tools. It includes 2 hours lecture and 3 hours lab per week.
Prerequisite: TD101 or permission of the instructor.

MFGT 490 - INDEPENDENT STUDY: MANUFACTURING ENGIN. TECH. - 1-6 sem. hrs.

Students solve problems and earn credit for work performed independently outside the classroom requirement of any specific course in the curriculum.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

MFGT 296 - INTERNSHIP IN MANUFACTURING ENGIN. TECH. - 3-12 sem. hrs.

This internship gives students experience in the manufacturing environment. The nature of the experience and the time spent determine the amount of credit earned.

MFGT 310 - ADVANCED MOLD DESIGN - 3 sem. hrs.

This course continues MFGT 210 Mold Design I, building on the concepts learned therein and developing more marketable skills. It emphasizes materials selection, tolerancing for proper fits, and designing of more complex mold details such as stripper plates, core slides, and actuating devices. Projects include designing several injection molds of increasing complexity.
Prerequisite: MFGT 210.

MFGT 320 - COST ESTIMATING - 3 sem. hrs.

This course develops an understanding of the factors which contribute to manufacturing cost in modern industry and builds practical ability to estimate material requirements operations in order to determine product pricing. Requires high school algebra or permission of the instructor.

MFGT 370 - MOTION AND TIME STUDY - 3 sem. hrs.

This course gives an overview of the methods and tools used in Motion Study, which involves the design and improvement of manufacturing methods, and those used in Time Study, which concerns measuring of human effort in terms of manufacturing time. Extensive classroom exercises reinforce concepts and develop skills.