Courses

PHYS 1030. (4 hours) -- Presents an interdisciplinary approach to the physical sciences with a concentration in physics. Relates the role of science to the daily activities of an educated person. Three hours lecture, one hour demonstration/discussion each week. Not open to students who have any previous college credit in any of the physical sciences. 

Introduction to Physics Survey is offered every semester.

ASTR 1010. (4 hours) -- An introductory course which includes historical astronomy, celestial motions, properties and observation of light, and physical characteristics of the solar system and the Sun. Includes laboratory activities involving telescope observations of solar system and stellar objects. Designed for students desiring a laboratory science for its general education value.

Astronomy I is offered every semester.

ASTR 1020. (4 hours) -- Introduces students to the study of stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. Includes laboratory activities involving telescope observations of star systems, nebulae, and galaxies. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory each week. NOTE THAT IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO HAVE TAKEN ASTRONOMY I TO TAKE ASTRONOMY II.

Astronomy II is offered every semester.

ASTR 1035 (4 hours) -- In this course, we use the scientific method to explore the possibility of the existence of life elsewhere in the Universe. We will discuss the origin and evolution of life on Earth, the possibility of life in other locations in our solar system, recent discoveries of extrasolar planets, and the possibility of advanced civilizations elsewhere in the Galaxy. We will also cover topics in interstellar communication, space travel, and UFOs. In this course, we will utilize aspects of astronomy, physics, geology, paleontology, biology, and chemistry to investigate the question of life in the Universe. This course has a required laboratory. There are no prerequisites for this course; it is not necessary to have taken either Astronomy I or II before taking this course.

Life in the Universe is offered every semester.

ASTR 3970. (2 hours) -- Prerequisite: ASTR 1010, 1020. A self-paced independent-study laboratory course on variable stars. Students will make approximately weekly observations of variable stars using the 14-inch Celestron Telescope at the Harry D. Powell Observatory. The observations will be analyzed and light curves derived.

The Variable Stars course (ASTR 3970) is offered each semester as needed; enrollment in this class is limited and is by permission of the instructor only (Dr. Gary Henson )

PHYS 2010-20. General Physics I,II (3, 3 hours) -- Prerequisite: Mathematics 1040 or equivalent. A survey of the topics in classical physics intended primarily for students in preprofessional curricula and majors in various engineering technology concentrations. (Engineering transfer students should take Physics 2110-20.) Topics include mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, and geometrical options. Good working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is assumed; heavy emphasis on solutions to numerical problems. Physics 2110-20 should be taken in sequence. (Most curricula require a laboratory course in physics. Students in these curricula must also take 2011-21, General Physics Laboratory I, II.) Three one-hour lectures each week.

General Physics I and II are both offered every semester.

PHYS 2110-20. Technical Physics I, II (5, 5 hours) -- Prerequisite: One semester of calculus. A survey of physics for students majoring in technical fields such as physics, chemistry, engineering, etc. Also intended for preprofessional students (pre-med, pre-dentistry, etc.) who desire a stronger preparation for professional school. Three one-hour lectures and three hours of laboratory/recitation each week. 

Tech Physics I is only offered in the Fall semester, and Tech Physics II is only offered in the Spring semester.

PHYS 3410. (2 hours) -- Prerequisites: PHYS 2110-2120. An advanced experimental course covering selected topics in particle physics, atomic and molecular structure, and wave phenomena. One four-hour lab per week.

Advanced Physics Lab (PHYS 3410) will be offered each semester. Enrollment in that class is limited, with preference being given to graduating seniors. To enroll in that class, contact Dr. Luttermoser to be put on a list.

PHYS 4717/5717. Electromagnetic Theory (4 hours) -- Prerequisite: PHYS 3710. Principles of electromagnetic theory, Maxwell's equations, selected applications, and related topics. Three one-hour lectures and one two-hour recitation session each week. 

Electromagnetic Theory is not regularly offered, but is a possible additional course if there is enough student interest.

Schedule of Upper Level Courses

The upper-level physics courses are typically offered on either a 2-semester or 4-semester rotation. The following is a preliminary list of what courses will be offered each semester.

NOTE THAT THIS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Check with Dr. Luttermoser, Dr. Giroux, or Dr. Smith for any changes.