PHYSICS AND
TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT
Engineering Courses
ENGR201
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 representations, drafting conven-
tions, and computer aided design (CAD) and drafting.
ENGR203
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 equilib-
rium of force systems, analysis of frames and struc-
tures, friction, centroids, moments of inertia, and dis-
tributed forces in beams. Prerequisite: PHYS203.
ENGR204
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 parti-
cles, and rigid bodies. Prerequisite: ENGR203.
ENGR490
INDEPENDENT STUDY:
ENGINEERING
1-6 sem. hrs.
Students solve problems and earn credit for work per-
formed independently outside the classroom require-
ment of any specific course in the curriculum.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
Astronomy Courses
PHYS271
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.
PHYS272
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 con-
tents of the course. Prerequisite: PHYS271 or consent
of instructor. This course is approved for General
Education Distribution 3.
PHYS273
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 appar-
ent paradoxes of relativity and how their descriptive
understanding applies to phenomena and topics such
as black holes and cosmology. Prerequisite:
PHYS271 or permission of the instructor. This course
is approved for General Education Distribution 3.
PHYS274
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
photosphere, chromosphere, Corona and solar spec-
trum will be the main topics covered. Solar-
Terrestrial relationships will be dealt with in each of
the topics indicated above. Prerequisite: PHYS271 or
equivalent, and PHYS103 or equivalent. This course
is approved for General Education Distribution 3.
PHYS490
INDEPENDENT STUDY
2-5 sem. hrs.
Physics Courses
PHYS101
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.
PHYS103
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 a knowledge of
elementary algebra and basic trigonometry. A lab is
included. This course is approved for General
Education Core 7.
PHYS104
PHYSICS II
4 sem. hrs.
This second semester of the introductory physics
course for non-physics majors covers topics in elec-
tricity and magnetism, light, atomic and nuclear
structure. This course includes a two hour lab.
Prerequisite: PHYS103. This course is approved for
General Education Distribution 3.
PHYS111
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.
PHYS112
THE NATURE OF LIGHT AND
COLOR
3 sem. hrs.
This course is an introductory study of the character-
istics and properties of light and color. Principles are
developed which have broad relationships to every-
day 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, fluo-
rescent 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.
PHYS113
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 mod-
ern nuclear technology and its impact on society.
Topics discussed will include: properties and detec-
tion 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 BS or
BA physics majors. This course is approved for
General Education Distribution 3.
PHYS121
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 cir-
cuits and the use of measuring devices are stressed in
the exercises. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.
PHYS122 TECHNICAL ELECTRONICS
II
4 sem. hrs.
A continuation of PHYS121, 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:
PHYS121 or its equivalent.
PHYS150
PHYSICS ORIENTATION
3 sem. hrs.
This course introduces the students of physics, engi-
neering, and related areas to the processes involved in
problem solving. Students do computational work
using calculators and computers.
PHYS181
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.
PHYS203
UNIVERSITY PHYSICS 1
4 sem. hrs.
The courses, PHYS203 and PHYS204, form a two
semester sequence in calculus based physics.
PHYS203 is an analytical study of classical mechan-
ics, waves, and thermodynamics. PHYS203 does not
replace PHYS251. Prerequisites: PHYS150 or per-
mission, and concurrent enrollment in MATH211.
This course is approved for General Education
Distribution 3.
PHYS204
UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II
4 sem. hrs.
This course continues PHYS203 and examines the
fundamentals of electricity and magnetism and their
theoretical interpretation. It includes Maxwell's equa-
tions, electromagnetic waves and physical optics.
Prerequisite: PHYS203 or permission and concurrent
enrollment in MATH212. This course is approved for
General Education Distribution 3.
PHYS205
PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS
LABORATORY I
1 sem. hr.
This laboratory course, designed for physics, engi-
neering and science majors, studies methods and
techniques of experimental research through selected
Course Descriptions/205