Course Descriptions

 
PHYS 101 Introduction to Physics (3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Introduction to topics in a representative area in physics, such as mechanics, chosen to model how scientists develop and test models or theoretical systems. Material is presented in a guided activity-based format with participants working in cooperative learning groups to investigate relevant knowledge.


PHYS 105 Physics of Music [  4  4M  4L ] (3)
Spring: All Years       
Physical principles governing the production, transmission and reception of musical sound. A background in music is strongly recommended.


PHYS 160 College Physics I [  4L  4  4I ] (3)
Fall: All Years       
Concepts and principles of elementary physics presented in a guided activity-based format which integrates lecture and laboratory using cooperative group learning techniques. Includes kinematics and mechanics. Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry required at the level in high school math; in terms of courses at MSUM the appropriate level is MATH 127 and 143, or 142, or 261 or higher.


PHYS 160L College Physics I Lab [  4I  4L  4 ] (1)
Fall: All Years       
Laboratory component of College Physics I.


PHYS 161 College Physics II (4)
Spring: All Years       
Concepts and principles of elementary physics presented in a guided activity-based format which integrates lecture and laboratory using cooperative group learning techniques. Includes thermal physics, electromagnetism, and optics.


PHYS 190 Topics in Physics (1-3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
A study of a specific area of physics.


PHYS 200 General Physics I [  4  4M  4L ] (3)
Fall: All Years       
Calculus-based study of general physics presented in a guided activity-based format which integrates laboratory and lecture using cooperative learning techniques. Includes Newton's Laws, work, energy and momentum, harmonic motions, gravitation and wave motion. Students must register concurrently in PHYS 200L Gen Physics Lab and MATH 261.


PHYS 201 General Physics II (4)
Spring: All Years       
Calculus-based study of general physics presented in a guided activity-based format which integrates laboratory and lecture using cooperative learning techniques. Continuation of PHYS 200 including electric charges, electric fields, capacitance electric circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and an introduction to optics. Students must register concurrently in MATH 262.
Prerequisite:  PHYS 200 

PHYS 202 Gen Physics III (3)
Fall: All Years       
Calculus-based study of general physics, and is a continuation of General Physics II. Topics include physical optics, thermodynamics, and overview of atomic, molecular, and particle physics.
Prerequisite:  PHYS 201  MATH 261  MATH 262 

PHYS 290 Special Topics in Physics (1-3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Students may register more than once when topic varies.


PHYS 300 Physics Research (1-3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand        Summer: On Demand
Student and faculty member will work on a physics project of mutual interest. Course is repeatable, but only a total of 2 credits in any combination of seminar (PHYS 315), research (PHYS 300), and internship (PHYS 469) counts towards physics electives for both the major and the minor.
Prerequisite:  PHYS 161 

PHYS 305 Experimental Physics I [  W ] (2)
Fall: All Years       
Study of laboratory techniques and measuring instruments.
Prerequisite:  PHYS 201 

PHYS 306 Experimental Physics II [  W ] (2)
Spring: All Years       
Study of laboratory techniques and measuring instruments.


PHYS 310 Introduction to Relativistic Physics (2)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Topics: principles of relativity, Lorentz transformations, space-time diagrams, energy and linear momentum, and equivalence of energy and rest mass.


PHYS 312 Analog Electronics (3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
This course provides a general overview of analog electronics (electrical engineering). The course will cover circuit analysis (DC and AC), explore semiconductor devices (diodes and transistors), analog electronics (operational amplifiers) and timer circuits. Student must have concurrent enrollment in Math 323.


PHYS 315 Physics Seminar (1)
Fall: All Years        Spring: All Years       
Students will be required to read and present journal articles periodically. Students will discuss the physics involved and participate in informal discussions with the faculty and fellow students. Potential topics might include recent discoveries in physics or astronomy, novel experimental techniques or apparatus, novel physical theories, and demonstrations for physics instruction. Course is repeatable, but only a total of 2 credits in any combination of seminar (PHYS 315), research (PHYS 300), and internship (PHYS 469) counts towards physics electives for both the major and the minor.


PHYS 318 Biophysics and Medical Imaging (3)
Spring: All Years       
This course is a calculus-based study of biophysics and medical imaging techniques and topics covering optical microscopy, computed (axial) tomography (CT or CAT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound imaging and positron emission tomography (PET). Techniques in real space and Fourier space imaging will be covered including resolution, aberrations and exposure limitations. Special attention will be given to radiation effects and nuclear medicine topics. This course will use cooperative learning techniques along with guided labs covering selected techniques.
Prerequisite:  PHYS 202 

PHYS 322 Elementary Modern Physics (3)
Spring: All Years       
Topics: special relativity, wave-particle duality, Bohr atom, quantum mechanics, hydrogen atom, many electron atoms, nuclear properties and nuclear reactions.


PHYS 325 Optics (3)
Spring: Odd Years       
This course covers geometrical and physical optics including paraxial theory, interference, diffraction, polarization and optical instruments.
Prerequisite:  MATH 366  PHYS 201 

PHYS 330 Intermediate Mechanics (4)
Fall: All Years       
An advanced unified approach to physical problems: Newton's Laws; particle dynamics in one, two, and three dimensions; systems of particles, gravitation, moving reference frames; Lagrange's equations, dynamics of rigid bodies; Hamilton's equations.
Prerequisite:  MATH 366 

PHYS 342 Introduction to Research (1)
Fall: Even Years       
The course will prepare students for independent undergraduate research. The students will be introduced to the literature search process, common research techniques, safety aspects, faculty research interests and applications of science in industry.


PHYS 350 Computational Methods for Physical Science (3)
Spring: Odd Years       
This course introduces students in the physical sciences to basic techniques of data analysis, numerical modeling, and symbolic computation. All topics are covered in relation to specific problems in physics or chemistry. Includes the topics of matrix manipulation, least squares fitting, general curve fitting, numeric integration and differentiation, data smoothing, numeric solution of differential equations, and computer symbolic processes for algebra and calculus.


PHYS 360 Theoretical Acoustics (2)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Topics: vibrating systems, wave propagation, acoustical filters, architectural acoustics, microphones, loudspeakers, sound radiation.
Prerequisite:  MATH 366 

PHYS 370 Electromagnetic Theory (4)
Spring: Even Years       
Advanced study of electromagnetism including algebra and calculus of vectors, electrostatics in a vacuum and in dielectric materials, magnetostatics in nonmagnetic and magnetic materials, Maxwell's Equations and electromagnetic waves.
Prerequisite:  MATH 366 

PHYS 378 Energy and the Environment [  10 ] (3)
Spring: All Years       
This course will examine the relationships between civilization, society and energy use. This will be accomplished by examining current and possible future energy sources as developed through the sciences of physics and chemistry and their applied technologies. It will then examine the applications of current sources and their effects on society and world ecosystems. Finally the course will examine how societies change and adapt, and look at possible steps to a sustainable energy and environmental future.


PHYS 380 Celestial Mechanics (3)
Spring: Odd Years       
Principles of celestial mechanics, central force motion, two body problem, N-body problem, prediction and determination of orbits, perturbations.
Prerequisite:  PHYS 330 

PHYS 385 Hiroshima Peace Studies Tour [  8 ] (3)
Spring: Even Years       
This course is planned around a one week trip to Hiroshima, Japan. Topics will include: the science of radiation and nuclear weapons; the experiences of those who lived through the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; how these experiences are relevant to the rest of humanity; and Japanese history, language and culture. Students will pursue individual projects, and perform field work assignments in Hiroshima. Same as JAPN 385.


PHYS 390 Topics in Physics (1-3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Students may register more than once when topic varies.


PHYS 399 Thermodynamics (3)
Fall: Odd Years       
Elements of classical thermodynamics, kinetic theory and statistical mechanics.
Prerequisite:  PHYS 330 

PHYS 410 Astrophysics (3)
Fall: Odd Years       
Mathematical representation and modeling of stellar structure and evolution. Mathematical consideration of nuclear processes and nucleosynthesis. Analysis of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Astrophysics of the interstellar medium and galaxies. In-depth topics will vary depending on the interests of instructor and/or participants. Same as AST 410.
Prerequisite:  PHYS 322 

PHYS 430 Quantum Mechanics (3)
Spring: Odd Years       
Application of quantum mechanics to atoms and molecules.
Prerequisite:  PHYS 322  MATH 366 

PHYS 440 Secondary Science Teaching Methods (3)
Spring: All Years       
For secondary education students. Material and methods typical to high school physics.


PHYS 442 Middle School Science Teaching Methods (1)
Spring: All Years       
Materials, methods and activities appropriate for middle school science classes and laboratories. Junior standing in elementary education (Science Specialty). Must be taken prior to student teaching. Same as BIOL 442 and CHEM 442.


PHYS 455 Senior Project (2)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
A project involving experimental and/or theoretical research on a physics topic with extensive library research as well. A detailed written report and an oral presentation are required.


PHYS 469 Internship (1-12)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Supervised practical work experience at an approved business, industry or workplace where physics principles are used. The student must work a minimum of 40 hours for each credit earned. During the semester, this is equivalent to 3 hours per week for each credit. Enrolling in 4 or more credits requires department approval. Course is repeatable, but only a total of 2 credits in any combination of seminar (PHYS 315), research (PHYS 300), and internship (PHYS 469) counts towards physics electives for both the major and the minor.


PHYS 490 Special Topics in Physics (1-3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Students may register more than once when topic varies.


PHYS 590 Special Topics in Physics (1-3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Students may register more than once when topics varies.