Physics Minor
Courses
Click on any of the course titles below to see the course’s description:
- PHYS 110 Foundations of Physics and Cosmology
- PHYS 210 Introduction to Classical Mechanics
- PHYS 224 Introduction to Solids, Fluids, and Thermodynamics
- PHYS 230 Introduction to Electromagnetism
- PHYS 244 Introduction to Harmonics, Waves and Optics
- PHYS 250 Introduction to Modern Physics
Foundations of Physics and Cosmology: Discovery of the Unified Field and Its Practical Applications for Perfection in Life
This course gives a deep and non-mathematical understanding of the differences between classical and quantum physics. It explains the meaning and mechanics of unification and symmetry, and the main concepts of unified quantum field theories and superstring theory. It shows that at the basis of the universe lies a complete unified field, a self-interacting entity from which all particles and forces arise through the process of spontaneous symmetry breaking. The course gives students experience and understanding of the interconnectedness between the laws of physics, the universe and themselves. Prerequisite: STC 108/109
Introduction to Classical Mechanics
Classical mechanics provides an accurate description of the objects and phenomena of everyday experience, and constitutes the basis of most of engineering, science, and technology. This course introduces the classical laws governing motion of particles and extended bodies in space and time, beginning with their active formulation in terms of force and acceleration and then deriving the equivalent formulation in terms of conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. Topics include motion, Newton's laws, gravitation, and conservation laws. Prerequisite: MATH 281 or consent of instructor
Introduction to Solids, Fluids, and Thermodynamics
This course introduces the general principles of statics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. It develops the fundamental principles of conservation of energy and entropy, which underlie the behavior of all physical systems. Topics include statics and elasticity, pressure, fluid flow, temperature and heat, kinetic theory of gases, and heat. Prerequisite: MATH 281.
Introduction to Electromagnetism
Electrical forces largely determine the observable properties of matter in the whole range of science from atomic theory to cell biology. The integration of electricity and magnetism constitutes the first unified field theory, anticipating contemporary approaches by more than a century. In this course, students are introduced to electrostatic and electromagnetic fields, electric currents and electromagnetic interactions. Topics include Coulomb’s, Gauss’s, Ampere’s and Faraday’s laws, along with Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisites: PHYS 210 and MATH 282
Introduction to Harmonics, Waves and Optics
Wave behavior has applications in every area of physics, including sound, light, mechanical vibrations and waves, electrical signals, thermal behavior, and quantum physics. This course introduces common characteristics and mathematical representations of oscillations and standing and traveling waves and applies them to the investigation of sound and physical and geometrical optics. Topics include simple harmonic motion; resonance; mathematical representations of traveling waves; wave properties such as refraction, diffraction, interference and polarization; and optical phenomena related to lenses and mirrors. Prerequisites: MATH 286 and MATH 308 (PHYS 210 is also recommended but not required.)
Introduction to Modern Physics
Quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of relativity are the major themes of this course. Topics include special relativity, the birth of quantum mechanics, Schrödinger’s equation, wave mechanics of one-dimensional problems and the hydrogen atom. Prerequisites: PHYS 210 and PHYS 244
The content of this page was reviewed in January 2010.
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