2002-2003 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
Physics
Credit designation at right of title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (sh) semester hours of credit per semester.
PHYS: Physics
Department of Physics
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: MATH 100 or equivalent high school preparation
Designed to prepare students for their first course in quantitative physics by reviewing fundamental concepts involving measurement and error, graphing, motion, and applications of Newton’s Laws in developing problem solving skills. In addition, the course will present a historical perspective as well as introduce students to the many opportunities that exist for those with a background in Physics.
PHYS 101 Energy and Our Environment
3c-0l-3sh
An overview of the areas of energy, transportation, and pollution. These topics are approached via the relevant concepts of physical science and physics. A nonlaboratory course for Liberal Studies requirements.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: Elementary algebra and trigonometry
General college physics; mechanics, wave motion, and sound.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: PHYS 111
Electricity and magnetism, heat, light, atomic and nuclear physics, and an elementary introduction to relativity and quantum theory.
PHYS 115 Physics I for Electro-Optics
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: PHYS 100
Corequisite or Prerequisite: MATH 110 or 121
Designed to introduce students to the mechanical universe through the study of the motion of matter and waves and the causes of waves. The learning of quantitative problem solving skills will be emphasized. Includes a lab component.
PHYS 116 Physics II for Electro-Optics
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: PHYS 115
By applying Newton’s Laws of Motion to atoms and molecules the student is introduced to the basic principles of and connections between temperature, heat, and molecular motion at a fundamental level. Concepts involved in fluid flow, electric charge, and the origin of magnetism will be covered. The fundamental basis for the existence of electric and magnetic fields and the generation of electromagnetic energy as waves will be explored. Includes a lab component.
0c-3l-1sh
Corequisite: PHYS 111
Physics laboratory at level of Physics I; exercises in mechanics, wave motion, and sound.
0c-3l-1sh
Corequisite: PHYS 112
Physics laboratory at level of Physics II; exercises in optics, electricity and magnetism, and radioactivity.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: MATH 121, 123, or 127, at least concurrently
A calculus-based course in general college physics; topics covered are similar to those covered in Physics 111 but are treated in more depth through the use of calculus.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: MATH 122, 124, or 128, at least concurrently
A continuation of Physics I-C; topics covered are similar to those covered in Physics II but are treated in more depth through the use of the calculus.
0c-3l-1sh
Corequisite: PHYS 131
Physics laboratory at same level as Physics I-C; exercises in mechanics, wave motion, and sound.
0c-3l-1sh
Corequisite: PHYS 132
Physics laboratory at same level as Physics II-C; exercises in optics, electricity and magnetism, and radioactivity.
PHYS 151 Medical Physics Lecture
3c-0l-3sh
Development of concepts and principles of physics with a strong emphasis as to their use and application in medical and other biophysical areas.
0c-3l-1sh
Corequisite: PHYS 151
Experiments dealing with applications of physical principles to the field of medicine. Practical experience with use of electronic equipment, chart recorders, etc., of type found in modern-day medicine will be introduced.
2c-0l-2sh
Prerequisites: PHYS 112 or 116 or 132; MATH 122 or 124
Covers the basic laws and concepts of the mechanical universe. The dynamics of a particle in one, two, and three dimensions are covered. Central forces, including planetary and satellite motion, are discussed and analyzed in detail using Newton’s gravitational law. Other topics covered are statics, multiple particle system dynamics, mechanical energy, and oscillations.
2c-0l-2sh
Prerequisites: MATH 241, PHYS 222
Mechanics of a rigid body, constraints, oscillations, wave motion, introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation and relativistic mechanics.
3c-3l-4sh
Prerequisites: MATH 122, 124, or 128; PHYS 112 or 132
Circuit theory, transients, transistor circuits, frequency response, input and output impedance, feedback and electronic noise. Operational amplifiers and digital electronics.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: MATH 122, 124, or 128; PHYS 112 or 132
Geometrical optics and physical optics; including interference, diffraction, and polarization. Quantum optics is introduced.
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.
PHYS 299 Cooperative Education I
var-1-3sh
Prerequisites: PHYS 132; completion of 30sh with a minimum 2.0 GPA and approval of the cooperative education coordinator
This program blends classroom theory with practical application through job-related experience. Students will work in positions offered by the participating industrial or federal/state work-study program employers under joint supervision of the Physics faculty and the on-site supervisor. A co-op student must be a full-time university student in good academic standing and be planning to return to campus for completion of his/her degree program. Evaluation requirements may include on-site visitations by the faculty/coordinator, consultation with the on-site supervisor, and a major progress report by the student or the presentation of a detailed oral report before the departmental cooperative education committee.
PHYS 322 Electricity and Magnetism I
2c-0l-2sh
Prerequisite: PHYS 222
Electrostatic potential theory, dielectrics, dipole theory, magnetostatics, Maxwell equations for static fields, and Legendre’s polynomials and other approximation methods.
PHYS 323 Electricity and Magnetism II
2c-0l-2sh
Prerequisite: PHYS 322
Time-dependent form of Maxwell equations, electromagnetic induction, vector potential, magnetism, radiation fields, and Poynting vector.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: PHYS 112 or 116 or 132; MATH 122 or 124
The history of modern physics will be covered. Particle and wave properties of matter will be explored using the ideas of quantum mechanics. Systems examined using the ideas of quantum and classical mechanics are atomic structure, solid state, and nuclear physics. The special theory of relativity will also be covered. Some of the problems will be solved using computers.
PHYS 342 Thermal and Statistical Physics
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: MATH 122, 124, or 128; PHYS 112 or 132
Thermometry, laws of thermodynamics, low-temperature physics, entropy, properties of ideal gas, and an introduction to statistical mechanics.
PHYS 350 Intermediate Experimental Physics I
0c-6l-3sh
Prerequisites: PHYS 331; PHYS 242 or EOPT 120
The student will perform required fundamental experiments in areas of mechanics, optics, modern physics, and heat. Speaking before other classmates and faculty and competence in writing scientific papers and reports will be emphasized. Effectiveness in the collection of data is important. Computers will often be utilized to perform data taking and analysis.
PHYS 351 Intermediate Experimental Physics II
0c-6l-3sh
Prerequisite: PHYS 350
Increasingly sophisticated experiments in essential areas of physics. Digital computers and the Van de Graaff are available.
PHYS 352 Applied Physics Laboratory
0c-6l-3sh
Prerequisites: PHYS 231, 355, or permission of instructor
The student is introduced to much of the fundamental equipment used in industry. The student is trained in the operation and proper use of this equipment through a series of experiments that teach him/her signal detection and analysis including data acquisition by computer. The student will receive instruction on the proper methods to be used for various oral and written presentations.
PHYS 353 Solid State Electronics Laboratory
0c-6l-3sh
Prerequisite: PHYS 352 or permission of instructor
The student will encounter a number of areas of current interest in semiconductor technology. The student will perform experiments and learn skills in such areas as device process simulation, device simulation, measurements of semiconductor materials, and measurement of device parameters. The student will also be instructed in the proper presentation of written and oral reports.
2c-2l-3sh
Prerequisite: COSC110
Designed to teach the fundamentals of interfacing the personal computer to its physical surroundings. The students will learn how to collect data and to control experiments in real time. They will learn how to use digital to analog conversion (DAC) techniques and analog to digital conversion (ADC) techniques. They will also use a graphical software package (such as LabVIEW) to design icon-based interfacing tools, to learn how to use virtual instruments, and to analyze data. (Offered as PY150: Computer Applications to Physics Laboratories prior to 1997-98)
PHYS 399 Cooperative Education II
var-1-3sh
Prerequisites: PHYS 299; PHYS 350; completion of 80sh with a minimum 2.5 GPA and approval of the cooperative education coordinator
A second course in cooperative education. Includes instruction that builds upon learning experiences in college by combining and correlating them with learning experiences at the training station to meet the student’s career goals. Evaluation requirements may include on-site visitations by the faculty/coordinator, consultation with the on-site supervisor, and a major progress report by the student or the presentation of a detailed oral report before the departmental cooperative education committee. No more than 3sh of PHYS 299, PHYS 399, and/or PHYS 493 may be used in fulfilling Physics major course requirements.
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: PHYS 231
Digital measurement, switching circuits, logic circuits, counting, coding, input and output, AD and DA converters, computer organization.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: PHYS 331
A survey of nuclear physics, nuclear size, nuclear mass, reaction theory, types of radioactive decay, nuclear models, nuclear forces, and elementary particles.
4c-0l-4sh
Prerequisites: PHYS 222 and 331
Quantum mechanics following methods of Schrodinger and Heisenberg; the theory is applied to properties of harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, electron in a magnetic field, and radioactive decay of alpha particles.
PHYS 475 Physics of Semiconductor Devices I
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: PHYS 231, 242, 342, or permission of instructor
Develops the basic foundation for a study of the theory of semiconductors. Elementary quantum concepts, the band theory of solids, electrical properties of solids, effective mass theory, and principles of semiconductor devices are discussed.
PHYS 476 Physics of Semiconductor Devices II
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: PHYS 475 or permission of instructor
Discusses the physics and operation of a number of discrete devices including: bipolar transistors, MOSFETS, JFETS, CCDs, various diode technologies, photovoltaic and photoconductive devices, solid-state lasers, and light-emitting diodes.
var-1sh
Speakers from within and outside the university conduct a seminar on a weekly or biweekly basis on different topics of interest in the physics community.
PHYS 481 Special Topics in Physics
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Varies from semester to semester and covers diverse topics in specific areas of physics. This course number is also used to offer courses under development.
PHYS 482 Independent Study in Physics
var-1-6sh
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
Students with interest in independent study of a topic not offered in the curriculum may propose a plan of study in conjunction with a faculty member. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources. Work is supervised by a Physics faculty member but does not necessarily involve regular lecture or laboratory hours.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: PHYS 223 and 331
Reciprocal lattice, crystal structure, the quantization of fields to produce quasi-particles such as phonons, magnons, excitons. Fermi gas of electrons, energy bands, semiconductor crystals, and photoconductivity.
PHYS 493 Internship in Physics
var-1-3sh
Prerequisites: PHYS 350, completion of 90sh with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and approval of the internship education coordinator
A supervised professional work-experience in physics and applied physics. Location, duties, internship, and hours are individually tailored to the student’s career goals. A maximum of 3sh of internship in the student’s major may be applied toward the physics major area elective requirements. Additional internship credit must be used as free electives. Evaluation requirements include on-site visitations by the faculty/coordinator, consultation with the on-site supervisor, and a major progress report by the student or the presentation of a detailed oral report before the departmental internship education committee.
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