This course examines the complex physical relations between land, sea and atmosphere. It also explores how some actions of our modern civilization disrupt the environment. Topics include geologic hazards, land management, water resources, hazardous waste disposal, energy resources, mineral resources and conservation of resources. Contributes to Environmental Studies. (NS) (Fall, Odd years)

Climate is the sum of weather over long periods and is changing (e.g., greenhouse warming, ozone depletion, urban smog) due to mankind's activities. Conceptual understanding of how and why the present-day atmosphere behaves as it does and how this may change in the future is the primary goal of this course. (NS)

This course is an introduction to the science of astronomy for non-science majors. It also examines our current understanding of the physical universe. (NS) (Fall, Even years)

This course reviews our current scientific understanding of the constituents of our solar system: the sun, the terrestrial planets, the gas giant planets, the ice giants, dwarf planets, moons, rings, asteroids, comets, Kuiper belt objects, and the Oort cloud. Current theories of the origin and evolution of the solar system will be presented along with the history of its development and the basic science that governs the solar system. It will be discussed how new data from ground-based observatories, robotic space probes, and human space explorations continue to shape our theories of the solar system. Prerequisite: high school algebra. Appropriate for first year students. (NS) (Fall)

This course reviews our current scientific understanding of the universe beyond our solar system. Topics include: stars, stellar structure, and stellar evolution including the formation of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. The structure of our Milky Way galaxy, other galaxies and theories of how they formed will be presented. Current theories of cosmology, the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe, the beginning and ultimate fate of the universe will be covered as well as how new data from ground-based observatories, and robotic space probes continue to shape our theories of the universe. Prerequisite: high school algebra. Appropriate for first year students. (NS) (Spring)

Introduction to engineering as a discipline and a profession. Examines the design, manufacture, assembly and evaluation of products using individual and team projects. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of written and graphical communication in the design process, the use of computer-aided design and rapid prototyping in product development and the role of entrepreneurship in high-tech ventures. Contributes to Design Thinking. (NSL) (Spring)

A calculus-based treatment of mechanics, wave motion, electromagnetism and optics. Prerequisites: Concurrent registration or credit in Mathematics 52-164. (NSL) (Fall)

A calculus-based treatment of mechanics, wave motion, electromagnetism and optics. Prerequisites: Physics 53-154. (Spring) (NSL)

An introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, relativity, quantum mechanics, and the physics of atoms, nuclei and particles. Prerequisite: Physics 53-154, 53-164, Mathematics 52-164 and 52-264. Previous or concurrent registration in Mathematics 52-364, or consent of the instructor. (NSL) (Fall)

This course teaches basic observing techniques of the night sky. Students will learn to operate telescopes, make astronomical measurements and take astronomical images. Prerequisite: Physics 53-164, or permission of the instructor. (NSL) (Fall, Even Years)

An introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, relativity, quantum mechanics, and the physics of atoms, nuclei and particles. Prerequisite: Physics 53-154, 53-164, Mathematics 52-164, and 52-264. Mathematics 52-364 as a prerequisite or corequisite, or consent of the instructor. (NSL) (Fall)

An advanced treatment of Newtonian mechanics with applications to kinematics, forced oscillations, central force motion and systems of particles. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-364, Physics 53-154 and 53-164. Previous or concurrent registration in Mathematics 52-754. (NSL) (WA) (Spring)

An examination of the different types of energy, the laws of thermodynamics that govern the conversion of energy from one form to another, the sources of energy and the usefulness of energy as a unifying concept for studying planetary processes. Contributes to Environmental Studies. Prerequisite: Physics 53-034 or 53-044. (NS) (Spring)

This course focuses on the emergence of structural properties from atomic and molecular-scale interactions by conducting a survey of three broad classes of materials: metals, ceramics and polymers. Particular attention will be paid to atomic structure and bonding, the structure of crystalline solids, phase diagrams, and the application and processing of polymers deployed in additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D Printing) and biomaterials. Also Chemistry 51-424. Contributes to Data Analytics and Data Science. Prerequisites: Physics 53-154. Chemistry 51-103 is a pre- or co-requisite for this course. (NS) (Spring)

Introduction to digital and analog circuits with applications to modern instrumentation and robotics. Contributes to Design Thinking. (NSL) (Spring, Odd years)

Introduction to the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics with application to non-inertial reference frames, rigid bodies and oscillating systems. Prerequisite: Physics 53-334. (NS) (Fall, Odd years)

A detailed introduction to quantum mechanics and its applications to atoms and molecules. Also Chemistry 51-714. Prerequisites: Physics 53-214 and 53-334. (NS) (Spring)

Applications of Maxwells equations to propagation of plane and guided waves in various media. Prerequisite: Physics 53-324. (NS) (Spring, Odd years)

A study of forces, resultants and components of force systems, forces due to friction, conditions of equilibrium, forces acting on members of trusses and frame structures, centroids and moments of inertia. The lab portion of this course involves graphics and modeling fundamentals for engineering design: computer modeling of solid geometry and generation of engineering drawings. Introduction to computer programming using a high-level language and applications of computational methods to the solution of mechanical engineering problems. Contributes to Design Thinking. Prerequisite: Physics 53-154, Mathematics 52-164, and 52-264. Previous or concurrent registration in Mathematics 52-364 is required. (NS) (Fall).

This course examines select mathematical methods used in analyzing problems that arise in the physical sciences and engineering. Emphasis is given to both analytical and computer algebra or numerical approaches to problem solving and analysis. Analytical topics may include: linear vector spaces, Fourier series, ordinary differential equations, the calculus of variations, special functions, series solutions of differential equations, partial differential equations, functions of a complex variable, and integral transforms. Prerequisite: Mathematics 52-364, or permission of the instructor. Approved as an upper-level elective course for the Mathematics major, Mathematics minor, Computer Science major, and Computational Mathematics major. (NS) (Spring, Even years)

A study of kinematics, force-mass-acceleration relations, work and energy, impulse and momentum as well as the moments of inertia of mass. Prerequisite: Physics 53-434, Mathematics 52-164, and 52-264. Previous or concurrent registration in Mathematics 52-364. (NS) (Spring. Odd years).

Basic principles of macroscopic thermodynamics including pressure-volume-temperature relationship of pure substances, work, heat, first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy and the analysis of simple power and refrigeration systems. Prerequisite: Physics 53-154, 53-164, 53-214, Mathematics 52-164, 52-264, and 52-364. (NS) (Spring, Even years)

A scientific writing course for physics majors in which the capstone is drafted, discussed, revised and polished so that the writing is effective and conforms to modern standards of scientific journal style. In addition the student will learn how to fully integrate graphical elements and tables, mathematical equations, and numerical information into the document. The student and capstone course professor will work closely with the students capstone research advisor to bring the document to completion. Requirement: Students are expected to be finished with or nearing completion of the research phase of their capstone. (Spring)