Surveys the science of astronomy. Introduces the study of the universe at all levels, starting with the earth and working outward to the solar system, stars, and galaxies. Cosmology and the potential for extraterrestrial life receive special emphases and a brief treatment of the relevant theological issues is included. Laboratory required, but course may be taken without lab if requirement is already fulfilled. 

Laboratory explorations of selected topics covered in PY101. Co-requisite: PY101

A survey of selected topics within the domain of Physical Science. Topics covered include physics (primarily mechanics, waves, electricity, and magnetism), inorganic chemistry (atomic, nuclear, and chemical bonding), earth science (rocks, minerals, and geological processes), and astronomy (cosmology, stellar evolution, and relativity). Designed especially for education majors but open to all majors. Laboratory required, but course may be taken without lab if requirement is already fulfilled. Prerequisite: high school or college algebra.

Laboratory explorations of selected topics covered in PY102. Emphasis is on experiments that can be readily duplicated in middle to high school physical science courses, as well as the application of scientific methodology. Co-requisite: PY102.

Studies basic physics for students of science and/or mathematics and for those preparing for engineering, medicine, or subsequent course work in Physics. Covers Newtonian mechanics, mechanical waves, and thermodynamics. Laboratory required. Prerequisite: MA151 or concurrent enrollment.

Laboratory explorations of the topics covered in PY201. Emphasizes experimental methodology and reporting. Co-requisite: PY201.

Studies basic physics for students of science and mathematics and for those preparing for engineering, medicine, or subsequent course work in Physics. Covers electricity and magnetism, optical phenomena, and an introduction to topics in modern (post-l900) physics. Laboratory required. Prerequisites: MA152 or concurrent enrollment and PY201.

Laboratory explorations of the topics covered in PY202. Emphasizes experimental methodology and reporting. Co-requisite: PY202.

Introduces the physics of the twentieth century. Analyzes the crisis that developed in classical physics and gave rise to the revolutionary changes in the early twentieth century. Develops relativity and quantum theory with applications to atomic systems. Laboratory required. Prerequisites: PY202, MA212 or concurrent enrollment.

Laboratory explorations of topics covered in PY301. Emphasizes experimental methodology and reporting. 

Applies the principles of statics and dynamics begun in General Physics. Newton’s Laws are applied in a wide variety of contexts. Laboratory required. Prerequisites: PY202, MA152.

Laboratory explorations of the topics covered in PY312. Emphasizes experimental methodology and reporting. Co-requisite: PY312.

Develops electro- and magnetostatics by the use of vector methods. Studies circuit analysis employing Kirchhoff’s Laws. Gauss’ law, Faraday’s law of induction, and Ampere’s law are all treated in integral and differential forms. Studies electromagnetic properties of matter. Laboratory required. Prerequisites: PY202, MA212 or concurrent enrollment.

Laboratory explorations of the topics covered in PY322. Emphasizes experimental methodology and reporting. Co-requisite: PY322.

Introduces research techniques by working on small projects, such as vacuum techniques, computer interfacing, and optics. The student has the opportunity to get involved in one of the departmental research projects. 

Applies introductory quantum mechanics to molecular binding, properties of solids, and nuclear physics. Offered on a variable schedule. Prerequisites: PY301, MA212.

Studies and applies thermodynamics. Devotes main topics to kinetic theory of gases and statistical mechanics. Laboratory required. Prerequisites: PY301 or CH402 and MA212. Offered in alternate years.

Derives Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations in order to treat dynamical systems more generally. Special emphasis is on those aspects of classical mechanics which are prerequisites of quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: PY312, MA212. Offered in alternate years.

Derives and applies Maxwell’s equations. Solves boundary-value problems. Studies electromagnetic waves with applications to the laws of optics. Prerequisites: PY312, PY322, MA212. Offered in alternate years.

Requires participation in a research project related to faculty research interest. Introduces current literature and research in experimental physics. A written report and oral summary before two or more faculty members is required. Prerequisites: six courses in Physics and permission of instructor.