NOTE: PS100 through PS212, taken with the lab, would satisfy the general education requirements for courses in laboratory science.

100. Elementary Physics – 4 Credits
A study of topics from kinematics, dynamics, fluids, energy, acoustics, electricity, optics, and modern physics chosen for applicability to physical education and health. Classroom 3 hours, Laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: Algebra. A student may not receive credit for PS100 if credit has been earned in PS201 or PS211.
107. Introductory Solar System Astronomy – 3 or 4 Credits
A descriptive study of the solar system, including the sun, planets, asteroids, comets and interplanetary space. The role of observation in the evolution of astronomy is emphasized. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Does not count as a lab science if taken for 3 credits.
108. Stellar and Galactic Astronomy – 3 or 4 Credits
A descriptive introduction to the universe, including stars, galaxies, and recent deep space discoveries. Discussions survey the techniques used by astronomers to interpret the wide variety of observed phenomena in the cosmos. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. No prerequisite. Does not count as a lab science if taken for 3 credits.
201. General Physics I – 4 Credits
An algebra-based study of mechanics, sound and heat, with correlated laboratory experiments. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Pre requisite: MA107 or the equivalent. No student will receive credit for both PS201 and PS211.
202. General Physics II – 4 Credits
An algebra-based study of magnetism, electricity, light, and atomic physics, with correlated laboratory experiments. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: PS201. No student will receive credit for both PS202 and PS212.
205. Basic Instrumentation in the Natural Sciences – 4 Credits
An introductory course in electricity and electronics including A.C. and D.C. bridge circuits, diodes and transistors, linear and digital integrated circuits. Emphasis is placed on the use of these devices in typical research equipment such as spectrophotometers, radiation counters, turbidity and conductivity meters, electronic thermometers, etc. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites PS201, PS202.
207. Meteorology and Climatology – 3 or 4 Credits
A first study of atmospheric processes, elementary forecasting, and the major climatic classes. Particular emphasis is placed on the effects of these phenomena on human activities. Laboratory practice includes elementary forecasting techniques, observations, calculations, and theoretical analysis of weather and climate patterns. Classroom 3 hours, Laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: PS201 or PS202 or permission of the instructor. Does not count as a lab science if taken for 3 credits.
211. University Physics I – 4 Credits
A calculus-based study of vectors; Newton’s laws; uniform, accelerated, rotational and harmonic motion; conservation laws; fluid mechanics; elasticity. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Required in chemistry, mathematics and engineering curricula. Prerequisite: MA121. No student will receive credit for both PS201 and PS211.
212. University Physics II – 4 Credits
A calculus-based study of topics in electricity, magnetism, waves and optics. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: PS122, Co-requisite: MA122. No student will receive credit for both PS202 and PS212.
232. University Physics III – 3 Credits
A study of topics from quantum phenomena, spectroscopy, relativity, nuclear and solid state physics. Classroom 3 hours. Prerequisite: PS202 or PS231, MA223 or permission of the instructor.
331, 332. Mechanics – 4 Credits
A study of dynamics of a particle using variable forces; rotating coordinate systems; dynamics of a system of particles; dynamics of rigid bodies; damped, forced, and coupled vibrations; application of Lagrange’s equations to the solution of problems in dynamics; Euler's equations, Hamilton’s equations; introduction to relativistic dynamics. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: PS202 or PS231; MA224. A passing grade is required in PS331 to take PS332.
354. Thermodynamics – 4 Credits
A study of first and second laws of thermodynamics with applications; thermodynamic potentials and applications to systems in equilibrium; introduction to statistical mechanics including Boltzmann statistics, quantum statistics, and statistical interpretation of entropy. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: PS202 or PS231; MA224.
363. Optics – 4 Credits
A study of the nature and propagation of light; reflection and refraction, thick lenses, lens aberrations, and optical instruments. Interference, dispersion, diffraction, polarization, and color phenomena. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: PS202 or PS212; MA224.
421, 422. Advanced Laboratory – 2 to 4 Credits
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
423, 424. Electricity and Magnetism 4 Credits
A study of electrical circuits, electrostatic fields, application of Gauss’ Law and Laplace’s equation; dielectric theory; magnetic fields, induced electric fields and currents; theory of magnetic materials; Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic waves. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Pre requisites: MA224; PS205; or permission of the instructor. A passing grade is required in PS423 to take PS424.
441, 442. Modern Physics – 4 Credits
An introduction to special relativity, quantum mechanics, structure and spectra of atoms and molecules, nuclear models, and nuclear interactions. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: PS212 and MA224 or permission of instructor. A passing grade is required in PS441 to take PS442.
451, 452. Seminar – 1 Credit
A study of special topics of current interest. These are capstone courses that integrate reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Classroom 1 hour. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
461, 462. Senior Project – 1 Credit
This two-semester sequence is a project oriented capstone experience that integrates reading, writing, speaking , and critical thinking. The senior student chooses a project with faculty advice and takes charge of its execution to a satisfying conclusion. The courses will require an oral and written presentation of the completed project. Prerequisites: senior class standing and permission of the instructor.