Course Directory

This course is the study of the physical laws and processes that underlie environmental phenomena with a special focus on energy (mechanical, thermal and electrical). We will establish both a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the underlying physical processes. Technical, economic, and social consequences of these laws and processes will be examined to better delineate the complex decisions related to human energy use and environmental issues. This course might serve as a substitute for PH 251 (General Physics I) and will prepare students equally well for PH 252 (General Physics II) should that course be required of their major. Prerequisite: Algebra|

Examines the motions of Earth, moon, and the planets and their effects on the appearance of the sky; the nature of the sun and the planets; the instruments of the astronomer; and the role the history of astronomy played in the development of our understanding of the sky. Includes constellation identification through the use of the planetarium. Each semester.

Explores human understanding of the nature, formation, and evolution of those celestial objects that lie beyond the solar system. Includes stellar properties and spectra, stellar evolution, special stars and star systems, the milky way and other galaxies, cosmology, and cosmogony. Uses the planetarium for constellation study and the development of coordinate systems. Prerequisite: ES 200. Spring, annually.

Introductory course for non-physics majors. Emphasizes mechanics, including vectors, kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, harmonic motion, and waves. Integrates computer-based laboratory and lecture into three two-hour class periods. Prerequisite: Algebra. Each fall.

Introductory course for non-physics majors. Emphasizes electromagnetism and light, including electrostatics, circuits, magnetic fields, geometrical and physical optics, optical instruments, and atomic spectra. Integrates computer-based laboratory and lecture into three two-hour class periods. Prerequisites: Algebra and either PH 251 or 261. Each Spring.

Introductory course for science and mathematics majors. Discusses current and developing sub-micron range technologies. Includes an exposition of the physical laws governing matter-energy interactions at a microscopic level and their consequences a,"nd applications to nanotechnology in areas such as mechanosynthesis, molecular sorting, assembly and manufacture, nanomechanical computation systems, and fabrication of nanoscale structural components. Relevant demonstrations and experiments may beincorporated, depending on time and equipment availability. Prerequisites: PH 251 and/or PH 252.|

Introductory course for physics majors, pre-engineers, and students in other disciplines seeking an understanding of physics at a rigorous mathematical level. Emphasizes mechanics, including vectors, kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, harmonic motion, and waves. PH 268 must be taken concurrently by physics majors and pre-engineers. Prerequisite: MATH 270, which may be taken concurrently. Each fall.

Continuation of PH 258, an introductory level course for physics majors, pre-engineers, and students in other disciplines seeking an understanding of physics at a rigorous mathematical level. Emphasizes electromagnetism and optics, including electrostatics, circuits, magnetic fields, geometrical and physical optics, and optical instruments. PH 269 must be taken concurrently with PH 259 by physics majors and pre-engineers. Prerequisite: PH 258. Each spring.

This course is the study of the physical laws and processes that underlie environmental phenomena with a special focus on energy (mechanical, thermal and electrical). We will establish both a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the underlying physical processes. Technical, economic, and social consequences of these laws and processes will be examined to better delineate the complex decisions related to human energy use and environmental issues. This course might serve as a substitute for PH 251 (General Physics I) and will prepare students equally well for PH 252 (General Physics II) should that course be required of their major. Prerequisite: Algebra|

Complements PH 258, and should not be scheduled by students not enrolled in PH 258. Experiments include free-fall, kinematics, momentum and energy conservation, collisions, and wave phenomena. Each fall.

Complements PH 259, and should not be scheduled by students not enrolled in PH 258. Experiments include electrostatic phenomena, potential, circuits, magnetic forces, refraction, lens properties, atomic spectra, and interference and diffraction. Utilizes computers for data analysis and presentation. Each spring.

This course is an introduction to the processes for constructing sub-micron sized mechanisms. The practicum consists of six emphases: Materials, Safety & Equipment; Basic Contact Lithography, Basic Etching and Deposition Techniques: Thin Film Deposition and Etching Practices; Design and Mast Fabrication; Material Modification Processes; and Characterization, Packaging, and Testing of sub-micron devices. Prerequisite: PH 254, and acceptance into the NMT Capstone Semester at Penn State, and must complete a university petition for an independent study course prior to enrollment. Each semester (Summer recommended)|

Explores the lives of stars using the principles of physics and the tools of astronomy. Topics include celestial mechanics, spectroscopy, stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, binary stars, nucleosynthesis, energy transport, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Prerequisites: PH 258 and PH/ES 201. Spring, every other year.

Explores the objects of the Solar System and the Universe using the principles of physics and the tools of astronomy. Topics include the nature and formatin of the planets and asteroids, the morphology and dynamics of the Milky Way, the nature and evolution of galaxies, the large-scale structure of the Universe, and cosmology. Prerequisites: PH 301 and MATH 272. Fall, odd-numbered years.

Intermediate course in the mechanics. Uses techniques from vector analysis and differential equations to study mechanics at a level above that of PH 258. Includes Newton's laws of motion, rectilinear motion under the influence of a variable force, oscillatory motion, energy, momentum, motion in three dimensions, central forces, celestial mechanics, systems of particles, and rigid body motion. Prerequisites: PH 252 or 259; MATH 350. Fall, odd-numbered years.

An intermediate-level course in electricity and magnetism. Uses vector algebra extensively in the presentation and development of the basic empirical laws of electromagnetism, and introduces vector calculus as required in the derivation and expression of Maxwell's equations. Includes electrostatics, dielectric media, current and circuits, magnetic fields, magnetic media, Maxwell's equations for vacuum and dielectric media, and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisites: PH 259 (or 252) and MATH 350 which may be taken concurrently. Spring, odd-numbered years.|

Intermediate course in modern physics. Includes relativity, kinetic theory of matter, the photon, electron waves, the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the Schrodinger wave equation, solution of the Schrodinger wave equation for the hydrogen atom, atomic physics. Prerequisites: PH 252 or 259; MATH 270 with MATH 271 concurrently. Fall, even-numbered years.

Intermediate course in geometrical, physical, and modern optics. Includes thin lenses, thick lenses, interference, diffraction, polarization, color theory, spectra, lasers, holography, and fiber optics. Prerequisites: PH 252 or 259; MATH 271, with MATH 272 concurrently. Fall, odd-numbered years.

Continuation of Modern Physics I. Includes structure and spectra of molecules, band theory of solids, structure of the nucleus, radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, radiation detectors, and elementary particles. Prerequisites: PH 353, MATH 272. Spring, odd-numbered years.

Intermediate course in heat. Develops basic concepts and principles more intensively in the study of properties of gases and in thermodynamics. Some of the specific topics studied are temperature measurements, thermal expansion, specific heat, thermal conductivity of solids and liquids, thermal properties of gases, change in phase, and heat engines. Prerequisites: PH 252 or 259; MATH 350, which may be taken concurrently. Spring, even-numbered years.

The course is an introduction to the structure and properties of the solid state of matter. Topics to be covered are the energy band theory of solids, composition and symmetry of crystal lattices, bonding and imperfections in crystals, and semiconductor composition and construction. Prerequisite: MATH 272, which may be taken concurrently. Spring, even-numbered years.

Intermediate-to advanced-level laboratory. Includes experiments spanning the areas of heat, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Students select experiments from these areas according to their interests andbackground, and as dictated by equipment availability. Emphasizes measurement precision and careful error analysis. Includes one lecture hour per week and three laboratory hours per week (individually arranged). Prerequisites: junior-senior standing, and completion (or co-registration in) at least two of the following courses: PH 351, 352, 353, 354, or 355. Each fall.|

Continuation of Experimental Physics I. The one-hour lecture requirement is omitted, and the student completes a different set of experiments. Prerequisites: PH 371 and completion of (or co-registration in) at least four of the following courses: PH351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, or 357. Each fall.

This course includes an introduction to gate circuits, Boolean algebra in the minimization of gate circuits, flip-flops, counters, timers, the design, operation, and programming of microcomputers, D/A and A/D conversion, and the interfacing of integrated circuits to external devices. Prerequisite: PH 259/269 or PH 252, and MATH 271.

Examines the theory and application of precision measuring instruments spanning many areas of physics. Experiments are developed to fit the background and needs of the individual student, utilizing equipment from the various laboratories of the Physics Department. Students spend from three to six hours in the laboratory, depending on the number of credits elected in consultation with their advisors.

Introduces network analysis, A.C. circuits, and solid state devices. Includes discrete devices, power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, and operational amplifiers. Emphasizes application of circuits to scientific instruments. Prerequisites: PH 259/269 or PH 252, and a course in integral calculus. Spring, even-numbered years.

Designed for the secondary education major in physics and may not be used as a physics elective for the B.A. or B.S. in physics major. Stresses preparation and performance of classroom demonstrations for use in secondary schools. Prerequisite: PH 252, or 259. On demand.

Uses the techniques of vector calculus and differential equations to treat problems in mechanics, electricity, and other areas of physics at a level intended to prepare the physics major for graduate level work. Discusses and applies analog and digital computer techniques to a variety of physical problems. Prerequisites: PH 258, 259, mathematics through MATH 350. On demand.

Develops skills in literature-survey and library research in specific areas in conjunction with the preparation and presentation of formal reports on research topics. Prerequisites: Senior standing, science major. Spring, annually.

Gives junior or senior physics majors useful experience in the techniques of laboratory research in physics. Students will either participate in an on-going research project under the guidance of a faculty member, or initiate an investigation of their own. A final report in a form suitable for publication will be expected upon conclusion of the project. Can serve as a substitute for PH 372: Experimental Physics II. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. Students wishing to enroll in, PH 498 must complete a university petition for an independent study course during the semester prior to enrollment in the course.

Continuation of PH 498, to permit completion of lengthy research activities initiated in PH 498, for which one semester is insufficient. Continuation is at the discretion of the project director, and the credits may not be substituted for other physics requirements. The same prerequisites must be fulfilled as for PH 498, except that notification of the department chair must precede any independent study deadlines set by the university.

Intended for students not majoring in the sciences or mathematics, and does not presume any prior familiarity with the subject. Science and math majors will not receive credit for this course. Discusses the nucleus of the atom and radioactivity, fundamentals of electricity and simple circuits, and descriptive astronomy. Integrates experiments with the subject matter to develop theory from an experimental basis. Uses the Planetarium extensively in conjunction with the section in astronomy. No prerequisite. Each semester or on demand.

Intended for students not majoring in the sciences or mathematics and presumes no prior familiarity with the subject. Science and math majors will not receive credit for this course. Discusses a variety of topics in solid state physics and modern q,"uantum mechanics including energy levels and bands, emission of electromagnetic radiation, wave-particle duality, and quantum tunneling. Integrates demonstrations, hands-on experiments, computer visualization programs, and in-class discussion to develop conceptual models from an experimental basis. No prerequisite. Each semester or on demand.

The biomechanics of flight. Students will use techniques in physics and evolutionary biology to study how animals fly and swim. Drawing upon bats, birds, insects, and even winged seeds, we will discuss and test the basic operating principles of wings. We will apply results obtained with a wind tunnel to the locomotion of objects in water. Students will then be able to compare and contrast the flyers and swimmers of nature with those of human invention. The course will have a substantial stu,dio laboratory component. Offered every other fall.

Explores selected physical principles with the purpose of providing a background that will enable students to understand physical phenomena. Intended for non-science majors and does not presume any prior familiarity with the subject. Students who hav,"e already successfully completed PHSC 112 will not get credit for the course. Topics may include motion, heat, the nucleus of the atom and radioactivity, fundamentals of electricity and simple circuits, atmospheric physics, and descriptive astronomy. Every spring|