Course Directory

:: Course Offerings

The course offerings at Clarion University of PA go through an extensive review process by the Committee on Courses and Programs of Study (CCPS). This course offerings list is a comprehensive list of courses that could be offered; it does not mean they are currently being offered.

For a complete list of courses offered on the current or upcoming schedules, see the Registrar's page Schedule of Classes.

To start a new search enter the course number of the subject or title you are searching in the box below.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)	Course Title	Course Description
PH 269	Physics Lab II	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.
PH 270	Condensed Matter Lab Practicum	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)\|
PH 301	Astrophysics I	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.
PH 302	Astrophysics II	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.
PH 351	Mech & Dynamics	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.
PH 352	Elec & Magnetism	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.\|
PH 353	Modern Physics I	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.
PH 354	Optics	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.
PH 355	Mod Physics II	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.
PH 356	Thermodynamics	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.
PH 357	Condensed Matter Physics	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.
PH 371	Experimental Physics I	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.\|
PH 372	Experimental Physics II	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.
PH 400	Special Topics	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.
PH 453	Ind Study Phys Mea	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.
PH 455	Analog Electronics	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.
PH 457	Demo In Physics	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.
PH 460	Intro To Math Ph	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.
PH 461	Seminar	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.
PH 498	Research In Physics I	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.
PH 499	Research In Physics II	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.
PHIL 100	Philosophy Goes to the Movies	This course will explore and evaluate various philosophical themes and problems through the use of popular films chosen for their philosophical content. No prerequisite. Annually.
PHIL 111	Logic I - Critical Thinking	Develops students' skills in analyzing arguments. Examines forms of faulty reasoning and evaluates criteria for the evaluation of arguments. No prerequisite. Annually.
PHIL 115	Philosophy & Pop Culture	Introduces students to traditional philosophical topics and problems by reflecting on popular culture and contemporary cultural products such as films, literature, and music. Annually
PHIL 211	Intro To Phil	Introduces students to philosophical topics spanning the history of philosophy. Includes the nature of reality, knowledge and morality. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the Socratic maxim: an unexamined life is not worth living. No prerequisite. Annually.
PHIL 212	Ethics	Introduces students to theoretical ethics and the consequences these theories have both personally and for public policy. Examines controversial moral issues. No prerequisite. Annually.
PHIL 215	Religions Of The World	Examines the philosophies and practices of the religions of the world, emphasizing Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. No prerequisite. Annually
PHIL 300	Ancient Greek Phil	Thinkers of ancient Greece, with special attention to Plato and Aristotle. No prerequisite. Annually.
PHIL 301	Bioethics	An inquiry into traditional and contemporary ethical issues in medicine, one of the most popular topics in applied ethics. Medical research, practice and public policy are addressed. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing (minimum)
PHIL 302	Environmental Philosophy	An inquiry into the philosophical aspects of issues concerning the environment. Environmental theories, policies, and practices are addressed. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing (minimum). Every other year

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)

Course Title

Course Description

PH 269

Physics Lab II

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.

PH 270

Condensed Matter Lab Practicum

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)|

PH 301

Astrophysics I

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.

PH 302

Astrophysics II

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.

PH 351

Mech & Dynamics

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.

PH 352

Elec & Magnetism

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.|

PH 353

Modern Physics I

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.

PH 354

Optics

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.

PH 355

Mod Physics II

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.

PH 356

Thermodynamics

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.

PH 357

Condensed Matter Physics

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.

PH 371

Experimental Physics I

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.|

PH 372

Experimental Physics II

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.

PH 400

Special Topics

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.

PH 453

Ind Study Phys Mea

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.

PH 455

Analog Electronics

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.

PH 457

Demo In Physics

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.

PH 460

Intro To Math Ph

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.

PH 461

Seminar

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.

PH 498

Research In Physics I

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.

PH 499

Research In Physics II

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.

PHIL 100

Philosophy Goes to the Movies

This course will explore and evaluate various philosophical themes and problems through the use of popular films chosen for their philosophical content. No prerequisite. Annually.

PHIL 111

Logic I - Critical Thinking

Develops students' skills in analyzing arguments. Examines forms of faulty reasoning and evaluates criteria for the evaluation of arguments. No prerequisite. Annually.

PHIL 115

Philosophy & Pop Culture

Introduces students to traditional philosophical topics and problems by reflecting on popular culture and contemporary cultural products such as films, literature, and music. Annually

PHIL 211

Intro To Phil

Introduces students to philosophical topics spanning the history of philosophy. Includes the nature of reality, knowledge and morality. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the Socratic maxim: an unexamined life is not worth living. No prerequisite. Annually.

PHIL 212

Ethics

Introduces students to theoretical ethics and the consequences these theories have both personally and for public policy. Examines controversial moral issues. No prerequisite. Annually.

PHIL 215

Religions Of The World

Examines the philosophies and practices of the religions of the world, emphasizing Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. No prerequisite. Annually

PHIL 300

Ancient Greek Phil

Thinkers of ancient Greece, with special attention to Plato and Aristotle. No prerequisite. Annually.

PHIL 301

Bioethics

An inquiry into traditional and contemporary ethical issues in medicine, one of the most popular topics in applied ethics. Medical research, practice and public policy are addressed. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing (minimum)

PHIL 302

Environmental Philosophy

An inquiry into the philosophical aspects of issues concerning the environment. Environmental theories, policies, and practices are addressed. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing (minimum). Every other year