Physics
Course Descriptions
PHY 911 :
Calculus-based Physics I - Mechanics
(4-5
semester credits)
A first course in mechanics using calculus.
Topics must include, but are not limited to, kinematics; Newton’s laws; work and energy; conservation of linear momentum; angular momentum; rotational dynamics; and harmonic motion. Laboratory required, but may be a separate course.
PHY 912 :
Calculus-based Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism
(4-5
semester credits)
A first course in electricity
and magnetism using calculus. Topics must include, but are not limited to, charge; electric field and potential; resistance,
capacitance, and inductance; dc and ac circuits; magnetic field; laws of Gauss, Ampere, and Faraday; Maxwell’s
equations and electromagnetic waves. Laboratory required, but may be a separate course. Students should
complete PHY 911 and PHY 912 at the same institution.
PHY 913 :
Introductory Thermal Physics and Other Topics
(2-4
semester credits)
A first course in thermodynamics
and statistical physics using calculus. Topics must include the concept and measurement of temperature; the first and
second laws of thermodynamics; entropy; ideal gases and thermal properties; and the kinetic theory of gases. At least
two of the following topics must also be included: gravitation; fluid statics and motion; waves; sound; geometrical
optics; physical optics; relativity.
PHY 914 :
Quantum Physics and Other Topics
(2-4
semester credits)
A first course in quantum physics
using calculus. Topics must include quantization; the atom; solid state physics and conduction; nuclear physics; and
elementary particle physics. At least two of the following topics must also be included: gravitation; fluid statics and
motion; waves; sound; geometrical optics; physical optics; relativity.
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descriptions.]
