|
 Physics
Assistant
Professor Mason, chair
Assistant Professor
Buerke
The Physics Department offers three major tracks
of study:
- Theoretical/Experimental Physics, preparation for graduate
study in physics,
- Optical Physics, preparation for a career in research
and development in industry or for advanced study in physics/optics;
and
- Secondary Education Certification in Physics, preparation
for certification by the state of Pennsylvania as a high school
physics teacher. Physic concentrators interested in graduate programs
are encouraged to take PHY 391 and 491. Since requirements for
graduate programs vary, you are encouraged to seek advice from
faculty members in the department. Students interested in pursuing
teacher certification in Physics must consult the chair of the
Education Department regarding specific requirements for the program.
Requirements for the Physics track are:
First Year: PHY 201 (natural science), 202; MAT 107 (quantitative
reasoning), 108.
Second Year: PHY 203, 251, 262; MAT 207, 302; IDS 255.
Third Year: PHY 340, 351.
Fourth Year: PHY 431, 441, 490
Requirements for the Optical Physics track
are (PHY 201 & MAT 107 are required introductory courses):
First Year: PHY 201,202; MAT 107,108
Second Year: PHY 262; OPT 241,261; MAT 207, 302; IDS 255.
Third Year: PHY 351; OPT 324, 362
Fourth Year: PHY 441, 490; OPT 400, 431, 442
The Secondary Teacher Certification requirements
include all of the Physics track and the series of education and
related courses required by the Education Department.
The department offers a combined concentration
in Physics. The requirements are PHY 201 (natural science) PHY 202,
PHY 203, PHY 340, PHY 351, PHY 441, MAT 107 (quantitative reasoning),
MAT 108, MAT 207, IDS 255.
The department also offers a combined concentration in Optics. The
requirements are PHY 201 (natural science), PHY 202, OPT 241, OPT
261, OPT 324, OPT 362, and OPT 400, and OPT 442.
A student may combine optics with any other concentration.
However, the high level of computational background required for
most optics courses favors combining with mathematics. The mathematics
courses required are: MAT 107 (quantitative reasoning), 108, 207,
302, 304, 311, 315, and 491.
top of page
Courses
| IDS
255 |
Mathematics for Chemistry and Physics
The physical applications of analytic and numerical methods
are studied in such topics as differential equations, Fourier
series, Laplace transforms, matrices, complex numbers and
vectors.
Prerequisite: Math 207.
|
| PHY
102 |
Modern Astronomy
An exposition of a wide variety of topics in modern astronomy
including celestial motion, stellar spectra and evolution, galaxies,
solar systems, and cosmology. Three hours lecture per week.
One three-hour laboratory per week. |
| PHY/OPT
101 |
Modern
Optics and Technology
A survey of basic properties of light, diffraction, holography,
interference, imaging, and applications to modern technology
including telescopes, lasers, CDs, fiber optics and optical
data storage. This course satisfies the general studies lab
science requirement. Three hour lecture, three-hour lab per
week. |
| PHY
201 |
General Physics I
An introductory course in general physics including mechanics,
heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism and modern physics.
Calculus methods are used.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 107 (may be taken concurrently
with Physics department permission). Three hours lecture,
three-hour laboratory period per week.
|
| PHY
202 |
General Physics II
Continuation of 201.
Prerequisites: Physics 201 and Mathematics 108 (may
be taken concurrently with Physics department permission).
Three hours lecture, three-hour laboratory period per week.
|
| PHY
203 |
General Physics III
An introduction to the fundamentals of physics: Thermodynamics
and kinetic gas theory. Quantum theory of photons, atoms,
nuclei and solids.
Prerequisite: Physics 202.
|
| PHY
251 |
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Thermodynamic systems and variables; the laws of thermodynamics.
Thermodynamic potentials and applications, ideal and real gas
relations; changes of phase, introduction to probability theory;
elementary kinetic theory of gases; micro and macro-states of
simple quantum-mechanical systems; Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein,
and Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics. |
| PHY
262 |
Electronics
An introduce to electronic components and circuits, including
power supplies, amplifiers and digital logic circuits.
Prerequisite: PHY 202, MAT 107
|
| PHY
340 |
Classical Mechanics
Fundamentals of Newtonian mechanics: conservation theorems,
central forces, motion in non-inertial frames, rigid-body motion.
Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations. |
| PHY
351 |
Electromagnetism I
Electrostatics and magnetostatics in vacuum and in material
media. Maxwell’s equations. Energy and momentum in the
electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic waves. Special relativity. |
| PHY
391 |
Selected Topics in Physics
Topics will be determined by the needs of the students and
the availability of faculty. Some possible topics are Advanced
Mathematical Physics, Electromagnetism II, Modeling and Simulation
in Physics. |
| PHY
431 |
Advanced Physics Laboratory I
Introduction to the techniques of experimental research
in the areas of electronics, electromagnetism and modern physics.
Measurement technique and error analysis are emphasized. Two
three-hour lab periods each week. |
| PHY
441 |
Quantum Physics I
Introduction to non-relativistic quantum mechanics; wave
functions, amplitudes and probabilities; the superposition of
quantum states, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Time evolution:
the Schroedinger equation, stationary states, two-state systems.
Motion in one-dimensional potentials: tunneling, particle in
a box, harmonic oscillator. |
| PHY
490 |
Senior Seminar in Physics
A seminar specifically designed for students admitted to
the department’s honors
program. Topics are determined by instructor. |
| PHY
491 |
Selected Topics in Physics and Optics
Topics will be determined by the needs of the students and
the availability of faculty. Some possible topics are Quantum
Physics II, Advanced Lab II, and topics dealing with current
trends in physics and optics. |
| OPT
241 |
Geometrical Optics
A study of optical instruments and their use, including
first-order Gaussian optics and thin-lens system layout. Lectures
and laboratory exercises designed to examine photometrics
theory applied to optical systems such as the eye, magnifier
and microscope, matrix optics and the nature of Seidel aberrations.
Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: MAT 107
|
| OPT
261 |
Wave Optics
Complex representation of waves; scalar diffraction theory;
Fresnel and Fraunhofer
diffraction and application to measurement; diffraction and
image formation; optical transfer function; coherent optical
systems, optical data processing and holography. Three hours
lecture, three hours laboratory per week. |
| OPT
324 |
Lasers and Applications
Fundamentals and applications of laser systems, including
optical amplification, cavity design, beam propagation and
modulation. Emphasis is placed on developing the basic principles
needed to design new systems, as well as an understanding
of the operation of those currently in use.
Prerequisites: OPT 261 and 323, MAT 302 recommended.
|
| OPT
362 |
Electromagnetic Theory
Vector analysis, Maxwell’s equations, energy flow
in electromagnetic fields, dipole
radiation from Lorentz atoms, partially polarized radiation,
spectral line broadening,
dispersion, reflection and transmission, crystal optics, electro-optics,
quantum optics.
Prerequisites: PHY 202, MAT 207, and MAT 302.
|
| OPT
400 |
Applied Optics
Application of Optics to current technology in optics,
covering topics such as advanced detection systems, semiconductor
optoelectonics, and optical system performance
specification.
Prerequisites: OPT 261, 323 and 324 (may be taken
concurrently)
|
| OPT
431 |
Advanced Optics Laboratory I
Intensive project-based laboratory course with experiments
on Optical imaging systems, testing of optical instruments,
diffraction, interference, holography, lasers, and detectors. |
|
OPT 442
|
Quantum Theory of Optics
Introduction to quantum mechanics in the context of modern
optics and optical technology. Wave mechanics applied to electrons
in crystals and in quantum wells. Absorption and emission
in semiconductors and the optical properties of materials.
Shrodinger equation, potential wells, barriers. Electron in
a periodic potential, energy bands, and Fermi statistics.
Prerequisites: PHY 202, 255
|
top of page
|
