• PHYS 2620

    Modern Physics
     Rating

    3.36

     Difficulty

    3.62

     GPA

    3.04

    Last Taught

    Summer 2026

    Introduction to quantum physics and relativity, with application to atomic structure, nuclear and elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, and cosmology. Three lecture hours, one problem hour. Prerequisite: PHYS 1720 or 2410 or 2415, and MATH 2310 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 2720

    Problem Solving and Special Topics in Classical Physics
     Rating

    4.67

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    3.69

    Last Taught

    Summer 2026

    Develop and extend the techniques of introductory physics and calculus to solve more complicated problems. The course covers topics in mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, waves, and optics. Recommended prerequisites: PHYS 1420 or 1425; MATH 2310. Recommended co-requisites: PHYS 2410 or 2415; MATH 3250.

  • PHYS 3040

    Physics of the Human Body
     Rating

    3.33

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.36

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Application of basic physics principles to functions of the human body: biomechanics, metabolism, cardiovascular, cognitive & respiratory systems, and the senses. Medical diagnosis and therapy technologies (e.g., PET, MRI, CT) are discussed. Prerequisite: one semester of calculus and PHYS 2010 or PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1425 or PHYS 1710. Corequisite: PHYS 1710 or PHYS 2020 or PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 3110

    Widely Applied Physics
     Rating

    2.83

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.43

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Applications of physical principles to a diverse set of phenomena: order of magnitude estimates, dimensional analysis, material science and engineering, astrophysics, aeronautics and space flight, communications technology, meteorology, sound & acoustics and fluid dynamics. Not all topics will be covered in every course. Three lecture hours. (Y) Prerequisite: PHYS 2620 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 3120

    Applied Physics: Energy
     Rating

    1.11

     Difficulty

    4.33

     GPA

    3.34

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Basic physics principles of energy sources and energy production, conversion, distribution, and storage. This course will focus on the basic physics principles and applications of engines, nuclear energy, solar power and photovoltaic, geothermal, wind and hydropower, fuel cells, batteries, bioenergy and fossil energy, as well as energy harvesting in the internet age. We will also learn a closely related topic of physics of climate and "drawdown". The course will conclude with the outlook of renewable energies. Three lecture hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2620 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 3140

    Intermediate Laboratory
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.40

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Selected experiments in mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 1429, PHYS 2419; co-requisite: PHYS 2620.

  • PHYS 3150

    Electronics Laboratory
     Rating

    4.44

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    3.34

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    The course begins by covering the fundamentals of analog and digital electronics, including the use of transistors, FET's, operational amplifiers, TTL, and CMOS integrated circuits. Following this students conduct projects with modern microcontroller boards (Arduino and Raspberry Pi) using the concepts and the experience gained from the prior fundamentals. Six laboratory hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2040 or PHYS 2419.

  • PHYS 3170

    Advanced Laboratory A
     Rating

    4.07

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.53

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Approximately five experiments drawn from the major fields of physics. Introduces precision apparatus, experimental techniques, and methods of evaluating experimental results. Outside report preparation is required. Six laboratory hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2640 or PHYS 3140

  • PHYS 3180

    Advanced Laboratory B
     Rating

    4.00

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.49

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Approximately five experiments drawn from the major fields of physics. Introduces precision apparatus, experimental techniques, and methods of evaluating experimental results. Outside report preparation is required. Six laboratory hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2640 or PHYS 3140

  • PHYS 3210

    Classical Mechanics
     Rating

    3.95

     Difficulty

    3.54

     GPA

    3.06

    Last Taught

    Fall 2026

    Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies treated with extensive use of vector calculus; includes the Lagrangian formulation of mechanics. Prerequisites: MATH 2310 or equivalent, MATH 3250 or equivalent, and PHYS 2720 or instructor permission.