SCSU PHYSICS UNDERGRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PHY 100 - Elements of Physics for Liberal Arts
A basic treatment of physics principles.  Selected topics from mechanics, heat, wave motion and electricity.  Special conditions lab fee. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.  3 credits.

PHY 101 - Inquiries in Elementary Physics
Central topics and applications of physics studied through laboratory-based investigations.  Emphasis on processes of science such as observation, measurement, and construction of theories.  Recommended for prospective teachers, especially K-6.  Some lab periods used for visits to school science classes.  Special conditions lab fee.  Lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, 4 hours.  3 credits.

PHY 103 - Elements of Physics for the Life Sciences
Basic principles with topics related to and applications from the life sciences.  Recommended for nursing majors.  Special conditions lab fee.  Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Special conditions lab fee.  Prerequisites: MAT 095 or higher, or Mathematics Placement Score at 'Mat 101' or higher.  3 credits.

PHY 111 - Physics for Today
An introduction to physics concepts with emphasis on class demonstrations and everyday applications.  Lecture-demonstration, 3 hours.  3 credits.

PHY 120 - Physics for Tomorrow
An introduction, using only elementary algebra, to contemporary ideas and discoveries such as relativity, quantum mechanics and chaos, and their applications in modern technology.  Prerequisites: one semester of introductory physics (PHY 100, 101, 103, 111, 200, 210 or 230) and MAT 103 or higher.  3 credits

PHY 200 - General Physics I
Motion, energy, vibrations, temperature, heat and fluids are studied using algebra and trigonometry with an emphasis on applications.  Special conditions lab fee.  Prerequisites; MAT 100 or MAT 102 or higher, or mathematics placement score at 'MAT 122' or higher.  4 credits.

PHY 201 - General Physics II
A continuation of PHY 200.  Electricity, magnetism, circuits, waves, optics and the atomic and nuclear structure of matter are studied using algebra and trigonometry with an emphasis on applications.  Special conditions: lab fee.  Prerequisite: PHY 200.  4 credits.

PHY 210 - College Physics
Selected topics from the field of basic physics employing algebra and trigonometry.  Special conditions: lab fee.  Prerequisites: MAT 100 or MAT 102 or higher, or mathematics placement scores at 'MAT 122' or higher.  4 credits.

PHY 230 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
Basic principles of mechanics, heat and wave motion are studied using calculus with an emphasis on applications.  Students who have not taken high school physics are advised to take a semester of elementary physics before enrolling in this course.  Special conditions lab fee.  MAT 150 must be taken prior to, or concurrent with, this course.   Prerequisites: MAT 122, or mathematics placement score at 'MAT 150' or 'no restrictions'.  4 credits.

PHY 231 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
Basic principles of electricity, magnetism and optics will be studied using calculus with an emphasis on applications.  Special conditions lab fee.  MAT 151 must be taken prior to, or concurrent with, this course.  Prerequisites:  PHY 230 and MAT 150.  4 credits.

PHY 309  - Modern Physics
Relativity, atomic structure, quantum physics and nuclear transformations are studied.  Prerequisites:  ENG 111 or ENG 112 and PHY 231.  3 credits.

PHY 340 - Lasers and Fiber Optics
Coherent light and photons, fundamentals of laser theory, semiconductor lasers, laser applications.  Multi-mode and singl-mode optical fibers.  Fiber optic systems and telecommunications.  2 hours lecture, 3 hour laboratory.  Prerequisite:  PHY 231 and Mat 151.  3 credits.

PHY 355 - Electricity and Electronics
An operational introduction to DC and AC circuits and electronic devices (diodes and transistors) emphasizing laboratory skills.  Special conditions lab fee.  Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 6 hours.  Prerequisite:  PHY 201, 210, or 231.  4 credits.

PHY 370  - Modern Physics Laboratory
Selected major experiments from modern physics.  Data analysis and presentation skills will be emphasized.  Special conditions lab fee.  Prerequisites:  PHY 231 and PHY 309.  2credits.

PHY 398 - Special Topics in Physics
Examination of developments, issues, and /or creative work in the field of Physics.  Prerequisites:  PHY 201, 210 or 231.  3 credits.

PHY 400 - Classical Mechanics  I
Application of Newton's laws in one and multiple dimensions, to moving coordinate systems, and to systems of particles. MAT 252 must be taken prior to, or concurrent with, this course.  Prerequisites:  PHY 231 and MAT 151.  3 credits.

PHY 401 - Classical Mechanics II
A continuation of Physics 400.  A study of rigid body motion, the Lagrange and Hamilton equations of motion, and small oscillations.  It is recommended that MAT 245 be taken prior to or concurrent with this course.  Prerequisites:  PHY 400 and MAT 252.  3 credits.

PHY 406 - Electricity and Magnetism
Basic principles of electromagnetism, electrical and magnetic properties of matter, Maxell's equations.  It is recommended that MAT 245 and PHY 400 be taken prior to or concurrent with this course.  Prerequisites:  PHY 231 and MAT 252.  3 credits.

PHY 410 -  Optics
Principles of physical optics and their modern applications.  Special conditions lab fee.  Prerequisites:  PHY 231; MAT 252 which may be taken concurrently.  3 credits.

PHY 411 - Optics Laboratory
A planned sequence of experiments in classical and modern optics.  Laboratory only, 3 hours.  Corequisite: PHY 410.  1 credit.

PHY 415 - Solid State Physics
Crystal structure, X-ray diffraction, lattice vibrations, band theory of metals, electrical conductivity of metals and semi-conductors, semi-conductor devices and superconductivity.  Prerequisites:  PHY 309 and MAT 151.  3 credits.

PHY 430 - Thermodynamics
Basic principles of heat and energy transfer applied to the properties of matter.  Special conditions lab fee.  Prerequisites: PHY 231; MAT 252 which may be taken concurrently.  3 credits.

PHY 440 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Physical concepts and mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics.  Topics include the Schrodinger equation, eigenfunctions and approximation methods.  It is recommended that MAT 245 and MAT 372 be taken prior to or concurrent with this course.  Prerequisites:  PHY 309 and MAT 252.  3 credits.

PHY 461 - Methods in Physics Research
Expose students to the areas of research in which our faculty are engaged.  Student will carry out a series of research related activities each under the supervision of a different faculty member.  Special conditions lab fee.  Prerequisites: PHY 370. 2 credits.

PHY 470 - Advanced Experimental Physics I
Laboratory work covering the important experimental discoveries of 20th century physics, data analysis, and presentation of results.  Course consists of a three-hour laboratory weekly and outside reading.  Special conditions lab fee.  Prerequisites:  PHY 231 and 309.  1 credit.

PHY 471 - Capstone Experience In Physics
A continuation of PHY 461, this course is the culminating capstone experience in physics.  It requires an independent research project or design activity and a significant written report.  Course consists of a six-hour laboratory per week and outside work.  Special conditions lab fee.  Prerequisites: PHY 461 or 470.  credits 3.

PHY 499 - Independent Study and Research
Prerequisite:  departmental permission.  1-4 credits.