• PHYS 3430

    Electricity and Magnetism II
     Rating

    3.58

     Difficulty

    2.75

     GPA

    3.30

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    Includes Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic waves and their interaction with matter; interference, diffraction, polarization; waveguides; and antennas. Prerequisite: PHYS 3420.

  • PHYS 1420

    Introductory Physics 1: Classical Mechanics, Waves, and Thermodynamics
     Rating

    3.67

     Difficulty

    4.67

     GPA

    3.12

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    First semester of the introductory physics sequence recommended for prospective physics majors. Topics include particle kinematics and dynamics, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, fluids, oscillatory motion, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. Emphasis is on building foundations for future studies in physics. Three lecture hours. Prerequisite: MATH 1310; Co-requisite: MATH 1320; or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 5320

    Fundamentals of Photonics
     Rating

    3.67

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.33

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This course is designed to provide an understanding of the physics that underlies technologies such as lasers, optical time/frequency standards, laser gyros, and optical telecommunication. Covers the basic physics of lasers and laser beams, nonlinear optics, optical fibers, modulators and optical signal processing, detectors and measurements systems, and optical networks. Prerequisite: PHYS 5310 or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 1110

    Energy, Science and Society
     Rating

    3.78

     Difficulty

    2.44

     GPA

    3.21

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    Energy is of paramount importance to civilization and has been for centuries, although never more than the present day. Much of the things we value and rely on ¿ food, automobiles, air travel, heating and air conditioning ¿all depend on access to inexpensive sources of energy. Wars have been fought over sources of energy. But what is energy? Is it inexhaustible, or will inexpensive sources of energy disappear in our lifetimes? Will our thirst for energy inevitably lead to climate change and global warming? Physics 1110 intended to address these issues. Structured to be accessible to non-science majors, this course includes such topics as the physical nature of energy, the ways in which we produce and consume energy in our society, and how the opportunities energy provides, and the threats that may occur, will play into our future. Prerequisite: high-school algebra.

  • PHYS 1010

    The Physical Universe
     Rating

    3.92

     Difficulty

    2.62

     GPA

    3.23

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    In this class you will get a chance to explore the scientific wonders of the universe. Topics vary each semester but generally include: motion, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, relativity, atomic structure, molecules, quantum physics, the nucleus, chemistry, meteorology, geophysics, the solar system, stars, and cosmology. PHYS 1010 requires limited math, but has wide applications like electronics, wifi, rockets, satellites, nuclear reactors, lasers, climate change, earthquakes, the tides, eclipses, plate tectonics, fossil fuels, telescopes, solar energy, and the origin of universe. PHYS 1010 is for non-science majors. Premedical and pre-dental students should take PHYS 2010, 2020.

  • PHYS 3210

    Classical Mechanics
     Rating

    3.94

     Difficulty

    3.55

     GPA

    3.05

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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.

  • PHYS 3180

    Advanced Laboratory B
     Rating

    4.00

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.41

    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 1060

    How Things Work
     Rating

    4.05

     Difficulty

    3.09

     GPA

    3.14

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Explores the physics behind everyday life, considering objects from our daily environment and their principles of operation. Through these explorations, the course illustrates the deep impact of physics on our lives and on our society, addressing topics like climate change, energy policy, and economic growth. PHYS 1060 focuses on electricity, magnetism, light, special materials and nuclear science. PHYS 1050 and 1060 may be taken in either order.

  • PHYS 3170

    Advanced Laboratory A
     Rating

    4.07

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.53

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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 1655

    Introduction to Python for Scientists and Engineers
     Rating

    4.20

     Difficulty

    4.20

     GPA

    3.55

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course provides an introduction to the Python programming language with applications to common problems in the science and engineering fields. It emphasizes three core skills: analyzing data, simulating data, and visualizing data. No previous programming or computer experience is required. Prerequisite: MATH 1210 or equivalent, or instructor permission.