• PHYS 3620

    Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    2.65

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    The course will examine basic principles of simple theories for metals, the basics of crystallography and crystal structures, the reciprocal space, lattice vibrations, elastic properties of solids, electronic band structure, impurities and defects, dielectric properties, magnetism and superconductivity. Prerequisite: PHYS 2620.

  • PHYS 2620

    Modern Physics
     Rating

    3.42

     Difficulty

    3.58

     GPA

    3.03

    Last Taught

    Spring 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 2415

    Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers
     Rating

    2.67

     Difficulty

    4.15

     GPA

    3.11

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Second semester of introductory physics sequence recommended for engineers and other scientists. Topics include electricity, magnetism, circuits and optics. Emphasis is on development of skills for practical applications. Three lecture hours. Prerequisites: PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1425; co-requisite: MATH 2310; or instructor permission.

  • 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 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 1425

    Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers
     Rating

    2.41

     Difficulty

    3.75

     GPA

    3.16

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    First semester of introductory physics sequence recommended for engineers. Topics include particle kinematics and dynamics, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, fluids, oscillatory motion, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. Emphasis is on development of skills for practical applications. Three lecture hours. Co-requisite: MATH 1320 or equivalent.

  • PHYS 3420

    Electricity and Magnetism I
     Rating

    3.33

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    3.20

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Systematic treatment of static electromagnetic phenomena with extensive use of vector calculus, including Maxwell's equations. Recommended Prerequisite: MATH 4220, PHYS 1720 or PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415, and PHYS 2720.

  • 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 3660

    Quantum Physics II
     Rating

    3.56

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.24

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Continuation of PHYS 3650. Intermediate quantum mechanics including perturbation theory; application to systems of current interest. Prerequisite: PHYS 3650.

  • PHYS 2020

    Principles of Physics 2 for Pre-Health Students
     Rating

    2.76

     Difficulty

    3.86

     GPA

    3.24

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Physics 2010 and 2020 constitute a terminal course sequence covering the principles of mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. A working knowledge of arithmetic, elementary algebra, and trigonometry is essential. The PHYS 2010 - 2020 sequence does not normally serve as prerequisite for the courses numbered 3110 and above. PHYS 2010, 2020, in conjunction with the laboratories PHYS 2030, 2040, satisfy the physics requirement of medical and dental schools. PHYS 2010 is prerequisite for 2020. Three lecture hours.