Physics and computer science are flexible majors. The computing, critical thinking, and mathematical skills developed by physics and computer science students make them highly sought after by businesses, banks, hospitals, the government, the military, and graduate schools. Graduates in physics and computer science can, and do, excel in a diverse range of situations and occupations.

121L-122L. General Physics Laboratory (l each sem) (Coreq: Physics 121-122)
These laboratory courses expand on the topics covered in PHYS 121-122. Students will perform experiments and analyze the results based on physical law. Cannot be taken separately from PHYS 121-122 except by consent of the instructor.

203. Introduction to Astronomy (4)
This course presents an overview of the major fields of astronomy. The course begins with a brief history of astronomy followed by an in-depth discussion of the basic concepts and tools used throughout astronomy. Topics include history of astronomy, naked-eye observations, light, telescopes, stars, stellar evolution, black holes, galaxies, and cosmology. Some of the lab sessions will be scheduled in the evening to allow astronomical viewing. No previous experience in astronomy is expected.

204. Extraterrestrial Life (3)
This course will cover what we know about the origin of life on Earth and the conditions necessary for it to occur elsewhere. Much of the discussion will necessarily be somewhat speculative, but the bulk of the course will concentrate on the astronomy and biology that underlies our speculation. Topics include: “The Drake Equation: Where are They?”, evolution of stars, development of life on Earth in our solar system and in other planetary systems, interstellar travel, and strategies for contact. Specifically designed for non-science majors with a few math skills. (Spring)

205. Descriptive Physics (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly)
A course of lectures and demonstrations designed to enable liberal arts students to have a knowledge of the field of general physics. Topics will include the study of light and color, sound, energy and motion with emphasis placed on conceptual understanding rather than problem solving. (Spring)

211. Earth Science (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly; prereq: one year of laboratory science)
Includes a study of the astronomy of the solar system as well as an introduction to geologic processes, land forms, rocks, and minerals. (Spring)

214. Physics with Calculus I (3) (Prereq: MATH 202)
First of three courses in a calculus-based physics sequence. Topics include vectors, laws of motion, conservation principles, rotational motion, oscillations, and gravitation. (To be offered in Fall 2007)

215. Physics with Calculus II (3) (Prereq: MATH 301, PHYS 214)
Continuation of PHYS 214. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, electric and magnetic fields, electric currents, and motions of charged particles in fields. (To be offered in Spring 2008)

216. Physics with Calculus III (4) (Prereq: MATH 302, PHYS 215)
Continuation of PHYS 215. Topics include wave motion, electromagnetic waves, interference and diffraction, relativity, atomic particles, and atomic and nuclear structure. (To be offered in Fall 2008)

217. Introductory Modern Physics (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly; prereq: PHYS 122 and MATH 201)
A course designed to introduce the student to the developments in physics in the twentieth century. It includes a survey of the theory of atomic structure, relativity, and nuclear theory. (Spring)

218. Mechanics (3) (Prereq: PHYS 122 and MATH 201 or consent of instructor)
A course designed to introduce the student to the basic principles of statics and elementary dynamics. The use of calculus is introduced early in the course and many problems requiring its use are covered. (Fall)

220. Methods of Theoretical Physics (3) (Prereq: MATH 202)
An introduction to mathematical methods that are commonly used in advanced physics. The main topics are vector algebra and calculus (including divergence, gradient, curl, Stokes’ theorem, line and surface integrals, and curvilinear coordinate systems) and the solution of boundary value problems involving the wave equation and Laplace’s equation (separation of variables, power series, and special functions). Other topics such as complex variables and Fourier analysis may be included at the discretion of the instructor. (Spring)

250. Basic Electronics (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly; prereq: PHYS 122 and MATH 201)
An introduction to analysis of AC and DC circuits, amplifiers, semi-conductor devices, and instrument systems. (Fall)

301. Optics (4) (3 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab weekly; prereq: PHYS 122 and MATH 301 or consent of instructor)
An intermediate course in light from the viewpoint of both geometrical and physical optics. There will be experiments in reflection, refraction, diffraction, photometry, and polarization. (Fall)

302. Heat and Thermodynamics (3) (Prereq: PHYS 122 and MATH 301)
This course includes a study of thermometry, physical states of matter, calorimetry, heat balance equations, gas laws for real and ideal gases, kinetic theory, cyclical operations and the laws of thermodynamics. (Spring, alternate years)

303-304. Electricity and Magnetism I & II (3 each sem) (Prereq: PHYS 122 or 220 and MATH 401)
This course sequence is designed to introduce the student to the basic laws of electricity and magnetism as they are formulated using differential and integral calculus. Gauss’ law, Laplace’s equation, the Biot-Savart law, Faraday’s law and Maxwell’s equations are studied along with the phenomena of polarization, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation, and other topics. (Fall and Spring, alternate years)

311. Advanced Mechanics (3) (Prereq: PHYS 218 and either PHYS 220 or MATH 401)
A course in classical mechanics covering the dynamics of system of particles, motion of rigid bodies, and an introduction to Lagrange’s equations and the Hamiltonian function as well as other topics of interest to the advanced physics student. A thorough knowledge of integral and differential calculus is assumed. (Spring, alternate years)

320. Classical Optics (3) (Prereq: PHYS 216)
An intermediate course in light from the viewpoint of both geometrical and physical optics. This is the same course as PHYS 301 without the lab component. (Alternating years)

350. Advanced Physics Laboratory (2) (Prereq: PHYS 217, 301 and MATH 301)
This course consists of three or four experiments designed to illustrate important concepts in quantum mechanics and modern physics and to introduce the student to some of the techniques of modern experimental physics research. (Spring, alternate years)

398. Honors Research (3-6). See page 44 in Book of Majors.
Available for students during the junior and senior years with approval of the departmental faculty. Students with a 3.20 GPA in all courses and a 3.40 GPA in major courses may undertake an honors research program. Oral and written presentations of the results of the project will be required. Students who successfully complete the departmental honors research program will graduate with honors in the major discipline. (Fall or Spring, or Fall and Spring)

415. Quantum Mechanics (3) (Prereq: PHYS 217 and either PHYS 220 or MATH 401)
A rigorous presentation of the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. Topics include the wave function for a free particle, superposition of states, construction and behavior of wave packets, the position and momentum representations, general techniques for constructing solutions to Schrodinger’s equation, and the time development of quantum-mechanical systems. (Spring, alternate years)

416. Topics in Modern Physics (3) (Prereq: PHYS 217 and either PHYS 220 or MATH 401)
Further development of topics in physics of the 20th Century: relativity theory, atomic physics (of both the hydrogen atom and multi-electron atoms), nuclear physics, and solid-state physics. This course develops and uses the techniques of quantum mechanics as necessary but not with the detail and rigor of PHYS 415. (Fall, alternate years)

442. Directed Studies. See page 36.
444. Internships. See page 37.

446. Readings. See page 37.
Hours and credits arranged to meet the needs of the student. Open to juniors and seniors by special permission. Subject matter pertaining to the student’s field of interest will be considered.

448. Research. See page 37.
450. Seminar. See page 37.
452. Special Projects. See page 37.
458. Special Topics. See page 37.

Computer Science (CSC)

201. Introduction to Microcomputers (3)
This course will introduce the student to the use of microcomputers with an emphasis on productivity software such as word processing, data base management, spreadsheets, and graphics. Selection and evaluation of software and peripherals will be discussed along with current topics in microcomputing. No previous computer experience is assumed.

202. Intermediate Microcomputer Applications (3) (Prereq: CSC 201 or consent of instructor)
In this course the student will learn to use a variety of microcomputer software packages that reach beyond basic word processors, spreadsheets, and databases. Topics covered will include file conversion, desktop publishing, hypertext programming, graphics, networking, sound input and output, and communications. Other topics will be included according to current activity in the microcomputer field. (On demand)

223. COBOL Programming (3)
An intensive study of the theory and practices used in writing business-oriented programs with the COBOL language. Students will write many applications programs illustrative of the theory and run them on the computer as part of the language exercise. The language is approached both from a pseudocode and a flowchart approach with emphasis on proper program design prior to the beginning of the coding of the program. (On demand)

241-242. Program Design I and II (4 each sem)
Principles of program design and implementation using a modern programming language. Fundamentals of procedural programming, including basic data types, control structures, console and file input/output, subprograms, vectors and/or arrays, recursion, and pointers. Introduction to object-oriented programming, including objects, classes, member data, and member functions. Introduction to graphical user-interface programming. Students must develop and demonstrate proficiency in writing and debugging programs up to an intermediate level of complexity. Students must receive a grade of “C-“ or better in CSC 241 in order to advance to 242. (241 Fall; 242 Spring)

250. Computing Methods for Science and Math (3) (Prereq: MATH 202)
Covers techniques for numerical calculations, symbolic mathematical manipulations, and graphical presentation of results using spreadsheets, symbolic math packages, and procedural programming languages. (Fall, alternate years)

258. Special Topics (1-6). See page 37 in Book of Majors.

305. System and Network Administration (3) (Prereq: CSC 231 or 241)
This course is a broad overview of the process of administering desktop and server computers. Operating systems will include Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Heavy emphasis will be placed on service management and user management in a multi-user environment. The course will also deal specifically with hardware/software installation and support. Other topics will include network topography (using the OSI model) and maintenance. (Spring, alternating years)

307. 3D Modeling and Animation (4) (Prereq: CSC 201 or 241)
This course explores concepts and methodologies for creating and exploring 3D graphics and animation. This class will introduce fundamental 3D theories and principles of computer modeling and animation. The class will also explore the history, development, and theories behind modeling and animation. Essential concepts will be made concrete through a major term-long team project in which student teams will develop their own 3D models that are then used in a short animation. (Spring)

308. Graphics Programming and Animation (3) (Prereq: CSC 241)
This course introduces the student to programming that draws 2D or 3D images on the screen. In particular, we will study graphics packages that enable interactive drawing and animation in 2D and 3D spaces. (Spring, alternate years)

311. Computer Organization (3) (Prereq: recommended CSC 241)
This course introduces the student to foundational mechanisms of computer architecture including Boolean and sequential circuits, assembly languages, instruction sets, internal data representations ,and essential hardware components that support operating systems. (Fall)

332. Algorithms and Data Structures (3) (Prereq: CSC 242; recommended MATH 208 or 211)
A thorough introduction to the analysis of computer algorithms and to advanced techniques for representing information. Analysis of algorithms involves measuring the time and space an algorithm uses thus providing a method for comparing algorithms. Common algorithms and data structures are introduced and analyzed including search and sort methods, lists, trees, and graphs. (Fall)

333. Database Processing and Design (3) (Prereq: CSC 241 or consent of instructor)
Introduction to database concepts as related to the design of online information systems. Topics include data modeling, database/database application design and implementation, and data administration. The implementation of a database using commercially available software will be a term project. (On demand)

350. Numerical Methods (3) (Prereq: CSC 250 or 241 and MATH 202 or consent of instructor; cross-listed with mathematics)
A study of the use of the computer to solve mathematical problems of interest to scientists and engineers. Topics include function approximation, numerical differentiation and integration, systems of linear equations, least-squares fitting, function minimization, and Monte-Carlo methods. Special emphasis is placed on using matrix methods where appropriate. Students are expected to write several programs illustrating these topics. (Spring, alternate years)

411. Operating Systems (4) (Prereq: CSC 242; recommended CSC 311)
This course is an overview of the essential components of a modern operating system whose primary task is to manage the computer’s hardware resources. Topics include, but are not limited to, process management, memory management, device management, file systems, and interrupt handling. As time allows, students will have hands-on experience in systems programming by writing a device driver or system call. Emphasis will be in handling concurrency inherent in much of the operating system. (Spring)

425-426. Software Development I and II (2 each sem) (Prereq: CSC 242; recommended CSC 411)
A hands-on introduction to the basic concepts of software development as principles are applied to medium-sized software projects. The larger part of this course is manifested as a team project that follows a software development methodology whose result is a complete and practical software system. Students are introduced to software development tools and environments as well as various development methodologies and ethics in software development. (425 Fall; 426 Spring)

430. Artificial Intelligence (3) (Prereq: CSC 332 recommended; CSC 242 required)
This course will introduce the student to a wide variety of concepts and ideas from artificial intelligence through (1) practice programming exercises; (2) readings from the text and a variety of journals; (3) interactive intelligent agents distributed through the web and other sources; and (4) lively classroom discussions. Using various components of the course, students will conduct critical analysis of current literature and formulate their own arguments to support their view of the discipline. (Spring)

432. Theory of Computation (3) (Prereq: CSC 332 and MATH 208 or 211)
A survey of the mathematical foundations of what can and cannot be computed by introducing various classes of languages and their corresponding computational machines. The major categories of complexity for computation are introduced and analyzed including regular expressions, context-free languages, recursively enumerable sets, and intractable problems. (Fall)

442. Directed Studies (1-3). See page 36. (Prereq: Juniors and seniors with at least nine hours of computer science credit)
Course designed to allow the student to pursue a topic of special interest under the direction of a member of the department.

444. Internships. See page 37.
446. Readings. See page 37.
448. Research. See page 37.
450. Seminar. See page 37.
452. Special Projects. See page 37.
458. Special Topics. See page 37.

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