Physics
Degrees and Certificates
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Pre-Pharmacy
Courses
PHY 117: STUDY TRAVEL PROGRAM
Special program offering the student an opportunity to learn about applications of physics in the U.S. and in foreign countries. The student will incur additional costs.
Prerequisites
None.
Notes
GEP.
PHY 125: FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR
Class Program
First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills.
Notes
GEP Natural Science (non-lab)
PHY 140: CONCEPTS OF PHYSICS
Class Program
A survey of some of the major concepts in physics. Designed for the non-scientist with limited background in mathematics. Lectures and laboratory. Lab fee.
Notes
GEP Natural Science (lab); elective
PHY 153: ASTRONOMY OF ANCIENT CULTURES
Class Program
Students will explore the astronomy and cosmology of different cultures including those of Australian aborigines, Costa Rican indigenous tribes, Maya, Inca and the Egyptians. They will learn the fundamentals of naked eye astronomy and the methods used to learn about ancient astronomy.
Notes
GEP credit.
PHY 160: BASIC PHYSICS OF ELECTRONICS
Class Program
A course that explores how the basic concepts of physics apply to electronic devices. This course includes lectures on the function and operation of electronic devices, with concentrations on electric charge and electrostatic force; materials structures and their electronic properties; electromagnetics; and circuit elements. Designed for non-science majors with limited background in mathematics. Lectures and labs. Lab fee
Notes
GEP Natural Science (lab); elective
PHY 241: ELEMENTS OF PHYSICS I
Class Program
A course of mechanics, properties of matter, heat, and sound. Lectures and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered yearly. Quantitative GEP requirement.
Notes
GEP natural science (lab); GEP quantitative; elective
PHY 242: ELEMENTS OF PHYSICS II
Class Program
Study of light, static and current electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Lectures and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered yearly. Quantitative GEP requirement.
Prerequisites
PHY 241.
Prerequisite Courses
Notes
GEP natural science (lab); GEP quantitative; physics minor, elective
PHY 251: ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICS I
Class Program
This course studies mechanics, heat, and waves using calculus to derive relationships and find solutions to problems. It is required for all physics minors. Lectures and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered yearly. Quantitative GEP requirement
Prerequisites
MTH 120.
Corequisites
MTH 120.
Notes
GEP credit. Minor, Elective credit.
PHY 252: ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICS II
Class Program
This course is a continuation of PHY 251 and studies light, electricity, and magnetism using calculus. It is required for all physics minors. Lectures and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered yearly. Quantitative GEP requirement.
Prerequisites
MTH 120.
Notes
Minor, Elective credit.
PHY 280: SPECIAL PROBLEMS
Study in the area of a student’s special interest. Offered on demand. Quantitative GEP requirement depending on topic.
PHY 299H: INTERDISCIPLINARY HONORS COURSE
Class Program
This course is team taught by members in two departments and is open to Nisbet Honors Program participants and to others who meet Honors Program guidelines. All students registering for these courses must register not only through the Honors Program but also with their adviser and the Registrar’s Office. Quantitative GEP requirement depending on topic.
Notes
GEP, Elective credit.
PHY 310: LABORATORY IN MODERN PHYSICS
Class Program
An advanced laboratory taken in conjunction with PHY 331 and 332. Offered on demand. Quantitative GEP requirement.
Notes
Minor credit.
PHY 331: MODERN PHYSICS I
Class Program
A study of relativity and quantum theory with applications in atomic physics. Offered on demand. Quantitative GEP requirement.
Prerequisites
PHY 242 or 252, MTH
Notes
Minor credit.
PHY 332: MODERN PHYSICS II
Class Program
A study of nuclear structure and interaction. Lectures and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered on demand. Quantitative GEP requirement.
Prerequisites
PHY 331, MTH 120.
Notes
Minor credit.
PHY 404 : SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS
Selected topics in the study of advanced or applied physics at a level appropriate for junior-senior students.
Elective credit.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite PHY 242, its equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite Courses
PHY 411: SEMINAR
Class Program
A study of various topics in physics. Offered on demand. Quantitative GEP requirement
Prerequisites
PHY 242 or 252.
Notes
Minor credit.
PHY 412: SEMINAR
Class Program
A study of various topics in physics. Offered on demand. Quantitative GEP requirement
Prerequisites
PHY 242 or 252.
Notes
Minor credit.
PHY 431: ANALYTICAL MECHANICS
Class Program
Study of statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Harmonic oscillations. Offered on demand. Quantitative GEP requirement.
Prerequisites
PHY 242 or 252, MTH 120.
Notes
Minor credit.