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Physics

Course Code
PHYS 105  Credits
Title Physics of Music 
Lasc Area Goal 3 Lab  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Physical principles governing the production, transmission and reception of musical sound. A background in music is strongly recommended. Lab included. MnTC Goal 3. 



Course Code
PHYS 140  Credits
Title Introduction to Sustainability 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course introduces the concept of environmental sustainability using energy as a theme. We will examine how a variety of cultures utilize energy and how these cultures approach sustainability. Using a systems approach we will explore current energy trends and discuss future energy scenarios. relevant topics from physics, chemistry, biosciences and earth science will be covered as they relate to sustainability. The tradeoffs (environmental as well as economic) associated with generating and using energy for different cultures will be examined. Finally we will explore what actions are needed to work towards a sustainable energy future. Students should have completed or be concurrently enrolled in College Algebra. 



Course Code
PHYS 160  Credits
Title College Physics I & Lab 
Prerequisite MATH 127 and MATH 143 or SAT Math 580 or higher, or ACT Math 24 or higher, or Accuplacer College Math 50 or higher or NG AAF 225 or higher (with additional trig knowledge) 
Lasc Area Goal 3 Lab  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Concepts and principles of elementary physics presented in a guided activity-based format which integrates lecture and laboratory using cooperative group learning techniques. Includes kinematics and mechanics. MnTC Goal 3. 



Course Code
PHYS 161  Credits
Title College Physics II & Lab 
Prerequisite PHYS 160  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Concepts and principles of elementary physics presented in a guided activity-based format which integrates lecture and laboratory using cooperative group learning techniques. Includes thermal physics, electromagnetism, and optics. 



Course Code
PHYS 190  Credits 1-3 
Title Topics in Physics 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description A study of a specific area of physics. 



Course Code
PHYS 200  Credits
Title General Physics I & Lab 
Prerequisite MATH 142 or MATH 143 or upper level calculus course Co-Req MATH 261 
Lasc Area Goal 3 Lab  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Calculus-based study of general physics presented in a guided activity-based format which integrates laboratory and lecture using cooperative learning techniques. Includes kinematics, conservation laws (energy, momentum and angular momentum) and harmonic oscillations. MnTC Goal 3. 



Course Code
PHYS 201  Credits
Title General Physics II & Lab 
Prerequisite MATH 261 and PHYS 200 Co-req MATH 262 
Lasc Area Goal 3 Lab  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Calculus-based study of general physics presented in a guided activity-based format which integrates laboratory and lecture using cooperative learning techniques. Includes electric charges, electric fields, capacitance electric circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and an introduction to optics. MnTC Goal 3. 



Course Code
PHYS 202  Credits
Title Introduction to 20th Century Physics 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Introduction to physics topics in 20th century physics: thermodynamics, physical optics, and overview of atomic, molecular, and particle physics. A weekly hour long lab period is included in regular class hours. 



Course Code
PHYS 290  Credits 1-3 
Title Topics in Physics 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Students may register more than once when topic varies. 



Course Code
PHYS 302  Credits
Title Sustainable Energy-Science and Application 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course provides an overview of the science involved in renewable energy and the application of that science. The student will gain an understanding of the science involved in energy production, energy storage, and energy conservation. They will complete a group project in developing their own design in one of the sustainable technologies. This course does not count as an elective for the B.S. degree in Physics. Student must have completed CCGE 123 or MATH 127 or other College Algebra or higher course. 



Course Code
PHYS 305  Credits
Title Experimental Physics I 
Prerequisite PHYS 201 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Writing Intensive Yes  
Description Study of laboratory techniques and measuring instruments. 



Course Code
PHYS 306  Credits
Title Experimental Physics II 
Prerequisite PHYS 350 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Writing Intensive Yes  
Description Study of laboratory techniques and measuring instruments. 



Course Code
PHYS 312  Credits
Title Analog Electronics 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course provides a general overview of analog electronics(electrical engineering), and includes a number of electronics laboratory activities completed during regular class hours. The course will cover circuit analysis (DC and AC), explore semiconductor devices (diodes and transistors), analog electronics (operational amplifiers) and timer circuits. Student must have completed either PHYS 161 or PHYS 201 and either MATH 229 or MATH 261



Course Code
PHYS 315  Credits
Title Physics Seminar 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Students will be required to read and present journal articles periodically. Students will discuss the physics involved and participate in informal discussions with the faculty and fellow students. Potential topics might include recent discoveries in physics or astronomy, novel experimental techniques or apparatus, novel physical theories, and demonstrations for physics instruction. Course is repeatable, but only a total of 2 credits in any combination of seminar (PHYS 315), research (PHYS 300), and internship (PHYS 469) counts towards physics electives for both the major and the minor. 



Course Code
PHYS 318  Credits
Title Biophysics and Medical Imaging 
Prerequisite MATH 262 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course is a calculus-based study of biophysics and medical imaging techniques and topics covering optical microscopy, computed (axial) tomography (CT or CAT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound imaging and positron emission tomography (PET). Techniques in real space and Fourier space imaging will be covered including resolution, aberrations and exposure limitations. Special attention will be given to radiation effects and nuclear medicine topics. This course will use cooperative learning techniques along with guided labs covering selected techniques. 



Course Code
PHYS 322  Credits
Title Elementary Modern Physics 
Prerequisite PHYS 202 PHYS 201 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description An introduction to special relativity, the Bohr atom, wave mechanics and the Schrodinger equation, the hydrogen atom, many electron atoms, nuclear properties and reactions and elementary particles. 



Course Code
PHYS 325  Credits
Title Optics 
Prerequisite MATH 366 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course covers geometrical and physical optics including paraxial theory, interference, diffraction, polarization and optical instruments. 



Course Code
PHYS 330  Credits
Title Intermediate Mechanics 
Prerequisite MATH 366 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description An advanced unified approach to physical problems: Newton's Laws; particle dynamics in one, two, and three dimensions; systems of particles, gravitation, moving reference frames; Lagrange's equations, dynamics of rigid bodies; Hamilton's equations. 



Course Code
PHYS 342  Credits
Title Introduction to Research 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description The course will prepare students for independent undergraduate research. The students will be introduced to the literature search process, common research techniques, safety aspects, faculty research interests and applications of science in industry. 



Course Code
PHYS 350  Credits
Title Computational Methods for Physical Science 
Prerequisite PHYS 202 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course is an introduction to solving problems by computer using techniques pertinent to students in the physical sciences. Topics are covered in relation to specific problems in the physical sciences. Topics may include matrix manipulation, numeric integration and differentiation, and numeric solution of differential equations.