May 21, 2024

2014-2015

2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

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Physics
	PHYS 107 - Concepts and Applications in Physics I Credits: 3 Identifying and quantifying physics concepts that organize daily experience, selected from mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Includes individual and collaborative development of abstract and practical problem solving skills and applications in the classroom and integrated laboratory experience. Intended to lay a foundation for pre-professional and calculus-based introductory physics courses. For dual credit only, associated with Berrien County RESA Mathematics & Science Center programs and calendar. In combination with PHYS108, meets the physical science requirement for Andrews University General Education. Does not apply to a physics major or minor. Grade Mode: Normal (A-F, I, W) Schedule Type: Lecture, Lab Offering: Fall College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 108 - Concepts and Applications in Physics II Credits: 3 A sequel to PHYS 107, identifying and quantifying the remaining physics concepts from mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Includes individual and collaborative development of abstract and practical problem solving skills and applications in the classroom and integrated laboratory experience. Intended to lay a foundation for pre-professional and calculus-based introductory physics courses. For dual credit only, associated with Berrien County RESA Mathematics & Science Center programs and calendar. In combination with PHYS107, meets the physical science requirement for Andrews University General Education. Does not apply to a physics major or minor. Grade Mode: Normal (A-F, I, W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 107 Schedule Type: Lecture, Lab College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 108 - Concepts and Applications in Physics II Credits: 3 A sequel to PHYS 107, identifying and quantifying the remaining physics concepts from mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Includes individual and collaborative development of abstract and practical problem solving skills and applications in the classroom and integrated laboratory experience. Intended to lay a foundation for pre-professional and calculus-based introductory physics courses. For dual credit only, associated with Berrien County RESA Mathematics & Science Center programs and calendar. In combination with PHYS107, meets the physical science requirement for Andrews University General Education. Does not apply to a physics major or minor. Grade Mode: Normal (A-F, I, W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 107 Schedule Type: Lecture, Lab College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 110 - Astronomy Credits: 4 Exploring the cosmic environment— the solar system, stars and their development, star clusters, the interstellar medium, galaxies, and large-scale features of the Universe. Includes a distance laboratory component and meets the Andrews General Education Physical Science requirement. Does not apply to a major or minor. Weekly: 3 lectures, 1 recitation and a 2-hour lab $ - Course or lab fee Delivery: Interactive online course Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): MPE P2 or MATH145 or 166 or STAT285. Schedule Type: Lecture/Lab, Interactive Online Offering: Fall, Spring College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 110 - Astronomy Credits: 4 Exploring the cosmic environment— the solar system, stars and their development, star clusters, the interstellar medium, galaxies, and large-scale features of the Universe. Includes a distance laboratory component and meets the Andrews General Education Physical Science requirement. Does not apply to a major or minor. The distance equivalent of 3 lectures, 1 recitation and a 2-hour lab per week. $ - Course or lab fee Delivery: Interactive online course Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): MPE P2 or MATH145 or 166 or STAT285 or equivalent. Schedule Type: Lecture/Lab, Interactive Online Offering: Fall, Spring, Summer College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 115 - Mythbusting Credits: 4 Examining what is commonly believed about the physical world and how to realign it with measureable reality. A conceptual and relevant understanding of physics—forces, matter and energy with 21st century applications. Meets the General Education Physical Science requirement. Does not apply to a major or minor. Weekly: 3 lectures, 1 recitation and a 2-hour lab $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): MPE P2 or any GE-level math course. Schedule Type: Lecture/Lab College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 117 - Observational Astronomy Laboratory Credits: 1 Practical experience and background in observational astronomy with modern optical instruments in laboratory, field or remote facilities. As weather permits, will include sessions at the University observatory with departmental or personal telescopes. A standalone laboratory course suitable for students in any major and for the general public. General Education Physical Science credit is limited to transfer students who are articulating a lecture course in astronomy or a Physical Science with 3 or more credits. Does not apply to a major or minor. Weekly: one 3-hour activity $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Normal w S/DG (A-F,I,S,U,DG,W) Schedule Type: Lab College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 141 - General Physics I Credits: 4 Algebra based introduction to mechanics, wave motion, sound and thermodynamics. Weekly: 3 lectures, 1 recitation, 1-hour of small-group learning and one 2.5-hour lab $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): MPE P4 or MATH 167 or MATH 168 Schedule Type: Lecture, Lab, Workshop College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 142 - General Physics II Credits: 4 Algebra based introduction to electricity, magnetism, physical and geometric optics, relativity, and modern physics Weekly: 3 lectures, 1 recitation, 1-hour of small-group learning and one 2.5-hour lab $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 141 Schedule Type: Lecture, Lab, Workshop College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 225 - Sound and Waves Credits: 4 The production, transmission, synthesis, and perception of sound as understood through the physical principles, properties, and nature of waves. Includes a survey of applications—music, speech, locomotion, and imaging—and comparisons with light and other kinds of waves. Meets the General Education Physical Science requirement. Does not apply to a major or minor. Weekly: 3 lectures and a 2-hour lab $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): MPE P2 or MATH 145 or MATH 165 or STAT 285. Schedule Type: Lecture/Lab College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 235 - MATLAB Credits: 2,3 An introduction to MATLAB programming with a focus on its application to physics problems. The capabilities of MATLAB are explored in the areas of graphing, data analysis, numerical methods, Fourier analysis, and signal processing. Weekly: 1 lecture and a 4-hour lab $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Schedule Type: Lab College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 241 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Credits: 4 A calculus-based introduction to mechanics, wave motion and thermodynamics emphasizing the mathematical formulation and the physical significance of fundamental principles. Weekly: 4 lectures and 1 recitation Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Corequisite(s): PHYS 271 Prerequisite(s): MATH 192 Schedule Type: Lecture College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 242 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Credits: 4 A calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism, geometric and physical optics, relativity, and modern physics emphasizing the mathematical formulation and the physical significance of fundamental principles. Weekly: 4 lectures and 1 recitation Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Corequisite(s): PHYS 272 Prerequisite(s): MATH 192 and PHYS 241 Schedule Type: Lecture College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 271 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory I Credits: 1 Laboratory experiments in mechanics, wave motion and thermodynamics, associated with the PHYS241 course. Weekly: one 3-hour lab $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Corequisite(s): PHYS 241 Schedule Type: Lab College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 272 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory II Credits: 1 Laboratory experiments in electricity, magnetism, geometric and physical optics, and modern physics associated with the PHYS242 course. Weekly: one 3-hour lab $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Corequisite(s): PHYS 242 Schedule Type: Lab College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 277 - Physics Colloquium Credits: 0 Current topics and issues of interest to the physics community. Required each semester of all students with a physics major or minor. Interchangeable with MATH 389. Weekly: 1 lecture or activity $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Satisfactory (S,U,I,W) Repeatable: Repeatable Schedule Type: Seminar College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 280 - Topics in_________ Credits: 0.5–3 Introductory-level topics in astrophysics, other current physics area or associated scientific programming. Grade Mode: Normal with DG (A-F,I,W,DG,DN) Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor. Repeatable: Repeatable up to 4 credits. Minimum of 4 hours per week is required for each credit earned. Schedule Type: Seminar College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 295 - Independent Study/Research Credits: 1,2 Individually directed reading and lab projects in physics (e.g., holography and astrophotography). A minimum of 4 hours per week is required for each credit earned. Grade Mode: Normal w S/DG (A-F,I,S,U,DG,W) Prerequisite(s): Approval of the instructor. Repeatable: Repeatable up to 4 credits Schedule Type: Independent College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 350 - Optics Credits: 3 Geometric and physical optics; interference and diffraction, polarization, Fourier optics, lasers, and holography. Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 242 (recommended) or PHYS 142; MATH 192. Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Alternate years College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 377 - Advanced Physics Laboratory I Credits: 1 Development of advanced lab skills in the study of basic physical phenomena. Emphasis includes scientific instrumentation, scientific computing, lab procedure, data reduction, interpretation, and technical communication. A public presentation is required. $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Normal with DG (A-F,I,W,DG,DN) Repeatable: Repeatable up to 2 credits Schedule Type: Lab Offering: Spring College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 400 - Demonstrations in Physics Credits: 1,2 Identifying topics suitable for demonstration, surveying the literature, preparing demonstrations, finding suppliers of materials and equipment. Critically evaluating demonstrations—their design, preparation, and execution. Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal with DG (A-F,I,W,DG,DN) Prerequisite(s): Approval of the department chair. Schedule Type: Lab College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 411 - Theoretical Mechanics I Credits: 3 Statics, kinematics, and dynamics for single particles, including Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms. Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal with DG (A-F,I,W,DG,DN) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 242 (recommended) or PHYS 142; MATH 192. Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Fall College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 412 - Theoretical Mechanics II Credits: 3 Statics, kinematics, and dynamics of multi-particle systems, including Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms. Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 411 (recommended) or ENGR 285; MATH 192. Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Spring, even years College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 416 - Biophysics Credits: 3 Modeling and describing physical phenomena of living systems, including transport and diffusion across membranes and electrical processes in muscle and nerve tissue. Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 142 or PHYS 242; MATH 192. Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Spring, odd years College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 420 - Advanced Topics in_________ Credits: 2,3 Astrophysics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, relativity or other current physics area. Grade Mode: Normal with DG (A-F,I,W,DG,DN) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 242 or PHYS 411. Repeatable: Repeatable up to 6 credits Schedule Type: Lecture College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 430 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Credits: 3 Systematic introduction to thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics (classical and quantum). Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 142 or PHYS 242; MATH 192. Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Spring, odd years College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 431 - Electricity and Magnetism I Credits: 3 A treatment of electromagnetic phenomena in terms of potentials and vector fields. Develops Maxwell’s equations with descriptions of electrostatics and magnetostatics as solutions to Laplace’s and Poisson’s equations. Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal with DG (A-F,I,W,DG,DN) Prerequisite/Corequisite: PHYS 411. Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Fall, even years College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 432 - Electricity and Magnetism II Credits: 3 A treatment of electromagnetic phenomena in terms of potentials and vector fields. Addresses electromagnetic radiation in media, reflection and refraction, and the fields of waveguides and antennae. Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal with DG (A-F,I,W,DG,DN) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 431 Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Spring, odd years College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 445 - Particle Physics Credits: 3 A study of particle properties, forces, structure, decay and reaction mechanism in the context of the Standard Model. Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 481. Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Spring, even years College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 460 - Solid State Physics Credits: 3 A study of crystallography, x-ray diffraction, properties of crystalline and amorphous solids, band theory of solids, and lattice dynamics. Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 411. Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Alternate years College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 475 - Physics Review Credits: 3 A review and synthesis of physics concepts and analytical and experimental techniques in preparation for entry into a graduate program. Topics include classical, statistical and quantum mechanics, waves and classical fields. Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 411. Schedule Type: Workshop Offering: Fall College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 477 - Advanced Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1 Development of advanced lab skills in the study of basic physical phenomena. Emphasis includes scientific instrumentation, scientific computing, lab procedure, data reduction, interpretation, and technical communication. A public presentation is required. $ - Course or lab fee Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal with DG (A-F,I,W,DG,DN) Repeatable: Repeatable up to 2 credits Schedule Type: Lab Offering: Spring College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 478 - Study Tour: Credits: 0 Travel to destinations relevant to individual programs of study. Classes will be selected from department(s) offerings. Fee may be required. $ - Course or lab fee Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Noncredit (NC,W) Schedule Type: Blended Learning College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 481 - Quantum Mechanics I Credits: 3 The mechanics of physical phenomena at small scales in formalisms developed by Schoredinger, Heisenberg, and Dirac. Treatments of infinite and square well, barrier, step, and harmonic oscillator potentials; uncertainty relations and angular momenta. Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite/Corequisite: PHYS 411. Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Fall, odd years College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 482 - Quantum Mechanics II Credits: 3 Matrix mechanics and spin, quantum mechanics applied to the hydrogen atom, many-electron atoms and solid state physics. Also an introduction to time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory. Swing course—Approved 400–499 courses qualify for graduate-level credit for graduate students Grade Mode: Normal (A-F,I,W) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 481. Schedule Type: Lecture Offering: Spring, even years College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 490 - Independent Study in Physics Credits: 1–3 Individually directed study or problem-solving in selected fields of physics. A minimum of 4 hours work per week is required for each credit earned and a written paper is required. Grade Mode: Normal w S/DG (A-F,I,S,U,DG,W) Repeatable: Repeatable up to 6 credits Schedule Type: Independent Special Approval: Instructor permission required. College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 495 - Physics Research Credits: 0–3 An independent research project in physics supervised by a faculty member. A minimum of 4 hours work per week is required for each credit earned and a written paper is required. Students should register for credit, or for the zero credit option, for each semester during which research is being done. Grade Mode: Normal w S/DG (A-F,I,S,U,DG,W) Repeatable: Repeatable up to 6 credits Schedule Type: Independent Special Approval: Instructor permission required. College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 530 - Topics in Teaching Physics Credits: 1–3 Discussions on 1) the principles of physics and effective approaches for teaching them, or 2) the physics lab, its purposes, administrative and safety procedures, essential equipment, seminal experiments, data analysis, lab journal, and reports. $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Normal w S/DG (A-F,I,S,U,DG,W) Repeatable: Repeatable up to 9 credits Schedule Type: Seminar College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 540 - Topics in Physics Credits: 2,3 Study in one of the traditional areas of graduate physics such as electromagnetic theory, analytical or quantum mechanics, solid state, atomic, nuclear or high energy physics, astrophysics, relativity, or mathematical physics. Students complete readings and problems. Grade Mode: Normal with DG (A-F,I,W,DG,DN) Repeatable: Repeatable up to 9 credits Schedule Type: Lecture College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 577 - Physics Colloquium Credits: 0, 0.5, 1 Current topics and issues of interest in the physics community. For non-zero credit options, includes specialized study and the preparation and delivery of a public presentation. Weekly: 1 lecture or activity $ - Course or lab fee Grade Mode: Satisfactory (S,U,I,W) Repeatable: Repeatable up to 1 credit Schedule Type: Seminar College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 648 - Workshop Credits: 1–3 An intensive program for middle school and secondary teachers and teachers-in-training who seek certification or endorsement in physics and who wish to update and expand their skills in the physics laboratory. Grade Mode: Normal w S/DG (A-F,I,S,U,DG,W) Repeatable: Repeatable Schedule Type: Workshop College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.
	PHYS 690 - Independent Study/Research Credits: 1–3 Individually directed study, problem-solving, or research in selected fields of physics. Open to qualified students who show ability and initiative. A minimum of 4 hours work per week expected for each credit earned. Grade Mode: Normal w S/DG (A-F,I,S,U,DG,W) Prerequisite(s): Consent of department chair. Repeatable: Repeatable up to 6 credits Schedule Type: Independent College Code: CAS Click here for the Schedule of Classes.

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Course Descriptions

PHYS 107 - Concepts and Applications in Physics I

PHYS 108 - Concepts and Applications in Physics II

PHYS 108 - Concepts and Applications in Physics II

PHYS 110 - Astronomy

PHYS 110 - Astronomy

PHYS 115 - Mythbusting

PHYS 117 - Observational Astronomy Laboratory

PHYS 141 - General Physics I

PHYS 142 - General Physics II

PHYS 225 - Sound and Waves

PHYS 235 - MATLAB

PHYS 241 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I

PHYS 242 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II

PHYS 271 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory I

PHYS 272 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory II

PHYS 277 - Physics Colloquium

PHYS 280 - Topics in_________

PHYS 295 - Independent Study/Research

PHYS 350 - Optics

PHYS 377 - Advanced Physics Laboratory I

PHYS 400 - Demonstrations in Physics

PHYS 411 - Theoretical Mechanics I

PHYS 412 - Theoretical Mechanics II

PHYS 416 - Biophysics

PHYS 420 - Advanced Topics in_________

PHYS 430 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

PHYS 431 - Electricity and Magnetism I

PHYS 432 - Electricity and Magnetism II

PHYS 445 - Particle Physics

PHYS 460 - Solid State Physics

PHYS 475 - Physics Review

PHYS 477 - Advanced Physics Laboratory II

PHYS 478 - Study Tour:

PHYS 481 - Quantum Mechanics I

PHYS 482 - Quantum Mechanics II

PHYS 490 - Independent Study in Physics

PHYS 495 - Physics Research

PHYS 530 - Topics in Teaching Physics

PHYS 540 - Topics in Physics

PHYS 577 - Physics Colloquium

PHYS 648 - Workshop

PHYS 690 - Independent Study/Research