Undergraduate Physics Courses

Kent State University
Undergraduate Physics Courses Instructor's Web Pages | Graduate Physics Courses

NUMBER AND CREDITS	TITLE AND DESCRIPTION
PHY 11030 3 Credits	Seven Ideas that Shook the Universe Description of major revolutionary physical concepts and their implications for understanding the physical universe. Not counted toward physics major. Prerequisite: None. This course may be used to satisfy the Liberal Education Requirements.
PHY 11115 2 Credits	Hands-On Energy Conceptual approach using lectures, films, lecture demonstrations, hands-on demonstrations to cover work, energy, power, heat, wave motion, electricity, magnetism, light and other radiant energy, nuclear physics. Not counted toward physics major. Prerequisite: None.
PHY 12111 3 Credits	Physics for Health Technologies* Basic Physics applied to health technologies: measurement techniques, force and motion of solids and fluids, energy, heat, wave phenomena, electricity. Prerequisite: Admission to health technology program.
PHY 12201 3 Credits	Technical Physics I* Introduction to principles of physics: mechanics. Two hours recitation, two hours lab weekly. Pre- or corequisite: MATH 19001 or 12001.
PHY 12202 4 Credits	Technical Physics II* Introduction to principles of physics: fluids, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism. Two hours recitation, two hours lab weekly. Prerequisite: PHY 12201.
PHY 12411 3 Credits	Introduction to Computer Hardware Laboratory-lecture course designed to introduce the computer scientist to the digital logic and memory circuits and the concepts fundamental to computer hardware. Two hours lecture, two hours lab weekly. Prerequisite: None.
PHY 13001 5 Credits	General College Physics I Principles of mechanics, heat, and sound. Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, two hours lab (see PHY 13021) weekly. Pre- or corequisite: MATH 12001 or permission. This course may be used to satisfy the Liberal Education Requirements.
PHY 13002 5 Credits	General College Physics II Principles of electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, two hours lab (see PHY 13022) weekly. Prerequisite: PHY 13001 or 23101. This course may be used to satisfy the Liberal Education Requirements.
PHY 13011 3 Credits	College Physics I Principles of classical physics, primarily mechanics. Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, two hours lab (see PHY 13021) weekly. This course meets concurrently with PHY 13001 for the first 3 / 5 of a regular term. Pre- or corequisite: MATH 12001 or permission. This course may be used to satisfy the Liberal Education Requirements.
PHY 13012 3 Credits	College Physics II Principles of classical physics, primarily electricity and magnetism. Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, two hours lab (see PHY 13022) weekly. This course meets concurrently with PHY 13002 for the first 3 / 5 of a regular term. Prerequisite: PHY 13001 or 13011. This course may be used to satisfy the Liberal Education Requirements.
PHY 13021 0 Credit	General College Physics Lab I Required laboratory component of PHY 13001 and PHY 13011. Credit and grade for lab are subsumed within credit and grade for PHY 13001 or 13011 on student's transcript. Corequisite: PHY 13001 or 13011.
PHY 13022 0 Credit	General College Physics Lab II Required laboratory component of PHY 13002 and PHY 13012. Credit and grade for lab are subsumed within credit and grade for PHY 13002 or 13012 on student's transcript. Corequisite: PHY 13002 or 13012.
PHY 20095 1-3 Credits	Special Topics Topic announced when scheduled. Prerequisite: None.
PHY 21030 3 Credits	Energy and the Environment Introduces the nonscience student to the physical consequences to environment resulting from society's use of various forms of energy (e.g., fossil, nuclear, solar, etc.). Not counted toward requirements for major in physics. Prerequisite: None.
PHY 21040 3 Credits	Physics in Entertainment and the Arts Descriptive introduction to physics underlying selected forms of art and entertainment. Examples are drawn from music, visual arts, and communications media. Not counted toward requirements for major in physics. Prerequisite: None.
PHY 21430 3 Credits	Frontiers in Astronomy Modern description of astrophysical observations, the results of these observations, and the physical principles based on them. Not counted toward requirements for major in physics. Prerequisite: None. This course may be used to satisfy the Liberal Education Requirements.
PHY 22811 4 Credits	Forensic Physics Fundamental physical concepts are related to potential job activities of criminal justice studies students (e.g., evidence analysis, ballistics, auto collision analysis, radioactive materials accidents). Three hours lecture, two hours lab weekly. Prerequisite: None.
PHY 23101 5 Credits	General University Physics I Principles of mechanics, heat and sound at calculus level. Four hours lecture-recitation and three hours lab weekly. Prerequisite: MATH 12002 or corequisite MATH 12002 with department approval.
PHY 23102 5 Credits	General University Physics II Principles of electricity, magnetism, light, and modern physics at calculus level. Four hours lecture-recitation and three hours lab weekly. Prerequisite: PHY 13001 or 23101; MATH 12003 or corequisite MATH 12003 with department approval.
PHY 24001 3 Credits	Astronomy Astronomical measurements and their instruments, the solar system of planets, the sun and stars, spectra, radiation, evolution of stars, galaxies, concepts of cosmology. Not counted toward requirements for major in physics. Prerequisite: MATH 12001 or permission.
PHY 30020 2 Credits	Intermediate Physics Lab (repeated registration permitted) Experiments in classical and modern physics are selected to accompany and to supplement junior-level physics courses. Prerequisite: One year of physics. This course may be used to satisfy the writing-intensive course graduation requirement with approval of major department.
PHY 30095 1-3 Credits	Special Topics Topic announced when scheduled. Prerequisite: Permission.
PHY 32511 4 Credits	Electronics ``Hands-on'' course to give the student a working knowledge of analog electronics and of AC and DC circuits typically used by the scientist. Prerequisites: MATH 12002 and PHY 13002 or 23102.
PHY 32551 3 Credits	Applied Engineering Mechanics Analytical mechanics including both statics and dynamics. Not counted toward requirements for major in physics. Prerequisites: PHY 13001, 13002; MATH 12002.
PHY 32562 3 Credits	Aerodynamics Multispeed aerodynamics including topics in fluid mechanics, airfoil and wing theory, stability and control, performance, and aerodynamic loads. Prerequisites: MATH 12001 and PHY 13001 / 13002 or PHY 23101 / 23102.
PHY 32564 3 Credits	Materials Physics Structure, thermal and magnetic properties of matter, and interaction of radiation with matter in terms of fundamental concepts of atomic and condensed matter physics. Prerequisite: PHY 36001.
PHY 35101 3 Credits	Mechanics I Intermediate course in mechanics stressing problems involving point masses in inertial reference frames. Problem-solving techniques are emphasized. Prerequisites: MATH 22005 and one year of physics.
PHY 35102 3 Credits	Mechanics II Sequel to PHY 35101 stressing motions of multiparticle systems and rigid bodies in inertial and accelerating reference frames. Prerequisites: PHY 35101 and MATH 22005.
PHY 35402 2 Credits	Scientific Computing Solution of scientific problems with a PC using QBASIC or C language. Includes applications to integral and differential equations of physical sciences. IP grade permissible. Prerequisites: MATH 22005, one year of physics, proficiency in computer language such as BASIC, FORTRAN, or PASCAL.
PHY 35501 3 Credits	Waves Properties and applications of vibrating systems and waves; superposition, normal modes, Fourier analysis, energy and momentum, dispersion, polarization, refraction, interference, diffraction, holography. Prerequisites: MATH 12003 and PHY 35101.
PHY 35611 3 Credits	Microprocessor-Based Design I Microprocessors as the basis for intelligent controllers and instruments. Signal analysis, input / output, interrupt handling, and data connectors. IP grade permissible. Prerequisites: PHY 12411 and computer language proficiency (e.g., BASIC, FORTRAN, PASCAL).
PHY 36001 3 Credits	Introductory Modern Physics Special theory of relativity, Rutherford-Bohr model of atom, quantization of light, matter waves, Schrödinger equation, hydrogen atom, electron spin, multi-electron atoms. Prerequisites: MATH 12003 and PHY 23102, or permission.
PHY 40020 2 Credits	Advanced Physics Lab (repeated registration permitted) Advanced experiments in classical and modern physics are selected to accompany and to supplement senior-level physics courses. Prerequisites: 12 hours of 30000-level physics courses; pre- or corequisite: 6 hours of 40000-level physics courses or permission. This course may be used to satisfy the writing-intensive course graduation requirement with approval of major department.
PHY 40060 1-3 Credits	Physical Literature Study of current or topical literature. Prerequisite: Permission.
PHY 40093 1-6 Credits	Variable Title Workshop in Physics Workshop individually designed to provide instruction and training in specific areas of physics. Prerequisite: Permission.
PHY 40095 1-3 Credits	Special Topics Topic announced when scheduled. Prerequisite: Permission.
PHY 40096 1-6 Credits	Individual Investigation Individual projects for Physics majors. IP grade permissible. Prerequisite: 20 hours of physics, permission of department chairperson.
PHY 40099 1-10 Credits	Senior Honors Thesis Thesis for departmental, general, or University honors must be 1-10 hours with continuous registration throughout the senior year beginning in the summer prior to the senior year. IP grade permissible. Prerequisites: Honors senior standing, departmental and Honors Division consultation and approval prior to first semester of senior year; formal petition.
PHY 40195 1-3 Credits	Special Topics Topic announced when scheduled. Prerequisite: Permission.
PHY 42020 2 Credits	Applied Physics Laboratory (repeated registration permitted) Experiments using various research techniques at advanced level. Prerequisite: Two years of physics. This course may be used to satisfy the writing-intensive course graduation requirement with approval of major department.
PHY 42500 3 Credits	Physics of Laboratory Devices and Techniques Physics of semiconducting devices such as diodes, transistors; laboratory techniques using temperature control, vacuum pumps; x-ray, neutron, light, and electron scattering. Prerequisite: PHY 36001.
PHY 42512 4 Credits	General Electronic Instrumentation Laboratory-based course in digital and analog electronics, computer interfacing and computer-based technique all within context of applications in measurements, signal-to-noise enhancement, and control instrumentation. Lecture two hours, lab four hours weekly. Prerequisite: PHY 32511 or permission.
PHY 42513 3 Credits	Computer Systems Design Hands-on experience in selecting and using a microcomputer-based data acquisition and control system in the science laboratory. One hour lecture, four hours lab weekly. IP grade permissible. Prerequisite: Computer language proficiency (e.g., BASIC, FORTRAN, PASCAL).
PHY 44802 3 Credits	Astrophysics Galactic structure, stellar formation and evolution, origin of the elements (or nucleosynthesis), nonoptical astronomies, and description of various cosmological theories. Prerequisites: MATH 12003 and a major or minor in the physical sciences or technology or consent of instructor.
PHY 45201 3 Credits	Electromagnetic Theory I Properties of electric and magnetic fields developed by vector methods. Emphasis is on static fields in both vacuum and matter. Prerequisite: Permission.
PHY 45202 3 Credits	Electromagnetic Theory II Sequel to PHY 45201 continuing development of theory of classical electromagnetic fields with emphasis on dynamic fields. Prerequisite: PHY 45201 or permission.
PHY 45301 3 Credits	Thermodynamics Fundamental concepts in thermodynamics from a macroscopic as well as statistical approach. Includes applications to engineering. Prerequisites: MATH 22005 and one year of physics.
PHY 45403 2 Credits	Computer Analysis of Experimental Measurements Applications of the minicomputer to the reduction and analysis of data. Error analysis, root-finding, curve-fitting, smoothing of data. Prerequisites: MATH 22005 and PHY 35402 or equivalent.
PHY 45501 3 Credits	Fundamentals of Modern Optics Emission and propagation of coherent and incoherent light; nonlinear optical effects; introduction to devices and spectroscopic techniques based on modern optics. Prerequisite: PHY 45201.
PHY 45612 3 Credits	Microprocessor-Based Design II Design, construction, programming and interfacing of micro-controllers based on a 16-bit microprocessor. IP grade permissible. Prerequisite: PHY 35611 or permission.
PHY 46101 4 Credits	Quantum and Atomic Physics Bohr theory, wave mechanics, wave packets. Applications to barriers, oscillators, hydrogen atom, multi-electron atoms, x rays, molecular spectra. At level of Eisberg-Resnick's Quantum Physics. Prerequisite: PHY 36001.
PHY 46301 3 Credits	Introduction to Nuclear Physics Introduction to the concepts of nuclear physics including basic properties of the atomic nucleus, experimental techniques, nuclear models and reactions, nuclear fission and fusion, and elementary particles. Prerequisites: PHY 36001; MATH 22005 or permission.
PHY 46401 3 Credits	Introduction to Solid State Crystal structure, crystal diffraction and reciprocal lattice, crystal binding, phonons and lattice vibrations, Fermi gas, energy bands. Prerequisites: 18 hours of physics, MATH 22005 or permission.
	POSSIBLE MATHEMATICS PREREQUISITES
MATH 11011 4 Credits	College Algebra Level of difficulty between that of MATH 10005 and 12001. Includes factoring, equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions. Prerequisites: MATH 10005 or appropriate placement test score; and no credit for MATH 12001. This course may be used to satisfy the Liberal Education Requirements.
MATH 11022 2 Credits	Trigonometry Solution of triangles, trigonometric equations and identities. Prerequisite: MATH 11011 or appropriate placement test score and no credit for MATH 12001.
MATH 12001 4 Credits	Algebra and Trigonometry Includes topics covered in MATH 11011 and 11022. Prerequisites: Appropriate placement test score and no credit for MATH 11011 or 11022. This course may be used to satisfy the Liberal Education Requirements.
MATH 12002 5 Credits	Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Concepts of limit, continuity and derivative, and the indefinite and definite integral for functions of one real variable. Maximization, related rates, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Prerequisite: MATH 12001 or 11022 or appropriate placement test score. This course may be used to satisfy the Liberal Education Requirements.
MATH 12003 5 Credits	Analytic Geometry and Calculus II Continued study of techniques and applications of integration; trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions; polar coordinates; vectors; parametric equations; sequences and series. Prerequisite: MATH 12002.
MATH 22005 3 Credits	Analytic Geometry and Calculus III Study of functions of several variables, including partial derivatives and multiple integrals. Prerequisite: MATH 12003.

*Courses offered only at Kent State University Regional Campuses.
Note: Courses highlighted in red are offered primarily to serve the needs of students who are not physics majors. These courses will not normally count toward fulfilling requirements for a physics major.

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This page maintained by D. Mark Manley.
Last updated on October 5, 2000.