Physics Course Descriptions
Scroll down to read descriptions of the physics courses offered at Carthage, or click on the following links for additional resources.
- Carthage Schoology for current students
- Course schedules for all terms
- Final exam schedule
- Major/minor requirements
Principles of Computer Science I
CSC 1810 / 4 credits
A study of the fundamentals of writing computer programs and problem-solving, using structured and object-oriented techniques. Intended for future majors and minors in Computer Science and minors in Game Development. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in this course in the Fall term of their first year.
Offered in Fall/Spring
Engineering Statics and Solid Mechanics
EGR 2100 / 4 credits
Statics and Solid Mechanics examines force systems under equilibrium conditions; vector properties of forces, moments, couples, and resultants; rigid body structures; hydrostatics; shear and bending-moment diagrams; friction; centroids; area/mass moments of inertia. The course uses graphical, algebraic, and numerical (computer) methods to solve the vector mechanics problems posed by static equilibrium. The mechanics of deformable bodies, and the effects of externally applied loads on materials, are also studied. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes measurement of the mechanical properties of engineering materials with modern hardware and software tools. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: PHY 2200 and MTH 1220 or permission of instructor
Engineering Materials
EGR 3100 / 4 credits
This course examines the nature, mechanical behavior, and design applications of materials. The structure-property relationships of metals, ceramics, polymers, and semiconductors are studied, and their mechanical properties are understood as arising directly from their atomic/molecular structure. The mechanics of deformable bodies, and the effects of externally applied loads on materials, are also studied. Materials selection to match design requirements to mechanical attributes is also introduced. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes measurement of the mechanical properties of engineering materials with modern hardware and software tools. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: EGR 2100 and CHM 1010 or 1020.
Thermal Fluids
EGR 3400 / 4 credits
This course is an integrated development of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. The first and second laws of thermodynamics are covered including mass and momentum conservation for open and closed systems. Heat transfer and the relationship between heat and work will be explored. This course will also cover hydrostatic properties of fluids and fluid dynamics, including Bernoulli equation, pipe flow, and fluid transport. Applications of principles to thermal-fluid systems across engineering disciplines will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: MTH 2020 Differential Equations and PHY 2210 General Physics II
Dynamics
EGR 3600 / 4 credits
This course focuses on vector dynamics introducing the rigid-body kinematics necessary for analyzing simple systems and machines. Use of vectors and free body diagrams will be stressed, and Newton’s laws will be employed to solve problems. Students will use energy and momentum methods of analysis to predict paths of motion of particles and rigid bodies and understand how to modify those paths. Computational methods will be used to create dynamics simulations and animations. Undamped, damped, and driven vibrations will also be discussed.
Prerequisites: MTH 2120 Multivariate Calculus and PHY 2200 General Physics I
Mechanics of Human Movement
EGR 4130 / 4 credits
This course focuses on the influence of external forces upon the body, while both moving and still. Concepts of physics and engineering will be applied to examples taken from everyday motion, dance, and athletics. Both ideal and unideal execution of movements will be studied, with a lens of easing unnecessary stresses and improving ability. The performance modifications due to athletic gear and other specialized equipment will be discussed. Students will collect data based on in-class movement, culminating in an analysis of a movement of their choice. No specialized movement experience or expertise is needed.
Prerequisites: PHY 2100, PHY 2200, EGR 3600, or permission of instructor
Calculus I (MTH)(QR)
MTH 1120 / 4 credits
This course is a study of coordinate systems, straight lines and conic sections, theory of limits, differentiations of algebraic functions, applications to slopes and curves, and maxima and minima.
Prerequisite: MTH 1070 with a grade of C- or better or high school preparation
Offered in Fall/Spring
Calculus II (MTH)
MTH 1220 / 4 credits
A study of transcendental functions, infinite series, mean-value theorem, polar coordinates, integration, and application of integration. Students completing this course with a grade of C or better will be awarded credit for MTH 1120.
Prerequisite: MTH 1120 with C- or better
Offered in Fall/Spring
Differential Equations (MTH)
MTH 2020 / 4 credits
A study of common types of ordinary differential equations, their solutions and applications, singular solutions, and an introduction to mathematical modeling.
Prerequisite: MTH 1220 with a grade of C- or better
Offered in Fall
Mathematical Computing
MTH 2090 / 4 credits
This course focuses on three classes of computational tools: structured programming languages, computer algebra systems, and spreadsheets. Students will learn Python, Mathematica, and Excel by solving a wide range of mathematical problems from discrete mathematics, number theory, and applied mathematics| and as importantly, students will learn which tools are appropriate for various problems.
Prerequisite: MTH 1240 or MTH 1220 or instructor approval
Offered in Spring
Multivariate Calculus (MTH)
MTH 2120 / 4 credits
A study of curvilinear motions, solid analytic geometry, vectors, partial derivatives, and multiple integration. Students completing this course with a grade of C or better will be awarded credit for MTH 1120 and 1220 if not previously taken.
Prerequisite: MTH 1220 with a grade of C- or better
Offered in Spring
Physics for Future Presidents (NLAB)(SE)(QR)
PHY 1000 / 4 credits
This course presents a topical introduction to the key principles and concepts of physics in the context of the world events and natural phenomena that confront world leaders and that require informed decisions and responses. Energy, health, counterterrorism, remote sensing, space programs, nuclear proliferation, and a host of other modern challenges have technological and scientific dimensions, the understanding of which is essential to avoiding disastrous policy decisions. This course considers the application of physics to these societal challenges. The material is covered at a level and pace that a future world leader should be able to handle; the emphasis is on the development of physical reasoning skills, and not on detailed, mathematical problem-solving.
Prerequisite: High school algebra
Offered in Fall/J-Term/Spring
Astronomy (LAB SCI)(SE)(QR)
PHY 1030 / 4 credits
A study of astronomy beginning with its historical roots and leading to our current understanding of the sun and other components of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe. Students study the night sky and methods used by astronomers. Lecture and laboratory. Some evening laboratories may be required.
Prerequisite: High school algebra
Fall/Spring
Cosmology (NLAB)(SE)
PHY 1050 / 4 credits
A study of the people and ideas that have shaped our current view and understanding of the cosmos. Topics will include astronomy of ancient civilizations, the development of the Copernican solar system, the size of the galaxy and the cosmological distance ladder, relativity and black holes, Hubble and the expanding universe, big-bang cosmology and the history of the early universe, exotic particles, dark energy, and the fate of the universe.
Prerequisite: High school algebra
Offered in Fall/Spring
Fundamental Physics (LAB SCI)(SE)(QR)
PHY 1200 / 4 credits
This course covers fundamental physical principles including descriptions of mechanical, electrical, wave, and atomic phenomena. The course highlights ways in which physical principles are used to describe and understand the vast array of observable phenomena in the universe. Students will study applications of physics to a range of important historical and contemporary scientific and technological questions. This course is intended for potential physics majors or students planning further study in the physical sciences. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MTH 1070, 1120, or 1220 or departmental approval
Offered in Fall
Physics I (LAB SCI)(SE)
PHY 2100 / 4 credits
This non-calculus-based course provides an introduction to the essentials of mechanics, heat, and sound for students with no prior training in physics or chemistry. PHY 2100 in combination with 2110 is the preferred sequence for majors in health and life sciences. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: High school algebra; students with academic credit for MTH 1120 or who concurrently enroll in MTH 1120 or MTH 1220 require approval of the physics department.
Offered in Fall
Physics II (LAB SCI)
PHY 2110 / 4 credits
This non-calculus-based course provides an introduction to electricity and magnetism, light, and atomic physics, with many examples and applications drawn from biology and medicine. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHY 2100
Offered in Spring
General Physics I (LAB SCI)(SE)
PHY 2200 / 4 credits
This course provides a calculus-based introduction to 3D kinematics, Newton’s laws, simple harmonic motion, mechanical properties, rotational kinematics, and heat. PHY 2200 is required for physics majors, engineering students, and chemistry majors, and it can be counted as an elective toward a math major or minor. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: PHY 1200 or CHM 1020 or EGR 1100 with a grade of C- or better and concurrent enrollment in MTH 1220, or departmental approval.
Offered in Fall/Spring
General Physics II (LAB SCI)
PHY 2210 / 4 credits
This course is a continuation of PHY 2200 and provides a calculus-based introduction toelectricity, magnetism, light, and wave phenomena. This course is required for physics majors, engineering students, and most chemistry majors. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: PHY 2200 and MTH 1220 with a grade of C- or better.
Modern Physics (LAB SCI)
PHY 2300 / 4 credits
This course introduces relativity, quanta, wave-particle duality, atomic physics, and spin. Quantum mechanics is introduced and applied to the hydrogen atom and periodic table. Properties of the atomic nucleus and radioactivity may also be discussed. Data analysis and technical writing tools and techniques will be introduced. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHY 2210 with a grade of C- or better, or departmental approval
Offered in Spring
Physics Portfolio Seminar A
PHY 2970 / 1 credit
The first course in the Physics Portfolio Seminar concentrates on building student experience and expertise in using physics principles to solve problems and approach complex scenarios. Emphasis is on group work and the informal and formal presentations of solutions to open-ended questions. Students will also participate in a handful of career and professional development exercises and be introduced to the concept of a physics portfolio. Prior completion or concurrent enrollment in PHY 2210 is required.
Offered in Spring
Optics and Waves (NLAB)
PHY 3100 / 4 credits
A detailed treatment of oscillations, waves, and optics. Topics include oscillatory behavior, traveling waves, reflection and refraction, geometric optics, interference, and mathematical techniques used to treat oscillations.
Prerequisites: PHY 2210 with a grade of C- or better and concurrent enrollment in MTH 2020, or departmental approval
Offered in Fall/Spring
Electronics (LAB SCI)
PHY 3120 / 4 credits
Introduction to analog and digital circuits. Topics include passive and active analog electronic components, DC and AC circuit analysis, amplifiers, filters, binary and digital systems, logic gates, and microcontroller programming. Prerequisite: PHY 2110 or 2210, or departmental approval
Offered in Fall/Spring
Introduction to Computational Physics
PHY 3170 / 4 credits
This course introduces computational physics: the set of techniques and algorithms necessary to represent physical systems on the computer, determine their properties, predict their behavior, and visualize the results. The course covers these topics as a series of projects, including studies of the stability of structures like bridges, the motion of objects like stars in galaxies, the behavior of continuous systems like sound waves or fluids, and understanding the limitations of such studies. These studies are carried out with tools commonly used in scientific programming and introduces software development best practices.
Prerequisites: PHY 2210 and MTH 2020 OR PHY 2210 and concurrent enrollment in MTH 2020
Mechanics (NLAB)
PHY 3200 / 4 credits
Study of particle dynamics in inertial and accelerated reference frames, gravitational potential, motion in a central force field, and an introduction to Lagrangian methods.
Prerequisites: PHY 2210 with a C- or better and concurrent enrollment in MTH 2020, or departmental approval
Offered in Fall
Thermodynamics (NLAB)
PHY 3300 / 4 credits
A study of the thermodynamic concepts used to describe the macroscopic properties and behavior of systems, namely, temperature, internal energy, and entropy; and the relationship of these to microscopic behavior of systems as developed through statistical mechanics.
Prerequisites: PHY 2210 with a grade of C- or better and concurrent enrollment in MTH 2020, or departmental approval
Offered in Fall
Data Analysis for Scientists and Engineers
PHY 3450 / 4 credits
This course introduces students to computational data analysis tools and methods used most frequently in physics and engineering. Topics include data visualization, statistical methods and descriptions of measurement uncertainty, the method of least squares, chi-squared testing, multivariable regression, Fourier series and transforms, filtering, an introduction to image analysis, and others. Students learn relevant data skills through immersion in projects involving messy real-world data, beginning with the common challenge of wrangling data into computational analysis tools, proceeding through exploratory data analysis, consolidating results, and reporting the “story of the data.”
Prerequisites: MTH 1220 and PHY 2210. Or MTH 3090 or instructor permission.
Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers (MTH)
PHY 3470 / 4 credits
An advanced study of differential equations, partial differential equations, multiple integrations, Laplace transforms, Fourier transforms, and vector analysis.
Prerequisite: MTH 2120 with a grade of a Cor better, or departmental permission
Offered in Spring
Field Placement in Physics
PHY 3500 / 2-8 credits
Enables the student to explore a possible physics career and to work in an individual, academically oriented position designed to supplement or complement the student’s academic experience. All field placements require faculty supervision and regular meetings between the student and the instructor.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
Internship in Physics
PHY 3550 / 1-12 credits
An internship enables students to gain practical experience in physics. Such internships are longer in duration than field placements. All internships require faculty supervision and regular meetings between the student and the instructor.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
Physics Portfolio Seminar B
PHY 3960 / 1 credit
The second course in the Physics Portfolio Seminar sequence is focused on the personal and professional development of third year physics majors. This includes introducing students to possible career and post-baccalaureate opportunities, communicating physics ideas to nonspecialists, and encouraging them to reflect upon their own growth and accomplishments. Students in this seminar will begin in earnest the process of developing their own professional portfolio of work in physics.
Prerequisite: PHY 2970 or departmental approval
Offered in Fall
Physics Portfolio Seminar C
PHY 3970 / 1 credit
The third course in the Physics Portfolio Seminar presents students with more opportunities to approach scenario-style problems using physics principles. Emphasis is on group work and the informal and formal presentations of solutions to increasingly complex open-ended questions. Students will also continue to build and reflect upon their physics portfolios.
Prerequisite: PHY 3960 or departmental approval
Offered in Spring
Senior Thesis Seminar
PHY 4000 / 1 credit
Work on a research topic under the supervision of staff members. Students learn the research techniques and presentation skills necessary to successfully complete a Senior Thesis in physics. Seminar is required of all senior Physics students. Students may not receive credit more than once.
Prerequisite: Senior standing
Offered in Fall
Astrophysics (NLAB)
PHY 4100 / 4 credits
Covers key elements of the field of astrophysics. Topical areas may include stellar atmospheres, structure and evolution, galactic structure, interstellar matter, general relativity, and cosmology.
Prerequisites: PHY 2210 with a grade of C- or better and concurrent enrollment in MTH 2020, or departmental approval
Offered in Fall
Observational Astrophysics
PHY 4110 / 4 credits
An introduction to the observational equipment, professional databases, software, and data analysis methods used by research astrophysicists. The topics to be addressed in this class include quantitative imaging in various forms of electromagnetic radiation, methods for investigating time-dependent phenomena, and spectroscopic analysis methods. In each case, the emphasis will be on how data are used to reveal the physical properties of astronomical objects.
Prerequisite: PHY 2210 or departmental approval
Offered in Fall/J-Term/Spring
Experimental Physics
PHY 4120 / 4 credits
An advanced laboratory course for senior physics majors. Students are expected to draw heavily upon their previous coursework in physics and mathematics, and to apply their acquired skills and knowledge in planning and carrying out significant experimental work in physics. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHY 2300 or departmental approval
Offered in J-Term
Science of Global Climate Change (NLAB)
PHY 4150 / 4 credits
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the science of planetary climates for students with a background in physics and/or geography. Emphasis will be placed on the physical processes that control the state of Earth’s climate, which include the roles of energy and moisture, atmospheric circulation, and atmosphere-ocean interaction. Cross-listed in Geospatial Science.
Prerequisite: GEO 3700, PHY 2200 or consent of the instructor
Offered in Fall/J-Term/Spring
Quantum Mechanics (NLAB)
PHY 4200 / 4 credits
A study of the principles of quantum mechanics. Schrodinger theory and operator algebra are applied to the study of such problems as potential wells and barriers, tunneling, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom.
Prerequisites: PHY 2210 and MTH 2020 with a grade of C- or better, or departmental approval
Offered in Spring
Electricity and Magnetism (NLAB)
PHY 4300 / 4 credits
The study of the electric and magnetic effects of charges and currents leading to a presentation of Maxwell’s equations and including such topics as electrostatic fields, electrostatic and magnetic energy, and potential theory.
Prerequisites: PHY 2210 and MTH 2020 with a grade of C- or better, or departmental approval
Offered in Spring
Independent Study in Physics
PHY 4500 / 2-4 credits
A student can conduct independent study in a topic of interest in physics. It is understood that this course will not duplicate other courses regularly offered in the curriculum, and that the student will work in this course as independently as the instructor believes possible.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
Independent Research
PHY 4900 / 2-4 credits
An opportunity for students to conduct original research in physics. Suitable topics are those that require substantial library and/or laboratory research, reading, and in-depth study.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
Physics Portfolio Seminar D
PHY 4960 / 1 credit
This is the fourth and final course in the Physics Portfolio Seminar sequence. Thisseminar focuses on preparing students to present and defend their physics portfolios, a collection of work each student has produced while a physics major. Other elements of this seminar will include strategies for exploring postgraduate employment or further education, development of interview skills,and the production of effective resumes and curriculum vitae..
Prerequisite: PHY 3970 or departmental approval.
Offered in Fall
Physics Portfolio Approval
PHY 4970 / 0 credits
Department approval of portfolios for graduation occurs after the completion of PHY 4970 after students have completed their portfolios.