Physics & Astronomy Courses

The production, transmission, recording, and sensation of sound are presented in a lecture-demonstration format. Examples of mechanical vibrations, mechanisms of hearing and speech, perception of loudness, high-fidelity sound systems, musical instruments, and wave form analysis are included. The mathematics used is limited to elementary algebra.
Credits: 3

A laboratory course to complement Science of Sound. Experiments studying vibration, sound analysis, and standing waves will use devices such as tone generators, oscilloscopes, sound level meters, and audio equipment.
Credits: 1

This course addresses methods of producing sustainable energy, especially those that are carbon-neutral and have a decreased impact on global warming and climate change. Energy generation from wind, water, solar, geothermal, fusion and fission processes, and biofuels will be discussed. Examples of these types of energy production methods will be demonstrated in the lab and at Geneseo's eGarden field station. Student experiments will be performed each week and there will be a final project assigned to small working groups.
Credits: 0-4

The evolution of our understanding of the nature of light will be presented, from Newton’s corpuscles to Maxwell’s electromagnetic waves to the modern view of wave-particle duality. Along the way, many optical phenomena will be investigated in lecture demonstrations and in the laboratory, including lenses, prisms, rainbows, photography, interference, diffraction, the photoelectric effect, and atomic spectra. Simple algebra, trigonometry and geometry will be employed.
Credits: 3

An introductory laboratory experience to help students understand light and color. Many optical phenomena will be investigated in laboratory activities including lenses, vision and perception, interference, diffraction, the photoelectric effect, and atomic spectra.
Credits: 1

A look at what is going on inside some of the tools and toys of modern life. The principles involved in a variety of things will be explored in discussion/hands-on sessions. Intended for non-science majors who are curious about how their world operates. The underlying science will be discussed in non-mathematical, lay language. Cannot be counted toward the physics major. Not offered on a regular basis
Credits: 0-1

An introduction to the concepts and laws of physics with applications to biological systems; course includes mechanics, thermodynamics, wave properties, and sound.
Credits: 3

A lab course to complement General Physics I and Analytical Physics I lectures. Experiments in kinematics, projectile motion, Newton's laws, momentum, and energy conservation will be performed.
Credits: 1

Continuation of General Physics I: Electricity, magnetism, light, and atomic and nuclear phenomena.
Credits: 3

A lab course to complement General Physics II and Analytical Physics II lectures. Experiments in waves, electricity and magnetism, circuits, and optics will be performed.
Credits: 1

An introductory course for entering students considering a career in physics or engineering. Through presentations, discussions and investigations the question "What is Physics?" will be examined. Study methods and time utilization for success in physics will also be addressed.
Credits: 1

An analytical, calculus-based treatment of kinematics, Newton's laws, kinetic and potential energy, friction, linear momentum, angular momentum, rotational dynamics, gravitational physics, and simple harmonic motion.
Credits: 3

An experimental course developing laboratory and analytical skills in physics. Includes experiments in kinematics, Newton's laws, uncertainty analysis, momentum and energy conservation, and projectile motion.
Credits: 1

An analytical, calculus-based treatment of charge, electrostatic and magnetostatic fields, simple applications of Maxwell's equations, Lenz's law, basic electrical circuits, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and geometric optics.
Credits: 3

An experimental course developing laboratory and analytical skills in physics. Includes experiments in electric fields, Ohm's law, use of the oscilloscope, and electric circuits.
Credits: 1

Credits: 0-6

Credits: 1-4

Participating in a discipline-based conference is a useful professional skill. In this course, students will register for a professional conference, attend sessions and presentations (remotely or in person), reflect on what they've learned and discuss the experience with others. Students must be available to participate in the scheduled conference. Cannot be counted toward the physics major.
Credits: 1

An introduction to producing graphics for use in scientific presentations and for image analysis. Topics may include freehand sketching, isometric drawings and other projections, 3-view machinist's drawings, dimensioning and tolerancing, threads, vector graphics and layering in Office, color models, creating raster images (photographs), editing raster images using GIMP, analysis of raster images with ImageJ, animations in PowerPoint, animations and plotting in Mathematica, using "design mode" in Excel, and fundamentals of CAD. Prerequisite: PHYS 126 Credits: 1(1-0) Offered not on a regular basis.
Credits: 1

This course will include classical physics and some modern physics topics. The analysis of phenomena such as electromagnetic waves, their interference and diffraction, electromagnetic radiation, blackbody radiation, and interactions of photons with matter, special relativity and gravity will be highlighted. Other topics covered in this course may include geometric optics, thermodynamics, and fluids.
Credits: 3

This course will include elementary quantum theory, Schrodinger's equation, wave properties of matter, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, atomic structure and the Bohr atom. Special topics may include a survey of material from different subfields of physics such as cosmology, solid state physics, nuclear physics, etc.
Credits: 3

Devoted to the understanding of experiments in Optics, Atomic Physics, and Nuclear Physics. Typical experiments would cover composite lens systems, interference effects, e/m, emission spectra, and radioactive decay.
Credits: 1

This course is an introduction to the application of various mathematical tools to specific problems in physics. Methods will include complex numbers, coordinate transformations, vector calculus, matrices, Fourier transforms, series solutions, and probability. This course will also include numerical methods using software including spreadsheets and symbolic mathematical manipulators.
Credits: 2

An introduction to digital electronics. The concepts studied are different number systems (e.g. binary and hexadecimal), Boolean algebra, complex logic decisions using simple logic statements, minimizing complex logic systems, logic gates, combinational networks, flip-flops, counters, and registers.
Credits: 0-3

Course will introduce students to computational techniques used in physics. Students will learn programming syntax in a modern programming language and will learn how to simulate physical systems and solve problems arising in physics and astronomy, as well as in other related fields.
Credits: 3

Credits: 0-4

Credits: 1-12

The dynamics of a particle subject to various types of forces: forced and damped harmonic oscillations; conservative forces; vector algebra; kinematics in more than one dimension; multiple-particle systems.
Credits: 3

This course begins with analysis of static rigid bodies in equilibrium, centroids, distributed forces, internal forces, and structures. Subsequent topics include stress and strain, torsion, bending, shear, combines and eccentric loading, failure criteria, and 3D stress tensors.
Credits: 3

This course is an introduction to the topic, and includes an examination of the relevant properties of fluids (density, viscosity, pressure, velocity), common analysis techniques (control systems, control volumes, stream functions, dimensional analysis, non-dimensional parameterization), mathematical modeling (integral and differential forms of mass conservation, momentum conservation, and energy conservation; Bernoulli's equation), and applications.
Credits: 3

Elementary aspects of quantum physics; application of relativity and quantum physics to the interaction of photons and electrons, to atomic structure, and to nuclear structure and nuclear interactions. Prerequisites: PHYS 352, MATH 326 or permission of department. Offered spring, even years
Credits: 3

An introduction to the analysis and modeling of electric circuits. Includes the study of DC and AC circuit components, network theorems, phasor diagrams, frequency response and resonance, linear and non-linear systems, and electrical instrumentation. Prerequisites: PHYS 224, PHYS 228, MATH 326, or permission of department. Note: B.A. students cannot receive credit for both PHYS 313 and PHYS 332. Offered every spring
Credits: 3

Electrostatic fields in vacuum and in matter; magnetic fields of steady currents; induced electric fields; magnetic materials; Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic field of a moving charge.
Credits: 3

This course constitutes a continuation of PHYS 335: Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I. Material to be covered will include solutions of Maxwell's equations; investigation of electric and magnetic fields in domains not treated in the previous course, such as the propagation of electromagnetic waves in conducting and non-conducting media; electromagnetic radiation; wave guides; special theory of relativity and relativistic electrodynamics. Prerequisites: PHYS 335 or permission of department. Offered every spring
Credits: 3

Presentations are made by students enrolled, faculty members, and invited guests. Each student is expected to attend each scheduled meeting and to make at least one oral presentation on a topic approved by the instructor. Students must also write critiques of presentations.
Credits: 1

This course is designed to help senior physics majors synthesize the fundamental concepts learned in the various facets of physics program. An emphasis is placed on applying a variety of problem solving techniques to examples drawn from across the physics disciplines. This course should help students prepare for physics graduate school admissions exams as well as for the first year of graduate coursework.
Credits: 1

An introduction, covering the connection between the physics of single particles and the bulk behavior of materials; the quantitative study of entropy, heat, temperature, the Carnot cycle, free energy, thermodynamic potential, phase equilibria, and the laws of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic systems, such as ideal gases and free electrons in metals, are considered.
Credits: 3

An introductory course in the theory of non-relativistic quantum mechanics in its currently accepted form. Experiments resulting in the mathematical formulation of quantum theory are discussed. Hilbert space vectors, operator algebra, and the postulates of quantum mechanics lead to proofs of the compatibility theorem and the uncertainty principle. The states of a particle, as determined by Schroedinger's Equation, are studied in several situations.
Credits: 3

This course will cover advanced topics in Quantum Mechanics as well as applications and approximations to real physical problems. The Dirac description of quantum mechanics will be used extensively in this course as well as the functional forms described by Schroedinger. One, two and three dimensional bound state problems will be studied in addition to scattering theory. Approximation methods, such as time dependent perturbation theory, Hartree-Fock method, variational method and the Born approximation, will be used to solve physical problems to first and second order. Systems of more than one particle will be briefly studied.
Credits: 3

Devoted to the understanding of some of the classic experiments in physics. Experiments are from all fields of physics, but particular attention is given to experiments which complement courses being taken concurrently.
Credits: 3

An introduction to electronic interfacing of equipment in the modern laboratory, with an emphasis on computer control of instrumentation. Includes hands-on experience with several standard interfacing protocols. Following an introduction to standard interface software, students will design and construct experimental projects that demonstrate computer control of measurement, analysis, decision making, and control.
Credits: 2

Designed to introduce the student to research techniques in physics, astronomy, or engineering. With faculty supervision, each student will complete a significant project which requires originality and broadens knowledge.
Credits: 2

An introduction to the field of astrophysics. Particular emphasis will be placed on the structure and evolution of stars and on the origin and expansion of the universe. Prerequisites: PHYS 224, PHYS 228, and MATH 326. Offered spring, odd years
Credits: 3

An introduction to astrophysical concepts relevant to objects within the Milky Way Galaxy. Particular emphasis will be placed on the observational and theoretical underpinnings of stellar structure and evolution. Other topics may include stellar remnants, the interstellar medium, star clusters and associations, peculiar stars, dark matter, and Milky Way dynamics.
Credits: 3

This course is an exploration of the physical concepts and processes occurring outside our own Galaxy. Topics studied include a detailed description of the physical characteristics of various types of galaxies, groups, and galaxy clusters, their evolution since the Big Bang, and an overview of the current cosmological theories and observations. Particular attention will be paid to various techniques currently used to study extragalactic objects and phenomena. Prerequisite: PHYS 228. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered spring, even years.
Credits: 3

This laboratory-style class will be an introduction to techniques used to gather and process astronomical data. Students will learn how to plan and carry out observing runs, possibly using the campus observatory. Students will learn to reduce and analyze photometric and spectroscopic data using software packages such as IRAF, and IDL. Data mining techniques, used to access the vast array of publicly available astronomical images will also be covered. The course will culminate with a final project, where students will write a proposal, gather raw astronomical data, and see the analysis through to its completion. Final presentations will be made on the results of this project.
Credits: 2

This course will explore multiple descriptions of light leading to an exploration of modern applications of optics. Models of light explored will include physical optics, geometric optics and Gaussian beam optics. Some of the applications discussed will include imaging, fiber optics, lasers and nonlinear optics. Prerequisites: PHYS 223 and PHYS 228. Offered spring, even years.
Credits: 3

Basic physical processes which occur in solids, especially semi-conductors and metals, are studied. Applications of quantum mechanics and statistics to the thermal and electrical properties of various types of solids are made.
Credits: 3

This course will cover Newtonian gravity, special and general relativity, and cosmology. Some of the topics include Newton's law of gravitation, Keplerian orbits, special relativity with spacetime diagrams and metrics, generalization to accelerated frames, the Equivalence Principle, curvature of spacetime, classical tests of GR, stationary and spinning black holes, large scale structure of the universe, big bang theory, and the cosmological model.
Credits: 3

Credits: 1-6

Individual research, directed by a member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Results of the research will be reported in a thesis, published paper, or off-campus presentation. Enrollment by invitation of the Department. Students will normally have completed 90 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and have completed at least 22 hours in physics (including PHYS 372) with a grade point average of 3.30. Offered by individual arrangement
Credits: 1-3

Credits: 3-6

A one-semester work and study experience in an appropriate laboratory. Students are required to complete a formal research paper describing the nature of the project undertaken, problems encountered, methodology employed, and conclusions from the project. Offered: by individual arrangement. Cannot be counted towards Physics major. Prerequisites: Senior class standing, 3.0 cumulative GPA in physics, and permission of the department. This course may be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours. Offered by individual arrangement. Notes: This course may not be counted towards the minimum semester hours in Physics.
Credits: 1-3

A one-semester work and study experience in an appropriate laboratory outside the College. Students are required to attend regular seminars during the internship, to submit monthly written reports, and to present a departmental seminar upon return to the College. Interns work closely with the sponsor on projects approved by the Physics Department. Notes:This course may not be counted towards the minimum semester hours in Physics. 3, 6, or 9 semester hours.Prerequisites: Senior class standing, 3.0 cumulative GPA in physics and permission of the department and cooperating agency. Corequisites: PHYS 394 - Independent Research. This course may be repeated for a total of 9 credit hours. Offered by individual arrangement
Credits: 3-9

Students work individually, under the supervision of a faculty member, on a research problem in physics. Notes: This Course may not be counted towards the minimum 37 semester hours in Physics. 1 to 3 semester hours. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Cannot be counted towards Physics major. Offered by individual arrangement
Credits: 1-8

Credits: 1-6

Applications of the basic concepts of calculus, vector analysis, differential equations, complex variables, and special mathematical functions to problems in the field of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. Offered: when demand is sufficient Prerequisites: MATH 326 and PHYS 321,or permission of department.
Credits: 3

The study of classical mechanics through the methods of vector calculus and differential equations. The description of the equations of motion in terms of the Lagrange and Hamilton formulations. A development of the techniques of the many-body problem as it applies to classical physics. Offered: when demand is sufficient Prerequisites: MATH 326 and PHYS 311 or permission of department.
Credits: 3

A concentrated discussion of 3 or 4 discrete topics of current interest and activity in physics. The course will emphasize the use of professional journals. Offered: when demand is sufficient Prerequisites: PHYS 321 and PHYS 352 or equivalent with department permission.
Credits: 3

A lecture and problem course in classical electromagnetic theory leading to a mathematically consistent description of radiation, scattering, and dispersion. Offered: when demand is sufficient
Credits: 3

The basic postulates of Quantum Mechanics will be discussed and the Schrodinger Equation will be developed and discussed in detail. The remainder of the course will be involved with the application of the Schrodinger Equation to problems of atomic and nuclear physics. Calculus and Differential Equations are prerequisites for this course. Complex variables and properties of Orthogonal Function will be developed as needed in the course. Offered: when demand is sufficient Prerequisites: MATH. 326 and PHYS 352 or permission of the department.
Credits: 3

A continuation of Quantum Mechanics I with emphasis on perturbation theory and the Dirac theory of the electron. Offered: when demand is sufficient Prerequisites: PHYS 411 or permission of department.
Credits: 3

Presentation of the basic physical processes which occur in solids, especially semi-conductors and metals. Application of quantum mechanics and statistics to the thermal and electrical properties of various types of solids are made. Theoretical and experimental discussions of solid-state devices. Offered: when demand is sufficient Prerequisites: PHYS 411 and MATH 326 or permission of department.
Credits: 3

A description of the composition of nuclei, nuclear sizes, and binding energies. Discussion of various nuclear models, and detailed analysis of stable and unstable nuclei and the several modes of nuclear decay processes. The elementary particles will be discussed. Offered: when demand is sufficient Prerequisites: PHYS 411 and MATH 326 or permission of the department.
Credits: 3

Students are expected to set up and work through a number of fundamental experiments which are selected from all areas of physics. The two major goals are: 1) familiarization with modern equipment, and 2) increase in understanding of the physics world. (Requires knowledge of the basic concepts of undergraduate physics and a working knowledge of mathematics through calculus.) Offered: when demand is sufficient Prerequisites: PHYS 321 and MATH 223 or permission of the department.
Credits: 2

A continuation of Physics 431 - Advanced Physics Laboratory I. Offered: when demand is sufficient
Credits: 2

Analysis of the physical and chemical state of materials in deep space with emphasis on recent research. Offered: when demand is sufficient Prerequisites: PHYS 321 and PHYS 344 or permission of department.
Credits: 3

Individual studies in physics directed toward specific research projects. Hours to be arranged. Offered: by individual arrangement Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency in physics and permission of the department.
Credits: 2-9

Individual studies in physics directed toward a specific research project. (2 to 9 hours to be arranged.) Offered: by individual arrangement Prerequisites: PHYS 595 and permission of the department.
Credits: 2-9

Credits: 1-12

Credits: 0-6