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Applied Physics Courses offered at Kettering University | |||
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| New Number | Course Name | Course Description | Prerequisites |
Introductory Physics | |||
| PHYS-114/115 | Newtonian Mechanics (with Lab) (3-2-4) |
A calculus based introduction to classical Newtonian mechanics including vectors, translational and rotational kinematics and dynamics, work, energy, impulse, and linear and angular momentum. Laboratory topics include graphing and curve fitting, free fall and projectile motion, Newton's second law, circular motion, work and energy, collisions, rotational inertia, and the equilibrium of a solid body. | Calculus I Corequisite: Calculus II |
| PHYS-224 | Electricity & Magnetism (with Lab) (3-2-4) |
An investigation of the physics of electricity and magnetism with a focus on the physics of electric and magnetic fields and their effects on electric charges. Topics will include the relationships between charges, forces, fields, potentials, and currents, as well as the physics of capacitors, resistors, and inductors. Laboratory topics include: error analysis, measurements of electric field and potential, electronic instrumentation, current and resistance, combinations of capacitors and resistors, electromagnetic forces, charge-to-mass ratio for electrons, inductors and transformers. | PHYS-114 Calculus II Corequisite: Calculus III |
Intermediate Physics | |||
| PHYS-342 | Materials Science (4-0-4) |
A course describing the relation between the structure and properties of metals, semiconductors, ceramics and polymers, including topics related to smart materials. Important crystal structures, imperfections, defects and diffusion in metals and ceramics, and basic structural characteristics of polymers are discussed. Materials characterization methods of X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques are introduced. Basic thermal, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of materials are covered in this course. | PHYS-222 Principles of Chemistry |
| PHYS-362 | Modern Physics (3-2-4) |
This course is an overview of the discoveries and applications of physics from the early 20th century on. Topics include relativity, quantum phenomena, wave-particle duality, quantum physics, solid state physics, semiconductors and superconductors, and nuclear and particle physics. Laboratory experiments will accompany topics introduced in lecture. | PHYS-222 Differential Equations |
| PHYS-372 | Optics I (3-2-4) |
A study of geometrical and physical optics, including reflection, refraction, mirrors, thick and thin lenses, aberrations, stops, field of view, windows, interference, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, and polarization. Includes experiments on laser safety, radiometry, optical systems, ray tracing, aberrations, photography, interferometry, holography, polarization, and diffraction. | PHYS-222 |
| PHYS-382 | Acoustics I (4-0-4) |
An introduction to acoustics, the study of sound. Topics include: mechanical oscillation and wave phenomena, sound pressure levels, microphones and instrumentation, human hearing and psychoacoustics, frequency band and FFT analysis of sounds, the acoustic wave equation and solutions, acoustic impedance, acoustic intensity, plane and spherical waves, radiation from simple and complex sound sources, acoustics of rooms and enclosures, sound in pipes, acoustic filters and resonators, sound absorption, and noise control. | PHYS-222 Differential Equations |
Advanced Physics | |||
| PHYS-412 | Theoretical Mechanics (4-0-4) |
A look at classical physics. Topics include the simple harmonic oscillator, central force motion, motion in noninertial reference frames, motion of systems of particles, rigid body motion, Lagrangian mechanics, and Hamiltonian theory. Computational methods for solving advanced physics problems will also be introduced. | PHYS-222 Differential Equations Junior II Standing |
| PHYS-452 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (4-0-4) |
This course is designed to introduce the student to statistical approaches for the analysis of systems containing a large number of particles. Specific topics include the fundamentals of thermodynamics, conditions for equilibrium and stability, ensemble theory, non-interacting systems, and phase transitions. | PHYS-362 |
| PHYS-462 | Quantum Physics (4-0-4) |
The fundamentals of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Topics include: photons, matter waves, the Bohr model, the time-independent Schrodinger equation (and its application to one dimensional potentials), quantization of angular momentum, spin, the hydrogen atom, multi-electron atoms, and perturbation theory. | PHYS-362 Boundary Value Problems |
Applied Physics Electives (also used for Technical Electives) | |||
| PHYS-442 | Properties of Solids (4-0-4) |
A course on important physical properties of metals, semiconductors, superconductors, and insulators, including thermal, electrical, magnetic and optical properties. Important topics covered in this course are the reciprocal lattice and momentum space, lattice vibrations and phonons, contributions to thermal properties, energy bonds in semiconductors, optical and electrical processes based on quantized energy band diagrams, superconductivity, dielectrics and ferroelectrics. | PHYS-342 PHYS-362 |
| PHYS-472 | Optics II (4-0-4) |
Optical Instrumentation, the eye, thin films, basic lasers, mathematical description of laser beams, fiber optics, Fourier optics, nonlinear optics, light modulation, and optical properties of materials. Demonstrations and experiments of optical systems are included | PHYS-372 Differential Equations |
| PHYS-474 | Optoelectronics (3-2-4) |
Basic solid state concepts pertinent to optoelectronic devices, light modulators, display devices and systems, and fiber optics. Optical communication systems and integrated optics are covered. Demonstrations and experiments using optoelectronic devices and fiber optic communications systems are included. | PHYS-372 Differential Equations |
| PHYS-482 | Acoustics II (4-0-4) |
A continuing look at the study of acoustics, focusing on structural acoustics and vibration. Topics include 1-dof oscillators, mechanical impedance and circuit analogies, loudspeaker performance and design, coupled oscillations, dynamic absorbers, experimental modal analysis, plucked and struck strings with realistic boundary conditions, vibrational modes of membranes and plates, longitudinal, torsional and bending waves in bars, and ultrasonic waves in solids. Additional topics will include thermoacoustic refrigeration, architectural acoustics and noise control, and acoustics of the automobile. | PHYS-382 |
| PHYS-492 | Computer Vision (4-0-4) |
Methods of capturing visual information and then analyzing this information with a computer to perform such functions as metrology, optical inspection and robotic guidance. Topics include imaging, structured light, optical detectors, sampling techniques, spatial and frequency domain processing, edge detection, binary image processing, shape analysis, and pattern recognition. Assignments include use of PC-based vision systems. | PHYS-372 Computer Programming |
| PHYS-542 | Advanced Physics of Materials (4-0-4) |
Topics covered in this course describe the relationship between the physical properties of materials and current industrial appliations of materials. Physics of materials with applications in electronics, optoelectronics, superconducting and magnetic devices, and smart structures will be discussed. Quantum mechanics descriptions of bound particles, statistical mechanics of equilibrium systems, band theory of solids will be reviewed in the context of high frequency devices, electro-optic devices, junction and field-effect transistors, artificial structures, semiconductor superlattices and quantum wells. Semiconductor materials growth, integrated circuit processing technology, varius in-situ and after-growth characterization techniques, and current issues related to SI, III-V group and II-IV group materials growth and device applications will also be covered. | PHYS-442 |
| PHYS-576 | Industrial Lasers (4-0-4) |
Basic laser theory, types of lasers, laser optics, and design of lasers and systems. Interaction of laser radiation with matter including surfaced modification, joining, and material removal are covered. Applications of low and high power lasers will be discussed. Demonstrations and experiments using low and high power lasers are included. | PHYS-472 |
| PHYS-578 | Fourier Optics and Holography (3-2-4) |
Fourier transform theory is used to describe interference and diffraction due to optical systems. Optical correlation and convolution is used to discuss optical data processing. Holographic, Moire, and speckle interferometry and their applications are covered. Experiments include optical data processing, holographic, Moire and speckle holography. | PHYS-472 |
| PHYS-584 | Acoustical Measurements & Noise Control (2-4-4) |
A laboratory oriented course which will introduce students to measurement techniques and instrumentation for acoustics and noise control applications. Laboratory experiments will include microphone and accelerometer calibration, signal analysis, human hearing, frequency analysis (octave band and FFT), sound absorption and reverberation times, acoustic filters, loudspeaker testing, and experimental modal analysis. The latter portion of the course will encompass an extensive project involving the measurement, analysis and solution of a noise control problem relevant to industry. | PHYS-482 |
| PHYS-590 | Senior Research (2-4-4) |
An advanced, independent research experience, in which the student interacts closely with a professor on an original research problem. The goal is to help the student develop skills in designing an extended research experiment, collecting and analysing data, processing results, and writing a scientific paper. Writing assignments will include literature searches and summaries, as well as a formal written and oral summary of the research project. It is expected that the written report will be of quality to be submitted to an appropriate physics journal. | Senior Standing in Applied Physics |