Southwestern

Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives

Physics Department

Curriculum

Below you will find a list of our current or recent offerings. See the course catalog for descriptions and updated information.

  • 53-001 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 53-002 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 53-003 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 53-004 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 53-034 INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE (3-2)
    This course examines the complex physical relations between land, sea and atmosphere. It also explores how some actions of our modern civilization disrupt the environment. Topics include geologic hazards, land management, water resources, hazardous waste disposal, energy resources, mineral resources...
  • 53-054 EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE (3-3)
    This course is an introduction to the science of astronomy for non-science majors. Emphasis is to be placed on utilizing (as much as possible) observations obtained by students so that their science experience becomes learner centered. Labs and activities will allow students to infer from their own ...
  • 53-064 MUSICAL ACOUSTICS (3-2)
    Physics of sound with application to musical instruments and music. Designed for students not majoring in science, but open to any student with knowledge of elementary algebra. (NSL)
  • 53-154 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS I & II (3-3)
    A calculus-based treatment of mechanics, wave motion, electromagnetism and optics. Prerequisites: Concurrent registration or credit in Mathematics 52-154. (Physics 53-154 is prerequisite for Physics 53-164.) (NSL)
  • 53-164 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS I & II (3-3)
    A calculus-based treatment of mechanics, wave motion, electromagnetism and optics. Prerequisites: Concurrent registration or credit in Mathematics 52-154. (Physics 53-154 is prerequisite for Physics 53-164.) (NSL)
  • 53-204 ELECTRONICS (3-3)
    Introduction to digital and analog circuits, with applications to modern instrumentation. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-154, 52-254 and Physics 53-154, 53-164. Mathematics 52-354 is a pre- or co-requisite for this course. (NSL)
  • 53-214 ELEMENTARY MODERN PHYSICS (3-3)
    An introduction to the physics of the 20th century that surveys relativity theory, wave-particle duality, atomic structure, wave mechanics, nuclear theory and particle physics. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-154, 52-254 and Physics 53-154, 53-164. Mathematics 53-354 is a pre- or co-requisite for this...
  • 53-301 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 53-302 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 53-303 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 53-304 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 53-323 ELECTROMAGNETISM I (3-0)
    Development of Maxwell’s equations with applications to electrostatics and magnetostatics. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-154, 254 and Physics 53-154, 53-164. Mathematics 53-354 is a pre- or co-requisite for this course. (NS)
  • 53-334 CLASSICAL MECHANICS I (3-3)
    An advanced treatment of Newtonian mechanics with applications to kinematics, forced oscillations, central force motion and systems of particles. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-354 and Physics 53-154, 53-164. Mathematics 53-754 is a pre- or co-requisite for this course. (NSL)
  • 53-404 ELECTROMAGNETISM II (3-3)
    Applications of Maxwell’s equations to propagation of plane and guided waves in various media. Prerequisite: Physics 53-324. (NSL) (WA)
  • 53-413 CLASSICAL MECHANICS II (3-0)
    Introduction to the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics with application to non-inertial reference frames, rigid bodies and oscillating systems. Prerequisite: Physics 53-334. (NS)
  • 53-423 QUANTUM PHYSICS (3-0)
    A detailed introduction to quantum mechanics and its applications to atoms and molecules. Prerequisites: Physics 53-214 and 53-334. (NS)
  • 53-901 TUTORIAL
  • 53-902 TUTORIAL
  • 53-903 TUTORIAL
  • 53-904 TUTORIAL
  • 53-941 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 53-942 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 53-943 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 53-944 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 53-951 INDEPENDENT STUDY AND RESEARCH
    May be repeated with change in content.
  • 53-952 INDEPENDENT STUDY AND RESEARCH
    May be repeated with change in content.
  • 53-953 INDEPENDENT STUDY AND RESEARCH
    May be repeated with change in content.
  • 53-954 INDEPENDENT STUDY AND RESEARCH
    May be repeated with change in content.
  • 53-984 HONORS
    By invitation only.