Physics (PHY)
This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.wofford.edu.
The Department of Physics offers both a major and minor course of study. Students interested in the physics major can tailor-make their curriculum to meet their post-graduate needs. Wofford physics majors often go on to physics or engineering graduate school, medical school, law school, or successful careers in the private sector. All students majoring physics complete a core set of courses rounded out by several electives, in areas of personal interest. In addition, a physics major may be enhanced with an Emphasis in Computational Science or participation in the Energy Studies Program.
Honors Courses and In-Course Honors
The Department of Physics encourages its students to undertake honors work. For further information, the student is referred to the sections on Honors Courses and In-Course Honors in the Catalog.
Requirements for the Major in Physics
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites and Corequisites 1 | ||
| PHY 141 | Physics for Science & Engineering I (with lab) | 4 |
| CHEM 123 | General Chemistry I (with lab) | 4 |
| CHEM 124 | General Chemistry II (with lab) | 4 |
| MATH 181 | Calculus I | 3 |
| MATH 182 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 212 | Vector Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 240 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| 1 | Prequisites and corequisites require a grade of 'C' or better. |
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Major Courses | 20 | |
| Physics for Science & Engineering II (with lab) | ||
| Electronics (with lab) | ||
| Modern Physics | ||
| Mechanics | ||
| Contemporary Physics | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism | ||
| Advanced Labs | 2 | |
| Select two courses from the following: | ||
| Advanced Laboratory I | ||
| Advanced Laboratory II | ||
| Advanced Laboratory III | ||
| Advanced Laboratory IV | ||
| Electives | 9 | |
Select 9 credit hours in Physics (PHY) at the 200- level or above | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
Requirements for the Minor in Physics
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Minor Courses | 14 | |
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Physics for Science & Engineering I (with lab) | ||
| Physics for Science & Engineering II (with lab) | ||
| Electives | 9 | |
Select 9 credit hours in Physics (PHY) at the 200- level or above (excluding the Advanced Lab series, PHY 370-374) | ||
| Total Hours | 23 | |
PHY 103. Physics: Science in Context. 3 Hours.
Students will explore the features that make science an important way of understanding the natural world. This exploration will focus on science-based topics and issues important in our contemporary world.
PHY 104. Physics: Concepts & Methods (with lab). 4 Hours.
A study of topics selected to introduce students to basic concepts in physics and/or astronomy, and to the scientific method.
PHY 108. Astronomy. 3 Hours.
A survey course in astronomy which includes observational astronomy, the solar
system, structure and evolution of stars and galaxies, and cosmology.
PHY 110. Introduction to Engineering Science. 1 Hour.
An analysis of introductory level engineering projects. Students will engage in practices (design, build, test) that form the critical foundations in the engineering profession which includes professional and societal issues related to engineering science and software tools such as spreadsheets and CAD design.
PHY 121. General Physics I (with lab). 4 Hours.
A study of mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics using algebra, trigonometry, and limits.
PHY 122. General Physics II (with lab). 4 Hours.
A continuation of PHY 121 in the study of mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics using algebra, trigonometry, and limits.
Prerequisite: PHY 121 with a minimum grade of D.
PHY 141. Physics for Science & Engineering I (with lab). 4 Hours.
A calculus-based study of mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, and
modern physics suitable for those majoring in areas such as physics or chemistry and for those in pre-engineering. Students may take MATH 181 concurrently.
Prerequisite: MATH 181 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 142. Physics for Science & Engineering II (with lab). 4 Hours.
A continuation of PHY 141 in a calculus-based study of mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics suitable for majors in areas such as physics or chemistry and programs in pre-engineering.
Prerequisite: PHY 141 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 181 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 202. Energy. 3 Hours.
An introduction to the scientific framework behind energy and how this fundamental property of our universe applies to a variety of environmental issues. Students will learn the language scientists use to discuss energy, gain the skills to understand the complexities of energy production from a scientific lens, and learn how these aspects directly impact our community.
Prerequisite: PHY 121 with a minimum grade of C or PHY 141 with a minimum grade of C or CHEM 123 with a minimum grade of C or ENVS 150 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 204. Medical Physics. 3 Hours.
A study of the major applications of physics in modern medicine. The course will investigate techniques and instrumentation involved in the health industry.
Prerequisite: (PHY 121 with a minimum grade of C and PHY 122 with a minimum grade of C) or (PHY 141 with a minimum grade of C and PHY 142 with a minimum grade of C).
PHY 206. Electronics (with lab). 4 Hours.
An elementary course in the principles of electronic devices, circuits, and instruments. It is intended for students of science who desire some understanding of the electronic instrumentation they use.
Prerequisite: PHY 122 with a minimum grade of C or PHY 142 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 208. Introduction to Astrophysics. 3 Hours.
Explore the major topics in planetary and stellar astrophysics, with an emphasis on the physical properties behind each astrophysical phenomenon.
Prerequisite: MATH 181 with a minimum grade of C and PHY 142 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 211. Modern Physics. 3 Hours.
Examine the major developments in physics since 1895, with emphasis on special relativity, the atom, the nucleus, and 'elementary particles'. MATH 210 or 212 may be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: PHY 142 with a minimum grade of C and (MATH 210 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 212 with a minimum grade of C).
PHY 221. Mechanics. 3 Hours.
Classical Newtonian analytical mechanics. Newton's laws are used together with
vector analysis to analyze problems in statics and dynamics, with emphasis upon the latter. Problem-solving situations include rectilinear particle dynamics (especially oscillators), general particle dynamics, non-inertial reference frames, central forces, systems of particles, and mechanics of rigid bodies.
Prerequisite: MATH 212 with a minimum grade of C and PHY 141 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 231. Thermodynamics. 3 Hours.
Development and application of basic concepts and methods useful in understanding thermal phenomena. The approach is divided into three basic branches: classical thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics.
Prerequisite: PHY 142 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 212 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 250. Introduction to Research. 1 Hour.
An opportunity to learn the elements of research in physics by participating in one
of the department's existing research projects. A maximum of four semester hours
may be earned in this way. Instructor permission required.
PHY 280. Selected Topics in Physics. 1 to 4 Hours.
An opportunity to participate in a special intermediate course offering. Students
planning to take this course should consult with the instructor during the previous
semester.
PHY 311. Contemporary Physics. 3 Hours.
The general physics background of the student serves as a tool for comprehending
readings taken from professional physics publications on topics with significant relationship to life outside the laboratory. The course demands substantial progress in technical writing, technical speaking, and technical literature search skills as measured against normal professional requirements in the field.
Prerequisite: PHY 331 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 321. Optics. 3 Hours.
The presentation and demonstration of the proper use of several alternative models of the electromagnetic spectrum, including the ray model, the wave model, and the quantum model.
Prerequisite: MATH 212 with a minimum grade of D and PHY 142.
PHY 331. Electricity and Magnetism. 3 Hours.
Explore physics and mathematics of the classical description of the electromagnetic field including the experimental and theoretical background for each of Maxwell's equations in both vacuum and matter.
Prerequisite: PHY 142 with a minimum grade of C and (MATH 210 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 212 with a minimum grade of C).
PHY 341. Quantum Physics. 3 Hours.
The mathematical structure and physical meaning of quantum mechanics, as a
fundamental theory of physics, are developed at the intermediate level. Problems
are drawn from areas such as the structure of nuclei, atoms, molecules, and crystals.
Prerequisite: PHY 211 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 212 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 371. Advanced Laboratory I. 1 Hour.
The first in a series of four semester-long courses focused on experiments and projects that develop the basic experimental skills that a student majoring in physics should have. These include use of standard physics instrumentation, some familiarity with shop tools, laboratory record-keeping and report-writing, and knowledge of ways in which basic physical quantities are measured. This course is the pre-requisite for all advanced laboratory courses. Students may take PHY 211 concurrently.
Prerequisite: PHY 142 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 372. Advanced Laboratory II. 1 Hour.
One in a series of four semester-long courses focused on experiments and projects that develop the basic experimental skills that a student majoring in physics should have. These include use of standard physics instrumentation, some familiarity with shop tools, laboratory record-keeping and report-writing, and knowledge of ways in which basic physical quantities are measured.
Prerequisite: PHY 371 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 373. Advanced Laboratory III. 1 Hour.
One in a series of four semester-long courses focused on experiments and projects that develop the basic experimental skills that a student majoring in physics should have. These include use of standard physics instrumentation, some familiarity with shop tools, laboratory record-keeping and report-writing, and knowledge of ways in which basic physical quantities are measured.
Prerequisite: PHY 371 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 374. Advanced Laboratory IV. 1 Hour.
One in a series of four semester long-courses focused on experiments and projects that develop the basic experimental skills that a student majoring in physics should have. These include use of standard physics instrumentation, some familiarity with shop tools, laboratory record-keeping and report-writing, and knowledge of ways in which basic physical quantities are measured.
Prerequisite: PHY 371 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 441. Theoretical Physics I. 3 Hours.
Designed for students planning to attend graduate school, this course should be
taken in the senior year at Wofford. The material is taken from the more advanced
portions of mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum physics, optics, and introductory
statistical mechanics. Special attention is given to the mathematical methods used
in each of these areas.
Prerequisite: MATH 240 with a minimum grade of C and PHY 331 with a minimum grade of C and PHY 341 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 442. Theoretical Physics II. 3 Hours.
Designed for students planning to attend graduate school, this course should be
taken in the senior year at Wofford. The material is taken from the more advanced
portions of mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum physics, optics, and introductory
statistical mechanics. Special attention is given to the mathematical methods used
in each of these areas.
Prerequisite: MATH 240 with a minimum grade of C and PHY 331 with a minimum grade of C and PHY 341 with a minimum grade of C.
PHY 451. Research I. 2 Hours.
Active participation in a research project selected from one of the department's existing projects, or developed earlier in Physics 250 or in coordination with a faculty member. The student is expected to maintain a regular weekly schedule of lab and library work in connection with this project, keep a notebook in standard format, and write a detailed research report to be retained by the faculty member. Permission of instructor required.
PHY 452. Research II. 2 Hours.
Active participation in a research project selected from one of the department's existing projects, or developed earlier in Physics 250 or in coordination with a faculty member. The student is expected to maintain a regular weekly schedule of lab and library work in connection with this project, keep a notebook in standard format, and write a detailed research report to be retained by the faculty member. Permission of instructor required.
PHY 480. Advanced Topics in Physics. 1 to 4 Hours.
An opportunity to participate in a special advanced course offering. Students planning to take this course should consult with the instructor during the previous semester. Permission of instructor required.