Physics
http://www.whitworth.edu/physics
 The Whitworth University Physics Department and Dual-Degree Engineering Program strive to provide students with the foundational skills necessary for success in science and engineering while preserving the university’s strong tradition of a broad Christian liberal arts education. Our curriculum, which integrates a laboratory with each subject of physics, along with a growing integration of original and publishable research into the undergraduate experience, provides an understanding of real-world problems.
The learning outcomes of this major prepare the student to do the following:
- Be proficient in physics and math.
- Be able to integrate faith and vocation.
- Be employable in a wide range of fields.
- Demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Be competent in oral and written communication.
Note: Students may not receive more than one major in the Department of Physics.
Requirements for a Physics Major, B.A. (53-54) |
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| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 | | PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 | | PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 | | PS 153L | General Physics II Lab | 1 | | PS 251W | General Physics III | 4 | | PS 363 | Thermodynamics | 4 | | PS 373 | Electronics | 4 | | PS 455 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 | | 3-4 | | Electricity and Magnetism I | | | Dynamics | | | MA 171 | Calculus I | 4 | | MA 172 | Calculus II | 4 | | MA 273 | Calculus III | 4 | | MA 281 | Differential Equations | 3 | | CH 161 | General Chemistry I | 3 | | CH 161L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 | | CH 181 | General Chemistry II | 3 | | 4 | | | | Elementary Probability and Statistics | | | Science in Secondary School | |
Requirements for a Physics Major, B.S. (68) |
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| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 | | PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 | | PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 | | PS 153L | General Physics II Lab | 1 | | PS 251W | General Physics III | 4 | | PS 351 | Dynamics | 3 | | PS 353 | Advanced Dynamics | 4 | | PS 361 | Nuclear Physics | 4 | | PS 363 | Thermodynamics | 4 | | PS 373 | Electronics | 4 | | PS 451 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 4 | | PS 453 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 | | PS 455 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 | | MA 171 | Calculus I | 4 | | MA 172 | Calculus II | 4 | | MA 273 | Calculus III | 4 | | MA 281 | Differential Equations | 3 | | EN 356 | Mathematical Methods I | 2 | | EN 358 | Mathematical Methods II | 2 | | CH 161 | General Chemistry I | 3 | | CH 161L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 | | CH 181 | General Chemistry II | 3 | | | | Elementary Probability and Statistics | | | Science in Secondary School | |
Requirements for an Applied Physics Major, B.A. (57-60) |
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| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 | | PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 | | PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 | | PS 153L | General Physics II Lab | 1 | | PS 251W | General Physics III | 4 | | PS 373 | Electronics | 4 | | 3-4 | | Electricity and Magnetism I | | | Dynamics | | | MA 171 | Calculus I | 4 | | MA 172 | Calculus II | 4 | | MA 273 | Calculus III | 4 | | MA 281 | Differential Equations | 3 | | EN 356 | Mathematical Methods I | 2 | | EN 358 | Mathematical Methods II | 2 | | CH 161 | General Chemistry I | 3 | | CH 161L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 | | CH 181 | General Chemistry II | 3 | | CS 171 | Computer Science I | 3 | | 3 | | Computer Science II | | | Statics | | | 6-8 |
Requirements for a Biophysics Major, B.S. (66-69) |
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| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 | | PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 | | PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 | | PS 153L | General Physics II Lab | 1 | | PS 251W | General Physics III | 4 | | PS 241 | Introduction to Biophysics | 3 | | PS 363 | Thermodynamics | 4 | | MA 171 | Calculus I | 4 | | MA 172 | Calculus II | 4 | | MA 273 | Calculus III | 4 | | CH 161 | General Chemistry I | 3 | | CH 161L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 | | CH 181 | General Chemistry II | 3 | | CH 181L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 | | CH 271 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 | | CH 271L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 | | BI 140 | General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution | 4 | | BI 141 | General Biology II: Organismal Biology | 4 | | MA 281 | Differential Equations | 3 | | 3 | | Introductory Biochemistry | | | Biochemistry I | | | | | 9-12 | | Genetics | | | Molecular Biology | | | Advanced Cell Biology | | | Organic Chemistry II | | | Biochemistry II | | | Dynamics | | | Nuclear Physics | | | Optics | | | Electronics | | | Electricity and Magnetism I | | | Quantum Mechanics | |
Requirements for an Engineering Physics Major, B.S. (67) |
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| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 | | PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 | | PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 | | PS 153L | General Physics II Lab | 1 | | PS 251W | General Physics III | 4 | | PS 373 | Electronics | 4 | | EN 110 | Engineering Orientation | 1 | | EN 171 | Engineering Graphics & CAD | 3 | | EN 211 | Statics | 3 | | EN 390 | Internship | 1 | | EN 356 | Mathematical Methods I | 2 | | EN 358 | Mathematical Methods II | 2 | | EN 485 | Engineering Design Project | 3 | | MA 171 | Calculus I | 4 | | MA 172 | Calculus II | 4 | | MA 273 | Calculus III | 4 | | MA 281 | Differential Equations | 3 | | CH 161 | General Chemistry I | 3 | | CH 161L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 | | CS 171 | Computer Science I | 3 | | 14 | | Mechanics of Materials | | | Dynamics | | | Advanced Dynamics | | | Nuclear Physics | | | Thermodynamics | | | Optics | | | Electricity and Magnetism I | | | Electricity and Magnetism II | | | Digital Logic Design | |
Dual Degree Pre-Engineering Transfer Program
Pre-engineering advisor: Richard Stevens
Whitworth’s pre-engineering program is designed to give students the broad foundation of a liberal arts education, as well as technical training to be successful in a variety of engineering disciplines. Arrangements have been made with several top engineering schools to allow pre-engineering students to complete their first two or three years of coursework at Whitworth and the remainder of the five-year program at a partner engineering school. Partnership arrangements exist with Washington University (St. Louis), the University of Southern California, Washington State University, and Columbia University. Upon completing a customized Whitworth pre-engineering curriculum with at least a 3.25 GPA and a good record, students are assured enrollment in one of the partner engineering schools. Students report that the broad knowledge base and the critical-thinking, teamwork and communication skills acquired at Whitworth have enabled them to thrive in both engineering school and the professional environment. Recent graduates are working at successful engineering firms around the country. The following courses are required to qualify for our partner engineering schools, with additional courses available to prepare for specific engineering fields.
Requirements for a Physics Minor (21-24) |
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| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 | | PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 | | PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 | | PS 153L | General Physics II Lab | 1 | | PS 251W | General Physics III | 4 | | 9-12 | | | | Elementary Probability and Statistics (3) | | | Calculus III (4) | | | Differential Equations (3) | | | Science in Secondary School (2) | | | |
Important note:
Completion of PS 151 and PS 153 with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for enrollment in all subsequent courses in the sequence. Students with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 in those two courses are eligible to file a petition with the chair of the Physics Department for a provisional exemption to enroll in further courses.
Requirements for a Science Endorsement for Majors in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
The science endorsement requires a major in biology, chemistry or physics plus additional courses. For a list of these additional courses, please see the biology or chemistry sections of the catalog.
Engineering Courses
| EN 110 Engineering Orientation | 1 |
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Concerns of the engineering profession: its scope, challenges, opportunities, rewards and educational requirements. Includes guest lectures by professional engineers and tours of engineering facilities in the area. Fall semester. | |
| EN 125H Engineering in Society | 3 |
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Introduction to principles of engineering design and their application in small-scale design projects, context of engineering vocation and the engineer's place in society, and foundations for collegiate success as an engineering student. Honors Program offering, freshman only. Fall Semester. | |
| EN 171 Engineering Graphics & CAD | 3 |
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An introduction to modern concepts, standards, and techniques for preparing technical drawings that provide effective communication between design engineers, analysts, and fabricators. Engineering graphics techniques including spatial visualization, two dimensional sketching, multiview orthographic projection, pictorial drawing, solid modeling, and working drawings will be accomplished using AutoCAD and Inventor computer aided design software. Spring semester. | |
| EN 192 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| EN 211 Statics | 3 |
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Mathematical review, equilibrium of a particle, free-body diagrams, equilibrium of a rigid body, structural analysis, friction, center of gravity, moments of inertia. Spring semester. Prerequisite: PS 151 and MA 171. | |
| EN 291 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| EN 311 Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
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Basic concepts of solid mechanics & mechanical behavior of materials, including stress-strain relationships, stress transformation, beam bending, elasticity, plasticity and fracture. Quantitative analysis of materials-limiting problems in engineering design. Prerequisite: EN 211. Spring semester, even years. | |
| EN 351 Dynamics | 3 |
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Fundamental principles and methods of Newtonian mechanics including kinematics and kinetics of motion and the conservation laws of mechanics. Basic particle and rigid-body applications. Also listed as PS 351. Prerequisites: PS 153 and MA 281. Fall semester, odd years. | |
| EN 356 Mathematical Methods I | 2 |
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Survey of various mathematical methods commonly used in physics and engineering. Topics covered will include linear algebra, vector calculus, and complex analysis. The emphasis will be not just on the mathematical theory, but also on the various applications of these methods. Prerequisite: MA 273. Spring semester. | |
| EN 358 Mathematical Methods II | 2 |
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Survey of various mathematical methods commonly used in physics and engineering. Topics covered will include ordinary differential equations, elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic partial differential equations, and various analytical and numerical solution techniques for them. The emphasis will be not just on the mathematical theory, but also on the various applications of these methods. Prerequisite: MA 281. Fall semester. | |
| EN 392 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| EN 396 Topics in Engineering | 1-3 |
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| EN 485 Engineering Design Project | 3 |
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Introduction to methodologies, goals and challenges in engineering design. This is a hands-on course, with an emphasis on design of engineering systems for international development, and appropriate technology for developing communities. Also covers issues in communication, cost analysis, and ethics in engineering design. Prerequisites: EN 171 and either EN 211 or PS 373. Fall semester, odd years. | |
| EN 491 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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Geology Courses
| GL 131 Understanding Earth | 4 |
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Structure of the earth and the forces of plate tectonics that build and move continents. Examination of the dynamic interactions between the lithosphere (crust), atmosphere, and hydrosphere. Laboratory included. Jan Term. | |
| GL 131L Lab: Understanding Earth | 0 |
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| GL 139 Environmental Geology | 3 |
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Interactions of the human species with land, sea and air. Geologic hazards, earth resources, oceanography, meteorology. Laboratory included. Fall semester, odd years. | |
| GL 141 Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
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This course provides a broad introduction to the oft times mysterious oceanographic realm. Topics include: nature of the seafloor; seabed resources; chemical and physical properties of water; currents, waves and tides; coastlines; primary production and other "life in the water". | |
| GL 149 Science in Hawaii | 4 |
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This science course fulfills the general education requirement and is taught on the "Big Island" of Hawaii. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of foundational earth science topics including: plate tectonics; earthquakes; volcanoes; coastlines; climates; renewable energy; and Earth's place in the Universe. | |
Natural Science Courses
| NS 101 Earth and Sky | 3 |
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A broad study of earth science including geology and astronomy, oceans, the atmosphere and fundamental underlying physical concepts. Includes the nature and the origin of the solar system, the structure of the earth, and how earth processes operate and affect human life; for example: volcanoes, earthquakes, rivers, groundwater, glaciers, ocean processes, atmosphere and weather. For elementary education students. Fall and spring semesters. | |
Physics Courses
| PS 101 Physics of Weapons | 3 |
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A science course specifically designed for non-majors, this course will examine the ties between science and the technology of weapons. Societal impacts of these weapons and Christian responses will be examined. The primary focus of the course will be on physics, and knowledge of high-school algebra and geometry is expected. | |
| PS 121 Concepts of Physics | 3 |
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A study of fundamental unifying ideas of physics and of how scientists learn about the physical world. Emphasis on the comprehension of concepts. For non-science majors. Jan Term. | |
| PS 123 Origins | 3 |
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Examination of the human quest to understand the origins of the Universe. Emphasis given to the historical development of scientific theories and the spectrum of Christian perspectives on origins. For non-science majors; algebra and geometry will be used. Periodic offering. | |
| PS 127 Introduction to Space Flight | 3 |
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A study of the scientific concepts behind the development and practice of space flight. Other topics include the history of space flight, military applications, socio-political implications, crew training, commercial spinoffs of space exploration and the outlook for the future. For non-science majors. Prerequisite: MA 107 or MA 108. Periodic Jan Term offering. | |
| PS 141 Introduction to Astronomy | 4 |
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Nature and origin of the solar system, starlight and star life, components and structure of a galaxy, the expanding universe and cosmology. Astronomical instruments are also discussed. Includes laboratory. Spring semester. | |
| PS 146 Physics in Current Events | 3 |
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Using current events as a starting point, we will discuss the physics behind these events and explore where it leads. Topics may include forces, energy, waves, sound, electricity and magnetism, heat, fluids, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, astronomy, and astrophysics. The selection will be based largely on current events in news media, such as newspapers, TV, radio, and the Internet. Students are encouraged to suggest topics of interest to them. Course includes a lab component. Fulfills the natural science requirement. | |
| PS 151 General Physics I | 3 |
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Basic principles of mechanics. Prerequisite: MA 171 or concurrent enrollment. Fall semester. | |
| PS 151L General Physics I Lab | 1 |
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Laboratory experiments in mechanics. Includes introduction to propagation of uncertainty. Prerequisite: PS 151 or concurrent enrollment. | |
| PS 153 General Physics II | 3 |
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Basic principles of thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism. Prerequisites: PS 151, also MA 172 or concurrent enrollment. Spring semester. | |
| PS 153L General Physics II Lab | 1 |
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Laboratory experiments in thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism. Prerequisites: PS 151L, also PS 153 or concurrent enrollment. Spring semester. | |
| PS 191 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| PS 192 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| PS 196 Topics in Physics | 1-3 |
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Selected lower-division topics in physics. Periodic offering. | |
| PS 200 Physics Outreach | 1 |
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Promotion of physics and engineering education through service-learning in the community. An example of this outreach is working with local middle school students to help design and construct experiments to be flown to the upper atmosphere with a high-altitude balloon. | |
| PS 241 Introduction to Biophysics | 3 |
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This is a key course in the proposed bio physics major. The course will introduce major themes in the area of biophysics and will be the one course in the curriculum where the connections between physics and biology are the primary focus. Prerequisite: PS 153. Spring semester, odd years. | |
| PS 251W General Physics III | 4 |
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Continuation of PS 153. Basic principles of optics special relativity, and modern physics. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: PS 153. Completion of this three-semester sequence is the normal pattern for entry into all upper-level physics courses. | |
| PS 251L Lab: General Physics III | 0 |
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| PS 271 Computational Physics | 3 |
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Introduction to the investigation of physical processes using computers. Survey of various computational techniques to solve equations commonly used in physics and engineering. This is a hands-on course with an emphasis on solving these equations for applications in physics. Prerequisite: MA 273. | |
| PS 291 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| PS 351 Dynamics | 3 |
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Fundamental principles and methods of Newtonian mechanics including kinematics and kinetics of motion and the conservation laws of mechanics. Basic particle and rigid-body applications. Also listed with EN 351. Prerequisites: PS 153 and MA 281. Fall semester, odd years. | |
| PS 353 Advanced Dynamics | 4 |
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Continuation of PS 351. Numerical techniques in dynamics, velocity-dependent forces, oscillations (linear, nonlinear, and coupled), motion in a noninertial reference frame, and alternative formulations of mechanics (Lagrangian and Hamiltonian). Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: PS 351. Spring semester, even years. | |
| PS 353L Advanced Dynamics Lab | 0 |
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| PS 361 Nuclear Physics | 4 |
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Nuclear structure, radioactivity, nuclear reaction interactions of nuclear radiations with matter. Includes Lab. Prerequisites: PS 251W. Spring semester, even years. | |
| PS 361L Lab: Nuclear Physics | 0 |
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| PS 363 Thermodynamics | 4 |
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Statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, laws of thermodynamics and states of matter. Implications for engines and other applications in many areas of science. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: PS 251W and MA 281. Spring semester, odd years. | |
| PS 363L Lab: Thermodynamics | 0 |
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| PS 371 Optics | 4 |
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Nature of light, geometrical and physical optics, interference, quantum optics, optical instruments. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: PS 251W and MA 281. | |
| PS 373 Electronics | 4 |
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A "learn-by-doing" practical introduction to the fundamentals of electronic devices and circuits. Emphasis on modern instrumentation. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: PS 153. Spring semester. | |
| PS 391 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| PS 392 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| PS 395 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
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| PS 396 Topics in Physics | 1-3 |
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Selected upper-division topics in physics. Periodic offering. | |
| PS 451 Electricity and Magnetism I | 4 |
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Electric and magnetic fields, boundary value problems, steady and alternating currents, electrical instruments, and measurement techniques Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: PS 153, PS 373 and MA 281. Fall semester, even years. | |
| PS 453 Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
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Continuation of PS 451. Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, advanced topics in electrical and magnetic phenomena. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: PS 451. Spring semester, odd years. | |
| PS 455 Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
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Principles of quantum mechanics, including Schroedinger's equation applied to the rigid rotor, the hydrogen atom and the harmonic oscillator. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: PS 251W and MA 281. Fall semester, odd years. | |
| PS 471 Research in Physics | 1-4 |
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Supervised research projects in areas such as electronics, optics, nuclear physics, computer applications, atmospheric physics. Prerequisite: permission of professor. Jan Term. | |
| PS 473 Experimental Physics | 1-4 |
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Supervised research projects in areas such as electronics, optics, nuclear physics, computer applications, atmospheric physics. Prerequisite: permission of professor. | |
| PS 491 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| PS 495 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
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Dean of Arts and Sciences
NOELLE WIERSMA Chair
JOHN LARKIN Professors
KAMESH SANKARANRICHARD STEVENS Associate professor
JOHN LARKIN Assistant professor
MARKUS ONG
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