2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Physics Department
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Douglas Armstead, chair
Bowers Hall, Room 342
607-753-2821
Fax: 607-753-4973
cortland.edu/physics
School of Arts and Sciences
Faculty
Douglas Armstead, Eric Edlund, Moataz Emam, David Kornreich, Sean Nolan
Adjunct Faculty
For a listing of adjunct faculty see the Faculty and Administration section.
Degrees and Minor
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Bachelor of Science in Adolescence Education: Physics (7-12)
Bachelor of Science in Adolescence Education: Physics and Mathematics (7-12)
Minor in Physics
Concentrations
Environmental Science
Geophysics
Description
Physics programs at SUNY Cortland provide a versatile background in the principles of physics, applied mathematics, computer skills and electronic equipment. This background is useful in many areas of technology, engineering, business, industry, government and the teaching of physics at all levels. The laws of physics are central to all branches of science, and students with physics training may readily enter such related fields as astronomy, biophysics, chemical physics, engineering, geophysics, medicine, meteorology, molecular biology and radiology.
Special Features
- Physics and Engineering Club
- Internships
- Undergraduate teaching
- Physics Honor Society – experiences Sigma Pi Sigma
Requirements
- Degree requirements listed in this catalog apply to all of the majors offered by this department.
- Liberal Arts Requirements: B.A. – 90 credit hours; B.S. – 60 credit hours
- Physics majors may not take additional physics course work unless they earn a 2.0 grade point average in PHY 201 and PHY 202.
Major
Minor
AED 391 - Introduction to Adolescence Education (PHY) Students will develop a coherent and comprehensive personal educational philosophy; analyze the role of education and teachers in society; demonstrate an understanding of teacher certification standards and requirements; evaluate teaching, lesson planning and implementation and cooperative skills; and develop a portfolio. The course includes 25 hours of field observation/teaching experience. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AED 442 - Methods I: Teaching the Sciences in the Middle and Secondary Schools (PHY) The course examines history and foundations of education, especially science education; explores disciplinary models and their application to classroom management; examines tools for measurement and evaluation of performance and achievement of diverse learners; develops criteria for curriculum development and lesson planning aligned with state and national standards; examines federal and state laws governing education of students with disabilities; develops strategies for collaborating with administrators, faculty, staff, parents/guardians, and community members. Includes 25 hours of field experience in middle or secondary schools. Open only to majors who have been formally admitted to adolescence education: biology, chemistry, earth science or physics. Prerequisites: PSY 232 and AED 391. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
AED 443 - Methods II: Teaching the Sciences in the Middle and Secondary Schools (PHY) Introduction to aspects of teaching laboratory-based science to a diverse population of students through the development of a course syllabus, a comprehensive plan for laboratory safety, and lesson/unit plans that incorporate technology and align with state and national learning standards and state science core curriculum guides.
The course will conclude with a discussion of the importance of continued self-reflection and professional growth and development. Twenty-five hours of field experience in middle and secondary schools, with 15 of the twenty-five hours devoted to working with students with disabilities. Prerequisite: AED 442; corequisites: AED 444 and SPE 275. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
AED 444 - Laboratory Practicum (PHY) Opportunity to work with an experienced teacher in the planning, preparation and implementation of laboratory exercises in an introductory, college-level lab course through one-on-one and small group activities. Fulfills 25 hours of field experience requirement. Corequisite: AED 443. (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AED 445 - Student Teaching: Adolescence Education - Science (PHY) Full-time supervised student teaching in two public school placements: one, eight-week placement at the seventh or eighth grade level and one, eight-week placement at the ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade level. A discipline-specific student teaching seminar is held on campus once during the semester. Prerequisites: PSY 232; AED 443 and 444; and successful completion of CARR, SAVE and DASA workshops. See major department for eligibility criteria. Grading: S, U grades are assigned. (12 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
ENS 176 - Green Representative: Sustainability in the Campus Community Service as a green representative in one of the on-campus residence halls or as a student coordinator of the Green Representative Program. Includes producing programs and activities in the residence halls promoting campus sustainability and awareness of the relationship between environmental damage and personal lifestyle choices, weekly meetings with course instructor and program staff, and organization of campus-wide group projects with other green representatives. May be repeated for up to four credit hours. Permission of instructor following submission of application. Grading: S, U grades are assigned. Also listed as EST 176. (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
EST 176 - Green Representative: Sustainability in the Campus Community Service as a green representative in one of the on-campus residence halls or as a student coordinator of the Green Representative Program. Includes producing programs and activities in the residence halls promoting campus sustainability and awareness of the relationship between environmental damage and personal lifestyle choices, weekly meetings with course instructor and program staff, and organization of campus-wide group projects with other green representatives. May be repeated for up to four credit hours. Permission of instructor following submission of application. Grading: S, U grades are assigned. Also listed as ENS 176. (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
PHY 105 - Elementary Mechanics and Heat An algebra-based introduction to mechanics and heat. The methods of science and applications to diverse fields are stressed. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory. Fulfills: GE 2; LASR. (4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
PHY 106 - Elementary Electricity, Light and Sound An algebra-based introduction to electricity, light and sound. The methods of science and applications to diverse fields are stressed. Prerequisite: PHY 105 or PHY 201. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory. Fulfills: GE 2; LASR. (4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
PHY 129 - Special Topics In Physics A selected topics course which may be taken more than once as the subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
PHY 150 - Introductory Astronomy A survey of modern astronomy. Topics include the planets and their moons, the sun and other stars, stellar structure and evolution, galaxies and cosmology. Some elementary algebra is used. Not open to students with credit for PHY 155. Fulfills LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
PHY 151 - Introductory Astronomy Laboratory Laboratory experiments pertinent to the field of astronomy, planetarium observations and outdoor (naked eye/telescope) observations when weather permits. Prerequisite: PHY 150 or equivalent transfer. Corequisite: PHY 151 should be taken concurrently with PHY 150, or equivalent transfer. Fulfills: GE 2; LASR. (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
PHY 155 - Introductory Astronomy with Laboratory A survey of modern astronomy. Topics include the planets and their moons, the sun and other stars, stellar structure and evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. Some elementary algebra is used. Laboratory consists of experiments pertinent to the field, planetarium observations, and outdoor (naked eye/telescope) observations when weather permits. Not open to students with credit for PHY 150. Fulfills: GE 2, LASR. (4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
PHY 186 - Introductory Programming Data types, arithmetic statements, input/output statements, control structures and one-dimensional arrays. Also listed as MCS 186. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
PHY 201 - Principles of Physics I Fundamental principles of motion and dynamics using methods of calculus. Topics include motion in one, two and three dimensions, mechanical equilibrium, momentum, energy, rotational motion and dynamics, periodic motion, gravitation and conservation laws. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory (not necessarily every week) and one recitation. Prerequisite: MAT 121 or 135, which may be taken concurrently. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory and one recitation. Fulfills: GE 2; LASR. (4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
PHY 202 - Principles of Physics II Fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism using methods of calculus. Topics include static electricity, currents and simple circuits, electric and magnetic fields, energy and magnetic materials. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory (not necessarily every week) and one recitation. Prerequisites: PHY 201 and MAT 122 or 236, which may be taken concurrently. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory and one recitation. Fulfills: GE 2; LASR. (4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
PHY 203 - Principles of Physics III Fundamental principles of thermodynamics, optics and sound, using methods of calculus. Topics include heat, work, and energy of thermodynamics systems, wave motion, geometrical and physical optics, and sound. Prerequisite: PHY 202. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three lectures. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
PHY 229 - Special Topics In Physics A selected topics course which may be taken more than once as the subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
PHY 329 - Special Topics In Physics A selected topics course which may be taken more than once as the subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
PHY 340 - Physics Teaching Assistant Service as teaching assistant in introductory physics course. Includes meetings with course instructor, grading weekly problem sets and preparing at least one lecture for presentation to the host class. Cannot be applied to any state teacher education requirement. S, U grades assigned. May be taken three times for credit. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in PHY 201 and PHY 202 and permission of department. (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = every semester
PHY 357 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory A laboratory experience stressing precise experimental measurement using a variety of instruments and covering various branches of physics. Two three-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of department. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
PHY 405 - Energy and Sustainability Study of the environmental and social impacts of energy production and consumption and the options for meeting society's needs for energy services through sustainable technologies and practices. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in Fall
PHY 410 - Modern Physics A study of modern theories of the atom and their experimental bases. Topics include the special theory of relativity, origins of quantum theory, the nuclear atom of Rutherford and Bohr, the electron as a fundamental particle, quantum aspects of radiation, the wave-particle duality, atomic spectra and X-rays. Prerequisite: PHY 202. Fulfills: LASR and PRES. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
PHY 420 - Classical Mechanics The study of the motion of physical bodies at the macroscopic level. Topics include the dynamics of a particle, the harmonic oscillator, motion in three dimensions, central forces, systems of particles, and rigid bodies. Prerequisites: PHY 202 and MAT 237. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
PHY 422 - Applied Mechanics The study of statics and dynamics of rigid bodies. Topics include simple equilibrium, structural analysis, inertia tensors, centroids, energy and momentum, and strength of materials. Prerequisites: PHY 201 and MAT 122 or MAT 237, which may be taken concurrently. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
PHY 425 - Methods of Applied Mathematics Mathematics needed for the study of the sciences. Topics include vector analysis, matrix operations, functions of a complex variable, Fourier series and integral transforms. Prerequisites: MAT 122 or MAT 236; and PHY 202. Also listed as MAT 425. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
PHY 429 - Special Topics In Physics A selected topics course which may be taken more than once as the subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
PHY 430 - Statistical and Thermal Physics Statistical mechanics of microscopic systems leading to classical thermodynamics. Prerequisites: PHY 410 and MAT 336. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Represent thermal systems in terms of distribution functions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between entropy and the number of accessible microstates.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the connection between the microscopic properties of a gas and the measurable macroscopic properties such as pressure, volume, and density.
- Calculate equilibrium conditions from the principle of maximization of entropy in quantum and classical systems.
PHY 440 - Electronics A survey of D.C. and A.C. circuits, semiconductor devices and electronic test equipment. Prerequisite: PHY 202. Not open to students with credit for PHY 540. Lecture/Lab Hours: Two lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring; C = offered at least once every two years
PHY 450 - Electricity and Magnetism A study of electromagnetic theory leading to Maxwell's equations. Topics include electrostatics and Gauss' Law, magnetostatics and Ampere's Law, fields in material media, time-dependent phenomena and Faraday's Law, and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: PHY 202 and MAT 237. Fulfills: LASR. (4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
PHY 458 - Digital Logic Systems The design of digital logic circuits using small- and medium-scale logic elements. Topics include integrated circuitry, Boolean algebra, Karnaugh mapping, flip-flops, shift registers and memory elements. Two three-hour laboratories. Not open to students with credit for PHY 558. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
PHY 475 - Quantum Mechanics Non-relativistic quantum mechanics, including the wave-like nature of particles, the Schrödinger equation, solutions to the Schrödinger equation for free and bound particles, solutions in one and three dimensions, spin systems and the hydrogen atom. Not open to students with credit for PHY 575. Prerequisites: PHY 410 and PHY 420. Corequisite: MAT 336. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics and the relationship between probability and the wave function.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the non-relativistic Schrödinger Equation in its general form.
- Derive and evaluate solutions to the Schrödinger Equation for free and bound particles in introductory geometries, including the infinite square well, finite square well, the harmonic potential and delta-function potential.
- Represent spin systems and evaluate probabilities related to spin measurements.
- Interpret the wave function of an electron in a hydrogen atom.
PHY 495 - Independent Study in Physics Directed study or independent research in a special topic. Prerequisites: PHY 202 or consent of department. (1-3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
PHY 505 - Energy and Sustainability Study of the environmental and social impacts of energy production and consumption and the options for meeting society's needs for energy services through sustainable technologies and practices. Not open to students with credit for PHY 405. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
PHY 522 - Engineering Mechanics Study of statics of rigid bodies with applications to structural and load analysis. Topics include: equilibrium of extended bodies, centroids, friction and the analysis of trusses, frames, beams, towers and cables with a focus on engineering applications to renewable energy systems. Not open to students with credit for PHY 422. Prerequisite: PHY 201 and MAT 122 or MAT 237. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
PHY 529 - Special Topics In Physics A selected topics course which may be taken more than once as the subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
PHY 530 - Fundamentals of Thermodynamics A study of the thermal properties of matter from macroscopic and molecular points of view. Topics include heat, temperature, entropy, classical and quantum statistical mechanics, and the laws and application of thermodynamics to such systems as heat pumps, engines and refrigerators. Prerequisites: MAT 122 or MAT 237 and PHY 410, which may be taken concurrently. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
PHY 531 - Physical Chemistry I Kinetic theory of gase8, 278, thermodynamics, introductory quantum chemistry, chemical bonding. Molecular spectroscopy. Not open to students with credit for CHE 431. Prerequisites: CHE 228, 278; and PHY 202, which may be taken concurrently. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply qualitative and quantitative methods to questions of chemical kinetics.
- Apply qualitative and quantitative methods to questions of chemical thermodynamics.
- Predict and explain chemical processes and data based on the principles of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics.
PHY 532 - Physical Chemistry II Chemical kinetics, solid and liquid states, phase equilibria, properties of solutions and surface chemistry. Prerequisite: PHY 531. Not open to students with credit for CHE 432. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Relate quantum mechanical models to the behavior of subatomic particles, atoms, and molecules.
- Interpret and predict spectroscopic characteristics of atoms, ions, and molecules in the context of quantum mechanical mathematical models.
PHY 540 - Electronics I: Circuit Elements and Devices Exploration of AC and DC circuits from experimental and theoretical perspectives. Topics include: measurement and diagnostic devices, resistive and reactive networks, transformers, and semiconductor devices such as diodes, photovoltaic cells and transistors. Two lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Not open to students with credit for PHY 440. Prerequisite: PHY 202. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
PHY 541 - Electronics II: Power Electronics Application of electronics to energy control and conversion with a focus on renewable energy systems. Topics include: amplifier circuits, power semiconductor devices, DC to AC power conversion, computer-based modeling of circuit behavior, the New York state and national electrical codes, and a final research project involving the design and simulation of novel electronic devices. Prerequisite: PHY 440 or PHY 540. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
PHY 550 - Intermediate Astronomy A survey of modern astronomy and the physical principles used to describe astronomical phenomena. Topics may include the Big Bang, formation of the Sun and Solar System, the Earth and planetary geology, the stars and stellar evolution, and the Milky Way and other galaxies. Prerequisites: PHY 202 or PHY 106; and MAT 121 or MAT 135. Fulfills: LASR; PRES. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
PHY 559 - Advanced Physics Laboratory The development of additional techniques and skills in a special area of physics. May be repeated to perform different experiments. Prerequisites: PHY 202 or consent of department. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
PHY 565 - Solid State Physics The properties of solids. Topics include crystal structure, electronic and structural properties, the free-electron model, band theory, metals, semiconductors, superconductivity and magnetism. Prerequisites: PHY 410, MAT 430. MAT 430 maybe taken concurrently. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
PHY 567 - Thermodynamics of Building Design and Technology Principles of heat generation, distribution and retention in residential and commercial buildings. Topics include: analysis of the thermal envelope of buildings, active and passive solar heating technologies, geothermal heat pumps, active and passive cooling systems, and the design and use of energy modeling programs. Prerequisite: PHY 203 or PHY 530 or CHE 431. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
PHY 570 - Nuclear Physics A study of elementary nuclear theory. Topics include the properties of nuclei, radioactivity and transmutation. Prerequisite: PHY 410 and 450. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
PHY 575 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics The study of the physical laws underlying microscopic systems. Topics include the wavelike properties of matter, the motion of wave packets, Schrödinger’s equation, the solution of Schrödinger’s equation in one and three dimensions, operators, expectation values, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the quantum harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom and approximation methods. Prerequisite: MAT 430 and PHY 420. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring; C = offered at least once every two years
PHY 576 - Physics of Renewable Energy Technologies Physical principles of renewable electricity generation, distribution and storage. Topics include: monocrystalline, amorphous, and thin-film photovoltaic cells, advanced battery technologies, and residential and utility scale wind turbines. Prerequisite: PHY 410. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
PHY 595 - Geophysical Methods Principles and instrumentation of geophysical methods used to collect and interpret data from the Earth's interior. Prerequisites: GLY 261 and either PHY 105 and 106 or 201 and 202. Lecture/Lab Hours: Two lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Also listed as GLY 595. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
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