School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Curriculum Sequence

Please Visit the Physics Home Page @ http://physics.morgan.edu/~physics

Chairperson of Department:

Professor FREDERICK W. OLIVER

Professors:

CONRAD WILLIAMS

Associate Professors:

DEREJE SEIFU
EUGENE HOFFMAN
ABDLLAH LISFI

Assistant Professors:

ERNEST HAMMOND
WINDSOR MORGAN

Lecturers:

ARADHYA KUMAR
RICHARD LOCKHART
LAURIE MURDOCK
RADHYA KUMAR
HARRY OLSON
ROMAN SERBY
WILLIAM POWELL

OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT

Physics is the basic physical science. Its subject matter is concerned with the fundamental principles governing matter and energy in the material world. The courses included in this program are selected with the purpose of giving the students wide acquaintance with the different aspects of physics as well as techniques and skills in the operation of electronic instrumentation.

Engineering Physics is a curriculum which emphasizes fundamental courses in Physics, Mathematics and Engineering. The curriculum will prepare students to work in areas which require knowledge from several of the traditional Engineering disciplines as well as Physics. This program will also prepare students for graduate study in any of the Engineering disciplines, as well as Physics.

THE MAJOR IN ENGINEERING PHYSICS

College-wide Requirements: In addition to meeting the requirements in General Education and in the major, students must also complete six (6) credits in the Liberal Arts Core required of all majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. Options for satisfying this requirement are outlined under the section on the College of Arts and Sciences. Also, in order to qualify for graduation, students must pass the Senior Departmental Comprehensive Examination; must have taken all of their junior-and senior-level requirements in the major at Morgan (unless granted prior written permission by the Dean to take courses elsewhere); and must have earned a cumulative average of 2.0 or better and a major average of 2.0 or better, with no outstanding grades below "C" in the major (which includes all courses required for the major and required supporting courses).

REQUIRED COURSES FOR A MAJOR IN ENGINEERING PHYSICS

College-wide Requirements: In addition to meeting the requirements in General Education and in the major, students must also complete six (6) credits in the Liberal Arts Core required of all majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. Options for satisfying this requirement are outlined under the section on the College of Arts and Sciences. Also, in order to qualify for graduation, students must pass the Senior Departmental Comprehensive Examination; must have taken all of their junior- and senior-level requirements in the major at Morgan (unless granted prior written permission by the Dean to take courses elsewhere); and must have earned a cumulative average of 2.0 or better and a major average of 2.0 or better, with no outstanding grades below "C" in the major (which includes all courses required for the major and required supporting courses).

REQUIRED COURSES FOR A MAJOR IN PHYSICS

REQUIREMENTS: Students majoring in Physics must complete forty-seven (47) hours distribute as follows: PHYS 300; PHYS 301-302; PHYS 303-304; PHYS 401; PHYS 403; PHYS 408; PHYS 412; CHEM 101-102 or CHEM 111-112; MATH 243; and one year of a foreign language. The student should select additional courses from the recommended electives.

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES: PHYS 305, PHYS 308, PHYS 405, PHYS 406, PHYS 408; COSC 151 or COSC 161; MATH 340, MATH 341; CHEM 307-308.

COURSE OFFERINGS

PHYS 101 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS--Six hours; 4 credits. This is a one-semester course exploring basic concepts in mechanics, heat, sound, optics electricity, magnetism and atomic and nuclear physics.

PHYS 102 ASTRONOMY--Two hours lecture; 2 credits. This is a study of heavenly bodies, constellations, time, celestial navigation and astro-physics.

PHYS 105-106 ENERGY, TRANSPORTATION AND POLLUTION I & II--Six hours; 6 credits. This is a two-semester sequence designed to discuss man in relationship with his environment. The course presents physical principles and concepts to aid the student in understanding, assessing and appreciating his environment.

PHYS 203-204 GENERAL PHYSICS: FUNDAMENTAL OF PHYSICS--Six hours lecture; Four hours laboratory; 8 credits. This is a two-semester sequence designed for students in the life sciences. Mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear physics are covered. Prerequisites: MATH 111, MATH 121 or 113, MATH 114.

PHYS 205 UNIVERSITY PHYSICS--Four hours lecture; Three hours laboratory; 5 credits. This is a calculus based course designed for students in the natural sciences and engineering. Mechanics, sound and thermodynamics. Corequisite: MATH 241.

PHYS 206 UNIVERSITY PHYSICS--Four hours lecture; Three hours laboratory; 5 credits. This is the second semester of a two-semester sequence. Electricity magnetism and optics. Prerequisites: MATH 241 and PHYS 205. Corequisite: MATH 242.

PHYS 211 ENGINEERING DESIGN AND SYSTEMS-- Three hours; 3 credits. The course is designed to provide students with information about the engineering profession and an understanding of the design process.

PHYS 300 MODERN PHYSICS I--Three hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 4 credits. The topics studied include photoelectric effect, Bohr's theory of the H atom, deBroglie waves and wave mechanics, electron spin and Pauli exclusion principles. Prerequisite: PHYS 206.

PHYS 301-302 ANALYTICAL MECHANICS--Six hours lecture; 6 credits. This is an intermediate course including particle motion, the statics and dynamics of rigid bodies, motion under central forces, and vibratory motion. This course is recommended for students interested in Physics, Applied Mathematics and Engineering. Prerequisites: MATH 242 and PHYS 206.

PHYS 303-304 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM--Six hours lecture; 6 credits. The topics covered include: electricity and the electrostatic field, magnetism and the magnetic field, potential, capacity, electrical circuit theory, inductive circuits, alternating current networks, transformers, electromagnetic waves and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: MATH 242 and PHYS 206.

PHYS 305 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I-VECTOR ANALYSIS--Three hours lecture; 3 credits. The content includes the fundamental operations of vector analysis, scalar and vector products, differentiation of vectors, and the differential operators. There is an application of the derivations to problems in electricity, dynamics, hydro-dynamics and mechanics. Prerequisite: MATH 242.

PHYS 306 SOLID STATE AND DIGITAL ELECTRONICS--Two hours lecture and laboratory; 3 credits. This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the basic electronic principles in theory and application; both solid state electronics and digital methods will be studied. (FALL)

PHYS 308 HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS--Three hours lecture; 3 credits. This course is a study of thermometry, specific heats, transfer of heat, change of state, kinetic theory, the laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic potentials and Maxwell's relations. Prerequisites: MATH 242 (SPRING)

PHYS 312 PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS--Three hours; 3 credits. This course covers basic principles, nature and properties of materials, as well as correlation of the structure of solids with their physical properties. (SPRING).

PHYS 401 OPTICS--Three hours lecture; 3 credits. This is an intermediate course in the study of lenses, aberrations, polarization, interference, diffraction, line spectra, thermal radiation, lasers, photometry and color. Prerequisites: MATH 242 and PHYS 206. (FALL).

PHYS 403 ADVANCED LABORATORY--Four hours laboratory; 2 credits. This course is designed to give the students advanced experimental sophistication in modern laboratory techniques in modern and nuclear physics. (FALL).

PHYS 405 MODERN PHYSICS II--Three hours lecture; 3 credits. This course deals mainly with nuclear and relativistic physics. Topics considered are the special theory of relativity, the nuclear force, nuclear structure and the particles of modern physics. (ALTERNATE YEARS).

PHYS 406 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS II: MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS--Three hours lecture; 3 credits. This course is an introduction to mathematical methods with applications to applied problems in physics and engineering. (ALTERNATE YEARS).

PHYS 407 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSICS--Three hours lecture; 3 credits. This course deals with current topics in physics and/or undergraduate physics research.

PHYS 408 INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS--Three hours lecture; 3 credits. This course covers the basic principles of quantum mechanics. Problems in one-dimensional motion, the hydrogen atom and molecule, and perturbation theory are studied. Prerequisite: MATH 340. (ALTERNATE YEARS) to (SPRING).

PHYS 410 TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATION OF RADIOISOTOPES--Two hours lecture; Four hours laboratory; 4 credits. This course is designed to include the basic laboratory experiences in radioisotopes technology with an adequate amount of lecture material to provide the necessary background for understanding the experiments. (ALTERNATE YEARS)

PHYS 412 LABORATORY USE OF MICROCOMPUTERS--One hour lecture; Four hours laboratory; 3 credits. This course emphasizes the use of microcomputers as laboratory instruments and as laboratory data collectors and analysers. Topics to be covered include computer-simulated experiments, computer-assisted design, op amps, analog to digital and digital to analog conversion, machine and assembly language programming, and microcomputer controlled stepper motors and switches. (SPRING)

PHYS 498 SENIOR INTERNSHIP--Five hours; 3 credits. This course provides the opportunity for the student to obtain supervised work experience in the major at an off-campus site selected and approved by the Departmental Chairperson. Registration is limited to seniors with minimum 3.0 cumulative and major averages and requires approval of the Departmental Chairperson. Exceptions may be approved by the Dean.

PHYS 499 SENIOR RESEARCH OR TEACHING/TUTORIAL ASSISTANTSHIP--Five hours; 3 credits. This course provides the opportunity for the student to attain first-hand research or teaching/tutorial experience under the supervision and mentorship of a tenure-track faculty member. Registration is limited to seniors with minimum of 3.0 cumulative and major averages and requires the approval of the Departmental Chairperson. Exceptions may be approved by the Dean.

EARTH SCIENCE COURSE OFFERINGS

EASC 101 STELLAR ASTRONOMY--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This is a laboratory-oriented course designed to explore the astronomical aspects of the earth as a part of the solar system. Also, it includes a detailed study of the sun, stellar phenomena, stellar evolution, galactic phenomena and cosmology.

EASC 102 METEOROLOGY--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This is a laboratory-oriented course stressing a minimal quantitative introduction to the physical processes which govern the movement and effects of our atmosphere. Included will be detailed discussions of weather features, weather systems, air masses, atmospheric heating, global atmospheric circulation and local weather determinations.

EASC 201 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This is a laboratory-oriented, minimally quantitative introduction to a study of the planet Earth with particular emphasis on the composition of the earth; formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; the structure and interior of the earth; gradation of the crust and weathering processes; the geologic time scale; and topograhic mapping. Field work is an integral part of the course.

EASC 202 HISTORICAL GEOLOGY--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This course is an analysis of the earth's history including basic concepts of historical geology; the nature of the rock record; Precambrian history; physical history of North America; the origin of life and the theory and trend of evolution; and the theory of plate tectonics.

EASC 203 MINERALOGY--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This is a laboratory-oriented course designed to provide knowledge of the occurrences, chemical/physical properties and megascopic identification of minerals of the earth.

EASC 205 INTRODUCTORY EARTH SCIENCE--Three hours lecture; One three-hour laboratory; 4 credits. This laboratory-oriented course is structured to develop an understanding of the methods of scientific inquiry and critical thought with respect to investigations in astronomy, geology, meterology, and oceanography. Special emphasis is made on the interrelationships between earth science, technology, and society, particularly with respect to the environment. This course is designed to meet certification requirements in earth science for elementary education majors.

EASC 301 PLANETARY SCIENCE--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This course is designed to study in depth the motion, structure and atmospheric phenomena associated with planets of our solar system. Also, the effects solar disturbances and solar wind have on the earth. The course is structured to take advantage of the most recent information obtained from man's space explorations. Prerequisite: EASC 101.

EASC 302 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This course is designed to develop an understanding of the structure of the earth. Emphasis will be placed on factors controlling behavior of materials in the earth, structures produced and methods of studying them. Special attention will be given to the mechanics and classifications of folds, faults and joints. Prerequisites: EASC 201 and EASC 202.

EASC 305 STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTATION--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This course is designed to develop an understanding of the classification and composition of sediments; interpretation of sedimentary rocks; stratification and vertical sequence; and stratigraphic classification. Prerequisites: EASC 201 and EASC 202.

EASC 306 GEOMORPHOLOGY--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This course will investigate the development and distribution of the earth's topographic features. Emphasis will be placed upon agents such as running water, wind, glaciers, currents, waves and mass movements to understand the landforms that they sculpture. Prerequisites: EASC 201, EASC 202 and EASC 305.

EASC 402 ECONOMIC GEOLOGY--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This is a descriptive course designed to examine, in depth, the principles and formation of metallic and nonmetallic mineral deposits. Specifically, the course will deal with processes of formation, classification, structural controls and the economic uses of mineral deposits. Prerequisites: EASC 201 and EASC 202.

EASC 403 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE--Two hours lecture; Two hours laboratory; 3 credits. This is a laboratory-oriented course involving the study of ecology, pollution and the environment. Specific topics to be discussed include an introduction to ecology, agricultural environments, pesticides, radioactive wastes, air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, thermal pollution and solid wastes. Field work will be an integral part of the course. Prerequisites: PHYS 203 or PHYS 205, CHEM 101, BIOL 101 and BIOL 102.

EASC 488-489 PRACTICUM IN SCIENCE--Fifteen hours; 12 credits. This course will provide the student an opportunity to refine and broaden specific career related skills through on-the-job application in community institutions of Natural Science , such as, science centers, museums, aquaria, environmental centers, and other related agencies. It will also enable the student to gain professional experience while pursuing the undergraduate degree, thus increasing his or her level of competitiveness for job placement upon graduation. It will enhance the level of interaction between Morgan State University and the community at large.