General Education Courses

Course Description: This course is an introduction to algebra-based physics focusing on thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and elementary topics in modern physics. Topics include heat and temperature, laws of thermodynamics, fluids, electric and magnetic forces and fields, DC electrical circuits, electromagnetic induction, opyics, the concept of the photon, and the Bohr model of the atom. The course is taught using both traditional lectures and a workshop format that integrates material traditionally found in separate lecture, recitation, and laboratory settings.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to algebra-based physics focusing on thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and elementary topics in modern physics. Topics include heat and temperature, laws of thermodynamics, fluids, electric and magnetic forces and fields, DC electrical circuits, electromagnetic induction, opyics, the concept of the photon, and the Bohr model of the atom. The course is taught using both traditional lectures and a workshop format that integrates material traditionally found in separate lecture, recitation, and laboratory settings.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course students will learn aspects of Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity including time dilation, length contraction, Lorentz transformations, velocity transformations, relativistic Doppler effect, issues with simultaneity, and relativistic expressions for energy and momentum.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course students will learn aspects of Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity including time dilation, length contraction, Lorentz transformations, velocity transformations, relativistic Doppler effect, issues with simultaneity, and relativistic expressions for energy and momentum.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is without exception only for students who have earned credit for PHYS-206. This is a course in calculus-based physics for science and engineering majors. Topics include mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. This course together with PHYS-206 is equivalent to PHYS-211.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is without exception only for students who have earned credit for PHYS-206. This is a course in calculus-based physics for science and engineering majors. Topics include mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. This course together with PHYS-206 is equivalent to PHYS-211.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is without exception only for students who have earned credit for PHYS-208. Topics include geometrical and physical optics. The course is taught in a lecture/workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. This course together with PHYS-208 is equivalent to PHYS-212.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is without exception only for students who have earned credit for PHYS-208. Topics include geometrical and physical optics. The course is taught in a lecture/workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. This course together with PHYS-208 is equivalent to PHYS-212.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is a course in calculus-based physics for science and engineering majors. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton's Laws, gravitation, work and energy, momentum and impulse, conservation laws, systems of particles, rotational motion, static equilibrium, mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is a course in calculus-based physics for science and engineering majors. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton's Laws, gravitation, work and energy, momentum and impulse, conservation laws, systems of particles, rotational motion, static equilibrium, mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is a course in calculus-based physics for science and engineering majors whose performance on the Math Placement Exam resulted in their placement in MATH-181A. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton’s Laws, gravitation, work and energy, momentum and impulse, conservation laws, systems of particles, rotational motion, static equilibrium, mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is a course in calculus-based physics for science and engineering majors whose performance on the Math Placement Exam resulted in their placement in MATH-181A. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton’s Laws, gravitation, work and energy, momentum and impulse, conservation laws, systems of particles, rotational motion, static equilibrium, mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a continuation of PHYS-211, University Physics I. Topics include electrostatics, Gauss' law, electric field and potential, capacitance, resistance, DC circuits, magnetic field, Ampere's law, inductance, and geometrical and physical optics. The course is taught in a lecture/workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a continuation of PHYS-211, University Physics I. Topics include electrostatics, Gauss' law, electric field and potential, capacitance, resistance, DC circuits, magnetic field, Ampere's law, inductance, and geometrical and physical optics. The course is taught in a lecture/workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides an introductory survey of elementary quantum physics, as well as basic relativistic dynamics. Topics include the photon, wave-particle duality, deBroglie waves, the Bohr model of the atom, the Schrodinger equation and wave mechanics, quantum description of the hydrogen atom, electron spin, and multi-electron atoms.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides an introductory survey of elementary quantum physics, as well as basic relativistic dynamics. Topics include the photon, wave-particle duality, deBroglie waves, the Bohr model of the atom, the Schrodinger equation and wave mechanics, quantum description of the hydrogen atom, electron spin, and multi-electron atoms.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a continuation of a survey of modern physics beyond the topics introduced in Modern Physics I. Central topics include the physics of multi-electron atoms, molecular structure, fundamentals of statistical physics applied to systems of particles, elementary solid-state physics, applications to semiconductor materials and simple devices, and basic elements of nuclear physics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a continuation of a survey of modern physics beyond the topics introduced in Modern Physics I. Central topics include the physics of multi-electron atoms, molecular structure, fundamentals of statistical physics applied to systems of particles, elementary solid-state physics, applications to semiconductor materials and simple devices, and basic elements of nuclear physics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is a course in calculus-based physics for physics majors. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton’s Laws, gravitation, work and energy, momentum and impulse, conservation laws, systems of particles, rotational motion, static equilibrium, mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. Calculus and basic numerical techniques will be applied throughout the course to analyze non-idealized complex systems. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. The course will also include enrichment activities connecting current developments in the field of physics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is a course in calculus-based physics for physics majors. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton’s Laws, gravitation, work and energy, momentum and impulse, conservation laws, systems of particles, rotational motion, static equilibrium, mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. Calculus and basic numerical techniques will be applied throughout the course to analyze non-idealized complex systems. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. The course will also include enrichment activities connecting current developments in the field of physics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a continuation of PHYS-216, University Physics I: Physics Majors. Topics include fluids, thermodynamics, electrostatics, Gauss’ law, electric field and potential, capacitance, resistance, circuits, magnetic field, Ampere’s law, inductance, and geometrical and physical optics. Calculus and basic numerical techniques will be applied throughout the course to analyze non-idealized complex systems. The course is taught in a lecture/workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. The course will also include enrichment activities connecting current developments in the field of physics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a continuation of PHYS-216, University Physics I: Physics Majors. Topics include fluids, thermodynamics, electrostatics, Gauss’ law, electric field and potential, capacitance, resistance, circuits, magnetic field, Ampere’s law, inductance, and geometrical and physical optics. Calculus and basic numerical techniques will be applied throughout the course to analyze non-idealized complex systems. The course is taught in a lecture/workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. The course will also include enrichment activities connecting current developments in the field of physics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of astronomy and astrophysics for scientists and engineers. Topics include the celestial sphere, celestial mechanics, methods of data acquisition, planetary systems, stars and stellar systems, cosmology, and life in the universe.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of astronomy and astrophysics for scientists and engineers. Topics include the celestial sphere, celestial mechanics, methods of data acquisition, planetary systems, stars and stellar systems, cosmology, and life in the universe.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: A century ago, quantum mechanics helped scientists make sense of the surprising behaviors of atoms and light. Today, a new quantum revolution is taking place involving the design and creation of complex quantum systems with behaviors that are altering the ways we think about computing, measurement, and information. This course will help students from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics and how they are affecting science, technology, and society. The course will pay particular attention to the broader societal discourse around “quantum” in both popular media and academic settings. This course will provide an introduction to principles of quantum mechanics, hardware platforms, and applications of quantum technology. Two state systems, such as photon polarization, will be used to introduce mathematical formalism including Dirac notation for quantum states, operators, observables, measurements, composite systems and entanglement. The course will overview different platforms for physically realizing quantum bits (qubits) and operations on quantum bits. Real-world effects on quantum systems, including coherence and decoherence and reducing classical noise in quantum hardware will be discussed. Applications will include quantum sensors and their applications in engineering and science and the potential of quantum simulations for advancing chemistry and material science.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: A century ago, quantum mechanics helped scientists make sense of the surprising behaviors of atoms and light. Today, a new quantum revolution is taking place involving the design and creation of complex quantum systems with behaviors that are altering the ways we think about computing, measurement, and information. This course will help students from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics and how they are affecting science, technology, and society. The course will pay particular attention to the broader societal discourse around “quantum” in both popular media and academic settings. This course will provide an introduction to principles of quantum mechanics, hardware platforms, and applications of quantum technology. Two state systems, such as photon polarization, will be used to introduce mathematical formalism including Dirac notation for quantum states, operators, observables, measurements, composite systems and entanglement. The course will overview different platforms for physically realizing quantum bits (qubits) and operations on quantum bits. Real-world effects on quantum systems, including coherence and decoherence and reducing classical noise in quantum hardware will be discussed. Applications will include quantum sensors and their applications in engineering and science and the potential of quantum simulations for advancing chemistry and material science.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the physics of vibrations and waves, beginning with the simple harmonic oscillator, the foundation to understanding oscillatory and vibratory systems. The course will include driven and damped single oscillators, coupled discrete oscillators, and continuous vibrating systems. Connections will be made with many areas of physics that involve oscillation, including mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the physics of vibrations and waves, beginning with the simple harmonic oscillator, the foundation to understanding oscillatory and vibratory systems. The course will include driven and damped single oscillators, coupled discrete oscillators, and continuous vibrating systems. Connections will be made with many areas of physics that involve oscillation, including mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course, students perform experiments representative of the foundation of modern quantum physics. These include investigations of wave particle duality, and the earliest of quantum mechanical models as well as measurements of fundamental constants. Experiments typically include electron diffraction, the photoelectric effect, optical diffraction and interference, atomic spectroscopy, charge-to-mass ratio of an electron, and blackbody radiation. This class teaches basic instrumentation techniques as well as data reduction and analysis. Students are expected to keep a laboratory notebook and present results in a journal-style paper.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course, students perform experiments representative of the foundation of modern quantum physics. These include investigations of wave particle duality, and the earliest of quantum mechanical models as well as measurements of fundamental constants. Experiments typically include electron diffraction, the photoelectric effect, optical diffraction and interference, atomic spectroscopy, charge-to-mass ratio of an electron, and blackbody radiation. This class teaches basic instrumentation techniques as well as data reduction and analysis. Students are expected to keep a laboratory notebook and present results in a journal-style paper.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course, students perform experiments representative of the foundation of modern quantum physics. These include investigations of wave particle duality, and the earliest of quantum mechanical models as well as measurements of fundamental constants. Experiments typically include electron diffraction, the photoelectric effect, optical diffraction and interference, atomic spectroscopy, charge-to-mass ratio of an electron, and blackbody radiation. This class teaches basic instrumentation techniques as well as data reduction and analysis. Students are expected to keep a laboratory notebook and present results in a journal-style paper.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course, students perform experiments representative of the foundation of modern quantum physics. These include investigations of wave particle duality, and the earliest of quantum mechanical models as well as measurements of fundamental constants. Experiments typically include electron diffraction, the photoelectric effect, optical diffraction and interference, atomic spectroscopy, charge-to-mass ratio of an electron, and blackbody radiation. This class teaches basic instrumentation techniques as well as data reduction and analysis. Students are expected to keep a laboratory notebook and present results in a journal-style paper.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course, students perform advanced experiments representative of the foundation of modern quantum physics. Experiments typically explore properties of materials, semiconductors, atomic physics, and nuclear decay. This class continues the instruction in instrumentation techniques as well as data reduction and analysis that began in Experiments in Modern Physics, PHYS-315. Students are expected to keep a laboratory notebook and present results in a journal-style paper.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course, students perform advanced experiments representative of the foundation of modern quantum physics. Experiments typically explore properties of materials, semiconductors, atomic physics, and nuclear decay. This class continues the instruction in instrumentation techniques as well as data reduction and analysis that began in Experiments in Modern Physics, PHYS-315. Students are expected to keep a laboratory notebook and present results in a journal-style paper.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course, students perform advanced experiments representative of the foundation of modern quantum physics. Experiments typically explore properties of materials, semiconductors, atomic physics, and nuclear decay. This class continues the instruction in instrumentation techniques as well as data reduction and analysis that began in Experiments in Modern Physics, PHYS-315. Students are expected to keep a laboratory notebook and present results in a journal-style paper.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course, students perform advanced experiments representative of the foundation of modern quantum physics. Experiments typically explore properties of materials, semiconductors, atomic physics, and nuclear decay. This class continues the instruction in instrumentation techniques as well as data reduction and analysis that began in Experiments in Modern Physics, PHYS-315. Students are expected to keep a laboratory notebook and present results in a journal-style paper.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course serves as an introduction to the mathematical tools needed to solve intermediate and upper-level physics problems. Topics include matrix algebra, vector calculus, Fourier analysis, partial differential equations in rectangular coordinates, and an introduction to series solutions of ordinary differential equations.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course serves as an introduction to the mathematical tools needed to solve intermediate and upper-level physics problems. Topics include matrix algebra, vector calculus, Fourier analysis, partial differential equations in rectangular coordinates, and an introduction to series solutions of ordinary differential equations.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a systematic presentation of Newtonian kinematics and dynamics including equations of motion in one- and three-dimensions, conservation laws, non-inertial reference frames, central forces, Lagrangian mechanics, and rigid body motion. This course will use advanced mathematical techniques including differential equations, vector calculus, and matrix and tensor formulations.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is a systematic presentation of Newtonian kinematics and dynamics including equations of motion in one- and three-dimensions, conservation laws, non-inertial reference frames, central forces, Lagrangian mechanics, and rigid body motion. This course will use advanced mathematical techniques including differential equations, vector calculus, and matrix and tensor formulations.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course introduces basic tools for visualizing the behavior of nonlinear systems. In particular, the students are required to use the computer as an exploratory tool for generating and observing transitions between periodic behavior and chaotic behavior. Most of the course focuses on the driven, damped pendulum as a model dynamical system, but the ideas are readily extended to other systems as well.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course introduces basic tools for visualizing the behavior of nonlinear systems. In particular, the students are required to use the computer as an exploratory tool for generating and observing transitions between periodic behavior and chaotic behavior. Most of the course focuses on the driven, damped pendulum as a model dynamical system, but the ideas are readily extended to other systems as well.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course light waves having both amplitude and phase will be described to provide a foundation for understanding key optical phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and propagation. Starting from Maxwell's equations the course advances to the topic of Fourier optics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course light waves having both amplitude and phase will be described to provide a foundation for understanding key optical phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and propagation. Starting from Maxwell's equations the course advances to the topic of Fourier optics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course light waves having both amplitude and phase will be described to provide a foundation for understanding key optical phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and propagation. Starting from Maxwell's equations the course advances to the topic of Fourier optics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: In this course light waves having both amplitude and phase will be described to provide a foundation for understanding key optical phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and propagation. Starting from Maxwell's equations the course advances to the topic of Fourier optics.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course presents concepts of stars and stellar systems at an intermediate level. Topics include the observed characteristics of stars, stellar atmospheres, stellar structure and evolution, interaction of stars with the interstellar medium, and the populations of stars within the Milky Way Galaxy.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course presents concepts of stars and stellar systems at an intermediate level. Topics include the observed characteristics of stars, stellar atmospheres, stellar structure and evolution, interaction of stars with the interstellar medium, and the populations of stars within the Milky Way Galaxy.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course describes the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way galaxy. It provides an overview of the major constituents of the Milky Way, their interactions, and the methods by which astronomers study them.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course describes the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way galaxy. It provides an overview of the major constituents of the Milky Way, their interactions, and the methods by which astronomers study them.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.