2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog - Kettering University

Course Descriptions / 159
PHYS-388 Acoustics in the Human Environment 4 0 0 4
Prerequisites: PHYS-224, PHYS-225
Minimum Class Standing: JR
This course surveys elements in acoustics that involve human factors,
including the physiology of hearing, psychoacoustics and sound quality
metrics, and the basic signal processing needed for these metrics. Topics in
architectural and room acoustics will also explore how we experience and
control our acoustic environment. While the level of prerequisites and
mathematical sophistication is intermediate, intense independent learning
and academic maturity is expected. Computer software will be used to
manipulate audio signals and understand processing that is often automated
(and used carelessly). In this course, less emphasis will be placed on technical
practice that may change. Instead, students will be challenged to understand
why standards are written as they are, how metrics are designed, and how
“rules of thumb” originated. Terms offered: Winter, Spring, every other year
PHYS-412 Theoretical Mechanics 4 0 0 4
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-114
Minimum Class Standing: NA
A look at classical physics. Topics include the projectile motion with air
resistance, simple harmonic and nonlinear oscillation, central force motion,
Kepler's laws and planetary motion, motion in noninertial reference frames,
motion of systems of particles, rigid body motion, Lagrangian mechanics,
and Hamiltonian theory. Computational methods for solving advanced physics
problems will also be introduced. Terms Offered: Three Term Rotation
PHYS-446 Solid State Physics 4 0 0 4
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-362
Minimum Class Standing; JR
This course covers advanced topics in physics of solids such as crystal lattices,
reciprocal lattice vectors and momentum space, Brillouin zone, elastic waves
in crystals, phonons. inelastic scattering by phonons, phonon heat capacity,
density of states, energy band gap and Bloch functions, Kronig-Penny model
for periodic well and reciprocal space, effective mass, Fermi surfaces, artificial
structures of semiconductors. The last two weeks of the course include a few
special topics in solid state physics selected from Dielectrics, ferroelectrics,
diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, anti-ferromagnetism, Giant
Magneto-resistance (GMR) and defects in solids. Terms offered: Winter,
Spring, every other year
PHYS-452 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics 4 0 0 4
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-362
Minimum Class Standing: SRI
This course is designed to introduce the student to statistical approaches for
the analysis of systems containing a large number of particles. Specific topics
include the fundamentals of thermodynamics, conditions for equilibrium and
stability, ensemble theory, non-interacting systems, and phase transitions.
Terms Offered: Every Third AB Term
PHYS-462 Quantum Mechanics 4 0 0 4
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-362
Minimum Class Standing: JR
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of non-relativistic
quantum mechanics. Topics include: photons, matter waves, the Bohr model,
the time-independent Schrodinger equation (and its application to one
dimensional potentials), quantization of angular momentum, spin, the
hydrogen atom, multi-electron atoms, and perturbation theory. Terms offered:
Winter, Spring
PHYS-477 Optics 3 0 2 4
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-302
Minimum Class Standing: JR
A study of geometrical and physical optics. Topics in geometrical optics
include phenomena of reflection, refraction, total internal reflection and their
application to imaging systems consisting of lenses and mirrors. Physical
optics will start from the electromagnetic wave nature of light and will focus
on such wave-like phenomena as optical interference, diffraction, polarization,
and dispersion of light. Limited topics in interaction of light with matter,
crystal optics, optical properties of materials and their applications in such
areas as optoelectronics, photonics and fiber optics will also be addressed.
The lab investigates optical component analysis, ray tracing, interferometry,
diffraction, polarization, interference, optical fibers and other special topics.
Terms Offered: Summer, Fall
PHYS-485 Acoustic Testing and Modeling 2 0 4 4
Prerequisites: MATH-204, PHYS-302
Minimum Class Standing: NA
This course combines testing and measurement in the Acoustics Laboratory,
modeling approaches including the finite element method, and exposure to
textbook and journal literature to explore basic phenomena in acoustics. Each
time the course is offered, students and the instructor will select three modules
from a larger set, so that the course may be tailored to meet the needs and
interests of students and faculty. Module topics include acoustics oscillators,
structural vibration, source models, three-dimensional wave propagation,
impedance and intensity, and transducers. Additional modules may be offered.
Students in this course will collaborate to develop understanding through lab
work, modeling, and theory. Each module will culminate in a presentation.
Terms Offered: Summer, Fall
PHYS-498 Senior Research 2 0 4 4
Prerequisite: NA
Minimum Class Standing: SRII in Applied Physics
An advanced research experience in applied physics which will require an
exhaustive literature search and a review paper on a topic of interest to the
student, as well as the design of an extended research project in the student’s
chosen area, experimental collection and analysis of data, and both oral and
written presentation of results. Exceptional presentations may be submitted
for presentation at a professional meeting or for publication in a journal.
Terms Offered: As Needed
SCIE-199 Science Transfer Course 3 0 2 4
Prerequisite: NA
Minimum Class Standing: NA
This course is intended as a place to record credit for student transferring
into Kettering’s Management program. It grants transferring students credit
towards a science course if they have completed a course at another institution
that meets the following requirement:
- Minimum 4 semester hour course from a regionally accredited college or
university or foreign equivalent
- Identifiable lab requirement
- Transfer course cannot be labeled as “developmental” or “remedial” in the
transfer school’s catalog.
- Course must be in a “natural science” discipline such as: Anatomy,
Astronomy, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology,
Physical Science, Physics, Zoology Terms Offered: None - Transfer only
SOC-332 Contemporary Social Problems 4 0 0 4
Prerequisites: COMM-101, HUMN-201, SSCI-201
Minimum Class Standing: SOI
This course analyzes how and why particular issues become identified and
defined as a problem in society. Cases investigated are selected from broad
areas such as global interconnections, institutional crises, inequalities, and
environmentalism. Competing accounts of problems are examined for what
they tell us about the causes of, interconnections between and possible
solutions to the identified problems. Terms Offered: As Needed
SOC-335 Analysis of Social Dissent 4 0 0 4
Prerequisites: COMM-101, HUMN-201, SSCI-201
Minimum Class Standing: SOI
This course provides a sociological analysis of the causes, processes and
consequences of social dissent. Emphasis is placed on the impact of dissent
in changing society. Examples will be drawn from the U.S. today, from
American history and, for comparison, from other times and societies. Terms
Offered: As Needed
SOC-336 Sociology of the Family 4 0 0 4
Prerequisites: COMM-101, HUMN-201, SSCI-201
Minimum Class Standing: SOI
This course is a sociological study of the American family system in
comparative and historical perspective. It deals with connections between