2014-15-Undergraduate-Catalog

Course Descriptions • 446PHYS 201 Introduction to MicrocomputersTopics to be covered include microcomputer system components and how they function, instruction sets and howthey are programmed, input/output controller design and A/D and D/A converters. Selected experimentsconducted to obtain hands-on experience with micro-computer circuitry. Three-hour lecture plus three-hourlaboratory per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 122. PHYL 201 Introduction to Microcomputers Lab must be takenconcurrently. Four credits.PHYS 221 Modern PhysicsAn introduction to post-classical physics as based upon the twin pillars of relativity and quantum mechanics.Material will be selected from areas of atomic, nuclear, solid-state and astrophysics. Prerequisites: MATH 201 andMATH 202, PHYS 111/PHYS 112 or PHYS 121/PHYS 122. Three credits.PHYS 295 TopicsStudy of specific topics, issues or themes within the field of physics. PHYL 295 Topics lab might be takenconcurrently. Three or four credits.PHYS 299 Directed StudiesThis course is designed to provide an opportunity for open-ended study of scientific methods and results ofcurrent interest in physics. The independent study may consist of a basic research problem, a library thesis or aproblem in science education. Prerequisite: Four credits in physics. One, two or three credits.PHYS 331 Mathematical Methods in the Physical SciencesA course designed to provide the science student with a repertoire of advanced mathematical techniques. Topicsinclude infinite series, multivariate calculus, Vector analysis, complex variables, differential equations, integraltransform and probability. Emphasis placed on applications to problems in physics. Prerequisites: MATH 201 andMATH 202. Recommended: PHYS 111/PHYS 112 or PHYS 121/PHYS 122. Three credits.PHYS 352 Health PhysicsThis course deals with topics in physics related to the health area. Topics include nuclear binding energy, nuclearmodels, radioactive decay, interaction of radiation with matter and radiation dose measurements. Prerequisite:PHYS 112 or PHYS 122. Three credits.PHYS 375 Research SeminarThis course is designed to provide an opportunity for study of the scientific approach to the solution of technicalproblems. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Two credits.PHYS 495 Advanced TopicsStudy of specific topics, issues, or themes within the field of physics. PHYL 495 Advanced Topics lab may be takenconcurrently. Three or four credits.POLITICAL SCIENCE (PSCI)PSCI 101 Introduction to Political ScienceAn introduction to political science emphasizing concepts basic to politics and political thought. Three credits.PSCI 102 Introduction to Public AdministrationA survey of the principles, functions and processes of public administration with the specific emphasis on thepolitical aspects and environment of bureaucracies. This is an introductory course. Three credits.PSCI 201 American GovernmentAn introduction to the processes and institutions of the federal government. Three credits.PSCI 202 State and Local GovernmentAn introduction to the forms and functions of state and local government, emphasizing Virginia. Three credits.PSCI 204 Introduction to International PoliticsThis course is designed as an introduction to the complex and dynamic nature of world politics. The goal of thiscourse is to assist students in their endeavor to make sense of global issues and how they affect the global system,nation-states, not-state actors and the individual. Three credits.