Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Academic Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Academic Catalog [Published Catalog]

Courses


 

 For the current year, when searching for courses by code, enter the first digit of the course number followed by an asterisk, for example 3* 

 

 
  
  • PHIL 310/3010 - Philosophy and Art (3 cr.)



    Description
    The course introduces the theme of beauty and issues of aesthetic value. Examples are drawn from areas such as literature, music, the plastic arts, and architecture.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHIL 315/3011 - Nineteenth Century Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Two philosophy courses or consent of instructor.

    Description
    This course examines how nineteenth century philosophers reacted to the Enlightenment’s faith in reason: Whereas earlier nineteenth century thinkers believed that all aspects of reality and human experience could be explicated with a rationalistic ‘system’, this faith in reason became increasingly undermined by the belief that a more adequate insight is provided by non-rational ‘feeling’ and/or aesthetic experience. The course will also explore the ‘historical turn’ in nineteenth century philosophy. Figures discussed might include: Reinhold, Fichte, Schelling, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Comte, Feuerbach, Mill, Kierkegaard, Marx, Nietzsche, and Bergson.

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHIL 318/3012 - Theory of Knowledge (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Two philosophy courses or consent of instructor.

    Description
    What is the nature of knowledge? How can we know? How is science possible? Is knowledge innate or acquired? These are some of the questions that are examined in the context of selected classical as well as contemporary texts.

    When Offered
    Offered in alternate years.
  
  • PHIL 319/3013 - Development and Responsibility (3 cr.)



    Description
    Western Civilization has gone to great lengths to ‘develop’ the ‘underdeveloped world’. This course is a critical review of practices and goals of international development. By concentrating on ethical considerations within the various relevant fields, such as business, engineering and environmental protection, the students explore the mutual responsibilities in this cooperative enterprise.

    When Offered
    Offered in alternate years.
  
  • PHIL 344/3014 - Literature and Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Description
    The course concentrates on the intersection of the literary mode with the philosophical quest in Eastern and Western writing. Students are trained to analyze philosophical myths, tales, poems and dialogues as well as grasp the symbolic structures and expository techniques of philosophers.

    Cross-listed
    Same as  .
    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
    Repeatable
    May be repeated for credit if content changes
  
  • PHIL 354/3015 - Islamic Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      or ARIC/   or consent of instructor.

    Description
    A survey of the rational and spiritual dimensions of Arab-Islamic civilization as shown in the thought and ideas of major theologians, philosophers, and mystics.

    Cross-listed
    Same as  .
    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHIL 356/3016 - American Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Two philosophy courses or consent of instructor.

    Description
    The course examines philosophy in North America, focusing on the central themes of democracy and pragmatism. A guiding question of the course will be: How is the democratic process embedded in the philosophic enterprise? The views of major thinkers such as Peirce, James, Royce, Santayana, Dewey, Quine, and Hartshorne will be examined.

    Cross-listed
    Same as   .
    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHIL 382/3017 - Philosophy of Science and Technology (3 cr.)



    Description
    The relationship between science and technology has become a serious topic of debate. Is technology applied science or is science itself techno-science? Both have become pervasive facts which have altered human abilities and experiences of the world. This increase in power brings with it new responsibilities for the creators and users of science and technology. This course will explore these new powers and attendant obligations upon humanity, other cultures and the environment.

    When Offered
    Offered in alternate years.
  
  • PHIL 405/4100 - Independent Study in Philosophy (1-3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Three philosophy courses and consent of instructor

     

    Description
    Independent research projects in Philosophy.

  
  • PHIL 402/5111 - Metaphysics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Two philosophy courses on the 300 or 400 level or consent of instructor.

    Description
    This course deals with questions as to the ultimate reality of the world, e.g., why is there something rather than nothing? Profound metaphysical questions posed by ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophers will be discussed. Issues may include Aristotle’s Being qua Being, Leibniz’ Principle of Sufficient Reason, and Heidegger’s Analysis of Being.

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHIL 502/5111 - Metaphysics (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course deals with questions as to the ultimate reality of the world, e.g., why is there something rather than nothing? Profound metaphysical questions posed by ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophers will be discussed. Issues may include Aristotle’s Being qua Being, Leibniz’ Principle of Sufficient Reason, and Heidegger’s Analysis of Being.
     

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHIL 410/5112 - Advanced Seminar in Aesthetics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or consent of instructor.

    Description
    This course offers in-depth analysis and discussion concerning key texts from the history of aesthetics and/or addressing current debates in aesthetic theory. Issues covered may include the beautiful and the sublime, classicism and romanticism, tragedy and the absurd, modernism and post-modernity.

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHIL 510/5112 - Advanced Seminar in Aesthetics (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course offers in-depth analysis and discussion concerning key texts from the history of aesthetics and/or addressing current debates in aesthetic theory. Issues covered may include the beautiful and the sublime, classicism and romanticism, tragedy and the absurd, modernism and post-modernity.
     

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHIL 317/5113 - Current Trends in Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Two philosophy courses or consent of instructor.

    Description
    This course covers key philosophical themes found in books published since the year 2000. While the popular imagination still regards Derrida and Foucault as the cutting edge in continental philosophy, different and even opposed trends have arisen over the course of the past decade. By the end of the semester, students should feel comfortable with major themes of philosophical debate going on at this very moment.

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHIL 517/5113 - Current Trends in Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course covers key philosophical themes found in books published since the year 2000. While the popular imagination still regards Derrida and Foucault as the cutting edge in continental philosophy, different and even opposing trends have arisen over the course of the past decade. By the end of the semester, students should feel comfortable with major themes of philosophical debate going on at this very moment.
     

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHIL 418/5114 - Philosophical Masterpieces (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    One philosophy course on the 300 or 400 level or consent of instructor.

     

    Description
    This course will be an in-depth study of a single great work of philosophy and its place in the history of ideas.

    When Offered
    Offered in alternate years.
    Repeatable
    May be repeated for credit if the content changes

  
  • PHIL 518/5114 - Philosophical Masterpieces (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course will be an in-depth study of a single great work of philosophy and its place in the history of ideas.
     

    When Offered
    Offered in alternate years.
    Repeatable
    May be repeated for credit if the content changes.
  
  • PHIL 420/5115 - Philosophical Figures (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Prerequisites: One philosophy course on the 300 or 400 level or consent of instructor.

    Description
    This course is an in-depth study of one great philosophical figure. It is an opportunity to explore the philosophy of the thinker as a whole concentrating on his/her place in the history of ideas and in history itself.

    When Offered
    Offered in alternate years.
    Repeatable
    May be repeated for credit if content changes.
  
  • PHIL 520/5115 - Philosophical Figures (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course is an in-depth study of one great philosophical figure. It is an opportunity to explore the philosophy of the thinker as a whole concentrating on his/her place in the history of ideas and in history itself.
     

  
  • PHIL 330/5116 - Advanced Ethics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Two philosophy courses or consent of instructor.

    Description
    This course will explore the theoretical underpinnings of ethical judgments and behavior. It will involve a more complex set of reading than the Introduction to Ethics and apply ethical theories to particular issues.

    When Offered
    Offered in alternate years.
  
  • PHIL 530/5116 - Advanced Ethics (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course will explore the theoretical underpinnings of ethical judgments and behavior. It will involve a more complex set of readings than the Introduction to Ethics and apply ethical theories to particular issues.
     

  
  • PHIL 360/5117 - Philosophy of Language and Communication (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Prerequisite: Two philosophy or consent of instructor.

    Description
    Language is the basis of learning, understanding and communication. Therefore, a detailed study of language (oral, physical and written) is necessary for any true understanding of self and society. This course investigates such topics as the nature of sign systems, the problems of meaning, reference, sense and interpretation, the place of rhetoric and the methods of communicative practice.

    When Offered
    Offered in alternate years.
  
  • PHIL 560/5117 - Philosophy of Language and Communication (3 cr.)



    Description
    Language is the basis of learning, understanding and communication. Therefore, a detailed study of language (oral, physical and written) is necessary for any true understanding of self and society. This course investigates such topics as the nature of sign systems, the problems of meaning, reference, sense and interpretation, the place of rhetoric and the methods of communicative practice.

     

  
  • PHIL 362/5118 - Formal and Mathematical Logic (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      or    or permission of the instructor.

    Description
    This course is an introduction to the ideas and methods of mathematical logic. The basis of predicate calculus (first order logic) will be presented in some details. More advanced topics such as Goedel’s completeness and incompleteness theorems, some of the philosophico-mathematical problems in set theory and alternative logics will be discussed.

    Cross-listed
    Same as  .
    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHIL 562/5118 - Formal and Mathematical Logic (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course is an introduction to the ideas and methods of mathematical logic. The basis of predicate calculus (first order logic) will be presented in some details. More advanced topics such as Goedel’s completeness and incompleteness theorems, some of the philosophico-mathematical problems in set theory and alternative logics will be discussed.
     

  
  • PHIL 458-558/5119 - Advanced Seminar in Political Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Description


    This advanced seminar will focus on contemporary trends in political philosophy with an emphasis on how classical political texts and problems have served as points of departure for new perspectives. The approaches studied in this course will vary from semester to semester and may include deliberative democracy, theories of recognition, liberalism, secularism/post-secularism, cosmopolitanism, and the relationship between politics and aesthetics. Reading may include the work of Arendt, Schmitt, Agamben, Ranciere, Honneth, Habermas, Rawls, Taylor, Zizek, Fraser, and Foucault.
     

    When Offered
    Offered in alternate years.
  
  • PHIL 403/5199 - Selected Topics in Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    One philosophy course on the 300 or 400 level or consent of instructor.

    Description
    According to special interest of faculty and students.

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
    Repeatable
    May be repeated for credit if content changes.
  
  • PHIL 503/5199 - Selected Topics in Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Description
    According to special interest of faculty and students.
     

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
    Repeatable
    May be repeated for credit if content changes.
  
  • PHIL 500/5201 - Classical Western Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course will deal with issues in Ancient Greek and Medieval Philosophy that are relevant for an appreciation of Egypt’s philosophical tradition, as well as for an understanding of the philosophical debates that contributed to the development of Islamic Philosophy. Special emphasis will accordingly be placed upon the following: Some of the great philosophers who lived and worked in Egypt (such as Philo Judaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen and Moses Maimonides); the history of Platonism (Plato, Plotinus and the Ancient commentators on Plato and Aristotle working in the schools of Athens and Alexandria); and the Aristotelian tradition (Aristotle, Alexander of Aphrodisias and Themistius). Because it provides valuable background material for   , the course will generally run in the Fall Semester.
     

  
  • PHIL 501/5202 - Advanced Seminar in Islamic Philosophy (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course will survey the classical tradition of Islamic Philosophy. It will constitute a close study of the works of figures such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, and the Andalusian thinkers such as Ibn Tufayl and Ibn Rushd. Ibn Al-Arabi and the Sufi tradition, as well as selective writings by Shihab al-Din Suhrawardi and Mulla Sadra, may also be studied. Some consideration may also be given to the significant status of Islamic Philosophy within the History of Science. Additionally, towards the end of the course, some contemporary work in the field of Islamic Philosophy may also be considered. Because PHIL 5201  provides valuable material for PHIL 5202, the latter will generally run in the Spring Semester.
     

  
  • PHIL 504/5203 - Kant and Idealism (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course will focus upon the transformation of philosophy during the late enlightenment period that was enacted by Immanuel Kant and which gave rise to what is now known as ‘Continental Philosophy.’ Kant’s works will be studied alongside either those thinkers by whom he was influenced, such as Leibniz and Hume, or those thinkers upon whom he had an influence, such as Fichte, Schelling, Hegel and Schopenhauer.
     

  
  • PHIL 505/5204 - Advanced Seminar in Phenomenology (3 cr.)



    Description
    This course will begin by investigating the origins of phenomenology by means of a close reading of key selections from the work of Husserl. It shall then move on to consider Heidegger’s transformation of phenomenology. The work of later phenomenologists, such as Sartre and Merleau-Ponty, may also be discussed.
     

  
  • PHIL 599/5299 - Research Guidance and Thesis (0 cr.)



  
  • PHYS 100/1001 - Physics for Poets (3 cr.)



    Description
    A conceptual overview of classical and modern physics. Mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, atomic and nuclear physics, relativity theory.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
    Notes
    No credit for Thannawia Amma Math/Science students, or equivalent, or students majoring in any of the departments of the School of Sciences and Engineering.

  
  • PHYS 111/1011 - Classical Mechanics, Sound and Heat (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Prerequisites: Thanawiya Amma MACT or Science, or IGCSE O-level physics, or German Abitur, or French Baccalaureate, or International Baccalaureate, or PHYS 1001  .MACT 1121  or concurrent enrollment. Concurrent enrollment with PHYS 1012 

    Description
    An introduction to classical mechanics covering vectors, applications of Newton’s laws, conservation laws and forces, motion in a plane, circular motion, equilibrium and elasticity, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, energy and power; mechanical and sound waves, temperature, heat and the first law of thermodynamics.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall, spring and summer.
  
  • PHYS 123L/1012 - General Physics Laboratory I (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Concurrent with  

    Description
    The fundamental quantities of physics are measured through selected experiments in mechanics, heat, and sound. Data are summarized, errors are estimated, and reports are presented.

    Hours
    .One three-hour laboratory period
    When Offered
    Offered in fall, spring and summer.
  
  • PHYS 112/1021 - Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      ,  ,  or concurrent. Concurrent with  

    Description
    An introduction to electricity and magnetism covering the electric field, Gauss’s law, electric potential, capacitance, dc circuits, magnetic fields, Faraday’s and Ampere’s laws, time-varying fields, Maxwell’s equations in integral form and alternating currents.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall, spring and summer.
  
  • PHYS 124L/1022 - General Physics Laboratory II (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Concurrent with  

    Description
    The fundamental quantities of physics are measured through selected experiments in electricity, magnetism, and optics. Data are summarized, errors are estimated, and reports are presented.

    Hours
    One three-hour laboratory period
    When Offered
    Offered in fall, spring and summer.
  
  • PHYS 199/1930 - Selected Topic for Core Curriculum (3 cr.)



    Description
    Course addressing broad intellectual concerns and accessible to all students, irrespective of major.

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
  
  • PHYS 211/2041 - Foundations of Modern Physics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and   .

    Description
    Introduction to special relativity and quantum physics, experimental basis of relativity, Einstein’s Postulates, Lorentz transformation, relativistic momentum and energy, experimental evidence of quantization, wave-particle duality, and Schrodinger equation.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 215/2211 - Introduction to Electronics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and   concurrent.

    Description
    Foundation of circuit analysis, AC theory, introduction to semiconductor devices, amplifiers, feedback oscillators.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall, spring and summer.
  
  • PHYS 221L/2212 - Electronics Laboratory I (2 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Prerequisite: concurrent with   .

    Description
    Basic experiments in electronics.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall, spring and summer.
  
  • PHYS 222L/2213 - Electronics lab for Computer Scientists & Computer Engineers (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Concurrent with  

    Description
    Basic experiments in electronics for the Computer Science & Engineering majors.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 214/2221 - Waves and Optics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and    concurrent.

    Description
    Wave phenomena; EM waves, geometrical and physical optics.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 204L/2222 - Optics Laboratory (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or concurrent.

    Description
    Basic experiments in physical optics with special emphasis on laser optics.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 279/2241 - Computational Methods in Physics (2 cr. + 1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and   .

    Description
    Linear systems of equations and matrices; eigenvalues and eigenvectors; numerical errors; numerical solution of linear and nonlinear equations; curve fitting; numerical differentiation and integration; numerical solution of ordinary differential equations; applications in various fields of physics. MATLAB will mostly be used as a programming language in the weekly computer laboratory sessions.

    Hours
    Two credits lectures and one credit computer lab.
    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 312/3013 - Theoretical Mechanics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and  

    Description
    Vector and tensor analysis, statics, kinematics, and dynamics of a particle and system of particles, rigid and deformable bodies; rotating coordinate systems, Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations with applications.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 316/3023 - Electromagnetic Theory (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      , 

    Description
    Electric field and potential. Gauss’s law; divergence. Conductors, dielectrics and capacitance. Poisson’s and Laplace’s equations. Electrostatic analogs. Magnetic field and vector potential. Time varying fields; displacement current. Maxwell’s equations in differential form.

    Cross-listed
    Same as  .
    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 311/3031 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and   

    Description
    A macroscopic and microscopic study of equilibrium thermal physics, fundamental laws of thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics applied to various systems.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 321L/3052 - Nuclear Physics Lab (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or concurrent.

    Description
    Experiments in atomic and nuclear physics.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 319/3214 - Digital Logic Design (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      . Concurrent with  

    Description
    The nature of digital logic and numbering systems. Boolean algebra, Karnaugh map, decision-making elements, memory elements, latches, flip-flops, design of combinational and sequential circuits, integrated circuits and logic families, shift registers, counters and combinational circuits, adders, subtracters, multiplication and division circuits, memory types. Exposure to logic design automation software.

    Cross-listed
    Same as  .
    When Offered
    Offered in fall, spring and summer.
  
  • PHYS 309L/3215 - Digital Logic Design Laboratory (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Concurrent with  

    Description
    The laboratory will cover experiments in digital design and experiments illustrating material of course   .

    Cross-listed
    Same as   .
    When Offered
    Offered in fall, spring and summer.
  
  • PHYS 327/3216 - Operational Amplifiers and Applications (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
        concurrent with  

    Description
    Differential amplifiers, operational amplifiers, open-loop characteristics, inverting and noninverting amplifiers, comparators, signal generators, op amps with diodes, differential instrumentation and bridge amplifiers, bias, offsets and drift, band width, slew rate noise and frequency compensation, active filters, IC timers, power supplies and power amplifiers.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 307L/3217 - Electronics Laboratory II (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Concurrent with  

    Description
    Basic experiments in instrumentation electronics.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 314/3223 - Advanced Optics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      , 

    Description
    Geometric optics: generalized paraxial formulas, matrix formalism of Gaussian optics. Imaging properties of lens systems: lens combination, the vector nature of light: polarization effects, diffraction effects, superposition of waves: interference, spatial and temporal coherence length, and multilayer structures.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 325/3231 - Introduction to Solid-State Physics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
     

    Description
    Classification of materials and their structural characteristics, symmetry and properties of materials, free-electron theory, band theory, dielectric processes, optical processes in material.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 322L/3232 - Solid-State Physics Lab (2 cr.)



    Prerequisites
     

    Description
    Experiments in solid-state physics and semiconductor devices.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 315/3251 - Modern Sensors (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      ,  . Concurrent with  

    Description
    Physical principles of sensing, sensors characteristics, micro-fabrication technology, theory of operation of the following sensors: Infrared sensors, acceleration and angular rate sensors, occupancy and motion detectors, pressure sensors, flow sensors, radiation detectors, error analysis of experimental data and design of experiments.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 305L/3252 - Modern Sensors Laboratory (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
     Concurrent with  

    Description
    Experiments in instrumentation illustrating material covered in   .

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 333/3261 - Introduction to Applied Geophysics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and    or concurrent.

    Description
    Introduction to dynamic Earth; magnetic and gravimetric (potential), geoelectric and seismic methods to determine the physical properties, structure and dynamics of the Earth; seismic instruments and sources.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 318/3271 - Instrumentation Systems and Control (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
     

    Description
    Linearity, Laplace transform, step and impulse response, block diagrams, signal graphs, state variables, feedback control, transfer functions of system components, criteria for design, stability analysis, Nyquist and Routh criteria, root locus method.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 421/4042 - Quantum Mechanics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and   .

    Description
    Statistical interpretation of the wave function, time independent Schrodinger equation, stationary states, observables, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, Dirac notation, Schrodinger equation in spherical coordinates, H-atom, angular momentum and sping, identical particles, time independent perturbation theory.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 413/4051 - Nuclear and Particle Physics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      

    Description
    A modern view of the fundamental structure of matter, nuclear structure, nuclear models, nuclear decay and radioactivity, nuclear reactions; quarks, gluons, leptons; accelerators, particle interactions with matter, detectors; weak, electromagnetic and strong interactions.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 414/4224 - Photonics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      or consent of instructor.

    Description
    Light sources and transmitters, receivers, laser diodes, LEDs and photodiodes. Electromagnetic mode theory for optical propagation. Optical fiber measurements: fiber materials, multimode fibers, single-mode fibers. Fabrication, cabling, connectors and couplers. Optical amplifiers, Erbium-Doped fiber amplifiers. Modulation of light, multiplexing and de-multiplexing, fiber networking.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 404L/4225 - Photonics and Optical Communication Laboratory (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or consent of instructor.

    Description
    Experiments in fiber optics illustrating concepts pertaining to fiber dispersion, attenuation measurements, characterization of light sources (LEDs and laser diodes) and detectors (photodiodes), optical multiplexing and de-multiplexing, optical and interferometric sensors.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 412/4233 - Semiconductor Physics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
     

    Description
    Fundamental theory and characteristics of elemental and compound semiconductors. Semiconductor technology. P-N junctions and transistors.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 323L/4234 - Semiconductor Technology Lab (2 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and  

    Description
    Experiments in semiconductor and electronics technology.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 407L/4272 - Process Instrumentation and Digital Control Laboratory (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      concurrent.

    Description
    Experiments on process measurement, digital process control and programmable logic controllers.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 409L/4273 - Computerized Instrumentation Laboratory (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
     Concurrent with  

    Description
    Experiments in computerized instruments illustrating material covered in PHYS 429.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 417/4274 - Process Instrumentation (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and    concurrent.

    Description
    Basic concepts in process measurement and control; process controllers; Final control devices; Typical applications; Programmable logic controllers; Distributed control systems; Process safety and alarming.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 427/4275 - Analytical Techniques in Instrumentation (3 cr: 2 cr. lecture, 1 cr. lab)



    Prerequisites
      and   .

    Description
    UV and visible light absorption instruments, nuclear magnetic resonance instruments, electron-spin resonance spectroscopy; x-ray instruments; atomic absorption spectrometry (a case study), thermal analysis, gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy. Lab activities include: conducting experiments using analog recorders and data acquisition systems, methods to upgrade old analog instruments, in addition to student projects in the area of instrumentation.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 429/4276 - Computerized Instrumentation (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or consent of instructor. Concurrent with  

    Description
    Microcomputer architecture and operation. Programming: assembly versus high-level languages. Interfacing: polling, interrupts, direct memory access. Use of PLD’s, PALASM language. Standard Interface: RS 232; IEEE-488 (HPIB). System design and testing: top down design, bottom-up testing. Digital signal processing: A/D conversion; sample and hold devices.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 416/4281 - Experimental Methods in Undergraduate Research (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Prerequisites: Junior standing. Consent of instructor.

    Description
    Experimental techniques for studying thermal, optical, magnetic and electric properties of matter. Low temperature physics: gas liquefaction, storage of liquefied gases, cryostats for low temperature studies, applied cryogenics.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 426/4291 - Industrial Physics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Prerequisites: Junior standing. Consent of instructor.

    Description
    .Vacuum technology, pumps, manometers and gauges. Application of vacuum technology in research and industry. Handling of industrial gases; gas separation, purification and gas analysis; physics in industry, sensors in industrial environments.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring
    Notes
    Students field trips to several factories and manufacturing firms.

  
  • PHYS 402/4910 - Independent Study (1-3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Prerequisites: consent of the instructor, senior standing.

    Description
    In exceptional circumstances some senior physics students, with departmental approval, may arrange to study a selected topic outside of the regular course offerings. The student and faculty member will select a topic of mutual interest and the student will be guided in research and readings. The student would demonstrate achievement either by submitting a report or passing an examination, according to the decision of the supervisor. May be repeated for credit more than once if contents change.

  
  • PHYS 415/4930 - Selected Topics in Physics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

    Description
    Topics chosen according to special interest, such as temperature physics, vacuum physics, solid-state electronics, electronics and communications.

    When Offered
    Offered occasionally.
    Repeatable
    May be repeated for credit more than once if content changes.
  
  • PHYS 401/4980 - Senior Thesis and Seminar (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Senior standing.

    Description
    Methods used in obtaining and reporting the results of research. Each student selects a topic in his/her field of interest under the supervision of a faculty member, prepares an outline, assembles a bibliography, and makes a study plan to be followed in preparing his project. After finishing the project, each participant then makes an oral presentation of his/her chosen topic. A written thesis has to be completed after criticism and suggestions.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 504/5013 - Classical Mechanics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or equivalent.

    Description
    Variational principles and Lagrange’s Equations, central force problem, kinematics and equations of motion of rigid body problem, oscillations, classical mechanics of the special theory of relativity, Hamiltonian equations of motion, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory and action-angle variables.


     

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.

  
  • PHYS 502/5023 - Classical Electrodynamics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      or equivalent and   .

    Description
    Boundary value problems in electrostatics: Poisson and Laplace equations, formal solution of electrostatic boundary value problem with Green function, applications in rectangular, spherical and cylindrical coordinates, multipoles, electrostatics of macroscopic media, magnetostatics, Faraday’s law and quasi-static fields, Maxwell equations, macroscopic electromagnetism and conservation laws.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 549/5024 - Passive Microwave Circuits (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or equivalent.

    Description
    Transmission line theory, Different types of planar transmission lines, Empirical and quasistatic solution of planar lines, Network parameters and their relationships, Matching circuits based on lumped elements/transformers/tuning stubs, Lossy and lossless power dividers, Different types of directions couplers, Microstrip antenna elements and arrays, Electromagnetic simulation of different microwave circuits, Optimization of microwave circuits.


     

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.

  
  • PHYS 509/5032 - Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      or equivalent.

    Description
    The laws and applications of thermodynamics, Boltzmann transport equation and transport phenomena, classical statistical mechanics, canonical and grand canonical ensembles, quantum statistical mechanics, ideal Fermi and Bose gases, phase transitions and critical phenomena.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 506/5043 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or equivalent.

    Description
    Fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics including the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, electron spin and addition of angular momentum. Qualitative and approximation methods in quantum mechanics, including time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, variational methods, scattering and semiclassical methods. Applications are made to atomic, molecular and solid matter. Systems of identical particles including many electron atoms and the Fermi gas.

    Cross-listed
    Same as  .
    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 501/5061 - Mathematical Physics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      or equivalent.

    Description
    Vector analysis, coordinate systems, tensor analysis, matrices, group theory, functions of a complex variable: conformal mapping and calculus of residues, series solutions of differential equations, special functions, partial differential equations of theoretical physics, separation of variables, nonhomogeneous equations-Green’s function, integral transforms, Fourier and Laplace transforms.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 510/5235 - Introduction To Solids (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or equivalent.

    Description
    Classification of solids; preparation and characterization; binding energies; ionic, covalent and metallic bonds; crystallography; reciprocal lattice; Brillouin zones; vector representation; crystal symmetry and macroscopic properties; tensor formulation; diffraction in crystalline and amorphous solids; crystal imperfections; point-, linear-, and planar type; effects on properties; origin of microstructure in crystalline and amorphous solids.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 512/5236 - Electronic Transport in Semiconductor (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
      and    or equivalent.

    Description
    This is a course about how charge flows in semiconductors with an emphasis on transport in nanoscale devices. The course consists of three main parts. Part 1 focuses on near- equilibrium transport in the presence of small gradients in the electrochemical potential or temperature, with or without the application of a small magnetic field. The emphasis in Part 2 is on the physics of carrier scattering and how the microscopic scattering processes are related to macroscopic relaxation times and mean-free-paths. Part 3 examines high-field transport in bulk semiconductors and so-called “non-local” transport in sub-micron devices. The course concludes with a brief introduction to quantum transport. The objective of the course is to develop a broad understanding of the basic concepts needed to understand modern
    electronic devices. It is intended for those who work on electronic devices – whether they are experimentalists, device theorists, or computationalists.

     

     

    Cross-listed
    Same as NANO 5222  .
    When Offered
    Offered in fall.

  
  • PHYS 513/5237 - Theory of Solids (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or equivalent.


     

    Description
    Semi-classical theory of electron dynamics; classification of solids; failures of the static lattice model; classical and quantum theories of harmonic crystal: phonons and lattice vibrations; thermal properties of insulators; defects, dislocations and thermodynamics stability; dielectric properties; phenomena in insulators: excitons, photoconductivity, light amplification, non-linear optics, luminescence.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.

  
  • PHYS 507/5242 - Computational Physics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
        or consent of instructor.

    Description
    Numerical methods for quadrature solution of integral and differential equations, and linear algebra. finite difference methods, finite element techniques, solving a system of equations. Use of computation and computer graphics to simulate the behavior of complex physical systems. Monte Carlo simulations.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 556/5277 - MEMS/NEMS Technology and Devices (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       and consent of instructor.

    Description
    This course will cover basic MEMS/NEMS fabrication technologies, various transduction mechanisms such as piezoelectric, pyroelectric, thermoelectric, thermionic, piezoresistive, etc. In addition, the theory of operation of few sensors will be covered this will include infrared detectors, radiation sensors, rotation and acceleration sensors, flow sensors, pressure and force sensors, and motion sensors. Finally, the course will give insight of different techniques for analyzing experimental data.

     

    Cross-listed
    Same as

     , .
    When Offered
    Offered in spring.

  
  • PHYS 508/5282 - Advanced Experimental Techniques (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
        and    or equivalent.

    Description
    This course is designed to introduce students to advanced techniques in experimental physics. The emphasis is on self-study of the phenomena, data analysis, and presentation in journal paper format. Experiments may vary each semester. Examples of topics: Thin film deposition and characterization, high pressure physics, photonics, solid state techniques, fluid flow visualization. This course is team-taught through a course coordinator.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 561/5910 - Independent Studies (1-3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Prerequisite: Consent of supervisor, graduate standing.

    Description
    In exceptional circumstances, some senior graduates with departmental approval may arrange to study beyond the regular course offerings. Guided reading for research and discussions based on a subject of mutual interest to the student and the responsible faculty member. The student demonstrates his/her achievement by submitting a report and by passing a subsequent examination.

    Notes
    Maximum of 3 credit hours of independent studies can be used towards the M. Sc. degree in physics.

  
  • PHYS 562/5930 - Selected topics in Physics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Consent of the faculty advisor.

    Description
    Topics to be chosen according to specific interests. Maybe taken for credit more than once if content changes.

    Cross-listed
    Same as  .
    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 590/5940 - Graduate Seminar I (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Seminars of research topics given by invited speakers. The student must register for this course prior to submitting a thesis topic.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall.
  
  • PHYS 591/5941 - Graduate Seminar II (1 cr.)



    Prerequisites
     

    Description
    Presentations and discussions of results obtained by the graduate students during research work.

    When Offered
    Offered in spring.
  
  • PHYS 599/5980 - Research Guidance and Thesis (3 cr. + 3 cr.)



    Description
    Thesis consultation for qualified students. Two semesters are required, with credit being given each time.

  
  • PHYS 602/6025 - Classical Electrodynamics II (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
     

    Description
    Plane electromagnetic waves and wave propagation, waveguides, resonant cavities, radiating systems, multipole fields and radiation, scattering and diffraction, covariant formulation of electrodynamics, dynamics of relativistic particles and electromagnetic fields, collisions, energy loss, and scattering of charged particles, Cherenkov and transition radiation, radiation by moving charges, radiation damping.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 641/6225 - Integrated Photonics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or equivalent.

    Description
    This course will introduce students to a range of passive photonic components; students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of how these devices operate and an appreciation of where these components find applications in communications, energy and sensing systems. Topics covered in this course include: interaction of light with matter; resonator optics; periodic structures, optical thin films and gratings; photonic band gap materials; waveguides and couplers, Plasmonics and Nanoparticles. Hands on experience for modeling and design of these devices and structures using photonic software is of prime essential to illustrate and validates the fundamentals of the course.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 642/6243 - Computational Electromagnetics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
       or equivalent.

    Description
    Modeling electromagnetic phenomena related to microwave, millimeter, terahertz, and optical frequencies. Fundamentals of electromagnetic theory, Green’s functions in layered media, Integral equation formulation, Method of Moments, The Mode Matching Method, Finite difference time domain, Variation approaches in electromagnetic and finite element methods, the Beam propagation method, Spectral Fourier method for periodic structures.

    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • PHYS 662/6930 - Advanced Selected Topics in Physics (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
    Consent of the faculty advisor.

    Description
    Topics to be chosen according to specific interests. May be taken for credit more than once if content changes.

    Cross-listed
    Same as  .
    When Offered
    Offered in fall and spring.
  
  • POLS 101/1001 - Introduction to Political Science (3 cr.)



    Prerequisites
     

    Description
    Methods of study and the nature of political phenomena; terminology and conceptual tools; origins, forms, and historical development of political organization; political institutions and functions; comparison of modern forms of political organization at the national, local, and international levels.

  
  • POLS 199/1099 - Selected Topics in Political Science (3 cr.)



    Description
    Course addressing broad intellectual concerns and accessible to all students, irrespective of major, and available for fulfillment of the primary level Social Sciences requirement in the core curriculum.

 

Page: 1 <- Back 1012 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22