Required Courses for the PHYSICS major:

PHY 1101 General Physics I
PHY 1102 General Physics II
PHY 2201 Mathematical Physics
PHY 2202 Intermediate Mechanics
PHY 2203 Foundations of Modern Physics I
PHY 2209 Investigation I (1 credit)
PHY 3301 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
PHY 3309 Investigation II (1 credit)
PHY 4401 Quantum Mechanics
PHY 4491 Senior Capstone (1 credit)
MAT 1117 Calculus I
MAT 1118 Calculus II
Two courses from:
PHY 2211 Analog and Digital Electronics
PHY 2212 From Lenses to Lasers
PHY 3311 Thermodynamics
PHY 3312 Foundations of Modern Physics II
PHY 3313 Computer Modeling of Physical Systems
GSC 1119 Understanding the Universe
One course from:
CSC 1106 Fundamentals of Computing I
MAT 2218 Linear Algebra
MAT 2219 Calculus III
MAT 3304 Differential Equations
CHE 1101 Intro. Chem. I: Structure & Bonding
CHE 1102 Intro. Chem. II: Chemical Reactivity                               Go to Top of the Page

   Required Courses: PHYSICS major with COMPUTER SCIENCE specialization
(51 hrs.)
Required Courses:
PHY 1101 General Physics I
PHY 1102 General Physics II
PHY 2211 Analog and Digital Electronics
PHY 2201 Mathematical Physics
PHY 2202 Intermediate Mechanics

PHY 3313 Computer Modeling of Physical Systems
PHY 4491 Senior Capstone
MAT 1117 Calculus I
MAT 1118 Calculus II
CSC 1106 Fundamentals of Computing I
CSC 1107 Fundamentals of Computing II
Two courses of Computer Science electives at the 2000 or 3000-level   
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MINOR IN PHYSICS
Required:
PHY 1101 General Physics I
PHY 1102 General Physics II
Four courses, 4-credit courses in Physics at the 2000-level or above

Graduate study recommendations:

PHY 2212 From Lenses to Lasers
PHY 3311 Thermodynamics
PHY 3312 Foundations of Modern Physics II
CHE 1101 Intro. Chem. I: Structure & Bonding
CHE 1102 Intro. Chem. II: Chemical Reactivity
CSC 1106 Fundamentals of Computing I
MAT 3304 Differential Equations
At least one course from:
 MAT 2218 Linear Algebra
 MAT 2219 Calculus III
 MAT 3316 Complex Analysis                                                  Go to the Top of the Page

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

1101 General Physics I
4 credits
This course is the first in the two-semester, introductory, calculus-based General Physics sequence. The course will introduce students to the fundamental ideas that govern kinematics and dynamic motion for both linear and rotational systems, concepts of energy and momentum, simple harmonic motion, wave phenomena and sound, and fluid statics and dynamics. The laboratory component of the course is aimed at developing data collection and analysis skills through a series of experiments in mechanics and must be enrolled in separately.
Corequisite: Mathematics 1117 or permission of the instructor
Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory

1102 General Physics II
4 credits
This is the second course in the two-semester, introductory, calculus-based General Physics sequence. In this course we cover the fundamental ideas of electricity and magnetism, the influence of electromagnetic fields on particles, Maxwell’s equations, circuits and circuit analysis, geometric and physical optics, and Einstein’s theory of relativity. The laboratory component of the course is aimed at developing data collection and analysis skills through a series of experiments in electromagnetism and optics and must be enrolled in separately.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 1117 or permission of the instructor
Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory

2201 Mathematical Physics
4 credits
This fundamental course for physic majors and minors serves to introduce many of the mathematical tools and ideas needed to solve problems describing physical systems. Topics include integration and differentiation, vector calculus, series, complex analysis, matrices, differential equations, and Fourier analysis. The one-hour per week laboratory component of the course is aimed at familiarizing students with Mathematica.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 1118

2202 Intermediate Mechanics
4 credits
This course covers classical Newtonian and Lagrangian mechanics as applied to the motion of particles and systems. Specific topics include solutions to Newton’s laws in the presence of retarding forces; conservation theorems; harmonic, damped, and forced oscillations, and resonance phenomena; phase-space diagrams; gravity and gravitational potential; Hamilton’s principle, Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations of motion, and generalized coordinates; central force motion and orbits in a central field; linear and angular momentum of a system of particles; and the dynamics of rigid bodies and the moments of inertia.
Prerequisite: Physics 2201

2203 Foundations of Modern Physics I
4 credits
This course introduces student to the foundations of modern physics by studying the experimental and theoretical breakthroughs of great physicists such as Einstein, Bohr, Schrödinger, and Rutherford, to name a few. Topics include special relativity, the wave and particle nature of light and matter, and elementary quantum theory applied to simple systems such as a particle in a box, tunneling, and the hydrogen atom. This course includes an integrated laboratory component to help students develop strong links between theory and practice.
Prerequisite: Physics 2201

2209 Investigation I
1 credit
This course is intended to offer students a formal opportunity to engage in the creative process of putting forward and resolving their own physics questions, which is one of the great things about being a physicist! Investigations have three parts. First, each student must think of and carefully word an interesting question to delve into; then work toward an answer for the Investigation question and, as time permits, any collateral questions that develop from the main line of inquiry; and, finally, compile a report based on the findings of the Investigation and make a short presentation to the class. Investigation questions can be related to any realm of physics that is of personal interest, and projects that merge multiple domains are encouraged.
Prerequisite: Physics 2202 or 2203 or permission of the instructor

2211 Analog and Digital Electronics
4 credits
This laboratory-based course is an introduction to analog and digital circuit design and computer interfacing. Specific topics include resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuits; DC and AC circuits and their analysis; RC, RL and RLC circuits and resonance; filters; Kirchoff’s laws; operational amplifiers; theory and applications of logical gates; integrated circuits and their applications; digital counters and timers; principles of computer interfacing; and design and construction of practical digital circuits.
Corequisite: Math 1117 or permission of the instructor

2212 From Lenses to Lasers
4 credits
Optics is an influential branch of physics that deals with the origin and propagation of light as well as it interaction with matter. In this course, students will study how and why optical phenomena occur. We will cover theories that treat light as a bundle of rays (ray optics), as electromagnetic waves (wave optics), and as a stream of particles (quantum optics). We will explore phenomena of reflection, refraction, dispersion, scattering, polarization, interference, and diffraction in terms of these theories. Students will learn about the limitations of ray optics, the improvements in wave optics, and the triumph of quantum optics leading to the study of the laser. This course includes an integrated laboratory component to help students develop strong links between theory and practice.
Prerequisite: Physics 2201

3301 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
4 credits
This course involves a detailed investigation of Maxwell’s equations. Specific topics include applications of Gauss’ law; Poisson and Laplace’s equations; boundary conditions problems; electric displacement and polarization; dielectrics; Ampere’s and Biot-Savart law; scalar and vector potentials; magnetic fields in matter; diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials; Faraday’s law; electromagnetic induction; energy in electric and magnetic fields; and solutions of Maxwell’s equations.
Prerequisite: Physics 2202

3309 Investigation II
1 credit
This is the second course in the Investigation sequence. The structure of this course is the same Investigation I, with the expectation that quality of the Investigation will be higher. As in the first course, Investigation questions can be related to any realm of physics that is of personal interest, and students may choose to develop further on previous Investigation projects. Students are free to enroll in this course as many times as they wish, with each successive enrollment appearing on a student's transcript as a separate class.
Prerequisite: Physics 2209 and 3301 or permission of the instructor

3311 Thermodynamics
4 credits
Understanding thermodynamics means understanding how energy is allocated in systems from the very simple to the complex. This course covers the laws of thermodynamics, equations of state, thermodynamic potentials, and classical and quantum statistics of gasses. At all points of this course, we will consider the connections between theory and application. Specific topics include ideal gasses; chemical systems and equilibrium; energy, work, engines and entropy; spin and magnetic systems; and phase transitions.
Prerequisite: Physics 2202

3312 Foundations of Modern Physics II
4 credits
This course continues to introduce student to some of the experimental and theoretical breakthroughs that laid the foundations of contemporary physics. We begin the course by studying statistical physics and cover topics such as Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Other topics include atomic structure; Zeeman effect; spin-orbit coupling; molecular structure, bonding, rotation, and vibration; solid state physics, band theory, semi-conductors, superconductivity, and lasers; nuclear structures, models, fusion, and fission; and the standard model of elementary particle physics and beyond.
Prerequisite: Physics 2203

3313 Computer Modeling of Physical Systems
4 credits
This course is an introduction to modeling complex systems through application of computational numerical methods and graphing techniques using the software package Mathematica. Specific topics include: numerical techniques of integration and differentiation, analytical and numerical solutions of systems of differential equations, iterative procedures, symbolic manipulation of equations, use and manipulation of lists, procedural and functional programming, the use of rules in Mathematica, structured programming using loops and lists, and development of computer animations. Students will model systems from a wide range of areas such as Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Prerequisite: Physics 2202

4401 Quantum Mechanics
4 credits
In this course, students will investigate the origins of quantum theory, the Schrödinger equation, physical interpretations of quantum mechanics, and solutions to one- and three-dimensional problems including spin. Topics include solving the time-dependent and time-independent Schrödinger equation, development of the uncertainty principle, solutions for the infinite and finite square well problems, study of the harmonic oscillator and free particle solutions. A large part of the course is devoted to developing the formalism of Quantum Mechanics, wavefunctions as vectors in Hilbert spaces, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of operators, commutators of operators and the Dirac notation. Solutions are obtained for the hydrogen problem in 3-D, including the study of the angular momentum and spin operators.
Prerequisite: Physics 2203

4491, 4492 Senior Capstone
1 credit
The senior capstone involves students in novel physics research. This can either be independent research or a project that serves as part of a faculty member’s long-term research agenda. In either case, students will develop their skills as physicists by theorizing about and experimenting on physical systems. Finally, students will write a short research paper describing their project and present their project and results to the department.

2298, 3398, 4498 Independent Studies in Physics
0-4 credits
Directed study planned and conducted with reference to the needs of the student.

GSC 1119: Understanding the Universe
Did you ever want to understand the inner workings of the universe? If so, then this class is for you! This course will introduce students to the fundamental ideas and experiments that scientists rely on to help explain how everything in the universe works. Possible topics include the mysterious predictions of quantum mechanics; the potential of extraterrestrial life; the fundamental importance of symmetries; the beginning of the universe; the existence of dark matter and energy and their connection to the universe’s final fate; the essential laws of thermodynamics, including entropy; the lifecycles of stellar systems and stars; and Einstein’s theory of relativity and black holes.

THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE 
The capstone experience is a College requirement that serves to culminate the undergraduate education for McDaniel students in their respective disciplines.  In the Department of Physics, the capstone experience takes the form of a directed student research project where the student and faculty have significant interaction.  Through the capstone project, students are expected to demonstrate critical thinking abilities, draw from knowledge gained in courses taken, formulate and synthesize new ideas, apply familiar or new experimental and/or theoretical techniques to their project, and show good scientific writing and oral communication skills. 

All physics majors are required to participate in a capstone project during their senior year, under the guidance of a faculty member in the Department of Physics.  Students can carry out and complete their project either during the fall or the spring semester of their senior year.  In either case, students must notify their advisor while registering for fall classes during the spring semester of their junior year when they wish to pursue their capstone project. 

Students will conclude the projects by providing written reports to their project advisor and presenting their findings to departmental faculty and fellow students.  Students must also enroll in Physics Seminar PHY 4491 in the fall semester or PHY 4492 in the spring semester.

Students should use the following guidelines to organize their capstone project.

Week 11 (Spring Semester, Junior Year).  Students should contact a faculty member of the Department and discuss possible capstone projects, which are of interest to the student and/or to the faculty. 

Week 2 (Fall or Spring Semester, Senior Year).  Submit a detailed written proposal to the project advisor, outlining the project including but not limited to title, project goals, experimental and/or theoretical methods, references, and a timeline for completion. 

Week 8.  Provide a brief project update in writing to the project advisor outlining what has been done and what issues still need to be addressed. 

Week 11.  Complete the project so that last minute details can be addressed and clarified. 

Week 12.  Submit the first draft of the report. 

Week 13.  Submit the second draft of the report. 

Week 14.  Submit the final written report to project advisor. 

Week 15.  Give a 10-15 minute presentation on capstone project followed by a brief question and answer session.

In some cases, students who have participated in summer research projects in other institutions can get credit either full or partial credit for their work towards their capstone project.  The Department will consider student requests for substituting their summer experiences for capstone projects on a case-by-case basis.  In all cases, students must give a presentation of their project and provide a written report in a scientific format.  For presentation and report details, contact the physics faculty.

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     PHYSICS HONORS

Receiving departmental honors in physics will be a permanent part of the student's record and will be recognized during graduation.  The hallmark of a physics honors project is the continuous close collaboration students have with faculty, above and beyond normal coursework experience.  The honors project will allow students to delve into new areas of physics research.  The Department of Physics strongly encourages physics seniors to pursue graduating with departmental honors provided they meet the following academic criteria. 

1. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.40 in all physics courses by the end of their junior year.
2. Students cannot have received a grade lower than a C in any physics course.

In order to graduate with departmental honors, students must successfully

1. Perform collaborative work with a faculty member on a research project for a two-semester period.
2. Write a research paper and give a presentation of their work to an open meeting of the departmental faculty, students, and friends.

3. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.40 in physics courses by the end of their senior year.
4. Be recommended for honors by the Department.

Students who qualify for and wish to pursue departmental honors must conform to the following guidelines.

1. You must contact a faculty member to formulate a collaborative research project by the end of the advising week during the spring semester of your junior year.
2. You must formally notify the Department Chair of your intent on pursuing departmental honors by the end of the third week of classes during the fall semester.  The notification should include the title, goals, and timeline of the project, and the name of the faculty member with whom you will be working. 
3. You must hold frequent meetings with the project advisor and observe deadlines and/or requirements set by the advisor. 
4. You must write an honors thesis that should clearly include a table of contents, introduction, theory and/or experimental setup, literature search, analysis of data, discussion of results, conclusions, and possible recommendations for future work.  The thesis must have proper citation according to scientific standards and must be written in your own words.  Please consult your project advisor on the format and style of the thesis.
5. You must turn in your thesis by week 14 of the spring semester.
6. You must present your work in an open departmental meeting of faculty, students, and friends.  The presentation should be about 25 minutes and will be followed by a 5-minute question and answer session. 

It is very important that students who qualify for and wish to pursue departmental honors take seriously the above guidelines for completing an honors project.  Failure to comply with any of these requirements may result in your not receiving departmental honors. 

In some cases, students who have participated in summer research projects in other institutions can get either full or partial credit for their work towards their honors project.  The Department will consider student requests for substituting their summer experiences for honors projects on a case-by-case basis.  A thesis and presentation is still required for departmental honors.

You can register for up to 3 credit hours of independent study.  Keep in mind that at most 51 credit hours within a major can count towards graduation.
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Physics Honors Combined with Capstone Experience

Students graduating with departmental honors also fulfill their capstone experience provided they enroll in Physics Senior Seminar PHY 4491 in the fall semester or PHY 4492 in the spring semester.

Student Induction to the Physics Honors Society (SPS)

The national Physics Honor Society (SPS) is a prestigious organization whose members have made and continue to make significant contributions to physics.  The SPS chapter at McDaniel College was established on May 4^th, 1995.  Students wishing to be inducted to the SPS must meet the following criteria. 

1. Students must have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.5.  The weighted GPA is computed with a one-third contribution from the cumulative GPA and a two-third contribution from the physics GPA.
2. Students must have completed at least three physics courses at McDaniel College with a minimum grade of B in each course.