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DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
AND ASTRONOMY Chair: Dr. David M.
Peterson Faculty: Fulmer,
Jokisch, Mehaffey, J. Myers, Owczarzak, D. Peterson, R.S. Smith The Department of
Physics and Astronomy offers a baccalaureate degree in Physics with a concentration
in Computational Physics or Health Physics. Courses are offered in Physics,
Physical Science, and Astronomy that fulfill the University’s General Education
requirement. These courses also serve as foundation courses for majors in
biology, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering. The fundamental natural laws
of the physical universe and the methods of scientific inquiry are essential
parts of a liberal arts education. B. S. degrees in Civil and Electronic
Engineering Technology are offered in conjunction with The Physics programs
seek to offer courses in astronomy, physical science, and physics that are
taught by full-time faculty members with appropriate advanced degrees dedicated
to science education at the University level. The courses offered in the
department range in level from introductory courses that expose non-science
majors to scientific thought to advanced courses that cover current and complex
topics in modern physics. The laboratory
experience is required in appropriate courses to illustrate the importance of
experimentation to the scientific endeavor. For the majors in physics, the
opportunity to undertake undergraduate research is offered. Since part of
research is the interpretation and communication of results, majors graduating
from these programs in the department are expected to be proficient in oral and
written communication, to be familiar with the scientific literature, and to be
aware of the importance and usage of computers in science. Students completing the
majors offered by the department will be prepared for careers in industry and
scientific research or for graduate school. Coordinator: Dr.
Jeannette M. Myers No major in astronomy is
offered. No minor in astronomy is
offered. No collateral in
astronomy is offered. 201 Introduction to
Astronomy (4:3-3)
(Prerequisite: Eligibility to take Math 111 or Math 121) F, S, SU. The science
of astronomy: the sky, including star maps, motion, time, and position; the
solar system; the stars and star systems, including evolution, properties, and
types of stars; the universe, including theories of formation and evolution;
astronomical instruments and methods. The laboratory section for the class will
include work at night at the FMU Observatory. Coordinator: Mr. Joe H.
Mehaffey No major in physical
science is offered. No minor in physical
science is offered. No collateral in
physical science is offered. Credit toward graduation
may not be earned in both Physical Science 101-102 and any chemistry or physics
course. PHYSICAL SCIENCE
COURSES (PSCI) 101 Physical Science
I: Basic Concepts of Physics and Astronomy (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: Math 105, 120 or
eligibility to take Math 111 or 121) F, S, SU. Astronomy, mechanics, heat,
electricity and magnetism, waves and light. 102 Physical Science
II: Basic Concepts of Physics and Chemistry (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: PSCI 101) S, SU.
The wave and particle nature of light, optics, atomic structure and processes,
including radioactivity and basic chemistry. Coordinator: Dr. David
M. Peterson Students pursuing a major
in physics can select a concentration in Computational Physics or a
concentration in Health Physics. A. Computational
Physics Concentration A concentration in
computational physics requires completion of: 1. Physics 200, 201,
202, 301, 302, 306, 314, 401, 406, 419 and 420 2. Mathematics 201, 202,
203, 301, and 306 3. Chemistry 101 and 102 4. Computer Science 212
and 226 In addition to these
courses, Math 304, CS 425, Physics 310, Math 312, and Physics 316 are highly
recommended. No additional minor or
collateral is required. The minimum number of
semester hours required in physics courses for the computational physics
concentration is 32. The minimum number of semester hours in all courses (major
and nonmajor) required for a computational physics concentration is 120.
Students desiring to take additional hours in physics are strongly encouraged
to do so. B. Health Physics
Concentration A concentration in
health physics requires completion of 1. Physics 200, 201,
202, 310, 314, 316, 415, 416, 417, and 419 2. Biology 105, 106 and
one course selected from Biology 301, 401, 402, or 406 3. Math 111, 112, 201,
202, 203, 301, and 306 4. Chemistry 101, 102,
201, 203, and 303 5. Computer Science 212
and one course selected from Computer Science 150 or 190 In addition to the
course requirements above, the student majoring in health physics is required
to complete one summer of supervised training at a previously approved,
professionally related site off campus. No additional minor or collateral is
required. The minimum number of
semester hours required in physics courses for a health physics concentration
is 36. The minimum number of semester hours in all courses (major and nonmajor)
required for the health physics concentration is 124. Students desiring to take
additional hours in physics are strongly encouraged to do so. A minor in physics
requires 18 semester hours, including Physics 200, 201, and 202. A collateral in physics
requires 12 semester hours, including Physics 200, 201, and 202 or 215 and 216. Credit toward graduation
may not be earned in both Physical Science 101-102 and any physics course. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
OPTION IN PHYSICS The Environmental Science
Option in Physics offers students the choice of specialization in environmental
science at the undergraduate level. The Environmental
Science Option will require the completion of recommended General Education
courses, a required Core Curriculum of science and mathematics courses, and
requirements for the student’s major. Depending on the major selected, 124 to
126 semester hours of credit will be required for graduation. The curriculum
for the Environmental Science Option is summarized in the following:
200 Technical Physics I (4:3-3) (Corequisite: Math 111 or permission of
department) F. Introduction to the elements of technical physics that do not
require calculus. Topics include the properties of wave motion and sound, heat
and thermodynamics, light and geometrical optics, and introduction to the
essential ideas to modern physics. 201 Technical Physics II (4:3-3) (Corequisite: Math 201 or
permission of department) S, SU. Calculus-based introduction to classical
mechanics and dynamics. Topics include vectors and vector notation; Newton’s
Three Laws of Motion; force; motion in one, two, and three dimensions; linear
momentum; torque; rotational motion; angular momentum; work-energy; kinetic and
potential energy; conservation of energy; and force fields. 202 Technical Physics III (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: 201; corequisite:
Math 202 or permission of department) F, SU. Calculus-based introduction to
classical electricity and magnetism. Topics include Coulomb’s Law, electric
fields, Gauss’ Law, electric potential and potential energy, electric
components and circuits, magnetism and magnetic fields, magnetic forces and
torques, magnetic materials, Ampere’s Law, induction, and the formal connection
of electric and magnetic fields through Maxwell’s equations. 215 General Physics I (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: Math 112) F, SU. Algebra-
based introduction to mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Topics include
motion in one and two dimensions, 216 General Physics II (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: 215) S, SU. Algebra-based
introduction to electricity, magnetism, and optics. Topics include electrical
forces, electric fields, direct and alternating current circuits, magnetic
forces, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, reflection, refraction,
diffraction, interference, mirrors, and lenses. Examples from medicine and
biology will be included wherever possible. 301 Classical Mechanics (3) (Prerequisite: 202 and Math 202) F.
Classical mechanics using vector calculus applied to non-relativistic Newtonian
dynamics: dynamics of particles and rigid bodies; collisions; vibratory and
wave motions. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics to be
included. 302 Electricity and Magnetism (3) (Prerequisite: 202
and Math 202) S. Introduction to classical electromagnetic theory. The
differential form of Maxwell’s equations will be developed and applied to
various problems in electrostatics, magnetostatics, electromagnetic fields and
waves. Particular emphasis will be placed on radiation fields with applications
to optics. Electric and magnetic properties of materials will also be discussed
briefly. 306 Computational Physics (3) (Prerequisite: CS 212; corequisite:
PHYS 314, Math 203; CS/Math 425 Recommended) F. An introduction to basic
computational methods in physics. Students will learn the theory behind and
practical applications of numerical techniques applicable to many physical
systems. Topics include curve-fitting algorithms, select problems in mechanics,
superposition techniques, matrix algebra, and applications of probability
theory. 310 Electronics (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: 202 or permission of
department) F. Introduction to analog and digital electronics. Analog topics
include AC/DC circuits, diodes, power supplies, transistors, oscillators,
timers, and operational amplifiers. Digital topics include binary numbers, gate
types, gate circuits, gate reduction, Boolean algebra, flip flops, comparators,
registers, binary and binary-coded-decimal counters, digital-to-analog
conversion, analog-to-digital conversion, and computer interfacing. 312 Lasers and Optics (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: 202 or 216; corequisite:
Math 201 or permission of department) AS. Introduction to lasers and optics.
Laser topics include laser emission, holography, fiber optics, laser
spectroscopy, and laser applications. Optics topics include geometrical and
physical optics with an emphasis on the wave properties of light, such as
diffraction, interference, and polarization. Students will operate many types
of lasers, including a diode laser, helium-neon laser, nitrogen laser, Nd:YAG
laser, and dye laser. 314 Modern Physics (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: 202 and Math 202 or
permission of department) S. Introduction to relativity and the quantum theory
including the historical background and experimental basis of these theories
and applications to atomic and molecular structure. 315 Special Topics in Modern Physics (3) (Prerequisite: 314)
AS. Topics to be covered will be chosen from a variety of fields of physics:
elementary particle physics, solid state physics, statistical physics, astrophysics
and general relativity, cosmology, molecular structure, Gauge field theories,
and the four vector formulation of special relativity. Topics chosen will
depend upon student interest, but it is intended that several topics will be
introduced in any given course. 316 Nuclear Physics (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: 314 or permission of
department) S. Natural and artificial radioactivity, nuclear reactions, nuclear
models and structure, particle accelerators and detectors, neutron physics and
reactors, and an introduction to elementary particles. 318 Environmental Radiation Physics (3) (Prerequisite: 202 or
216) F. Introduction to the sources and characterization of radiation, the
properties of radioactive materials and the effects of radiation and radioactive
materials on the environment. 401 Quantum Mechanics (3) (Prerequisite: 314; corequisite: Math 301)
F. The Schrodinger Equation and applications to free particles, the harmonic
oscillator, one-dimensional potential barriers, the hydrogen atom, and other
three-dimensional problems. Perturbation theory, approximation methods, and
operator formalism will also be introduced. 406 Advanced Computational Physics (3) (Prerequisite: PHYS 302,
306 or permission of department) (Same as Chemistry 406) S. A continuation of
topics covered in Physics 306. Topics include the numerical solution of two and
three-body problems, normal modes, chaos and fractal growth, learning and
stochastic algorithms, and an introduction to monte-carlo techniques in
physics. 415 Radiation Biology (3) (Prerequisite: PHYS 316 and corequisite: one
of BIOL 301, 401, 402, 406, or permission of department) F. Topics include the
fundamental physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms that lead to
radiation-induced biological damage. The course will begin with interactions
and responses at a molecular level and progress towards cellular and systemic
responses to the damage. Methods for assessing the dose to biological systems
and the corresponding risk will be addressed. 416 Nuclear Radiation Physics (4:3-3) (Prerequisite:
310 and 316) F. Topics to be covered include the interaction of radiation with
matter, gas and scintillation counters, semiconductor detectors; counting
statistics, special electronic circuits, and the literature of radiation
detection. 417 Principles of Health Physics (4:3-3) (Prerequisite:
416) S. Topics include the biophysical basis for radiation protection,
environmental and personnel monitoring, dosimetry and dose calculations,
shielding, standards for radiation exposure, waste treatment and disposal,
emergency procedures, government regulations, and safety procedures. 419 Senior Seminar in Physics (1:3) F. In conjunction
with a physics faculty adviser, each student will prepare a formal scientific
review article on a physics topic. The topics assigned will be determined based
on the interest of the student. The culmination of this course is a detailed
written report and an oral presentation. 420 Senior Research in Physics (1:3) (Prerequisite:
Senior status and permission of department) F, S. In conjunction with a physics
faculty adviser, each student will complete one or more research projects in
physics. The projects assigned will be determined based on the interest of the
student. The culmination of this course is a detailed written report and an
oral presentation. 497 Special Studies (3), (2), or (1) (Prerequisite: Permission of
department) F, S. Open only to juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
in their major courses. A maximum of 3 semester hours may be earned. Academic
Committee approval required for each seminar and practicum. All individual
research projects are reviewed by three faculty members from two different
disciplines. May be taken for credit (3 hours) towards the Honors degree by
special arrangement. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSE (ENVS) 201 Environmental Science (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: Biology 105, 106;
Chemistry 101, 102). Broad introduction to environmental issues and problems,
and their technical solutions through environmental science applications.
Includes discussions of political, economic and ethical issues. Coordinator: Dr. David Peterson A student who wishes to spend the first two years of his/her
academic career studying a pre-engineering program at Physics 200, 201, 202, 314, Chemistry 101, 102; Computer Science 212; English 112, 200; any two courses from English 201, 202, 203; Math 201, 202, 203, 301, 306; twelve hours of social science and humanities electives, including
Economics 203, 204; and six to nine hours of free electives, such as Speech
Communication 101 or English 318. Placement in beginning mathematics courses is determined by scores
and previous courses taken (see “Other Information” under Department of
Mathematics). This curriculum represents the maximum number of non-engineering
credit hours which are required of pre-engineering students at most
non-engineering institutions. It is not expected or required that Students interested in this curriculum should plan their program
based on the catalog requirements of the institution to which they plan to
transfer. The advisers for pre-engineering are assigned from the Department of
Physics and Astronomy. CIVIL
AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Coordinator: Dr. David Peterson The Bachelor of Science degree in technology is offered with
concentrations in the areas of civil and electronic engineering technology
through cooperative arrangements with South Carolina Technical Colleges. This
is an industry-oriented program and is a completely coordinated cooperative
program in which participating students may be simultaneously enrolled in
courses on both campuses. All general degree requirements (see General Education
Requirements earlier in this catalog) are applicable for students enrolled in
cooperative programs. A. Civil Engineering Technology A major in civil engineering technology requires completion of the
following: 1. Physics 200, 201, 202, and 310 2. Mathematics 201 and 202 3. Computer Science 212 4. Chemistry 101 and 102 A minor in physical sciences requires Math 203 and a minimum of 8
semester hours from the following: Physics 301, 302, 310, 312, 314, or 316 (
any
300-level physics course) or Chemistry 201-202, 203, 301; or see requirements
for the minor in Business Administration in the School of Business chapter of
this catalog. Approximately 40 semester hours toward the Bachelor of Science in
Civil Engineering Technology are earned at The technical college required classes are the following: EGR 120 and 194 EGT 101, 105, and 150 CET 105, 125, 205, 216, 218, 235, 240, 246, 250, and 255 B. Electronic Engineering Technology A major in electronic engineering technology requires completion
of the following: 1. Physics 200, 201, 202, and 314 2. Mathematics 201 and 202 3. Computer Science 212 4. Chemistry 101 and 102 A minor in physical sciences requires Math 203 and a minimum of 8
semester hours from the following: Physics 301, 302, 310, 312, 314, or 316 (any
300-level physics course) or Chemistry 201-202, 203, 301; or see requirements
for the minor in Business Administration in the School of Business chapter of
this catalog. Approximately 44 semester hours toward the Bachelor of Science in
Electronic Engineering Technology are earned at The technical college required classes are the following: EGR 120 EGT 151 EET 113, 114, 131, 145, 218, 220, 231, 235, 243, 251, and 273 DUAL-DEGREE
PROGRAM IN ENGINEERING WITH Coordinator: Dr. David Peterson Students enrolled in a liberal arts or science program at A student participating in the dual-degree program would be
expected to meet the following curriculum requirements at 1. A minimum of 83 hours must be completed with a grade of C or
above in each course. (A course may be retaken to improve the grade to C or
better, but grades in all courses will be considered by 2. All General Education Requirements at a. Communications: English 112 and 200 Speech 101, Computer
Science 212 or 226 b. Social Sciences: Political Science 101 or 103 Economics 203 and
204 c. Humanities: Literature (in any language) (6 hours) History (3
hours), Art 101, Music 101, or Theater 101 d. Mathematics: Math 201 and 202 (Placement in beginning
mathematics courses is determined by test scores and previous courses taken;
see “Other Information” in the Mathematics section.) e. Natural Sciences: Physics 200 and 201 Biology 105 3. In addition, the following courses in physics, mathematics,
chemistry and computer science must be completed (some of these may be included
as part of the General Education Requirements): Physics 200, 201, 202, 314 Mathematics 201, 202, 203, 301, 306 Chemistry 101, 102 Computer Science 212 or 226 4. A minimum of seven hours of electives must be selected in
consultation with advisers at Physics 301, 306, 310, 406 Mathematics 304, 305, 312, 425 Computer Science 226, 227 Chemistry 201, 202 (chemical engineers only) During the first three years at Francis Marion University, a
student participating in the dual-degree program must complete a form entitled,
“Intention to Pursue the Dual-Degree Program at Clemson University,” and send
it to the Associate Dean of Engineering in the College of Engineering at
Clemson University. Formal application for admission to Upon completion of an engineering curriculum at |