COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

Chair: Dr. David M. Peterson
Faculty: Engelhardt, Fulmer, Jokisch, Loudon, Mehaffey, J. Myers, D. Peterson, R.S. Smith, Vaccaro

MISSION STATEMENT

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 South Carolina's technical colleges. The Environmental Science option in Physics offers students a B.S. degree in Environmental Science.

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, familiar with the scientific literature, and 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.

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ASTRONOMY

Coordinator: Dr. Jeannette M. Myers

MAJOR

No major in astronomy is offered.

MINOR

No minor in astronomy is offered.

COLLATERAL

A collateral in astronomy requires 12 hours, including Astronomy 201, 202, and 203. ASTR 203, while earning credit toward graduation, will not satisfy any of the 4 hours of Natural Sciences in the General Education Requirements.

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ASTRONOMY COURSE (ASTR)

201 Introduction to Astronomy (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: Eligibility to take Math 111 or Math 121) F, SU. A survey of astronomy, including historical observations and star maps; celestial motions of the sun, moon, planets and stars; electromagnetic radiation, including radiation laws and spectral classification; astronomical instruments and methods; the stars, including formation, evolution, properties, and types of stars; the universe, including the Milky Way Galaxy, other galaxies, theories of formation and evolution. The laboratory section for the class will include work at night in the FMU Observatory.

202 Voyage through the Solar System (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: Eligibility to take Math 111 or Math 121) AS, SU. A survey of our Solar System, including formation models, orbital properties, and motions of its members; planetary features; asteroids, comets and meteors; comparisons of terrestrial to jovian planets; and planetary atmospheres. The laboratory section for the class will include work at night in the FMU Observatory.

203 Observational Astronomy (4:2-6) (Prerequisite: 201) AS. Introduction to observational astronomy, including telescope design and usage; star maps; constellation figures, bright members and deep sky objects. Attendance will be required each week for at least one night observing session in the FMU Observatory.

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PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Coordinator: Mr. Joe H. Mehaffey

MAJOR

No major in physical science is offered.

MINOR

No minor in physical science is offered.

COLLATERAL

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, 110/110L or eligibility to take Math 111 or 121) F, S, SU. Topics include: 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.

103 Physical Science: Basic Concepts of Earth Science (4:3-3) (Prerequisites:  PSCI 101 or PHYS 215 or permission of the department). S.  Study of the earth's structure and our environment with an emphasis on the processes that shape them. The fundamental principles of geology, meteorology, and oceanography will be covered. Topics include rocks and minerals, the earth's interior, earthquakes and tsunamis, weather and climate, the hydrosphere, natural resources, energy and environmental concerns.

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PHYSICS

Coordinator: Dr. David M. Peterson

MAJOR

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, 220, 202, 301, 302, 306, 314, 401, 406, 419 and 420
2.  Mathematics 201, 202, 203, 220, 301, and 306
3.  Chemistry 101 and 102
4.  Computer Science 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 36. The minimum number of semester hours in all courses (major and non-major) 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, 210, 220, 310, 314, 316, 416, 417, 418, and 419
2. Biology 105, 106, 415 and one course from Biology 301, 401, 402, or 406
3. Math 111, 132, 201, 202, 203, 301, and 306
4. Chemistry 101, 102, 201, and 203
5. Computer Science 212 or 226

Students in the health physics track are encouraged to pursue a minor in Chemistry by taking Chemistry 303.

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 40. The minimum number of semester hours in all courses (major and non-major) required for the health physics concentration is 124.

MINOR

A minor in physics requires 18 semester hours, including Physics 200, 201, and 202.

COLLATERAL

A collateral in physics requires 12 semester hours, including Physics 200, 201, and 202 or 215 and 216.

OTHER INFORMATION

Credit toward graduation may not be earned in both Physical Science 101-102 and any physics course.

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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, 131-134 semester hours of credit will be required for graduation. The curriculum for the Environmental Science Option is summarized in the following:

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PHYSICS COURSES (PHYS)

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.

210 Introduction to Radiation Protection (1) (Prerequisite: 202 or permission of department) S. This course will introduce the fundamental principles involved in radiation protection including: time, distance, and shielding, activity, radioactive decay, nuclear instrumentation, and the measurement of and units for radiation quantities. Students will also undergo radiation safety training required for future radiation work in the academic laboratory or the workplace.

215 General Physics I (4:3-3) (Prerequisite: Math 132) F, SU. Algebra-based introduction to mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Topics include motion in one and two dimensions, Newton's laws of motion, equilibrium, work, energy, momentum, rotational motion, gravity, heat, waves, and sound. Examples from medicine and biology will be included whenever possible.

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.

220 Computational Methods for Physics and Engineering (3) (Prerequisite:201) F. An introduction to the computational tools and numerical methods used in physics and engineering. Students will use spreadsheets (e.g., Excel) and numerical packages (e.g., MATLAB) to obtain numerical solutions to a wide variety of physical problems, including nuclear decay, motion with air resistance, rocket launches, heat transfer, rotational motion, and astrophysics. The numerical methods will include introductory finite difference, least-squares, matrix, and Monte Carlo methods.

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.

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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) F. Topics include: 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.

397  Research in Physics (3), (2), or (1) (Prerequisite: permission of department) F, S, SU.  In conjunction with a physics faculty advisor, each student will complete one or more research projects in physics, health physics or astronomy.  The projects are developed as a result of consultation between the student and the advisor.  Students will be expected to complete a written report and give an oral presentation.  A maximum of 4 credit hours may be earned towards graduation.

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 BIOL 106 or permission of department) S. 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) S. 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) F. 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.

418 Practical Applications of Health Physics (3) (Prerequisite: 417 or permission of department) S. This course will cover applications and more in-depth analysis of health physics principles presented in PHYS417. Advanced topics will be presented, and the implementation of these principles to real-world applications will be discussed. Emphasis on practical applications of radiological protection principles including design of a radiation safety program, special considerations for various radiation-generating facilities, current trends in waste management, response to radiological incidents, risk assessment, and homeland security.

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.

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PRE-ENGINEERING CURRICULUM

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 FMU is advised to take the following courses: Physics 200, 201, 202, 220, 314, Chemistry 101, 102; English 112, 200; and any two courses from English 250, 251, 252; 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.

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 FMU students complete this entire program prior to transferring to an institution offering four-year baccalaureate programs in engineering. After transferring, the student could expect to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline (except chemical engineering) after completing two to two-and-one-half years of additional study.

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.

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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 Florence-Darlington Technical College or any other technical college in South Carolina.

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, 220, 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 Florence-Darlington Technical College or any other technical college in South Carolina.

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 CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Coordinator: Dr. David Peterson

Students enrolled in a liberal arts or science program at FMU who wish to prepare for a career in engineering may do so through a cooperative program between FMU and Clemson University. Under this program, it is anticipated that a student will spend three years at Francis Marion University in a special pre-engineering curriculum and two years at Clemson University studying an engineering discipline. Upon successful completion of this program, the student will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Science (or Arts) degree in an appropriate field from FMU. Clemson University guarantees admission for students who earn a C or better in all courses in the dual-degree curriculum and have a grade point average of 2.5 or better at FMU.

A student participating in the dual-degree program would be expected to meet the following curriculum requirements at Francis Marion University:

1. A minimum of 86 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 Clemson University in determining a student's grade point average.)
2. All General Education Requirements at FMU must be met. However, in order to satisfy several of the General Education Requirements at Clemson University, as well as Dual-Degree requirements at FMU, the following courses are recommended:
    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, Music, 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, 220, and 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 Clemson University and FMU. The selection will be influenced by the studentʼs choice of engineering major. Recommended courses include the following:
     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 FMU, 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 Clemson University should be made during the fall semester of the third year at FMU. In order to smooth the transition into engineering and to prepare the student to finish an engineering degree in two years at Clemson, it is recommended that the student complete two courses in engineering (selected in consultation with advisers at Clemson University and FMU) during one summer session at Clemson University before transferring.

Upon completion of an engineering curriculum at Clemson University and upon the student's submitting a satisfactory transcript of grades to FMU, the student will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Science (or Arts) degree in an appropriate field from FMU.

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