Engineering Physics (EP)
EP-235 Computers in Physics 4 Credits
Prerequisites: PHYS-224 and PHYS-225
Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
The multiple ways computers are used by professionals in industry, academia, and government laboratories are provided. Problems in physics will be solved through analytical or symbolic software tools, numerical approaches implemented in spreadsheets and basic scripts written in a structured style, and experimental tools for control and data acquisition. This combination of symbolic, numerical and experimental work will give students a practical toolbox of techniques to solve new problems and meet challenges in upper level classes, graduate school, and/or postgraduate positions.
Lecture: 2, Lab 4, Other 0
EP-335 Computational Physics 4 Credits
Corequisites: PHYS-366
Prerequisites: PHYS-224 and PHYS-225
This course introduces foundational computational techniques that
bridge the worlds of classical introductory physics and modern materials science.
After introducing random walks and stochastic methods, Monte Carlo and
molecular dynamics simulations introduce how macroscopic properties emerge
from microscopic, many-particle systems. Similar methods can then be applied to
find solutions to the Schrödinger equation of quantum mechanics. Finally, a survey
of contemporary applications in materials science may include an introduction to
density functional theory and current tools for predicting material properties from
first principles calculations. Students will work with partially working code and many
examples; prior programming experience is not assumed.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0
EP-342 Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering 4 Credits
Prerequisites: PHYS-224 and PHYS-225 and (CHEM-135 or CHEM-137)
Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
The course presents a general introduction to the relationship of structure and function in metals, ceramics, polymers, and semiconductors. Course content includes key elements relating to material structures, processes, and properties and the interrelation of these components. In addition, common materials characterization methods such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission of electron microscopy (TEM), scanning probe microscopy (SPM), and other applications in nanotechnology are introduced.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0
EP-446 Solid State Physics 4 Credits
Prerequisites: PHYS-366
Minimum Class Standing: Junior
This course covers topics in physics of solids which are key to
understanding solid-state electronics, including semiconductor devices. Students
are introduced to the atomic structure of matter through the study of crystal
structure and x-ray diffraction. Starting with the classical model of conduction in
metals, concepts of quantum physics are used to derive the free-electron quantum
model of metals, band theory of metals, and band theory of semiconductors.
Students will be introduced the concept of Brillouin zones, electronic density of
states, energy band gaps, Bloch functions, effective mass, holes, Fermi surfaces,
semiconductor, and pn junctions. The aforementioned topics and concepts are
used to explain some of the widespread applications of solid-state physics, such as
diodes, bipolar junction transistors, and field-effect transistors. Other topics in solid-
state physics may be covered as time permits or as requested by students.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0
EP-485 Acoustic Testing and Modeling 4 Credits
Prerequisites: (MATH-204 or MATH-204H) and PHYS-302
This course combines testing and measurement in the Acoustics Laboratory, modeling approaches including the finite element method, and exposure to textbook and journal literature to explore basic phenomena in acoustics. Each time the course is offered, students and the instructor will select two modules from a larger set, so that the course may be tailored to meet the needs and interests of students and faculty. Module topics include acoustics oscillators, structural vibration, source models, three-dimensional wave propagation, impedance and intensity, and transducers. Additional modules may be offered. Students in this course will collaborate to develop understanding through lab work, modeling, and theory. Each module will culminate in a presentation.
Lecture: 2, Lab 4, Other 0