University of Nebraska at Kearney
College of Natural and Social Sciences

1994-96 UNK Undergraduate Catalog

Department of Physics and Physical Science

Courses (PHYS)

100GS Physical Science - 4 hours

A survey course of the physical sciences. This course does not presuppose a prior background in the sciences or mathematics. Inquiry activities are used to promote the development of process and critical thinking skills. Emphasis is placed on the application of science to the real world.

131HGS Newton's Universe - 4 hours

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of science as a human activity, its historical role in shaping our self and world views, its impact on the human condition, and its philosophical implications for their ultimate destiny. An associated laboratory, using inquiry-oriented activities, allows students to experience the process of science.

132HGS. Einstein's Universe - 4 hours

A historical continuation of 130HGS culminating in the current scientific principles shaping our conception of the universe.

201GS Earth Science - 4 hours

Inquiry activities are used to teach basic concepts of meteorology, Geology, and Astronomy. Emphasis is placed on process and critical thinking skills as well as environmental issues.

204. MSW Energy and Resource Recovery - 3 hours

Prerequisite: ITEC 115 recommended but not required. Provides a background into the physical and technical characteristics of alternatives to landfill disposal of municipal solid wastes (MSW). Energy and pollution trade-offs will be considered for source reduction, reuse, recycling, composting and waste to energy. (See Industrial Technology degree in solid waste management)

205GS. General Physics - 5 hours

Prerequisites: MATH 101GS, 103 or permission of instructor. Mechanics, heat and sound. Lecture four hours, laboratory two hours per week.

206GS. General Physics - 5 hours

A continuation of PHYS 205GS. Electricity, magnetism and light.

209GS. Meteorology - 3 hours

Basic principles of weather including a study of the atmosphere's origin, composition, circulation patterns, energy budget and its role in the hydrologic cycle. Topics include: instruments for observation, precipitation process, wave cyclones, jet streams, weather forecasting, weather modification and applications of meteorology to air pollution, agriculture and aviation.

210GS. Astronomy - 3 hours

Instruments and techniques of astronomy, constellations, coordinate systems, planetary motion, the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology.

275. General Physics (Calculus) - 5 hours

Prerequisite: 1 semester of Calculus. Covers the same topics as PHYS 205GS.

276. General Physics (Calculus) - 5 hours

A continuation of 275. Covers the same topics as PHYS 206GS.

301GS. Advanced Physical Science - 4 hours

Inquiry activities are used to teach concepts in the areas of mechanics, light, electricity, magnetism and microchemistry. The computer is used to aid in instruction in all of these areas. Emphasis is placed on the development of process and critical thinking skills.

323. Introductory Electronics - 4 hours

Prerequisite: PHYS 206GS and MATH 103 or 112GS. The analysis and design of electronic circuits, amplifiers and instrumentation. Fall only, odd years.

346. Modern Physics I - 4 hours

Prerequisites: PHYS 205GS, 206GS. A more advanced study of selected topics in electricity and modern physics including introductory concepts in atomic and nuclear physics. Fall only.

347. Modern Physics II - 4 hours

Prerequisite: PHYS 346 and MATH 202. A continuation of PHYS 346. Introductory concepts in quantum mechanics and quantum statistics will be treated. Other areas of emphasis will include atomic structure solid state and nuclear physics. Spring only, odd years.

348. Radioisotope Techniques - 3 hours

Prerequisites: PHYS 205GS, 206GS and either BIOL 103GS or CHEM 160GS or equivalent. A study of the fundamentals of nuclear science as related to radioactive isotopes and their uses. Spring only, even years.

399. Internship - 1-4 hours

410/810. Mathematical Techniques in Physics - 4 hours

Prerequisite: PHYS 206GS and MATH 260. A formal development of selected topics from infinite series, determinants and matrices, partial differentiation, vector analysis, Fourier series, functions of a complex variable, and coordinate transformations. Fall only.

411. Math Techniques in Physics II - 3 hours

Prerequisite: PHYS 410/810. A development of series solution of differential equations, partial differential equations, tensor analysis, asymptotic series, integral transforms, and operators.

415/815. Theoretical Physics I - 3 hours

Prerequisites: PHYS 276GS, MATH 360 parallel or prerequisite PHYS 410. A formal development of Mechanics and Electrodynamic Fields covering the important principles of theoretical physics. Kinematics and dynamics of particles and of rigid bodies, and the relativistic formulation of Electrodynamics. Fall only, even years.

416/816. Theoretical Physics II - 3 hours

Prerequisites: PHYS 415 and 410. A continuation of PHYS 415/515. A formal development of Mechanics and Electrodynamic Fields covering the important principles of theoretical physics. Kinematics and dynamics of particles and of rigid bodies, and the relativistic formulation of Electrodynamics. Spring only, odd years.

417/817. Quantum Mechanics - 3 hours

Prerequisites: 347, 415, 416 and 410. A formal development of the principles of quantum mechanics. The mathematics of Hamiltonian Mechanics are presented as a bridge from Classical Physics to Quantum Physics. Topics are selected to extend the treatment given in Modern Physics II. Fall only, odd years.

423/823. Electronics - 4 hours

Prerequisite: PHYS 323 or equivalent. ITEC 482 is helpful. Continuation of 323 with emphasis on feedback, control, noise reduction, analog and digital circuits and techniques. Spring only, even years.

426/826. Computer Architecture - 4 hours

Prerequisites: PHYS 205GS General Physics or 275 and 6 hours of CSIS, preferably 108GS and 201. The study of the logic and theory of operation of the main hardware blocks of computers, their control and their software/hardware interactions. The emphasis is on microcomputer architectures including laboratory experiments with 8 and 16 bit systems and their I/O and interfacing characteristics.

430/830. Optics - 4-5 hours

Prerequisites: PHYS 206GS, MATH 202, parallel or prerequisite: geometric and wave optics including optical instruments. Spring only, odd years.

440/840. Heat and Thermodynamics - 4 hours

Prerequisites: MATH 260; PHYS 410GS. The study of temperature, heat and work, the laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, including the Carnot, Cycle, Maxwell relations, and an introduction to statistical thermodynamics. Spring only, even years.

456/856. Regional Field Studies - 1-4 hours

Includes visits to specialized research or scientific centers, or expeditions to observe or study special events such as solar eclipses.

471/871. Methods in Secondary Science Teaching - 3 hours

This course focuses on the latest trends in science teaching. Emphasis is placed on designing demonstrations, laboratory investigations, test items and other components that promote process and critical thinking skills. Computers are utilized extensively in these activities.

472/872. Science Curricula - 1-3 hours

History of science curricula, introduction to the specifics of selected science curricula, experience working with science curricula materials in junior high or senior high school as well as exposure to several teaching strategies.

473. Science Methods for Middle School - 3 hours

Emphasizes rationale and techniques involved in teaching middle school science. Develops the personal competencies in utilizing inquiry teaching methods, the use of scientific apparatus, and in implementation of curricular materials.

491/891. Expanded Campus Workshop - 1-3 hours

Refer to Academic Information section for description.

495/895. Research in Physics - 1-3 hours

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. A student may accumulate a total of nine hours. Approximately five hours per week for each hour of credit.

499/899. Problems in Physical Science - 1-3 hours

Prerequisite: Elementary courses necessary for the problem to be undertaken, and permission of instructor. Independent investigation of physical science problems. Three hours of laboratory work each week for each hour of credit.

Graduate Courses

846 Modern Physics for High School Teachers, 3 hrs.;
801 Earth Science for High School Teachers, 3 hrs.;
802 Applied Physical Science, 3 hrs.;
809 Meteorology for High School Teachers, 3 hrs.;
812 Astronomy for High School Teachers, 3 hrs.;
825 Classical Mechanics, 3 hrs.; 896 Thesis, 6 hrs.

See Graduate Catalog for course descriptions.