PHY 115

Introduction to Applied Math and Physics (3 Cr.)

Prerequisites: None

Description: We live in a world governed by physical laws. As a result, we have grown accustomed to objects’ motions being in accordance with these laws. This course examines the basic physics and mathematics governing natural phenomena such as light, weight, inertia, friction, momentum, and thrust as a practical introduction to applied math and physics. Students will explore geometry, trigonometry for cyclical motions, and physical equations of motion for bodies moving under the influence of forces. With these tools, students will develop a broader understanding of the impact of math and physics on their daily lives.

PHY 200

Motion Dynamics (3 Cr.)

Prerequisites: None

Concurrent Course: MAT 200

Description: This calculus-based course presents the fundamental principles of mechanics for simulation and engineering majors. Students will learn the laws that govern the mechanical world and how to use these laws to form a simulated world. They will examine the concepts involved with kinematics, Newtonian dynamics, work and energy, momentum, rotational motion, and statics.

PHY 250

Waves, Optics, and Aerodynamics (3 Cr.)

Prerequisite: PHY 200

Description: This calculus-based course provides a fundamental understanding of fluid dynamics, oscillations and waves, optics, and thermodynamics. By understanding the physical laws governing these phenomena, students will be able to implement ray casting and ray tracing algorithms, as well as create realistic flight simulators, lens effects, and many-body simulations.

PHY 270

Electricity and Magnetism (3 Cr.)

Prerequisite: PHY 200

Concurrent Course: MAT 225

Description: This calculus-based course studies the basic concepts underlying electrical and magnetic phenomena. It considers the following topics: atoms and free electrons; Coulomb’s law; the electric field, Gauss’s Law, and potential; capacitance, properties of dielectrics, current, resistance, and EMF; DC circuits and instruments, and Kirchhoff’s rules; the magnetic field and magnetic forces on current-carrying conductors; magnetic field of a current; electromagnetic induction and magnetic properties of matter; alternating current; Maxwell’s equations; electromagnetic waves; semiconductors and the PN junction; and photoelectric effect.

PHY 290

Modern Physics (3 Cr.)

Prerequisites: PHY 200, PHY 250 or PHY 270, MAT 200

Description: The wake of modern physics has given rise to massive technological advancements that have changed our daily lives. This course covers many of the modern issues within the field and emphasizes the problem-solving nature of physics. The class is a calculusbased scientific examination of topics from general relativity and quantum mechanics through nuclear physics, high-energy physics, and astrophysics.

PHY 300

Advanced Mechanics (3 Cr.)

Prerequisites: PHY 200, PHY 250, MAT 150, MAT 200, MAT 250, CS 200, CS 250

Description: This course covers the physics behind more complex mechanical interactions as well as the numerical techniques required to approximate the systems for simulations. A thorough analysis of mechanical systems through energy analysis will provide the basis for the understanding of linear and rotational systems. The combination of theoretical physics and numerical methods will provide students with the background for simulating physical systems with limited computational power. Topics covered include Lagrangian Dynamics, Hamilton’s Equations, dynamics of rigid bodies, motion in non-inertial reference frames, the use of the inertia tensor, collision resolution, and numerical techniques including methods of approximation.

PHY 350

Physics Simulation (3 Cr.)

Prerequisites: PHY 300, MAT 300

Description: In this course, students will gather into teams of two to three and create a physics engine with minimal interface and graphics. Weekly lectures will go over the implementation of concepts covered in PHY 300 as well as collision resolution, objects on surfaces, holonomic and nonholonomic constraints, numerical approximations, and special topics that address project-specific physics.

PHY 500

Advanced Physically based Modeling (3 Cr.)

Prerequisite: Entrance into the Master’s program in Computer Science

Description: This class covers the topics in dynamics modeling techniques, including methods in the calculus of variations, Hamilton’s principle, Lagrangian dynamics, Hamiltonian dynamics, motion in a non-inertial reference frame, dynamics of rigid bodies (moments of inertia, inertia tensor, and stability), collision resolution (impact parameters, scattering, and restitution), and physics of continuous bodies (elasticity, deformation, stress, and strain).

PHY 550

Physics Simulation (3 Cr.)

Prerequisite: Entrance into the Master’s program in Computer Science

Description: Students will gather into teams of two to three and create a physics engine with minimal interface and graphics. Weekly lectures will detail the implementation of concepts covered in PHY 300 as well as collision resolution, objects on surfaces, holonomic and nonholonomic constraints, and numerical approximations. Additionally, students will study special topics that address project-specific physics.