EPS Courses

EPS 101 – General Physics I
1 semester, 4 credits (Core Foundation/Proficiency: Physics-Based Natural Science)

Introductory physics intended for physics, engineering, biology, chemistry, and mathematics majors. EPS 101 includes mechanics, waves, and heat. Calculus is used. (Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.)

EPS 102 – General Physics II
1 semester, 4 credits

A continuation of EPS 101; includes electricity, magnetism, optics, and an introduction to relativity. Calculus is used. (Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.) Prerequisite: EPS 101.

EPS 131 – Introduction to Engineering
1 semester, 1 credit

An introduction to the process and practice of engineering. Topics included are: the history of engineering, engineering design, optimization and mathematics in engineering, fields of engineering, the engineer and society, contemporary opportunities, and challenges. The class will meet one hour per week.

EPS 180/EPS 380 – Building Community with Physics Discourse I & II
1 semester, 1 credit

An all-level seminar designed to expose students to contemporary topics in physics, engineering, and general applied science. The course is reading and discussion based, with an emphasis on student-led discourse in a forum including both faculty and students across all years of the program. Students enrolled in EPS 380 are expected to take on a leadership role with regards to the class discussions and presentations.

EPS 201 – Introductory Modern Physics
1 semester, 4 credits (Core Foundation/Proficiency: Oral Communication)

Principles of special relativity and quantum physics; application to atomic, nuclear, molecular, solid state, and elementary particle physics. (Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.) Prerequisite: EPS 102.

EPS 105 – Conceptual Physics
1 semester, 3credits (Core Foundation/Proficiency: Natural Science; Physics-Based Natural Science)

Specifically designed for non-science majors. Topics included are: the classical ideas of motion as exemplified by Newton’s Laws, the conservation theorems of energy and momentum and their application, the ideas of 20th-century physics, and selected subjects which relate to current concerns in everyday life.

EPS 117 – Astronomy
1 semester, 3 credits (Core Foundation/Proficiency: Physics-Based Natural Science)

An introduction to the principles of astronomy for non-science majors. Topics to be covered include the history of the science and methods of study, the study of stars and galaxies, and a general survey of cosmological models. Recent discoveries such as background black-body radiation, pulsars, and quasars, as well as the implications of general relativity, will be discussed qualitatively.

EPS 120 – The Science of Sound and Music
1 semester, 3 credits (Core Foundation/Proficiency: Physics-Based Natural Science)

For non-science majors with an interest in the scientific underpinnings of music and sound, through hands-on workshops, this course conceptually treats sound production, propagation, and sensing and topics including: pitch, loudness, timbre, scales, intervals, and performance spaces. Music knowledge is a plus.

EPS 121 – The Science of Light & Color
1 semester, 3 credits (Core Foundation/Proficiency: Physics-Based Natural Science)

An introduction to the physics of light and the ways we use light in modern society and as a scientific tool. Discussion of fundamental physical models of rays, colors, and waves, with applications to optical devices, optometry, photography, spectroscopy and computer graphics.

EPS 202 – Electronic Devices
1 semester, 4 credits (Core Foundation/Proficiency: Writing II)

An introduction to the principles of operation of the basic components of electronic devices. Included: circuit problems, models, integrated circuits, analog and digital systems, complex analysis, equivalent circuits. (Lectures 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.)

EPS 221 – Scientific Programming
1 semester, 3 credits

Treats the structure and vocabulary of programming languages such as C, Fortran, or JAVA and their application in science/engineering problems. Input/output, control and branching, iteration, arrays and subscripts, file processing, and sub programming will be treated. Standard modular/structured approaches will be emphasized. Intended for science and engineering majors.

EPS 301 – Mechanics
1 semester, 3 credits

Examines vector algebra and vector calculus, statics, dynamics of particles, central force motion, oscillations, and dynamics of rigid bodies. Prerequisite: EPS 101.

EPS 302 – Electromagnetism
1 semester, 3 credits

Basic electromagnetic field theory, charges in fields, radiation from charges, electrodynamics of continuous media, and transmission of electromagnetic waves through materials.

EPS 401 – Classical Dynamics
1 semester, 3 credits

Provides a brief review of Newtonian mechanics followed by a treatment of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics and applications to central forces, non‐inertial reference frames, rigid‐body rotation and normal modes. Prerequisites: EPS 301 and MTH 318.

EPS 430 – Thermodynamics
1 semester, 3 credits

Investigates the transfer of energy in complex objects. The tools employed will be mathematical modeling, statistics, the use of tables, differential equations, and computer programs. Emphasis will be placed on entropy and the limits it places on the performance of physical devices. Prerequisite: EPS 102.

EPS 448 – Applied Quantum Physics
1 semester, 3 credits

Examines the physical concepts governing the atomic and subatomic domain of matter. How these concepts manifest themselves in the mathematics of quantum mechanics and how they are used to investigate various physical states of matter will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on solutions to Schrödinger’s equation. Prerequisite: EPS 201.

EPS 450 – Internship
1 semester, 3 credits

Available to seniors who wish to gain experience in an industrial/company setting. Students will independently explore the practical applications of physical principles learned in the classroom.

EPS 490 – Independent Study
1 semester, 3 credits

Provides for the study of an advanced area of physics. Completed under the guidance of a faculty member who supervises the student’s work. Prerequisites: Permission of the chairperson.

EPS 295/EPS 296 – Research (Fall/ Spring)
1 semester, 1-3 credits

An entry level research experience allowing the student to take ownership of a research problem normally related to a larger research and development project, under the supervision of a faculty member or research mentor. All aspects of the research enterprise including review of literature, and experimental or theoretical investigation are included. May be repeated by sophomores and juniors only.

EPS 395/EPS 396 – Research (Fall/ Spring)
1 semester, 1-3 credits

An entry level research experience allowing the student to take ownership of a research problem normally related to a larger research and development project, under the supervision of a faculty member or research mentor. All aspects of the research enterprise including review of literature, and experimental or theoretical investigation are included. May be repeated by sophomores and juniors.

EPS 495/EPS 496 – Research (Fall/ Spring)
1 semester, 3 credits

An original research problem which demands a thorough search of the literature and an intensive laboratory and/or theoretical investigation.

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