Course Descriptions


Physics Courses

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  • PHY 1080 History of the Universe

    PHY 1080 History of the Universe

    Credit Hours: 3

    Provides students with an understanding of the role the scientific process has in explaining the history of the universe. The role of experimental observation in the development of scientific theories will be discussed, as well as the philosophical and social nature of scientific theory and practice. Students learn how physical principles are used to develop a coherent picture of natural sciences. The course discusses astronomical observations, the life cycles of planets and stars, and cosmology. This course is normally offered every fall semester.

  • PHY 1099 Special Topics in Physics

    PHY 1099 Special Topics in Physics

    Credit Hours: 1 TO 3

    Covers topics of current interest in Physics. Topics may vary each semester.

  • PHY 1300 General Physics I

    PHY 1300 General Physics I

    Credit Hours: 3

    Study of mechanics, fluids, and vibrations. Emphasis will be placed on applications in the biological and medical sciences. Recommended for students preparing for medical, dental and health careers. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.

    Corequisites:

    • PHY 1310
  • PHY 1310 General Physics Laboratory I

    PHY 1310 General Physics Laboratory I

    Credit Hours: 1

    Laboratory to accompany PHY 1300. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.

    Corequisites:

    • PHY 1300
  • PHY 1320 General Physics II

    PHY 1320 General Physics II

    Credit Hours: 3

    Continuation of PHY 1300 covering electricity and magnetism, optics. Emphasis will be placed on applications in the biological and medical sciences. Recommended for students preparing for medical, dental and health careers. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • PHY 1300 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • PHY 1330
  • PHY 1330 General Physics Laboratory II

    PHY 1330 General Physics Laboratory II

    Credit Hours: 1

    Laboratory to accompany PHY 1320. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.

    Corequisites:

    • PHY 1320
  • PHY 1600 General Physics I

    PHY 1600 General Physics I

    Credit Hours: 3

    A rigorous course in mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, vibrations. This course is required for engineers and some science majors. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • MTH 1420 (Minimum Grade of D, May be taken concurrently) OR
    • ENGR 1234 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • PHY 1610
  • PHY 1610 General Physics Laboratory I

    PHY 1610 General Physics Laboratory I

    Credit Hours: 1

    Laboratory to accompany PHY 1600. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Corequisites:

    • PHY 1600
  • PHY 1620 General Physics II

    PHY 1620 General Physics II

    Credit Hours: 3

    A rigorous course in electricity and magnetism and optics. This course is required for engineers and some science majors. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • PHY 1600 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • PHY 1630
  • PHY 1630 General Physics Laboratory II

    PHY 1630 General Physics Laboratory II

    Credit Hours: 1

    Laboratory to accompany PHY 1620. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Corequisites:

    • PHY 1620
  • PHY 1980 Introduction to Research Methods

    PHY 1980 Introduction to Research Methods

    Credit Hours: 1

    An introduction to performing research in the Physics Program at the University of Detroit Mercy. It is strongly recommended for all students who intend to perform research. This one credit, one hour per week course is cross listed with CHEM 1980. As such, it will cover general scientific research practices, as well as specific topics in science education research. These topics may include (but are not limited to): the purpose of research, ethics in scientific research, the role of the Institutional Review Board, safety and personal protective equipment, the layout of a laboratory (standard lab procedures), notebooks and data-keeping, use of equipment and instruments, searching the scientific literature, and writing and reviewing a research manuscript.

  • PHY 3690 Modern Physics with Device Applications

    PHY 3690 Modern Physics with Device Applications

    Credit Hours: 3

    Introduction to elementary quantum mechanics with semiconductor device applications. The particle-like properties of electromagnetic radiation and the wave-like properties of matter are discussed. Application of the Schroedinger equation to the development of energy bands. Charge carrier transport mechanisms. Development of the theory of p-n junctions and related devices including diodes, transistors, LEDs, lasers, and solar cells. Introduction to nanoscopic materials, e.g. graphene.

    Prerequisites:

    • PHY 1620 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
  • PHY 3980 Introduction to Undergraduate Research

    PHY 3980 Introduction to Undergraduate Research

    Credit Hours: 1

    An introduction to physics or interdisciplinary science education research involving a project carried out under the direction of a designated faculty member. This course may be taken a maximum of two times. [PHY/CHM 1980 strongly recommended].

  • PHY 4980 Undergraduate Research

    PHY 4980 Undergraduate Research

    Credit Hours: 1 TO 3

    An extensive project in physics or interdisciplinary science education research carried out under the guidance of a designated faculty member. This course is usually taken for two consecutive terms. The research results must be submitted in an approved technical report at the end of each term. A maximum of six credits may be used to satisfy degree requirements. [PHY/CHM 1980 strongly recommended]

    Prerequisites:

    • PHY 3980 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)