Physics
Chairperson: Haider
Locations: RH: Freeman Hall 208, Phone: (718) 817-4175
Website: http://www.fordham.edu/physics
FACULTY
Professor: Haider
Associate Professors: Crooker, Fessatidis, Moniot
Assistant Professors: Das, Sanzari, Shibayev
Instructor: Minnich
Professor Emeritus: Shapiro
OVERVIEW
The physics department prepares students for a wide variety of technical careers. We offer three distinct programs of study and one minor. The engineering physics major provides students with a solid physics foundation and the flexibility to pursue a concentration in a related applied field. It is designed for students who plan to pursue a career or attend graduate school in an applied area such as architecture, business, engineering, finance, law, medicine, or secondary education. The physics major builds on the same physics foundation with advanced courses in physics. It is designed to prepare students for graduate study in physics. The 3-2 Cooperative Program in Engineering includes three years at Fordham followed by two years at an engineering school resulting in a double major.
All majors in physics should have four years of secondary school mathematics, including trigonometry and courses in secondary school physics and chemistry. Because of the sequential nature of physics courses, it is important to arrange a program at the earliest possible date. Incoming freshmen are advised to indicate an interest in physics on their admission forms and to contact the physics department before the beginning of their first semester.
CONTRIBUTION TO CORE
Physics offers PY*U 1201-1207, which count as the physical science course to fulfill the Natural Science core requirement. In addition, the department offers PY*V 4208, which fulfills the Senior Values core requirement.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PHYSICS MAJOR
(HEGIS Code 1902) Program Code (B.S.) 06122
The major in Physics is available at Fordham College at Rose Hill. Students in Fordham College of Liberal Studies may major in Physics only if their schedules are sufficiently flexible to permit them to take day courses on the Rose Hill campus.
All students planning to major in physics (including those enrolled in the 3-2 Cooperative Program in Engineering) are required to take the following courses: PY*U 1601, PY*U 1602, PY*U 1511, PY*U 1512, MT*U 1206, MT*U 1207 freshman year; PY*U 2001, PY*U 2305, PY*U 3100, CH*U 1321-1322 and CH*U 1331-1332, MT*U 2004, sophomore year; PY*U 2002, PY*U 2011, PY*U 3011, PY*U 3101, PY*U 3102, PY*U 3211, PY*U 3401, PY*U 4005 junior year.
All seniors except those in the 3-2 Cooperative Program in Engineering are required to take at least two physics electives from among the following courses: PY*U 3201, PY*U 3301, PY*U 3601, PY*U 4001, PY*U 4002, PY*U 4003, PY*U 4004, PY*U 4006, PY*U4007, PY*U4008, PY*U4009.
ENGINEERING PHYSICS MAJOR
(HEGIS Code 0919) Program Code 27205
The major in Engineering Physics is available at Fordham College at Rose Hill. Students in Fordham College of Liberal Studies may major in Engineering Physics only if their schedules are sufficiently flexible to permit them to take day courses on the Rose Hill campus.
All students in the major are required to take the following courses:
PY*U 1601, PY*U 1602, PY*U 1511, PY*U 1512, MT*U 1206, MT*U 1207 freshman year; PY*U 2305, MT*U 2004, PY*U 2001, PY*U 3100 and a two-semester introductory sequence in either biology or chemistry sophomore year; PY*U 2002, PY*U 3101, PY*U 3401, and two related engineering electives junior year and two related engineering electives senior year.
3-2 COOPERATIVE PROGRAM IN ENGINEERING
Students enrolled in the 3-2 Cooperative Program in Engineering complete the requirements for the physics degree through the junior year. They then transfer to an engineering program and complete an additional two years. They earn a double bachelor's degree in physics and engineering.
PHYSICS MINOR
The minor in Physics is available at Fordham College at Rose Hill. Students in Fordham College of Liberal Studies may minor in Physics only if their schedules are sufficiently flexible to permit them to take day courses on the Rose Hill campus.
The requirements are PY*U 1601-1602, PY*U 1511-1512, PY*U 2001-2002, PY*U 2305 and two physics electives (2000 level or higher).
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
The department carries on active research programs in Nuclear Theory and in Condensed Matter Physics both theoretical and experimental. Student participation in these programs is strongly encouraged. Through external and internal grants and alumni generosity, the department has funded summer research experiences for approximately six students per year. Many of our students have also obtained summer research experiences at major research labs through programs such as the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. The department hosts an active physics club that arranges annual tours to area research labs, films, a tutoring center for students in introductory physics courses, and an annual softball game against the chemistry department. In recent years the department has also supported students who wanted to report the results of their research at American Physical Society National meetings and students who wanted to enter national competitions. Two recent students won a NASA competition for undergraduate experiments in zero gravity and flew with their experiment on a NASA airplane.
COURSES PLANNED FOR FALL 2006-SPRING 2008
Note: Following each course are codes for where the course has been taught. R stands for Fordham College at Rose Hill.
PY*U 1501-General Physics I (R)
PY*U 1502-General Physics II (R)
PY*U 1511-Physics I Lab (R)
PY*U 1512-Physics II Lab (R)
PY*U 1601-Introductory Physics I (R)
PY*U 1602-Introductory Physics II (R)
PY*U 1701-Physics I (R)
PY*U 1702-Physics II (R)
PY*U 2001-Theoretical Mechanics (R)
PY*U 2002-Electricity and Magnetism (R)
PY*U 2011-Intermediate Laboratory (R)
PY*U 2101-Statics (R)
PY*U 2102-Strength of Materials (R)
PY*U 2111-Intro to Inventions and Patents (R)
PY*U 2305-Introduction to Modern Physics (R)
PY*U 3011-Advanced Laboratory (R)
PY*U 3100-Mathematical Methods in Physics (R)
PY*U 3101-Mathematical Methods in Physics I (R)
PY*U 3102-Mathematical Methods in Physics II (R)
PY*U 3201-Fluid Mechanics (R)
PY*U 3211-Computational Physics and Programming I (R)
PY*U 3301-Solid State Physics (R)
PY*U 3401-Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (R)
PY*U 3601-Optics (R)
PY*U 4001-4002-Undergraduate Research I-II (R)
PY*U 4003-Theoretical Physics I (R)
PY*U 4004-Theoretical Physics II (R)
PY*U 4005-Quantum Mechanics I (R)
PY*U 4006-Quantum Mechanics II (R)
PY*U 4007-Laser Theory and Design (R)
PY*U 4008-Medical Physics (R)
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Note: These courses are taught only on the Rose Hill campus.
PY*U 1201 - INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY (3 credits)
Includes discussion of the solar system, stars, galaxies and cosmology. Methods of making observations. An investigation of physical phenomena including lenses, spectroscopy and refraction. Direct observation through the telescope of celestial objects depending on their position and weather conditions. Astrophotography and film development is also available. The lab is intended for the student with little mathematical background. (Freshmen and sophomores only). (No lab fee).
PY*U 1202 - GEOLOGY (3 credits)
An introductory course designed for non-science majors. A study of the solid earth, its surface and internal structure, dynamical processes, plate tectonics, origin, and history. Laboratory or field experiments in geology and geophysics including observation and identification of minerals and rocks, beach properties, glacial erosion and earthquake wave records. (Freshmen and sophomores only). (No lab fee).
PY*U 1203 - ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS (3 credits)
An introductory course for non-science majors. Topics include heat engines, energy supply and consumption, nuclear fission and fusion, renewable energy resources, fossil fuels, and acid rain. Emphasis will be on basic physical principles as applied to environmental issues. Course requirements include several laboratory experiments. The laboratory is designed to investigate various physical properties of the environment. Experiments will include water-testing and air quality measurements as well as the rudiments of electronic circuitry and the investigation of radioactivity in the environment. (Freshmen and sophomores only). (No lab fee).
PY*U 1206 - PHYSICS OF EVERYDAY LIFE (3 credits)
An introductory course for non-science majors. Topics include physical phenomena that one comes across in everyday life. Physical principles will be explained and numerous examples (many from sports) will be presented. There will be several laboratory experiments that will give students a better understanding of several physical quantities. The experiments will illustrate aspects of mechanics, wave motion, heat and electricity and magnetism. (Freshmen and sophomores only). (No lab fee).
PY*U 1207 - PHYSICS OF LIGHT AND COLOR (3 credits)
An introductory course for non-science majors. Topics include laser light and how lasers influence our lives, with examples from telecommunications, compact disk players, laser surgery and holograms. An investigation of the human eye and the mechanism of color vision. Course requirements include several laboratory experiments. The laboratory is designed to investigate various physical properties of laser light and color. (Freshmen and sophomores only). (No lab fee).
PY*U 1501 - GENERAL PHYSICS I (3 credits)
An introductory course in physics on the non-calculus level. A study of the basic laws of classical and modern physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism.
PY*U 1502 - GENERAL PHYSICS II (3 credits)
Continuation of PY 1501.
PY*U 1511 - PHYSICS I LABORATORY (1 credits)
Measurements in mechanics, heat, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics and atomic and nuclear physics. Lab fee.
PY*U 1512 - PHYSICS II LABORATORY (1 credits)
Continuation of PY 1511. Lab fee.
PY*U 1601 - INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS I (4 credits)
Introductory course for physics majors. A study of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics and atomic physics.
PY*U 1602 - INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS II (4 credits)
Continuation of PY 1601.
PY*U 1701 - PHYSICS I (3 credits)
Introductory course for students who have completed one year of college calculus (MT 1206-1207 or equivalent). A study of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics and atomic physics.
PY*U 1702 - PHYSICS II (3 credits)
Continuation of PY 1701.
PY*U 2001 - THEORETICAL MECHANICS (4 credits)
An introduction to classical mechanics including kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Includes a discussion of D'Alembert's principle, Lagrange's equations and Hamilton's principle.
PY*U 2002 - ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM (4 credits)
Electrostatics, dielectric media, direct current circuits, magnetism and magnetic media, transients and alternating currents, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves.
PY*U 2011 - INTERMEDIATE LABORATORY (2 credits)
Experiments in electricity and magnetism, modern physics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and thermodynamics. Lab fee.
PY*U 2101 - STATICS (4 credits)
The following topics will be covered: Force System Resultants, Equilibrium of a Rigid Body, Structural Analysis, Internal Forces, Friction, Center of Gravity Centroid, Moments of Inertia, Virtual Work.
PY*U 2102 - STRENGTH OF MATERIALS (4 credits)
An introduction to the mechanical properties of materials including their response to: stress, strain, torsion, bending, and shear.
PY*U 2111 - INTRODUCTION TO INVENTIONS AND PATENTS (1 credits)
Introduction to the creative process that drives innovation and invention. Includes discussions on creative development of ideas, formalizing patent applications, commercialization and technology transfer.
PY*U 2305 - INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS (4 credits)
A survey course of the more important areas of modern physics. Topics include special theory of relativity, introduction to quantum mechanics, atomic physics, molecules and solids, nuclear structure and elementary nuclear physics applications and particle physics.
PY*U 3011 - ADVANCED LABORATORY I (2 credits)
Measurements in electronics, diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers. Lab fee.
PY*U 3100 - MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS (4 credits)
Implicit function theorem, Jacobians, curves and line integrals, multiple integrals, surface and volume integrals, divergence theorem, Stokes theorem, and Green's theorem.
PY*U 3101 - MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS I (4 credits)
Matrices and determinants, series expansion, complex numbers and functions, Fourier series, ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, and special functions of physics, theory of special relativity.
PY*U 3102 - MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS II (4 credits)
Continuation of PY 3101.
PY*U 3201 - FLUID MECHANICS (4 credits)
This course introduces the fundamentals of fluid statics, dimensional analysis and modeling, viscous flow in pipes, channel flows, laminar flow, transition, turbulence; flow past an object, wake, separation, vortices, drag; convection, conduction, transition from periodic to chaotic behavior, compressible flow; transition to turbulence.
PY*U 3211 - COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS AND PROGRAMMING I (2 credits)
An introductory course in the use of computers to numerically solve problems in physics. Topics include numerical solution of non-linear equations, interpolation and extrapolation, numerical differentiation and integration. No prior knowledge of computer language is required.
PY*U 3301 - SOLID STATE PHYSICS (4 credits)
An introduction to the elastic, thermal, electromagnetic, and optical properties of solids; energy bands, semiconductors, superconductors, surface and defect structures and device applications.
PY*U 3401 - THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS (4 credits)
Fundamental principles, first and second laws, thermodynamic functions; a discussion of the kinetic theory of gases and introductory statistical mechanics.
PY*U 3601 - OPTICS (4 credits)
Wave propagation, interference, diffraction, and polarization; electromagnetic theory of light.
PY*U 4001 - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH I (4 credits)
Participation of the undergraduate in research under the direction of one of the faculty.
PY*U 4002 - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH II (4 credits)
Participation of the undergraduate in research under the direction of one of the faculty.
PY*U 4003 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS I (4 credits)
Lagrange's equations, variational principles, Hamilton's equations, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, rigid body motion, small oscillations, central forces and Kepler's planetary motion.
PY*U 4004 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS II (4 credits)
Electrostatics, boundary value problems, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations, wave equation, wave guides.
PY*U 4005 - QUANTUM MECHANICS I (4 credits)
Foundations of quantum mechanics, Schrdinger equation, Hermitian operators, solution of the Schrdinger equation, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, angular momentum operators, variational method, perturbation theory.
PY*U 4006 - QUANTUM MECHANICS II (4 credits)
General formalism and representation theory, scattering theory, rotational operators, methods of approximation, identical particles and spin.
PY*U 4007 - LASER THEORY AND DESIGN (4 credits)
An introduction to the theory of lasers; treatment of the interaction of radiation with atoms and ions, energy levels, radiative and nonradiative transitions in molecules and semiconductors. Quantum well lasers, Q- switching, mode locking, optical resonators, pumping processes, rate equations and laser tuning. Design considerations for GaAlAs semiconductor, solid-state, dye, gas, chemical, free-electron and x-ray lasers.
PY*U 4008 - MEDICAL PHYSICS (4 credits)
Topics include biomechanics, biofluid mechanics, physics of the senses, tissue damage, radiation: dose and exposure, ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized axial Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT). Diagnostic equipment and techniques will be discussed throughout the course.
PY*U 4009 - ADVANCED MATERIAL PHYSICS (4 credits)
This course covers a range of modern and hot scientific areas including polymers, liquid crystals, ordered organic and light emitting materials. Some of these materials are widely used in application. Others are aggressively finding their place in the market. Structure properties and methods of characterization will be described and discussed.
PY*V 4208 - GOD AND THE NEW PHYSICS (4 credits)
Science and religion represent two great systems of human thought. For most people, religion is the predominant influence over the conduct of their affairs. When science impinges on their lives, it does so not at the intellectual level, but practically through technology. This course is an attempt to bring forth the theories of the origin of the universe ("creation") of Newton, Einstein and most recently Stephen Hawking, and to compare these to various religious explanations from Genesis to the creation stories of Islam, Hindu and other world religions as well as a number if Native American creation myths.
PY*U 4999 - INDEPENDENT STUDY (4 credits)
Independent research and reading with supervision from a faculty member.
