Biology - Major in Biology Program

Required courses:
*PHY 111 Principles of Physics I

This course provides a rigorous, calculus-based introduction to topics in classical mechanics such as translational motion, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, statics, fluids, oscillations, waves, and sound. In addition to the lecture component, weekly laboratory work will be conducted in each area. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite or corequisite: MAS 111 or 161. Corequisite: PHY 111L. 4 credits.

*PHY 112 Principles of Physics II

Second semester of Principles of Physics. This course provides a rigorous, calculus-based introduction to the concepts and laws encountered in the following branches of physics: thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. In addition to the lecture component, weekly laboratory work will be conducted in each area. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: PHY 111/L and MAS 111 or 161. Corequisite: PHY 112L. 4 credits.

PHY 210 Introduction to Computational Physics

An introduction to the approximate numerical solution of physical problems with computers. The course focuses on problems from mechanics, electromagnetics, and quantum mechanics that are not analytically solvable. Topics include realistic projectile motion, planetary motion, and electromagnetic fields produced by charge and current distributions. Prerequisites: PHY 103 or 111, and MAS 111 or 161. 3 credits.

PHY 211 Atomic and Nuclear Physics

An introduction to modern physics, including special relativity, the foundation of atomic physics, quantum theory of radiation, the atomic nucleus, radioactivity and nuclear reactions, with laboratory work in each area. Prerequisite: PHY 104/L or 112/L, MAS 112 or 162 or permission. Corequisite: PHY 211L. 4 credits.

PHY 311 Analytical Mechanics I

A rigorous study of classical mechanics, including the motion of a single particle, the motion of a system of particles and the motion of a rigid body. Damped and forced harmonic motion, the central force problem, the Euler description of rigid body motion and the Lagrange generalization of Newtonian mechanics are among the topics treated. Prerequisites: PHY 111, MAS 261, and MAS 266. 3 credits.

PHY 312 Analytical Mechanics II

Second semester of a rigorous study of classical mechanics, including the motion of a single particle, the motion of a system of particles and the motion of a rigid body. Damped and forced harmonic motion, the central force problem, the Euler description of rigid body motion and the Lagrange generalization of Newtonian mechanics are among the topics treated. Prerequisites: PHY 311. 3 credits.

(or EPHY-312)
PHY 321 Electricity and Magnetism I

Theory of the basic phenomena of electromagnetism together with the application of fundamental principles of the solving of problems. The electric and magnetic properties of matter, direct current circuits, alternating current circuits, the Maxwell field equations and the propagation of electromagnetic waves are among the topics treated. Prerequisite: PHY 112, MAS 261, and MAS 266. 3 credits.

PHY 322 Electricity and Magnetism II

Second semester of the theory of the basic phenomena of electromagnetism together with the application of fundamental principles of the solving of problems. The electric and magnetic properties of matter, direct current circuits, alternating current circuits, the Maxwell field equations and the propagation of electromagnetic waves are among the topics treated. Prerequisites: PHY 321. 3 credits.

(or EPHY-322)
PHY 327 Experimental Physics

Experimental work selected from the area of mechanics, AC and DC electrical measurements, optics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics, with emphasis on experimental design, measuring techniques and analysis of data. Prerequisite: PHY 211. 3 credits.

MAS 261 Calculus III

Multivariate calculus including partial differentiation, multiple integration, vector fields and vector functions. Prerequisites: MAS 112 or MAS 162. 3 credits.

MAS 266 Differential Equations

An introduction to ordinary differential equations. Prerequisites: MAS 261. 3 credits.

*May substitute one of the following sequences with permission:
PHY 103 General College Physics I

This course provides an algebra-based introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, with laboratory work in each area. The mechanics unit covers translational motion, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, statics, fluids, oscillations, waves, and sound. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Corequisite: PHY 103L. 4 credits.

PHY 104 General College Physics II

Second semester of General College Physics. This course provides an algebra-based introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics, with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: PHY 103 or equivalent. Corequisite: PHY 104L. 4 credits.

One of the following mathematics sequences:
MAS 111 Analysis I

A calculus sequence for department majors and other students desiring a rigorous introduction to elementary calculus. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: MAS 102 at LVC, or satisfactory score on the math readiness test. This test is administered during New Student Advising Days for incoming students or can be taken by arrangement with the math department (717-867-6080) Co-requisite: MAS 113. 4 credits.

(and co-requisite MAS-113)
MAS 112 Analysis II

Second semester of a calculus sequence for department majors and other students desiring a rigorous introduction to elementary calculus. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: MAS 111; Corequisite: MAS 114. 4 credits.

(and co-requisite MAS-114)

or
MAS 161 Calculus I

A calculus sequence covering functions, limits, differentiation, integration and applications. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: MAS 102 at LVC, or satisfactory score on the math readiness test. This test is administered during New Student Advising Days for incoming students or can be taken by arrangement with the math department (717-867-6080). 3 credits.

MAS 162 Calculus II

Second semester of a calculus sequence covering functions, limits, differentiation, integration and infinite series. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: MAS 161. 3 credits.

Plus 3 additional credits from PHY 212 Introduction to Electronics

The physics of electrons and electronic devices, including diodes, transistors, power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, switching circuits, and integrated circuits, with laboratory work in each area. Prerequisite: PHY 104/L or 112/L, or permission. Corequisite: PHY 212L. 4 credits.

or higher, including EPHY 213 Engineering Design and Process

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to developing engineering products and processes. Through project-based learning, students will apply basic physical principles to complex systems and execute the steps of the engineering design process. Within the context of these projects, they will gain experience in computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, and basic circuit design. Prerequisites: PHY 111 and 112. 2 credits.

Total of 43-47 credits

Computational Physics Concentration

Required courses:
CSC 120 Introduction to Programming with Python

This course introduces the fundamentals of computer programming using the Python programming language. Topics include: variables, types, and assignment; iteration and conditional execution; functions, modules, and structured design; complex types and data structures. Students will also learn to use AI tools to assist with programming tasks. 3 credits.

CSC 121 Advanced Python with Data Science Applications

This course continues the exploration of the Python programming language, with an emphasis on techniques for writing larger, more complex software. Topics include class design, module and package organization, data handling, networking, the use of third-party packages and frameworks, and web services and application deployment. Examples from machine learning and data science will be considered. Prerequisite: CSC 120. 3 credits.

CSC 241 Programming II

A continuation of CSC 121, students will extend and deepen their understanding of programming using C++. The course will cover three main topics: Object-oriented software organization; design and implementation of elementary data structures and algorithms; the mathematical tools and techniques required for complexity analysis. Prerequisite: CSC 121, or by permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

CSC 285 Computational Problem-Solving I

Students will sharpen their skill at applying computational problem-solving techniques (particularly the design of data structures and algorithms) in the context of competitive programming. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: CSC 120, or by permission of the instructor. 1 credit.

PHY 410 Advanced Computational Physics

This project-based course will have students apply advanced computational techniques to analyze, model, and visualize solutions to complex physics and engineering problems. Some methods to be used are Monte Carlo algorithms, data fitting, numerically solving differential equations, and machine learning. Problems will cover topics in nonlinear dynamics, thermal physics, electrodynamics, and materials science. Prerequisites: PHY 210 and CSC 120. 3 credits.

Two from the following:
CSC 180
CSC 181
CSC 182 Language Lab: C#

A self-paced, project-based approach to learning a computer programming language. Several different languages are available in order to develop familiarity with different languages. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: CSC 120, or other computer programming background and permission of the instructor. 1 credit.

CSC 183 Language Lab: Dart and Flutter

CSC 184 Language Lab: Java

CSC 185 Language Lab: Kotlin

Three additional credits in MAS or CSC at the 200 level or higher, excluding MAS-261 and MAS-266.