May 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Listings

SUNY Oneonta offers students more than 1,400 courses—from Accounting to Zoology—from over 25 separate departments. Requirements for majors and minors and course descriptions are listed under the departments that offer them, and these departments are arranged in alphabetical order.

Please note that requirements, courses, and course descriptions are subject to change after publication of this catalog. Contact the appropriate departments for updated information. Also note that some course listings have been edited for clarity and consistency. Complete listings are available from the instructors or the departments concerned.

Key to Course Listings

Abbreviation   Meaning
(PACT)   Activity course in Health & Fitness
(LA)   Liberal Arts (course is a Liberal Arts offering)
OCS   Oral Communication Skills
SUSF   Sustainability Focused Courses
s.h.   Semester Hour(s)
SoS   Sophomore standing
JrS   Junior standing
SrS   Senior standing

Course Numbering System

001 - 099   No credit; usually developmental in nature.
100 - 199   Lower-division undergraduate-level courses.
200 - 299   Upper-division intermediate undergraduate-level courses.
300 - 399   Upper-division advanced courses.
500 - 699   Graduate-level courses.
 

Physics
  

  • PHYS 100 - Introductory Physics 3 s.h.

    The fundamental concepts of physics at an introductory, conceptual level without the rigor of mathematics. Topics selected from: motion, force, mechanical work, energy, heat, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, atomic and quantum physics, nuclear energy, and relativity. Emphasizes verbal reasoning and understanding through text and laboratory work. Pass/Fail Option.
    LA
    NS3
  

  • PHYS 101 - Nano Science and Technology 3 s.h.

    Students will be introduced to nanoscience and nanotechnology through the effects of reducing the size of materials to the nano level where remarkable properties, functionality, and phenomena are exhibited due to the influence of small dimensions. A variety of nano applications will be investigated to show the progression from bulk, milli, micro to nano dimensions making nanotechnology the next industrial revolution. The multi-discipline nature of nano science and technology will be discussed to some extent. Use of math will be at the level suitable for the course. Pass/Fail Option.
    LA
    NS3
  

  • PHYS 103 - General Physics I (Non-Calculus) 4 s.h.

    A study of motion, force, work, and mechanical energy; fluids; heat. Includes laboratory. Competence in high school algebra, plane geometry, and plane trigonometry is assumed. Includes laboratory. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Fall and Spring.
    LA
    NS3
  

  • PHYS 104 - General Physics II (Non-Calculus) 4 s.h.

    Continuation of PHYS 103 , covering electrostatics; circuit elements, and their behavior; simple DC circuits; magnetism; wave motion; geometric and physical optics. Includes laboratory. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 103 .
  

  • PHYS 108 - Energy and Society 3 s.h.

    Survey of fundamental principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, atomic and subatomic physics as they apply to the harvest, production and transmission of energy and the impact of our energy consumption. The scientific method will be reviewed. This method will be used to examine historical trends and current tendencies in energy production and consumption. Similarly, the viability and promise of alternative energy sources will be discussed and analyzed. Through an examination of resources and the impact of their use, we will consider the sustainability of our society’s energy infrastructure. A-E Only. Offered annually.
    LA
    SUSF
    NS3
  

  • PHYS 109 - Lasers, Rockets, and Spaceships 3 s.h.

    Introduction of some physics principles through the realms of fascinating topics such as Laser: a special kind of light with extraordinary characteristics, the flight process of usual and unusual air crafts, rockets and satellites, spaceships for space travel, the space station. The principles studied would involve characteristics of ordinary and special light, the earth’s atmosphere and motion through air, motion in the vacuum of space and the effect of radiation and micro-particles in space, Newton’s and Kepler’s laws of motion, gravity and micro-gravity, principles of space travel, solar and nuclear energy concepts. There will be hands-on and video demonstrations and computer simulations, but no laboratory work will be included. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Fall only.
    LA
    NS3
  

  • PHYS 113 - The Physics of Sound 3 s.h.

    The course emphasizes the scientific method as it applies to the study of the physical principles used in describing sound waves. Topics include introductory mechanics, oscillations, waves and wave properties, resonance, sound wave production, decibels, the ear, musical instruments, and harmonic structure. If time permits, tuning systems, room modes, sound recording, bode plots, and/or sound electronics my be introduced. Competence in high school algebra is assumed. Includes laboratory. A-E Only. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    NS3
  

  • PHYS 140 - Light and Color 3 s.h.

    An introductory one semester course for non-science majors. Its purpose is to introduce the concepts of modern and classical optics which allows one to understand the interplay between light and color in nature and in our society. The student will also gain knowledge about the scientific method through various investigations that ultimately led to the explanation of the physical nature of light. The subject matter will include classical and modern theories of light, colorimetry, application of color concepts, geometrical and physical optics, vision optics and light and color in nature. Other basic concepts of physics such as the quantum model and the electromagnetic model are also included to provide the required foundation. Emphasis is placed on application of these principles to contemporary topics such as compact disks, lasers, holography, fiber optics and other areas of modern communication. There are no prerequisites for this course. However, it is expected that the student have a working knowledge of high school algebra and geometry. A-E Only. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    NS3
  

  • PHYS 203 - General Physics I 4 s.h.

    A study of mechanics, fluids, and heat, using vector algebra and calculus. Includes laboratory. Intended primarily for physics, chemistry, meteorology, math, and engineering majors. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Fall only.
    LA
    NS3
    Prerequisite(s): MATH 223  completed or concurrent.
  

  • PHYS 204 - General Physics II 4 s.h.

    Continuation of PHYS 203 , covering electricity and magnetism, DC and AC circuits, wave motion, and geometrical and physical optics. Includes laboratory. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 203 ; MATH 224  completed or concurrent.
  

  • PHYS 205 - General Physics III 3 s.h.

    Continuation of PHYS 204, introducing the special theory of relativity, quantum concepts, atomic physics, and the Schordinger equation. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Fall only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 204  or PHYS 104  and MATH 224 .
    Corequisite(s): PHYS 287 .
  

  • PHYS 206 - Physics Classroom/Laboratory Assistant Training 1 s.h. - 3 s.h.

    Orientation and practical experience in assisting in undergraduate physics laboratories. Works closely with professor in charge on a weekly basis to gain experience in instructional and content aspects of physics. Pass/Fail Option.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 204  completed or concurrent, recommendation of instructors in PHYS 203  and PHYS 204 , and permission of instructor.
  

  • PHYS 214 - Vibrations and Waves 3 s.h.

    This course offers a coherent and detailed description of the physics of vibrations and waves. Particular emphasis is on the applications to other branches of science and engineering. Topics include damped and forced oscillations, transverse and longitudinal wave motion, electromagnetic waves and Fourier methods. A-E Only. Offered Fall only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 204  
    Corequisite(s): MATH 276  
  

  • PHYS 215 - Introduction to Fluid Mechanics 3 s.h.

    Fluid Mechanics is the science that explains the action of forces on fluids which include both gases and liquids. The importance of the study of fluid mechanics is realized when we consider the vital role it plays in our everyday lives such as flow of water through pipes, flow of steam over turbine blades, hydraulic shock absorbers in our cars, flight of an airplane and so on. Environmental problems involve a great deal of fluid mechanics. This course will include an introduction to fundamental concepts of fluid statics and dynamics, pressure variation in flowing fluids, surface resistance with laminar and turbulent boundary layers, flow in conduits, drag and lift, flow measurements along with a variety of applications. Since the use of numerical analysis and high speed computers have enabled a significant amount of simulation to help visualize phenomena related to the behavior of fluids, some of those topics will be introduced in this course. A-E Only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 203 .
  

  • PHYS 238 - Introduction to Energy Science and Policy for Sustainability 3 s.h.

    This is an introductory, one semester, general education course. The purpose is to introduce the concept of energy, with a focus on policies for its sustainable use and production. Students will gain an understanding of the energy issues from diverse multidisciplinary perspectives. The natural science subject matter will include the concepts of work, energy and power; various forms of energy and the units of measurement. The course will also examine the scientific principles underlying alternative energy sources. The social science subject matter will include examination of institutions, actors and decision processes in energy policy, and the politics surrounding energy production and consumption trends, including economic and social trade-offs along policy options. A-E Only.
    LA
    SUSF
    Cross-listed as POLS 238 .
    Prerequisite(s): SoS.
  

  • PHYS 287 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory 1 s.h.

    Laboratory investigations selected from Mechanics, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, and Electricity and Magnetism. Emphasis on experimental techniques and design, error analysis, and mathematical modeling of data. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Fall only.
    LA
    Corequisite(s): PHYS 205 .
  

  • PHYS 294 - Selected Topics 1 s.h. - 4 s.h.

    Selected topics of current interest in the physics field. Pass/Fail Option. Offered irregularly.
    Prerequisite(s): SoS, 6 s.h. in PHYS, and permission of instructor and department.
  

  • PHYS 299 - Independent Study 1 s.h. - 3 s.h.

    Independent studies under faculty supervision. Pass/Fail Option.
    Prerequisite(s): SoS, 3 s.h. PHYS, and permission of instructor and department.
  

  • PHYS 301 - Computational Physics 3 s.h.

    This course is designed to show how computers can be used to solve problems in physics. Basic methods of problem solving and data analysis will be introduced. Students will practice these skills in the context of classical and modern problems in a selection of the following areas of physics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, harmonic motion, chaos, waves, random systems, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics. In addition to writing their own computer programs in Basic, students will become familiar with Maple, Excel, and Interactive Physics. A-E Only. Offered irregularly.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 204 ; MATH 224 .
  

  • PHYS 310 - Analytical Mechanics/Dynamics 4 s.h.

    Vector operations; kinematics and dynamics of a particle; the harmonic oscillator; conservative force fields; systems of particles; energy and momentum methods; noninertial reference systems; introduction to dynamics of rigid bodies; motion analysis using software. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Spring only.
    Cross-listed as ENGR 310 .
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 203 ; MATH 277  completed or concurrent.
  

  • PHYS 313 - Quantum Physics 3 s.h.

    Introduction to the basic theory of quantum physics, including the Schrodinger equation and its solution for various forms of the potential function. Application of Schrodinger theory to atoms. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 205 ; MATH 277  completed or concurrent.
  

  • PHYS 315 - Laboratory and Demonstration Apparatus 2 s.h.

    The selection, preparation, maintenance, and proper use of laboratory equipment and supplies in physics; practice in developing demonstrations and presentations of topics; and planning of lab exercises. Field trips may be required in which students share costs. Pass/Fail Only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): JrS, 6 s.h. PHYS or permission of department.
  

  • PHYS 318 - Intro to Solid State Physics 3 s.h.

    This course provides an introduction to the physical properties of solids, which are of extraordinary importance in the modern world. Topics to be treated include the classification of solids and crystal structures, and an introduction to their electronic, vibrational, thermal, optical, magnetic, and dielectric properties. A-E Only. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): Jr/Sr only; PHYS 205 .
  

  • PHYS 320 - Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 4 s.h.

    This course introduces the fundamentals and the laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer, properties of liquids and gases, an elementary kinetic theory of gases, the equation of state for ideal gas and mixture of ideal gases, power cycles, modes of heat transfer, and alternative energy sources. Pass/Fail Option.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 104  and MATH 224 , or PHYS 204 .
  

  • PHYS 333 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I 3 s.h.

    Fundamentals of static electric and magnetic fields employing elementary vector calculus; DC and AC circuits; derivation of Maxwell’s Equations and study of the nature of electromagnetic waves. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Fall only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 204 ; MATH 276 .
  

  • PHYS 335 - Electronics/Circuits I 4 s.h.

    Analysis of linear, lumped parameter circuits, including DC circuits and problems involving transients. Operational amplifiers. Introduction to semiconductors, diodes, transistors, and digital gates. Laboratory experience, including writing technical reports. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Fall only.
    Cross-listed as ENGR 335 .
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 204 ; MATH 276  completed or concurrent.
  

  • PHYS 340 - Optics and Lasers 4 s.h.

    Mirrors, thin and thick lenses, lens aberrations; interference and diffraction; and polarization. Electromagnetic theory, optical and electronic properties of materials. Exposition modes and applications of lasers. Holography. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Fall only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 205  completed or concurrent; MATH 276  completed or concurrent.
  

  • PHYS 356 - Introduction to Relativity 3 s.h.

    Galilean transformation; the postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity (STR); Space-Time, Space-Time Diagrams, Simultaneity, Lorenz transformation; Four-Vectors and an introduction to tensors; STR as applied to mechanics, electricity and magnetism. Introduction to the General Theory of Relativity and Cosmology including “Black Holes.” Pass/Fail Option.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 205  and (MATH 276  completed or concurrent).
  

  • PHYS 382 - Advanced Physics Laboratory 3 s.h.

    In depth laboratory investigations selected from Electricity & Magnetism, Optics, Thermodynamics, Atomic & Nuclear Physics. Emphasis is on advanced laboratory techniques and data analysis. Presentation of results in the form of written reports and oral presentations is required. Pass/Fail Option. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    BC3
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 205  and PHYS 287 .
  

  • PHYS 394 - Selected Topics 1 s.h. - 3 s.h.

    Selected topics of current interest in the field of physics. Pass/Fail Option.
    Prerequisite(s): JrS, 8 s.h. 200-level Physics, and permission of department and instructor.
  

  • PHYS 397 - Internship in Physics 1 s.h. - 15 s.h.

    The course is designed so that students may obtain credit for work in a practical field in which physics is used, such as engineering or applied physics. Students must meet with the faculty sponsor and internship coordinator before the internship to determine the requirements of each individual program. Students will receive credit at a rate of one s.h. per 40 hours of participation. Pass/Fail Option.
    Prerequisite(s): JrS and permission of instructor.
  

  • PHYS 399 - Independent Study in Physics 1 s.h. - 3 s.h.

    Independent studies under faculty supervision. Pass/Fail Option.
    Prerequisite(s): JrS, 8 s.h. 200-level Physics, and permission of department and instructor.