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: Natural Science Analysis,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: Natural Science Analysis,Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: PHY 111/L and MAS 111 or 161. Corequisite: PHY 112L. Prerequisite or corequisite: MAS 112 or 162. 4 credits.

*May substitute 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, oscillations, waves, and sound. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis,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: Natural Science Analysis,Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: PHY 103/L or equivalent. Corequisite: PHY 104L. 4 credits.

And the following requirements:
CHM 111 Principles of Chemistry I

An introduction to chemistry for the science major. First semester topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and calculations involving chemical concentrations, gas laws and bonding. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: CHM 113 or 115, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

CHM 112 Principles of Chemistry II

A continuation of first semester. Topics include kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electro-chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: CHM 111. Corequisite: CHM 114 or 116, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

CHM 113 Introductory Laboratory I

Laboratory course to accompany CHM 111. Experiments provide exposure to both quantitative and qualitative methods. Topics include stoichiometry, synthesis, standard curves, spectrophotometry, quantitative analysis, and gas laws. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment and instrumentation, there is a strong emphasis on the use spreadsheets to organize and analyze data. Corequisite: CHM 111, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

or CHM 115 Techniques of Chemistry I

Extended projects involving the synthesis of inorganic and organic compounds that require the development of procedure from published literature methods. The prepared compounds are then analyzed using quantitative analytical techniques, as well as introductory spectroscopic techniques. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment, students are exposed to advanced spectroscopic methods; there is an additional emphasis on the use of computers in the laboratory. Restricted to chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, and environmental science majors. Fulfills requirement: Oral Communication. Corequisite: CHM 111, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

CHM 114 Introductory Laboratory II

Second semester laboratory course to accompany CHM 112. Experiments cover colligative properties, isolation & extraction methods, thin layer chromatography, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment and instrumentation, there is a strong emphasis on the use spreadsheets to organize and analyze data. Prerequisite: CHM 111 and 113. Corequisite: CHM 112, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

or CHM 116 Techniques of Chemistry II

Second semester of extended projects, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of compounds. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment, students are exposed to advanced spectroscopic methods; there is an additional emphasis on the use of computers in the laboratory. Projects are modeled after real-world career paths such as academic research, industrial product development, government regulation, or forensic science. Fulfills requirement: Oral Communication. Prerequisite: CHM 111 and 115; restricted to majors in chemistry or biochemistry and molecular biology. Corequisite: CHM 112, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

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.

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.

EPHY 312 Engineering Mechanics

This course will provide students with a detailed study of engineering mechanics, the discipline concerned with solving mechanics problems using scientific, engineering, and mathematical principles. Topics include the application of statics within an engineering context, the mechanics of materials, and dynamics of discrete and continuous systems. Prerequisites: PHY 311. 3 credits.

EPHY 322 Materials Science and Engineering

This course will examine how structure and bonding influence the mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties of engineering materials. Phase relationships, thermodynamics, and kinetics will also be discussed. Additional topics include a review of techniques for characterizing material properties such as optical microscopy, electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction, etc Prerequisites: PHY 111, 112, 211 and CHM 111, 112, 113, 114. 3 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 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.

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 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 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/L. 3 credits.

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.

PHY 411 Senior Capstone Project

Senior capstone is the culminating experience required of all engineering physics majors. The purpose of this course is for students to solve a real-world problem by applying the engineering design process at an advanced level, developing a prototype to meet specific engineering standards and constraints. The course may also be taken by physics majors. After project completion, students will present their work at a symposium or conference. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisites: EPHY 213, 312, and 322. 3 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.

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.

MAS 113 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking I

An introduction to college mathematics for potential mathematical science majors. Corequisite: MAS 111. 1 credit.

MAS 114 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking II

Second semester. Introduction to college mathematics for potential mathematical science majors. Corequisite: MAS 112. 1 credit.

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.

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.

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.