Course Descriptions
From Physiki
General Education Courses
Phys 104: Astronomy: The Solar System
Michael Stark
An introduction to the study of the Sun and its contingent of planets, moons, comets, and asteroids. Up-to-date details of the orbits, surfaces, atmospheres, and interior structures as deduced from telescopic and spacecraft data are discussed. The elementary physics of gravity, orbits, and distance measurement leads to a limited amount of problem solving. Six biweekly laboratory sessions and at least three nighttime observing sessions with telescopes. Requires only high school algebra and trigonometry.
Counts toward the Natural Sciences Unit of the Common Course of Study.
Taught in the Fall semester each year.
Phys 106: Physics of Music
Lyle Hoffman
A non-technical but rigorous study of physics as it applies to musical sound and musical instruments. Basic principles of wave motion and sound, sound synthesis and analysis, room acoustics, physics of woodwinds, brasses, strings, piano, percussion instruments and the human voice. Open to all students but specifically intended for those who have not previously studied physics but have a strong interest in how instruments make music.
Counts toward the Natural Sciences Unit of the Common Course of Study.
Taught Spring semester in alternate years. Next taught in Spring 2009.
Phys 108: Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Big Bang
Lyle Hoffman
A study of the nature and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. Confrontation of theory with observational data from many telescopes and spacecraft is stressed throughout. Open to all but specifically intended for those who have not previously studied physics. Requires only high school algebra and trigonometry. One or more evening telescope observing sessions
Counts toward the Natural Sciences Unit of the Common Course of Study.
Taught Spring semester in alternate years. Next taught in Spring 2010.
Fundamental Courses
Phys 111: General Physics—Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Staff
Classical mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; laws of thermodynamics with emphasis on microscopic foundation; oscillations and waves Physical ideas are stressed, but considerable emphasis is placed on problem solving. Together with Phys 112, this course satisfies requirements for medical school and for a variety of A.B. majors, but not most B.S. majors. Requires high school algebra and trigonometry; Mathematics 125 is recommended.
Counts toward the Natural Sciences Unit of the Common Course of Study.
Taught in Fall each year.
Phys 112: General Physics—Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
Staff
Electric and magnetic fields; electromagnetic induction; electric circuits; geometrical and physical optics; Einstein's special theory of relativity; foundations of quantum mechanics; and nuclear physics. Physical ideas are stressed, but considerable emphasis is placed on problem solving. Together with Phys 11q, this course satisfies requirements for medical school and for a variety of A.B. majors, but not most B.S. majors. Requires high school algebra and trigonometry; Mathematics 125 is recommended.
Prerequisites: Phys 111
Counts toward the Natural Sciences Unit of the Common Course of Study.
Taught in Spring each year.
Phys 121: The Dynamics of Particles
Starting in Fall 2005, this course has been renumbered as Physics 131.
Phys 122: Thermodynamics and Waves
Starting in Spring 2006, this course has been renumbered as Physics 133.
Phys 131: Physics I: Mechanics
Staff
A rigorous introduction to the study of physics for science and engineering majors; a foundation on which an understanding of physics, physical chemistry, or engineering can be built. Kinematics and dynamics with emphasis on conservation laws for linear momentum, angular momentum,
and energy. A calculus-based course satisfying degree requirements in
all B.S. or A.B. degree programs,
including the Natural Sciences Unit of the Common Course of Study.
Not open to students with credit for Physics 151.
Prerequisites: Math 161 should be taken concurrently (if not before).
Taught every semester.
Phys 132: Physics IIa: Electricity and Magnetism
Staff
A rigorous introduction to the study of physics for science and engineering majors; a foundation on which an understanding of physics, physical chemistry, or engineering can be built. Electrostatics, electric currents, magnetostatics, induction, electromagnetic oscillations and
waves. A calculus-based course satisfying degree requirements in all
B.S. or A.B. degree programs,
including the Natural Sciences Unit of the Common Course of Study.
Not open to students with credit for Physics 152.
Prerequisites: Phys 121 or 131. Corequisite: Math 263.
Taught every semester.
Phys 133: Physics IIb: Thermodynamics and Waves
Staff
A rigorous introduction to the study of physics for science and engineering majors; a foundation on which an understanding of physics, physical chemistry, or engineering can be built. Thermodynamics,
oscillatory motion, wave propagation, ray optics, interference and
diffraction. A calculus-based course satisfying degree requirements in
all B.S. or A.B. degree programs,
including the Natural Sciences Unit of the Common Course of Study.
Not open to students with credit for Physics 152.
Prerequisites: Phys 121 or 131; Math 161. Corequisite: Math 162.
Taught in Fall semester each year.
Phys 151: Accelerated Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Staff
An accelerated calculus-based introduction to the foundations of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, intended for students majoring in science or engineering; a foundation on which an understanding of physics, physical chemistry, or engineering can be built. Topics include dynamics; conservation laws for linear momentum, angular momentum, and energy; mechanical oscillations and waves; and thermodynamics. A course satisfying degree requirements in all B.S. or A.B. degree programs. Not open to students with credit for Phys 131.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: AP credit (or equivalent) for Phys 111 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Math 162.
Taught in Fall semester each year.
Phys 152: Accelerated Physics II: Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
Staff
An accelerated calculus-based introduction to the study of physics for science and engineering majors; a foundation on which an understanding of physics, physical chemistry, or engineering can be built. Topics include electrostatics, electric currents, magnetostatics, induction, electromagnetic waves, ray optics, interference and diffraction. A course satisfying degree requirements in all B.S. or A.B. degree programs. Not open to students with credit for Phys 132 or 133.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Phys 151 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Math 263.
Taught in Spring semester each year.
Intermediate Courses
Phys 215: Introduction to Quantum Physics
Staff
An introduction to the topics of modern physics needed to understand the fundamentals of atomic, nuclear, solid state, and elementary particle physics. The course begins with the Special Theory of Relativity, examining the postulates and the paradoxes of Special Relativity, as well as Relativistic Kinematics and Dynamics. The course moves on to quantum mechanics, first describing the wave-particle duality of nature evidenced by the photon behavior of light and DeBroglie's matter waves, then establishing the foundations of the modern quantum theory. An emphasis is placed on the wave mechanics of Schrodinger and its probabilistic interpretation. The Schrodinger Equation is applied to several simple model systems, and the course concludes by developing an accurate model of the hydrogen atom, exploring multi-electron systems, and introducing the quantum mechanical approach to angular momentum.
Prerequisites: Phys 132 or 133.
Taught in the Fall semester each year.
Phys 216: Topics in 20th Century Physics
Staff
An application of the concepts of quantum physics introduced in Physics 215 and the theory of relativity to several areas of 20th century physics. Topics to be covered include quantum statistics, molecular spectra, lasers, introductory solid state physics, models of nuclear structure, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, elementary particles, and grand unification of the fundamental forces.
Prerequisites: Phys 215.
Taught in the Spring semester each year.
Phys 218: Oscillatory and Wave Phenomena
Staff
A continuation of the study of oscillations and waves begun in the fundamental courses, with a significant emphasis on experimental work using computerized data collection and analysis techniques. The course focuses on both experimental and theoretical methods in physics, examining oscillatory and wave phenomena found throughout nature. Phenomena studied include vibration of mechanical systems, oscillations in electrical circuits, the general behavior of damped oscillations and resonance, normal mode analysis, standing wave phenomena, wave propagation, optics, and other such physical phenomena found in nature. The student will be introduced to the theoretical techniques used to analyze these phenomena as needed.
Prerequisites: Phys 132 and 133. Corequisite: Math 264.
Three hours lecture and one 3-hour laboratory period.
Taught in the Spring semester each year.
Phys 220: Medical and Biological Physics
Bradley Antanaitis
This course demonstrates how the principles, tools, and strategies of physicists can be applied to problems that have biological, medical, or ecological import. Methods taught in this course are applied to a broad range of interdisciplinary problems from biomechanics to nerve impulse propagation to the latest imaging techniques, including three dimensional ultrasonic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging. The course is aimed at students nearing a decision on a career direction who are curious about what areas of research are open to them, or to those who simply wish to broaden their biophysical or biomedical outlook.
Prerequisites: Phys 112 or 133.
Counts as a Writing (W) course.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years. Next taught in Spring 2009.
Advanced Courses
Phys 304: Observational Astronomy
Michael Stark
A study of the methods used for making astronomical observations and analyzing the data these observations produce. The course examines what can be learned about stars, planets, galaxies, and the Universe through these observations. Topics include radio, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray astronomy, and observations of neutrinos, cosmic rays, and gravitational waves. Students complete an independent observing or data analysis project. The course parallels Physics 104 but focuses on observing methods.
Prerequisites: Phys 216
Taught in the Fall semester in alternate years concurrent with Phys 104. Next Taught in Fall 2008.
Phys 306: Acoustics
Lyle Hoffman
An introduction to the acoustics of musical instruments for students with some background in physics. Spectral analysis and synthesis; waves on strings, membranes and bars; waves in fluid media; acoustical coupling; sound radiation; acoustics of instrumental families. The course parallels Phys 106 but is more technical in scope and may be counted toward the B.S. Physics degree requirements.
Prerequisites: Phys 218.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years, concurrent with Phys 106. Next taught in Spring 2009.
Phys 308: Astrophysics
Lyle Hoffman
An introduction to astronomy and astrophysics for students with some background in physics. Stellar structure and evolution; galactic structure and evolution; physical processes in the early universe; radioastronomy. The course parallels Phys 108 but is more technical in scope and may be counted toward the B.S. Physics degree requirements.
Prerequisites: Phys 216.
Taught in the Spring semester of alternate years, concurrent with Phys 108. Next taught in Spring 2010.
Phys 327: Advanced Classical Mechanics
Staff
A rigorous development of non-relativistic mechanics: nonlinear oscillations; central-force motion, celestial mechanics and the N-body problem; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations; rotation and rigid body motion; collisions and scattering.
Prerequisites: Phys 218; Math 264.
Taught in the Spring semester each year.
Phys 335: Thermal Physics
Staff
The fundamental concepts of heat, temperature, work, internal energy, entropy, reversible and irreversible processes, thermodynamic potentials, etc., are considered from a modern microscopic as well as the traditional macroscopic viewpoint. Statistical thermodynamics is used primarily to study the equilibrium properties of ideal systems and simple models.
Prerequisites: Phys 133, 215; Math 163.
Taught in the Fall semester in alternate years. Next taught in Fall 2008.
Phys 338: Advanced Physics Laboratory
Staff
Design of experiments, statistical analysis of observations, report writing, fundamental experiments in atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics. Also experiments selected from electron spin resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, properties of liquids at high pressures, properties of matter at low temperatures. Computer interfacing with instruments for on-line data collection and analysis. May involve independent investigation if appropriate.
Prerequisites: Phys 216, 218.
Counts as a Writing (W) course.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years. Next taught in Spring 2010.
Phys 342: Electromagnetic Fields
Staff
Electric fields due to static charges, magnetic fields due to steady currents, fields in matter, Laws of Coulomb, Gauss, Biot-Savart, Ampere, Faraday; scalar and vector potentials; solutions of Laplace's and Poisson's equations.
Prerequisites: Phys 132, 218; Math 264.
Taught in the Fall semester in alternate years. Next taught in Fall 2009.
Phys 351: Quantum Theory
Staff
The failure of classical physics, the basic concepts of quantum mechanics, Schrodinger's equation, one dimensional systems including barriers and the harmonic oscillator, Hermitian operators, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, perturbation theory, and interpretations of quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites: Phys 215, 218; Math 264.
Taught in the Fall semester each year.
Phys 352: Special Topics
Staff
Investigation of special topics under supervision of a faculty advisor.
The most recent such course was Topics in Astrophysics.
Phys 391: Individual Study
Staff
Juniors and seniors may investigate a research topic in physics under the supervision of a faculty member. The project will culminate in an extensive report. Departmental permission in required for enrollment.
See individual faculty members about topics of interest. Recent individual study courses taught include: acoustics, advanced quantum mechanics, philosophy of quantum mechanics, biophysics, general relativity, astronomical image analysis, radio-astronomy, and electronics.
Phys 424: Solid State Physics
Tony Novaco
The fundamental aspects of solid state phenomena and the basic quantum physics needed to properly understand these phenomena. Topics include the basic principles of quantization and matter waves; Fermi statistics; crystal structures; diffraction phenomena in crystals; conduction electrons in metals; the concept of conduction by holes; and the basic physics of electrons and holes in both homogeneous and doped semiconductors.
Prerequisites: Phys 335, 351.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years. Next taught in Spring 2009.
Phys 442: Electromagnetic Waves
Lyle Hoffman
Maxwell's equations, wave equations for dielectrics and conductors. Reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, guided waves, radiation.
Prerequisites: Phys 342.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years. Next taught in Spring 2010.
Phys 451: Applications of Quantum Theory
Tony Novaco
Additional topics in quantum mechanics, depending upon student interests. Possible topics include addition of angular momenta, applications of perturbation theory, scattering theory, and relativistic quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites: Phys 351.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years. Next taught in Spring 2009.
Phys 495: Thesis
Staff
Independent study of a topic chosen for participation in the honors program, culminating in the presentation of a complete written report.
See individual faculty members whose research interests are most closely aligned with your own.
Phys 496: Thesis
Staff
Second semester of Phys. 495.
Counts as a Writing (W) course.
First-Year Seminar and Values and Science/Technology Courses
FYS 065: The Uses and Abuses of Science in Science Fiction
Lyle Hoffman
In their novels, science fiction writers incorporate many ideas from cutting-edge science, some imaginative and insightful, others blatantly at odds with established scientific principles. Students critically examine applications of science in the novels of Robert L. Forward and Arthur C. Clarke, among others. Readings from the novels are interspersed with readings from books such as The Physics of Star Trek, by Lawrence Krauss, which explain the relevant science in terms accessible to non-scientists.
FYS 067: Simple Rules and Complex Behavior
Tony Novaco
Scientists seek to explain the complex nature of the world with simple rules that sometimes take the form of fundamental principles covering a vast array of diverse phenomena. For example, simple models have been used to relate the behavior of avalanches, weather, earthquakes, fire storms, and erosion. Similar attempts have been made to understand the nature of the evolution of biological species at all levels and to evaluate various strategies of survival. The course explores these approaches and evaluates their successes, failures, and lessons to be learned.
FYS 105: Evolution: Cosmology, Biology, and You
Michael Stark
The universe is 12 to 15 billion years old; the Earth is 4.5 billion years old; multicellular life has existed on Earth for 500 million years. How can we know anything about times long before any written record of history? History is entwined with scientific understanding of the present. This seminar examines theories of the evolution of the universe and of life on Earth focusing on challenging and supporting evidence.
VAST 278: Weapons of Mass Destruction
Michael Stark
People once hoped that nuclear weapons would make war so terrible as to be unthinkable but it has not happened yet. What role should these weapons play in the world? Topics include development and use of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons from scientific, political, and ethical perspectives, and the role of these weapons in conducting war and in maintaining peace and the means by which nations have tried to control their proliferation and use.
