Academic Bulletin Physics - Course Descriptions - 2012-13

An introductory course intended for the non-science liberal arts student. Historical and philosophical ideas will be stressed as well as the experimental concepts and methods used in astronomy. A good working knowledge of algebra, plane geometry, and trigonometry is required. Satisfies half of the laboratory science requirement. Three class periods and one laboratory each week.

 Prerequisite: None.

A special interest course for the non-science liberal arts student on an introductory-level physics topic not covered in a regular physics course. (Does not count toward the major or minor, or the lab science requirement.)

Prerequisites: Determined by the topic.

An introduction to classical mechanics for physics and other science majors. Topics include Newton’s laws of motion, conservation laws, and rotational dynamics. The lab will introduce data acquisition and analysis techniques. Three class periods and one laboratory each week. Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisite: MAT 111 or 110 (or concurrent registration).

An introduction to the fundamental concepts concerning fluids, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism. Three class periods and one laboratory each week. Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisite: PHY 111.

A special interest course on an introductory-level physics topic not covered in regular physics courses. Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisites: Determined by the topic.

A special interest course on an introductory-level physics topic not covered in regular physics courses. Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisites: Determined by the topic.

An introduction to thermal physics and special relativity. Topics include the laws of thermodynamics, statistical nature of entropy, Lorentz transformations, equivalence of mass and energy. The lab will introduce the methodology of experimental design, numerical techniques for solving differential equations, and the writing of scientific papers using LaTeX software. Three class periods and one laboratory each week. Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisites: PHY 112 and MAT 112 (or concurrent registration).

An introduction to quantum theory with applications to atomic, solid state, nuclear, and particle physics. Three class periods and one laboratory each week. Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisites: PHY 112 and MAT 223 (or concurrent registration).

Introduction to analog and digital electronics. Fundamentals of DC and AC circuits, transistors, and amplifiers will be covered. Includes one laboratory each week. This course is offered alternate years in the fall semester. Offered fall semesters of even-numbered years.

Prerequisite: PHY 112 (or 114 which has been discontinued).

Introduction to thermal and statistical physics. The laws of thermodynamics are studied from microscopic and macroscopic perspectives. Quantum statistical mechanics will be developed and applied to blackbody radiation, fermionic and bosonic systems. Offered fall semesters of odd-numbered years.

Prerequisites: PHY 209 and 210.

A special interest course covering at an intermediate-level a physics topic not covered in regular physics course. Offered in the fall semester. Student input as to the course topic will be sought prior to fall registration.

Prerequisite: To be determined by the topic.

A special interest course covering at an intermediate-level a physics topic not covered in regular physics course. Offered in the spring semester. Student input as to the course topic will be sought prior to spring registration.

Prerequisite: To be determined by the topic.

Independent Study.  Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Independent Study.  Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Electron microscopes employ a focused beam of highly energetic electrons to examine sample morphology and topography on a very fine scale. This information is essential to the characterization of a wide range of biological and inorganic specimens including microorganisms, cells, crystals, metals, microelectronics, and nanomaterials. The initial classroom portion of this course focuses on fundamental topics in instrument design, applications, limitations, and sample preparation methods. Subsequent laboratory work involves hands-on instrument training and a substantial microscopy project.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior major in physics/chemistry.

Advanced topics in classical mechanics, including harmonic motion and Lagrangian mechanics. Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisites: PHY 111 and MAT 224.

Advanced explorations in understanding and applying Maxwell’s equations. Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisites: PHY 112 and MAT 224 and 225.

Introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include Dirac notation, postulates of quantum mechanics, and applications to important physical systems.Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisites: PHY 210 and MAT 223 and 224.

Special interest course covering one of a selection of advanced physics topics including: atomic physics, nuclear physics, quantum field theory, advanced electrodynamics, advanced quantum mechanics, advanced classical mechanics, or other topics proposed by students. Offered fall semesters. Student input as to the course topic will be sought prior to fall registration.

Prerequisite: PHY 210.

Special interest course covering one of a selection of advanced physics topics including: atomic physics, nuclear physics, quantum field theory, advanced electrodynamics, advanced quantum mechanics, advanced classical mechanics, or other topics proposed by students. Offered spring semesters. Student input as to the course topic will be sought prior to spring registration.

Prerequisite: PHY 210.

Students will participate in a broad range of experiments that cover major research areas in contemporary physics, including atomic, molecular, and optical physics, condensed matter physics, and nuclear and particle physics. Advanced measurement and data analysis techniques will be used. All experiments will be planned, executed, and presented according to current professional standards. Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisite: PHY 210.

A continuation of PHY 381.  Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisite: PHY 381

Independent Study.  Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Independent Study.  Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

A one-semester course for the non-science liberal-arts student what investigates the world from the viewpoint of a physicist. Topics will vary and will be announced prior to registration. Partially fulfills the college laboratory science requirement, but does not count toward a physics major or minor. Three class periods and one laboratory each week.

 Prerequisites: None.