Academic Bulletin Physics - Course Descriptions - 2010-11

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.

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. This course is offered in the fall semester.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 111 or 110 (or concurrent registration) or permission of instructor.

An introduction to the fundamental concepts concerning fluids, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism. Three class periods and one laboratory each week. This course is offered in the spring semester.

Prerequisite: Physics 111.

This class introduces the fundamental concepts in electromagnetism, waves, and optics. The lab will build on the techniques learned in Physics 113 (which has been discontinued) and will include intermediate experiment design, significant data analysis, and further techniques in preparing scientific papers for publication. An introduction to electro dynamics, optics, and wave physics. Three class periods and one laboratory each week. This course is being discontinued; it will be offered for the last time fall 2010-11.

Prerequisites: Physics 113 and Mathematics 112.

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. This new course will be offered in the fall semester starting 2011-12.

Prerequisites: Physics 112 and Mathematics 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. This course is offered in the spring semester.

Prerequisites: Physics 112 and Mathematics 223 (or concurrent registration or permission of the instructor).

Introduction to analog and digital electronics. Fundamentals of DC and AC circuits, transistors, and amplifiers will be covered. Includes 1 lab per week. This course is offered alternate years. Next anticipated offerings will be fall semester of 2012 and 2014.

Prerequisite: Physics 112 or 114 (which is being discontinued) or permission of the instructor.

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. This course is offered alternate years. Next anticipated offerings will be fall semester of 2011 and 2013.

Prerequisite: Physics 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.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Independent Study.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Advanced topics in classical mechanics, including harmonic motion and Lagrangian mechanics. This course is offered in the fall semester.

Prerequisites: Physics 111 (or permission of instructor) and Mathematics 224.

Advanced explorations in understanding and applying Maxwell’s equations. This course is offered in the spring semester.

Prerequisites: Physics 112 and Mathematics 224 and 225 (or permission of instructor).

Introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include Dirac notation, postulates of quantum mechanics, and applications to important physical systems. This course is offered in the fall semester.

Prerequisites: Physics 210 and Mathematics 223 and 224 or permission of the instructor.

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. This course is offered in the fall semester. Student input as to the course topic will be sought prior to fall registration.

Prerequisite: Physics 210 or permission of the instructor.

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. This course is offered in the fall semester.

Prerequisite: Physics 210.

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. This course is offered in the fall semester 2010-2011.