This course is a one-semester exploration of the physical world, built around the theme of understanding objects and processes which surround us. Themes to be explored may include conservation of energy and momentum, principles of thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, the relativity of time and space, and the quantum mechanical description of nature. Students will explore these and other ideas, with student interest driving the specific topics covered. Experiment and direct observation will reinforce the conceptual understanding of topics, and allow the students to further discover the limits of their application to specific phenomena and devices. Through the preparation of written and oral reports, students will develop skills in the communication of technical themes. Six contact hours each week. This course partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement as a Natural Science with laboratory. Offered alternate years. C21:NS,SP.
Curriculum: NS,SP
This course is a one-semester introduction to the physics of light, from a conceptual and historical perspective. The focus of the course is the development of various models of light, including the ray model, the wave model, and the quantum mechanical model. Specific topics include light and shadow, pigments and colors, mirrors and lenses, optical devices such as telescopes and cameras, and wave particle duality. This course is highly experiential, and centers on laboratory investigations of light as well as travel to historical locations connected to the development of the theory of light. This course partially fulfils the Area of Knowledge requirement as a Natural Science with laboratory. It also fulfils the Cross-Area requirement as an experiential (travel) course. C21:EL,NS,SP.
Curriculum: EL,NS,SP
Throughout history scientists and explorers set out to learn more about their world, moved by promise of wealth and curiosity. They ventured into new and exotic regions as advances in navigation permitted more extensive expeditions. This course will explore the science that underpins various navigation techniques - the compass, the stars, GPS. C21:OC.
An introduction to planetary atmospheres and weather phenomena, with special emphasis on the Earth. More than just a meteorology study, the course will use atmospheric phenomena elsewhere in the solar system as a way of understanding similar occurrences on the Earth. Climate and weather topics include general circulation, cloud formation processes, the solar energy budget and transport phenomena, global warming, and the interaction between humankind's activities and the earth's weather. This course partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement as a Natural Science without laboratory. Offered alternate years.
A two-semester introduction to the basic principles of classical and contemporary physics. Topics include classical mechanics, waves, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. The basic ideas and tools of calculus are presented and used as needed. Laboratory investigation, computer modeling, and context-rich problem solving are emphasized as modes of inquiry into the phenomena being presented. Six contact hours each week. PHYS 151 is prerequisite for PHYS 152. Students intending to major in physics, chemistry, or computer science, and those intending to participate in the cooperative engineering programs, should be enrolled concurrently or previously in MATH 131-132 or MATH 141-142. Each semester of this course partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement as a Natural Science with laboratory. C21:NS,SP.
Curriculum: NS,SP
A two-semester introduction to the basic principles of classical and contemporary physics. Topics include classical mechanics, waves, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. The basic ideas and tools of calculus are presented and used as needed. Laboratory investigation, computer modeling, and context-rich problem solving are emphasized as modes of inquiry into the phenomena being presented. Six contact hours each week. PHYS 151 is prerequisite for PHYS 152. Students intending to major in physics, chemistry, or computer science, and those intending to participate in the cooperative engineering programs, should be enrolled concurrently or previously in MATH 131-132 or MATH 141-142. Each semester of this course partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement as a Natural Science with laboratory. C21:NS,SP.
Curriculum: NS,SP
Developments in 20th century physics, including the theory of special relativity, black-body radiation, the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, Rutherford scattering, the Bohr atom, deBroglie waves, wave particle duality, and introductory quantum physics. Students should be enrolled concurrently or previously in MATH 132 or MATH 142.
An introduction to the study and applications of digital electronics and microprocessor interfacing. Theoretical presentations are accompanied by laboratory work emphasizing design of and experimentation with digital circuitry. Six contact hours per week. This course partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement as a Natural Science with laboratory. C21:NS,SP.
Curriculum: NS,SP
An introduction to analog circuits. The theoretical basis for the uses of active and passive circuit elements is presented along with applications in power supplies, measurement circuits, and amplifiers. Laboratory work providing hands-on usage of the devices discussed is a key component to the course. Two three-hour class/laboratory sessions per week. This course partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement as a Natural Science with laboratory. Offered alternate years.
An introduction to the application of mathematics to physical systems. Topics included are Taylor and Fourier series, Fourier transforms, generating approximate solutions, and complex variables. Each of these areas of mathematics will be related to applicable systems drawn from physics and chemistry. Numerical techniques on various computers will be employed. The course is designed to be of value to upper-division physics, chemistry, and mathematics majors. This course partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement as a Natural Science without laboratory.
A guided research course intended to provide interested students an opportunity to do research prior to PHYS 400 or a Senior Project. Students will work with a faculty member to develop and execute a research project. Permission of a faculty member is required. Students will be required to spend at least three hours per week on the research project.
A guided research course intended to provide interested students an opportunity to do research prior to PHYS 400 or a Senior Project. Students will work with a faculty member to develop and execute a research project. Permission of a faculty member is required. Students will be required to spend at least three hours per week on the research project.
A guided research course intended to provide interested students an opportunity to do research prior to PHYS 400 or a Senior Project. Students will work with a faculty member to develop and execute a research project. Permission of a faculty member is required. Students will be required to spend at least three hours per week on the research project.
A guided research course intended to provide interested students an opportunity to do research prior to PHYS 400 or a Senior Project. Students will work with a faculty member to develop and execute a research project. Permission of a faculty member is required. Students will be required to spend at least three hours per week on the research project.
An introduction to the use of experimental apparatus and modern laboratory techniques. Experiments may involve the use of lasers, optical and magnetic spectrometers, interferometers, photomultipliers, radioactive sources and detectors, and standard laboratory electronics. Student work is directed to the observation of important physical effects and often involves reproducing some of the pivotal experimental results in the development of modern physics. Upon the completion of the assigned experiment, students will be expected to demonstrate through written reports competency with the apparatus and an understanding of the physical phenomena measured.
This course will build upon the skills developed in PHYS 321. Students will continue to work with new and familiar laboratory equipment, keep a record of their experiments in a laboratory notebook, and report their findings in a journal style technical report. Laboratory exercises will become less procedurally descriptive for the students in preparation for PHYS 400. C21:CC.
Curriculum: CC
A rigorous treatment of the formalism and methods of classical mechanics, kinematics, and dynamics are treated in one, two, and three dimensions. Topics include vector algebra and coordinate system transformations, periodic motion in two and three dimensions, non-inertial reference frames, central force formalisms, coupled oscillations, and chaotic dynamics. Four hours of lecture and tutorial each week.
An introduction into the study of three-dimensional objects through the determination of internal conditions caused by external forces. Numerous constitutive equations will be presented that describe properties of the material such as stress, strain, elasticity, plasticity, and fluid flow. Tensor analysis will be introduced and used extensively in the physical description of mechanical deformation. Spring term, alternate years.
A rigorous treatment of classical electromagnetic theory. Beginning with a review of the calculus of vector fields, these tools are applied to the study of electric and magnetic phenomena. Static electric and magnetic fields are treated, including their interactions with matter. Dynamical effects, including radiation, are derived from the synthesis of Maxwell's Equations. MATH 307 should be taken simultaneously if not taken in a prior year. Four hours of lecture and tutorial each week.
This course encourages the student to think critically and creatively about research questions using computational tools. The student will learn computational methods for simulating physical systems to solve a variety of problems. Students will be introduced to object oriented programming; no prior programming experience is necessary. Topics covered will include numerical solutions to differential equations, simulation and visualization of particle motion, and Monte Carlo simulations of thermal systems. Additional topics may include planetary motion, fractals, numerical integration, and quantum systems. Offered alternate years.
These courses focus on areas of physics not specifically covered in the general curriculum and are designed to meet the needs and interests of advanced students in physics.
These courses focus on areas of physics not specifically covered in the general curriculum and are designed to meet the needs and interests of advanced students in physics.
An independent exploration of a specialized area of physics under the guidance of a member of the department.
An independent exploration of a specialized area of physics under the guidance of a member of the department.
Students select a research topic in a specialized area of physics or astronomy. Projects are student-designed in consultation with a faculty member. A proposal (including a literature review and a research plan) must be submitted to the faculty member no later than the second week of the term in which the research is to be completed. The project will culminate in a formal written report by the end of that term. C21:EL.
Curriculum: EL
An intermediate formulation of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics using Shroedinger's equation. In particular, the study of finite, infinite, and periodic potential barriers and wells will lead to a description of the hydrogen atom, simple molecules, and solids, and the nucleus at a more sophisticated level than that developed in PHYS 205. Three one-hour lectures per week. Offered alternate years.
An intermediate course in dynamical electromagnetic systems, including geometric and physical optics. Emphasis will be placed upon the nature of electromagnetic waves and their diffraction and interference. Three one-hour lectures per week. Offered alternate years.
A survey of thermal phenomena. Topics include classical thermodynamics temperature, heat, work, energy, entropy; the thermodynamic laws; classical and quantum statistics describing systems of distinguishable and indistinguishable particles. Offered alternate years.
A survey of matter in the solid phase. Fundamentals of crystallography and band structure will be treated along with selections from the topics of superconductivity, ferromagnetism, photovoltaics, amorphous solids, luminescence, and defects. This course is intended primarily for physics majors, although students majoring in chemistry and computer science will find topics relevant to their fields. Offered alternate years.
Students in this course are placed in an industrial or research facility and follow an arranged set of readings relevant to their internship experience. Students will be expected to demonstrate through a written report upon completion of the internship an understanding of the physical phenomena used and their applications. Application required; see Internship Program. Offered as needed.
A Field Study is an experiential learning course combining elements of workplace experience, observation, and research. Students are expected to work closely with a faculty field study supervisor to develop learning objectives and a plan of study appropriate to the discipline. Assignments may include a reflective journal, activity reports, and one or more directed research papers appropriate to the discipline. Workplace experience requirements should be similar to those of internships. Students should not receive compensation from workplace experience if they are receiving three-hour course credit.
A course in seminar or tutorial format which allows the student to study through individual readings, conferences, or laboratory work advanced topics not covered in the normal curriculum. This course is intended for students who have demonstrated ability and a thorough understanding of physics and appropriate mathematics.
A course in seminar or tutorial format which allows the student to study through individual readings, conferences, or laboratory work advanced topics not covered in the normal curriculum. This course is intended for students who have demonstrated ability and a thorough understanding of physics and appropriate mathematics.
An independent study under the guidance of a member of the department. At least a 3.25 cumulative GPA and approval by the curriculum committee are required.
Extensive work in some area of departmental research interest. Students will be required to show diligence and independence in their chosen study. A departmental faculty member must consent to supervise and review the student's work. A formal paper and an oral examination are required. A senior project fulfills the Cross-Area requirement as a capstone experience. Student earns a total of six hours for the full senior project experience (496, 497, and 498). C21:CS,EL.
Curriculum: CS,EL
Extensive work in some area of departmental research interest. Students will be required to show diligence and independence in their chosen study. A departmental faculty member must consent to supervise and review the student's work. A formal paper and an oral examination are required. A senior project fulfills the Cross-Area requirement as a capstone experience. Student earns a total of six hours for the full senior project experience (496, 497, and 498). C21:CS,EL.
Curriculum: CS,EL
Extensive work in some area of departmental research interest. Students will be required to show diligence and independence in their chosen study. A departmental faculty member must consent to supervise and review the student's work. A formal paper and an oral examination are required. A senior project fulfills the Cross-Area requirement as a capstone experience. Student earns a total of six hours for the full senior project experience (496, 497, and 498). C21:CS,EL.
Curriculum: CS,EL
This course provides a capstone experience for senior physics majors. Students will hear presentations by faculty and other physics professionals, prepare and deliver oral presentations on their own research activities, and gain familiarity with current professional literature in physics. Reading and discussions in the history and philosophy of physics will familiarize students with the larger cultural context in which the discipline has developed. This course fulfills the Cross-Area requirement as a capstone experience when combined with PHYS 400. C21:CS.
Curriculum: CS