Physics Courses

This broad study of classical and modern physics includes all major fields. The mathematical description utilizes geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and calculus. Lectures: three hours; laboratory: three hours. Prerequisite for 102:  Phys 101 or permission of the instructor. (Credit, full course.) Szapiro, Hart

This course begins with the conservation of momentum and energy. It deals with energy and gravitational interactions, and emphasizes the atomic structure of matter, and the modeling of materials as particles connected by springs. The course is designed for engineering and science students. The main goal of this course, which is formatted with an integrated lab-lecture (studio) approach, is to have the students engage in a process central to science — the attempt to model a broad range of physical phenomena using a small set of powerful fundamental principles. The course counts in fulfillment of the general distribution requirement for a laboratory science course. The course is not open for credit to students who have earned credit for Phys 101. Prerequisite: Freshman status or permission of the instructor. (Credit, full course.) Szapiro, Peterson

This course deals with electric and magnetic fields. The main goal of this course, which is formatted with an integrated lab-lecture (studio) approach, is to have the students engage in a process central to science — the attempt to model a broad range of physical phenomena using a small set of powerful fundamental principles. The course is designed for engineering and science students. The course counts in fulfillment of the general distribution requirement for a laboratory science course. The course is not open for credit to students who have earned credit for Phys 102. Prerequisite: Phys 103 or permission of the instructor. (Credit, full course.) Szapiro, Peterson

A study of the basic physical principles which control the transport of matter and energy in the environment. An analysis of conduction, and radiation as transport mechanisms follows an introduction to thermodynamic and mechanical principles. Various sources of energy are discussed. Projects involve the use of computers for modeling and for the acquisition of data. (Credit, full course.) Hart

A study of the physical principles and mechanisms underlying global warming. Influences of the sun, earth surface, atmosphere, and oceans are considered. Observational records that describe surface temperatures and changes in the gaseous atmosphere are examined. Also discussed are effects of global warming and possible future scenarios. (Credit, full course.) Coffey

A consideration of how planet Earth fits into its solar system, its galaxy, and the larger cosmos. Evening sessions allow observations of asteroids, comets, galaxies, novae, supernovae and gamma ray bursts. The course includes image analysis for scientific data. A student may not receive credit for Physics 149 or 250 after completing this course or for this course if either of those has been taken. Four meetings per week. (Credit, full course.) Durig

The course offers a non-conventional view of science that starts with objects of everyday experience and looks inside them to explore what makes them work. It is designed to help liberal arts students establish a connection between science and their world, bringing science to students rather than the reverse. Students work in cooperative learning groups and present a final project focused on a device or process of their interest. The course is a non-laboratory course that can serve in partial fulfillment of the general distribution requirement in natural science. (Credit, full course.) Szapiro, Peterson

An introductory course on musical acoustics which includes the principles of sound production, propagation, and perception through inquiry-based methods. The ways in which different sounds are produced are explored through experimentation with both existing and student-constructed instruments (e.g., string, woodwind, brass, percussion). Modern digital music technologies and concepts are also introduced as well as issues related to room and concert hall acoustics. This non-laboratory course serves in partial fulfillment of the general distribution requirement in natural science. (Credit, full course.) Szapiro

A study of the beauty and generality of nonlinear processes, from the point of view of fractals and chaos. Examples from art, economics, medicine, history, and traditional sciences are explored through demonstrations and models. This is a one semester, non-laboratory course. (Credit, full course.) Szapiro

A one-semester, non-laboratory course intended for non-science majors. The topics covered include history of astronomy, physics of astronomy, and current developments in this dynamic field. There is an out-of-class assignment to visit the Cordell-Lorenz Observatory for a two-hour observing session three times during the semester during clear nights more than five days away from the Full Moon. (Credit, full course.) Durig

A study of the fundamental principles of geometrical and physical optics with lasers and holography used extensively in the laboratory. Lecture: three hours. (Credit, full course.) Peterson

Classical thermodynamics theory with applications and an introduction to statistical mechanics. Lecture: three hours. (Credit, full course.) Peterson

The electric and magnetic fields produced by simple charge and current distributions are calculated. Alternating- and direct-current circuits with passive and active components are tested. Prerequisite for 204: Phys 203 or permission of the instructor. (Credit, full course.) Peterson

A study of the development of astronomy from ancient to modern times with special emphasis on the solar system — in particular to mathematical and physical models used in describing it. Open to all students but designed to meet the needs and abilities of a science major. Satisfies the physical science requirement. Cannot be taken for credit if Physics 149 has been completed. Lecture: three hours; laboratory in the observatory. (Credit, full course.) Durig

Stellar and galactic astronomy. Comparisons and tests of physical models applied to astronomy using photographically obtained data, and the limitations of this tool as a method of analysis are stressed in the accompanying laboratory. Lecture: three hours; laboratory: three hours. (Credit, full course.) Durig

A required course for physics majors and most engineering students. Mathematical methods are emphasized. Lecture: three hours. (Credit, full course.) Szapiro

Moving coordinate systems, rigid-body dynamics, Lagrangian mechanics, and variational principles. Prerequisite: Phys 303 or permission of the instructor. (Credit, full course.) Szapiro

This course offers an introduction to the theory and practice of experimental physics, with an emphasis on modern experiments and techniques. Experimental topics can include spectroscopy from gamma energies into the infrared, NMR, visible and infrared optics, holography and diffractive optics, observational astronomy, microscopy with SPM and SEM instruments, and advanced electronics with computer interfacing. Some experiments are performed offsite to use instruments not available on campus. Programming languages such as LabVIEW, MatLab, and Mathematica are used. Attendance at departmental seminars is required. Laboratory with lecture, three hours twice weekly. Prerequisite or co-requisite: Phys 203. (Credit, half course.) Peterson

This course is a continuation of Physics 305. The results of one extended laboratory/research project are to be presented by the student in a public forum. Attendance at departmental seminars is required. Laboratory with lecture, three hours twice weekly. Prerequisite: Phys 305. (Credit, half course.) Peterson

Surveys important developments in physics during the twentieth century, including general and special relativity, superconductivity, quantum theory and its applications to the description of the atomic and subatomic world. Prerequisite for 308: Phys 307 or permission of the instructor. Lecture: three hours. (Credit, full course.) Peterson

A series of lectures by faculty, students, and invited speakers. Every student is expected to present at least one talk on a topic of his or her choice in physics. Required for physics majors in their junior and senior years. The public is invited. Offered Spring 2009 and alternate years. (Credit, half course.) Peterson

The mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics is developed and applied to potential wells, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom. Dirac notation is introduced and used in the description of angular momentum and electron spin. (Credit, full course.) Hart

An introduction to research in physics through theoretical and experimental investigation of an original problem. Reporting research work at seminars and professional meetings is encouraged. (Credit, variable each semester.) Staff

Vector spaces and linear operators, with applications. Fourier series, boundary value problems, orthogonal functions.  (Credit, full course.) Szapiro

A series of lectures by faculty, students and invited speakers. Every student is expected to present at least one talk on a topic of his or her choice in physics. Required for physics majors in their junior and senior years. The public is invited. (Credit, half course.) Peterson

Boundary-value problems in rectangular, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates are discussed. The solutions of the wave equation for conducting and non-conducting media are applied to selected topics in optics and plasma physics. (Credit, full course.) Hart

For selected students. (Credit, variable.) Staff