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. Includes weekly laboratory sessions and occasional nighttime observing sessions with telescopes. Requires only high school algebra and trigonometry. Not open to students with credit for PHYS 131 or PHYS 151 or PHYS 208.
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. Specifically intended for those who have not previously studied physics. Requires only high school algebra and trigonometry. Not open to students with credit for PHYS 131 or PHYS 151 or PHYS 208.
Classical mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; laws of thermodynamics with emphasis on microscopic foundation; oscillations. Physical ideas are stressed, but considerable emphasis is placed on problem solving. Not open to students who have credit for PHYS 131 or PHYS 151 except by permission of instructor.
Electric and magnetic fields; electromagnetic induction; electric circuits; waves; geometrical and physical optics; foundations of quantum mechanics; and nuclear physics. Physical ideas are stressed, but considerable emphasis is placed on problem solving. Not open to students who have credit for PHYS 133 or PHYS 152 except by permission of instructor.
The first part of this course introduces special relativity, the modern theory of space time. Topics include Lorentz contraction, time dilation, the space time metric, and conservation laws. Concepts such as energy and momentum are introduced as needed. This is followed by a topic of contemporary physics research. The topic varies; it will be drawn from an area such as cosmology, subatomic, particles, nanophysics, or biophysics. The lab explores contemporary physics experiments. Lecture/Laboratory.
This course is a calculus-based introduction to the foundations of classical mechanics, designed primarily for students majoring in science and engineering. The course will cover kinematics and dynamics with an emphasis on identifying, understanding, and applying fundamental principles, especially conservation laws for energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum. Not open to students who have credit for PHYS 151.
This course is a calculus-based introduction to the foundations of electricity, magnetism, and waves, intended for students majoring in science or engineering. Our emphasis will be on identifying, understanding, and applying the fundamental principles of electric fields and potentials, basic circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic waves. Not open to students with credit for PHYS 152.
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.
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 133.
A rigorous introduction to the study of the universe, based on physical principles. We begin with thermodynamics and light, and then move outward on the distance ladder to discover stars, galaxies, and the history of our universe. Along the way, we will use gravity to investigate binary and planetary orbits, black holes, and dark matter. Weekly laboratory exercises will test hypotheses against observational data. Intended for students with a science/engineering background. Not open to students who have earned credit for PHYS 108.
You will be introduced to quantum mechanics and will see why it is needed to explain outcomes of experiments; you will learn to make qualitative and quantitative analysis of situations in which quantum mechanics must be invoked; you will use modern computing tools (Mathematica) to make quantum mechanical calculations; and you will hone your skills at performing analytical calculations to predict and analyze physical phenomena. Topics will include wave-particle duality, photons, Schrodinger wave mechanics, hydrogen atom, multielectron atoms, and the quantum approach to angular momentum. Additional application areas may include molecular spectra, lasers, and quantum statistics.
A continuation of the study of oscillations and waves with emphasis on experimental work and theoretical methods in physics. 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. Students are introduced to the theoretical techniques used to analyze these phenomena as needed. Lecture/laboratory.
Demonstrates how the principles, tools, and strategies of physicists can be applied to problems that have biological, medical, or ecological import. Methods taught 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.
This is an experimental course featuring topics, tools, and techniques that prepare students to be independent investigators of physical phenomena. Students perform experiments in fundamental areas of physics, with particular emphasis on data analysis, experimental techniques, and effective communication of scientific findings. Uncertainty analysis is introduced in a systematic fashion. Students will troubleshoot, refine, and in some cases design experimental processes. Experiments may include mechanical and electrical oscillators, optics, and fundamental experiments in quantum physics.
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 PHYS 104 but focuses on observing methods.
The application of physics principles to astronomical observations. Topics may include stellar structure and evolution; galactic structure and evolution; physical processes in the evolution of the Universe; binary systems; and exoplanets.
This course covers mathematical techniques of importance to advanced work in physical sciences. It emphasizes both analytical and numerical/computational approaches in the context of physics applications. Topics include Taylor series, complex numbers, advanced vector analysis, Fourier transforms, special functions, and introductions to advanced techniques for solving differential equations.
A rigorous development of nonrelativistic 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.
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 traditional macroscopic viewpoint. Statistical thermodynamics is used primarily to study the equilibrium properties of ideal systems and simple models. This course provides the background needed to understand materials from a microscopic point of view.
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 online data collection and analysis. May involve independent investigation if appropriate.
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. Mathematical emphasis is on the solutions to boundary value problems.
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.
Investigation of special topics under supervision of a faculty adviser. The most recent offering was Topics in Astrophysics.
Independent study of an advanced physics topic under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Topics may be interdisciplinary. The project culminates in an extensive report or presentation.
An independent theoretical, observational, computational, or experimental physics research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Projects may be interdisciplinary. The project culminates in a formal presentation.
An independent theoretical, observational, computational, or experimental physics research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Projects may be interdisciplinary. The project culminates in a formal presentation.
The fundamental aspects of solid state phenomena and the basic quantum physics needed to 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.
Maxwell's equations, wave equations for dielectrics and conductors. Reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, guided waves, radiation.
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.
Independent study of a topic chosen for participation in the honors program, culminating in the presentation of a complete written report. Students should see individual faculty members whose research interests are most closely aligned to their own.