Courses

Courses

Fall 2007 Courses

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050. Physics of Musical Sound
Karen Topp T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25 Searles-315
An introduction to the physics of sound, specifically relating to the production and perception of music. Topics include simple vibrating systems; waves and wave propagation; vibration spectra; resonance; concepts of pitch, timbre, volume; understanding intervals, scales, tuning, and temperament; how various musical instruments and the human voice work. Students who have credit for or are concurrently taking any physics course numbered 100 or above do not receive credit for this course.

062. Contemporary Astronomy
Dale Syphers T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55 Searles-315
A mix of qualitative and quantitative discussion of topics including the night sky, the solar system and its origin, the nature of stars and galaxies, stellar evolution, and the formation and evolution of the universe. Several night-time observing sessions are required. Students who have taken or are concurrently taking any physics course numbered over 100 do not receive credit for this course.

103. Introductory Physics I
Stephen Naculich M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25 Searles-315
An introduction to the conservation laws, forces, and interactions that govern the dynamics of particles and systems. The course shows how a small set of fundamental principles and interactions allow us to model a wide variety of physical situations, using both classical and modern concepts. A prime goal of the course is to have the participants learn to actively connect the concepts with the modeling process. Three hours of laboratory work per week.

103. Introductory Physics I
Thomas Baumgarte M 11:30 - 12:25, W 11:30 - 12:25, F 11:30 - 12:25 Searles-315
An introduction to the conservation laws, forces, and interactions that govern the dynamics of particles and systems. The course shows how a small set of fundamental principles and interactions allow us to model a wide variety of physical situations, using both classical and modern concepts. A prime goal of the course is to have the participants learn to actively connect the concepts with the modeling process. Three hours of laboratory work per week.

104. Introductory Physics II
Madeleine Msall M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Searles-315
An introduction to the interactions of matter and radiation. Topics include: the classical and quantum physics of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter, quantum properties of atoms, and atomic and nuclear spectra. Three hours of laboratory work per week will include an introduction to the use of electronic instrumentation.

223. Electric Fields and Circuits
Mark Battle M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25 Searles-313
The basic phenomena of the electromagnetic interaction are introduced. The basic relations are then specialized for a more detailed study of linear circuit theory. Laboratory work stresses the fundamentals of electronic instrumentation and measurement with basic circuit components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors. Three hours of laboratory work per week.

250. Acoustics
Mark Battle M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Searles-313
An introduction to the motion and propagation of sound waves. Covers selected topics related to normal modes of sound waves in enclosed spaces, noise, acoustical measurements, the ear and hearing, phase relationships between sound waves, and many others, providing a technical understanding of our aural experiences.

302. Methods of Computational Physics
Thomas Baumgarte M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25 Searles-313
An introduction to the use of computers to solve problems in physics. Problems are drawn from several different branches of physics, including mechanics, hydrodynamics, electromagnetism, and astrophysics. Numerical methods discussed include the solving of linear algebra and eigenvalue problems, ordinary and partial differential equations, and Monte Carlo techniques. Basic knowledge of a programming language is expected.

310. Introductory Quantum Mechanics
Stephen Naculich M 1:30 - 2:25, W 1:30 - 2:25, F 1:30 - 2:25 Searles-313
A mathematically rigorous development of quantum mechanics, emphasizing the vector space structure of the theory through the use of Dirac bracket notation. Linear algebra will be developed as needed.

320. Electromagnetic Theory
Madeleine Msall M 2:30 - 3:25, W 2:30 - 3:25, F 2:30 - 3:25 Searles-313
First the Maxwell relations are presented as a natural extension of basic experimental laws; then emphasis is given to the radiation and transmission of electromagnetic waves.