Location: Bowdoin / Physics and Astronomy / courses

Physics and Astronomy

Spring 2013

Courses

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103. Introductory Physics I: Madeleine Msall M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Searles-315; An introduction to the conservation laws, forces, and interactions that govern the dynamics of particles and systems. 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. To ensure proper placement, students are expected to have taken the physics placement examination prior to registering for Physics 103.
104. Introductory Physics II: Dale Syphers M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25 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.
107. Introductory Astronomy: Yuk Tung Liu M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25 Searles-315; A quantitative introduction to astronomy with emphasis on stars and the structures they form, from binaries to galaxies. Topics include the night sky, the solar system, stellar structure and evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and the expansion of the universe. Several nighttime observing sessions required. Does not satisfy pre-med or other science departments’ requirements for a second course in physics. Not open to students who have credit for Physics 62 or Physics 162.
224. Quantum Physics and Relativity: Stephen Naculich M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25 Searles-313; An introduction to two cornerstones of twentieth-century physics, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. The introduction to wave mechanics includes solutions to the time-independent Schrödinger equation in one and three dimensions with applications. Topics in relativity include the Galilean and Einsteinian principles of relativity, the “paradoxes” of special relativity, Lorentz transformations, space-time invariants, and the relativistic dynamics of particles. Not open to students who have credit for or are concurrently taking Physics 275, 310, or 375.
229. Statistical Physics: Mark Battle M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Searles-313; Develops a framework capable of predicting the properties of systems with many particles. This framework, combined with simple atomic and molecular models, leads to an understanding of such concepts as entropy, temperature, and chemical potential. Some probability theory is developed as a mathematical tool.
240. Modern Electronics: Dale Syphers T 1:00 - 3:55, TH 1:00 - 3:55 Searles-316; A brief introduction to the physics of semiconductors and semiconductor devices, culminating in an understanding of the structure of integrated circuits. Topics include a description of currently available integrated circuits for analog and digital applications and their use in modern electronic instrumentation. Weekly laboratory exercises with integrated circuits.
280. Nuclear and Particle Physics: Stephen Naculich M 1:30 - 2:25, W 1:30 - 2:25, F 1:30 - 2:25 Searles-313; An introduction to the physics of subatomic systems, with a particular emphasis on the standard model of elementary particles and their interactions. Basic concepts in quantum mechanics and special relativity are introduced as needed.
301. Methods of Experimental Physics: Madeleine Msall T 1:00 - 3:55, TH 1:00 - 3:55 Searles-021; Intended to provide advanced students with experience in the design, execution, and analysis of laboratory experiments. Projects in optical holography, nuclear physics, cryogenics, and materials physics are developed by the students.
357. The Physics of Climate: Mark Battle M 11:30 - 12:25, W 11:30 - 12:25, F 11:30 - 12:25 Searles-313; A rigorous treatment of the earth’s climate, based on physical principles. Topics include climate feedbacks, sensitivity to perturbations, and the connections between climate and radiative transfer, atmospheric composition, and large-scale circulation of the oceans and atmospheres. Anthropogenic climate change also studied.
370. Advanced Mechanics: Yuk Tung Liu M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25 Searles-115; A thorough review of particle dynamics, followed by the development of Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations and their applications to rigid body motion and the oscillations of coupled systems.