Courses

Courses

Spring 2008 Courses

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080. Light and Color
Stephen Naculich T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25
An introduction to the physics of light and color. Explores the dual nature of light as wave and particle, the different physical and chemical causes of color in nature, and how light and color are perceived by the eye and brain. Topics include rainbows, mirages, the color of the sky, and other natural phenomena; as well as technological applications such as cameras, telescopes, color television monitors. These and other examples are used to illustrate the optical phenomena of reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, polarization, scattering, and fluorescence. Students who have credit for or are concurrently taking any physics course numbered 100 or above do not receive credit for this course.

103. Introductory Physics I
Karen Topp M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25
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
Dale Syphers M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25
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.

162. Stars and Galaxies
Thomas Baumgarte M 11:30 - 12:25, W 11:30 - 12:25, F 11:30 - 12:25
A quantitative introduction to astronomy, with emphasis on stars, stellar dynamics, and the structures they form, from binary stars to galaxies. Topics include the night sky, stellar structure and evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, quasars, and the expansion of the universe. Several nighttime observing sessions are required. Intended for both science majors and non-majors who are secure in their mathematical skills. A working familiarity with algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus is expected. Does not satisfy pre-med or other science departments’ requirements for a second course in physics.

224. Quantum Physics and Relativity
Stephen Naculich T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
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. Students who have credit for or are concurrently taking Physics 275, 310, or 375 do not receive credit for this course.

229. Statistical Physics
Madeleine Msall M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25
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.

235. Engineering Physics
Dale Syphers T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55
Examines the physics of materials from an engineering viewpoint, with attention to the concepts of stress, strain, shear, torsion, bending moments, deformation of materials, and other applications of physics to real materials, with an emphasis on their structural properties. Also covers recent advances, such as applying these physics concepts to ultra-small materials in nano-machines. Intended for physics majors and architecture students with an interest in civil or mechanical engineering or applied materials science.

251. Physics of Solids
Madeleine Msall M 11:30 - 12:25, W 11:30 - 12:25, F 11:30 - 12:25
Solid state physics describes the microscopic origin of the thermal, mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties of solids. Examines trends in the behavior of materials and evaluates the success of classical and semi-classical solid state models in explaining these trends and in predicting material properties. Applications include solid state lasers, semiconductor devices and superconductivity. Intended for physics, geology, or chemistry majors with an interest in materials physics or electrical engineering.

300. Methods of Theoretical Physics
Thomas Baumgarte M 1:30 - 2:25, W 1:30 - 2:25, F 1:30 - 2:25
Mathematics is the language of physics. Similar mathematical techniques occur in different areas of physics. A physical situation may first be expressed in mathematical terms, usually in the form of a differential or integral equation. After the formal mathematical solution is obtained, the physical conditions determine the physically viable result. Examples are drawn from heat flow, gravitational fields, and electrostatic fields.

301. Methods of Experimental Physics
Mark Battle T 1:00 - 3:55, TH 1:00 - 3:55
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 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25
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 will also be studied.