Courses

Courses

Spring 2005 Courses

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080. Light and Color
Stephen Naculich M 1:00 - 2:25, W 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 taken or are concurrently taking any physics course numbered over 100 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.
LAB
Karen Topp Kenneth Dennison M 1:00 - 3:55
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.
LAB
Karen Topp Kenneth Dennison T 1:00 - 3:55
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.
LAB
Karen Topp Kenneth Dennison W 1:00 - 3:55
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
Thomas Baumgarte M 11:30 - 12:25, W 11:30 - 12:25, F 11:30 - 12:25
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.
LAB
Thomas Baumgarte John Bridge M 1:00 - 3:55
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.
LAB
Thomas Baumgarte John Bridge T 1:00 - 3:55
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.
LAB
Thomas Baumgarte John Bridge W 1:00 - 3:55
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.
LAB
Thomas Baumgarte John Bridge TH 1:00 - 3:55
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
Joshua Kempner M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25
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 night-time 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.
229. Statistical Physics
Mark Battle 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.
251. Physics of Solids
Karen Topp M 2:30 - 3:25, W 2:30 - 3:25, F 2:30 - 3:25
An introduction to the study of the thermal, mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties of solids. Merges a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the behavior of solids and their applications in modern technology. Applications include solid state lasers, semiconductor circuitry, and superconducting magnets.
263. Cosmology
Joshua Kempner M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25
A quantitative discussion of the formation and evolution of the universe. Topics include Friedmann-Robertson-Walker models, Hubble expansion, the Big Bang, inflation, nucleosynthesis, and the formation of large-scale structure. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between observation and theory in the development of modern cosmology.
275. Relativity
Stephen Naculich M 11:30 - 12:25, W 11:30 - 12:25, F 11:30 - 12:25
An introduction to special and general relativity, including the Galilean and Einsteinian principles of relativity, Lorentz transformations and the �paradoxes� of special relativity, space-time diagrams and four-vectors, energy-momentum and relativistic dynamics, and the Schwarzschild solution of general relativity and its many applications.
300. Methods of Theoretical Physics
Thomas Baumgarte T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55
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
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.
LAB
Mark Battle 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.

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