Courses

Courses

Spring 2007 Courses

  • Visit Bearings to search for courses by title, instructor, department, and more.
  • Login to Blackboard. Instructional materials are available on a course-by-course basis.
063. Physics of the Twentieth Century
Karen Topp T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25 Searles-315
Explores the growth of twentieth-century physics, including theoretical developments like relativity, quantum mechanics, and symmetry-based thinking, and the rise of new subdisciplines such as atomic physics, condensed-matter physics, nuclear physics, and particle physics. Some attention is given to the societal context of physics, the institutions of the discipline, and the relations between 'pure' and 'applied' physics. Students who have taken or are concurrently taking any physics course numbered over 100 will not receive credit for this course. Familiarity with standard secondary school mathematics is required.
081. Physics of the Environment
Mark Battle M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Searles-315
An introduction to the physics of environmental issues, including past climates, anthropogenic climate change, ozone destruction, and energy production and efficiency.
103. Introductory Physics I
Madeleine Msall M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25 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.
LAB
Madeleine Msall Sarah Christian M 1:00 - 3:55 Searles-323
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
Madeleine Msall Sarah Christian T 1:00 - 3:55 Searles-323
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
Madeleine Msall Sarah Christian W 1:00 - 3:55 Searles-323
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 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.
LAB
Dale Syphers Kenneth Dennison M 1:00 - 3:55 Searles-008
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
Dale Syphers Kenneth Dennison T 1:00 - 3:55 Searles-008
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
Dale Syphers Kenneth Dennison W 1:00 - 3:55 Searles-008
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
Dale Syphers Kenneth Dennison TH 1:00 - 3:55 Searles-008
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 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25 Searles-315
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.
229. Statistical Physics
Madeleine Msall M 1:30 - 2:25, W 1:30 - 2:25, F 1:30 - 2:25 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 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.
LAB
Dale Syphers 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 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55 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.
300. Methods of Theoretical Physics
Stephen Naculich M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55 Searles-313
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 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.
LAB
Mark Battle 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.
375. General Relativity
Thomas Baumgarte M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Searles-313
In this course we will first discuss special relativity, introducing the concept of four-dimensional spacetime. We will then develop the mathematical tools to describe spacetime curvature, leading to the formulation of Einstein's equations of general relativity. In the last part of the course we will study some of the most important astrophysical consequences of general relativity, including black holes, neutron stars and gravitational radiation.

Previous Semesters Courses