Complete Course Listing

• Physics of Musical Sound (1082)

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; resonance; understanding intervals, scales, and tuning; sound intensity and measurement; sound spectra; how various musical instruments and the human voice work. Students expected to have some familiarity with basic musical concepts such as scales and intervals. Not open to students who have credit for or are concurrently taking any physics course numbered 1100 or higher.  

Prerequisite:  Music 1051 or equivalent musical experience.

Offered: usually every other year

• Energy, Physics, and Technology (1083)

How much can we do to reduce the disruptions of the Earth’s physical, ecological, and social systems caused by global climate change? How much climate change itself can we avoid? A lot depends on the physical processes that govern the extraction, transmission, storage, and use of available energy. Introduces the physics of solar, wind, nuclear, and hydroelectric power and discusses the physical constraints on their efficiency, productivity, and safety. Reviews current technology and quantitatively analyzes the effectiveness of different strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Not open to students with credit for Physics 1140. (Same as: Environmental Studies 1083.)  

Offered: usually every other year.

• Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning in the Physical Sciences (1093)

Climate science. Quantum Physics. Bioengineering. Rocket science. Who can understand it? Anyone with high school mathematics (geometry and algebra) can start. Getting started in physics requires an ability to mathematically describe real world objects and experiences. Prepares students for additional work in physical science and engineering by focused practice in quantitative description, interpretation, and calculation. Includes hands-on measurements, some introductory computer programming, and many questions about the physics all around us. Registration for this course is by placement only. To ensure proper placement, students must have taken the physics placement examination prior to registering for Physics 1093. (Same as Chemistry 1093.)  

Prerequisite: Placement in Physics 1093

Offered: every fall

• Introductory Physics I (1130) 

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 1130.

Prerequisite:  Concurrent registration or previous credit for Mathematics 1600, or placement in Mathematics 1700 or higher; and Physics 1093 or placement in Physics 1130.

Offered: every semester

• Introductory Physics II (1140)

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. Laboratory work (three hours per week) includes an introduction to the use of electronic instrumentation. 

Prerequisite: Concurrent registration or previous credit for Mathematics 1700 or 1750, or placement in Mathematics 1800 or higher; and Physics 1130 or placement in Physics 1140.

Offered: every semester

• Introductory Astronomy (1510)

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.  

Prerequisite: Mathematics 1600 or higher.

Offered: at least once per year

• Electric Fields and Circuits (2130)

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. 

Prerequisite: Physics 1140.

Offered: every fall

• Quantum Physics and Relativity (2140)

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. 

Prerequisite: Physics 1140.

Offered: every spring

• Statistical Physics (2150)

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. 

Prerequisite: Physics 1140.

Offered: every spring

• Engineering Physics (2220)

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.  

Prerequisite: Physics 1140.

Offered: every other year

• Modern Electronics (2230)

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. 

Prerequisite: Physics 1130 or 1140.

Offered: every other spring

• Acoustics (2240)

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. 

Prerequisite: Physics 1140.

Offered: every other fall

• Physics of Solids (2250)

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, chemistry, or earth and oceanographic science majors with an interest in materials physics or electrical engineering. 

Prerequisite: Physics 2140 or Chemistry 2520.

Offered: every other fall

• Nuclear and Particle Physics (2260)

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.

Prerequisite: Physics 2140.

Offered: every other spring

• Optical Physics (2340)

A laboratory-based introduction to the principles of physical optics and their application to imaging in the life and physical sciences. Students will learn methods of analysis to understand wave propagation, interference, diffraction, and polarization. Topics include the physics of lasers, microscopes, telescopes, spectroscopy, and other examples derived from student interest. Weekly laboratory exercises culminate in final projects. 

Prerequisite: Physics 1140.

Offered: every other spring

• Accident Reconstruction: Physics, The Common Good, and Justice (2410)

Introduces the applications of physics pertinent to accident reconstruction and analyzes three complex cases that were criminal prosecutions. Instructor analyzes the first case to show how the physics is applied, the second is done in tandem with students, and the third is mostly analyzed by the students, using what they have learned. The report on this third case serves as the final project for the course. While Physics 1130 is the only prerequisite for the course, familiarity with vectors and matrices, or a desire to learn how to use them, is necessary.

Prerequisite: Physics 1130.

Offered: irregularly

• Stars and Stellar Evolution (2500)

A quantitative introduction to the physics of stars and their evolution. Explores how physical forces, ranging from microscopic forces on nuclear scales to the macroscopic forces of gravitation, conspire to govern the structure and evolution of stars. Discusses the stellar life-cycle, starting with star formation in interstellar media and ending with remnants of stellar evolution, namely white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.

Prerequisite: Physics 1140 and 1510.

Offered: fall 2025

• Galaxies and Cosmology (2510)

A quantitative discussion that introduces the topics of galaxies and cosmology. The focus is on galaxy types, morphology, and evolution as well as cosmological models and large-scale structure formation. Students will learn to explain concepts and processes and practice methods of solving astrophysical problems. Assignments involve studying current methods and technologies.

Prerequisite: Physics 1140 and 1510.

Offered: at least every other year

• Physics of Black Holes (2550)

An introduction to the physics of black holes and observationalapproaches for their detection. We will discuss different populations of astrophysical black holes together with their origin in the Universe, and will explore how these populations can be observed by different means. The course will include theoretical background, computer simulations, and analysis of data from both earth-based and satellite telescopes. Several nighttime observing sessions as well as some experience with computer programming are required.

Prerequisite: Physics 2140 and 1510.

Offered: spring 2025

• Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics (2810)

A mathematically rigorous analysis of the motions of the atmosphere and oceans on a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Covers fluid dynamics in inertial and rotating reference frames, as well as global and local energy balance, applied to the coupled ocean-atmosphere system.  (Same as: Earth and Oceanographic Science 2810 and Environmental Studies 2253.)  

Prerequisite: Physics 1140.

Offered: every other year

• Topics in Contemporary Physics (2900)

Seminar exploring recent results from research in all fields of physics. Focuses on discussion of papers in the scientific literature. Grading is Credit/D/Fail. One-half credit.

Prerequisite: One of Physics 2130, 2140, or 2150.

Offered:  irregularly

• Methods of Theoretical Physics (3000)

Mathematics is the language of physics and 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. 

Prerequisite:  Mathematics 1800 or higher, and one of Physics 2130, 2140, or 2150.

Offered: every fall

• Methods of Experimental Physics (3010)

Intended to provide advanced students with experience in the design, execution, and analysis of laboratory experiments. Projects in optical holography, nuclear physics, cryogenics, and material physics are developed by the students. 

Prerequisite: Physics 2130.

Offered: every spring

• Methods of Computational Physics (3020)

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.  

Prerequisite: Physics 1140 and Computer Science 1101 or higher.

Offered: every other spring

• Methods of Observational Astrophysics (3030)

Intended to provide advanced students with skills and experience in observational astronomy, including the design, execution, and analysis of observations with both optical and non-optical telescopes. Observational techniques will range from those employing on-campus telescopes to the analysis of modern satellite data. Several nighttime observing sessions are required.

Prerequisite: Physics 2130 and Physics 1510

Offered: every other fall

• Advanced Mechanics (3120)

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.  

Prerequisite: Physics 3000.

Offered: every other spring

• Electromagnetism (3130)

A mathematically rigorous treatment of Maxwell's equations and techniques for their solution. Develops and employs mathematical tools such as scalar and vector potentials, Green functions, and multipole expansions to explore the properties of electric and magnetic fields, including electromagnetic waves and radiation.  

Prerequisite: Physics 2130 and 3000.

Offered: every other spring

• Quantum Mechanics (3140)

A mathematically rigorous development of quantum mechanics, emphasizing the vector space structure of the theory through the use of Dirac bracket notation. Linear algebra developed as needed. 

Prerequisite: Physics 2140 and 3000.

Offered: every fall

• Fields, Particles, and Symmetries (3200)

An introduction to the theory of relativistic quantum fields, the foundational entities of the standard model of elementary particle physics. Topics include Lagrangian formulation of the classical mechanics of particles and fields, Noether's theorem relating symmetries to conservation laws, the quantization of bosonic and fermionic fields, the role of abelian and non-abelian gauge symmetries in determining the form of interactions among elementary particles, the use of Feynman diagrams to compute elementary processes, the spontaneous breaking of symmetry, and the Higgs mechanism.

Prerequisite: Physics 2140 and 3000.

Offered:  irregularly

• General Relativity (3500)

First discusses special relativity, introducing the concept of four-dimensional space-time. Then develops the mathematical tools to describe space-time curvature, leading to the formulation of Einstein’s equations of general relativity. Finishes by studying some of the most important astrophysical consequences of general relativity, including black holes, neutron stars, and gravitational radiation.  

Prerequisite: Physics 2140 and 3000.

Offered: every other spring

• The Physics of Climate (3810)

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 is also studied. (Same as:   Earth and Oceanographic Science 3050 and Environmental Studies 3957.)

Prerequisite: One of Physics 2150, 2810, or 3000.

Offered: irregularly

• Intermediate Independent Study in Physics (2970-2973)

Topics to be arranged by the student and the faculty. If the investigations concern the teaching of physics, the course may satisfy certain of the requirements for the Maine State Teacher's Certificate. Students doing independent study normally have completed a physics course numbered 2000-2969.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

• Advanced Independent Study in Physics (4000-4003)

Topics to be arranged by the student and the faculty. Students doing advanced independent study normally have completed a physics course at the advanced level (numbered 3000-3999).

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

• Honors Project in Physics (4050-4051)

Programs of study are available in semiconductor physics, microfabrication, superconductivity and superfluidity, astrophysics, relativity, ultrasound, and atmospheric physics. Work done in these topics normally serves as the basis for an honors paper.

Prerequisite:  Permission of the instructor