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Physics and Astronomy Current Courses

Spring 2024

Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
ASTR 208-01 Introductory Astrophysics
Instructor: Robert Boyle
Course Description:
Cross-listed with Phys 208-01. An introduction to the physical basis of astronomy, including celestial mechanics and tools of observational astronomy. Insight into how the field has evolved since ancient times, as well as an appreciation of the problems explored by current research will be gained. Content is similar to ASTR 110, but with additional emphasis on mathematical analysis of astrophysical phenomena. Prerequisite: 131 or 141 or permission of instructor. This course is cross-listed as PHYS 208.
12:30 PM-01:20 PM, MWF
TOME 213
ASTR 550-01 Astronomical Instrumentation Research
Instructor: Catrina Hamilton-Drager
Course Description:

ASTR 550-02 Photometric Analysis of the Eclipsing Binary KH15D
Instructor: Catrina Hamilton-Drager
Course Description:

Courses Offered in PHYS
Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
PHYS 114-01 Climate Change and Renewable Energies
Instructor: Hans Pfister
Course Description:
An introduction to the physics of global climate change and a hands-on exposure to several types of renewable energy. The first third of this project-centered course introduces the basic physical principles of global climate change with a focus on radiative equilibrium, greenhouse effect, energy balance, and entropy. Since the energy sources of an energetically sustainable future will consist of renewable energies and possibly thermonuclear fusion energy, the remaining two thirds of the course is devoted to an exploration of wind turbines, solar concentrators, thermoelectric convertors, and photovoltaic systems. This course will not count toward major requirements in physics. Offered every two years.
01:30 PM-04:00 PM, TF
TOME 103
PHYS 132-01 Introductory Physics
Instructor: Hans Pfister
Course Description:
An introduction to basic physics topics using the workshop method. This method combines inquiry-based cooperative learning with the comprehensive use of computer tools for data acquisition, data analysis and mathematical modeling. Topics in thermodynamics, electricity, electronics and magnetism are covered. Additional topics in chaos or nuclear radiation are introduced. Basic calculus concepts are used throughout the course. Recommended for physical science, mathematics, and pre-engineering students and for biology majors preparing for graduate study. Three two-hour sessions per week. (Students enrolled in Physics 132 who have completed Mathematics 170 are encouraged to continue their mathematics preparation while taking physics by enrolling in Mathematics 171.) Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 132 and 142. Prerequisite: 131 and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in MATH 170.
09:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 101
PHYS 142-01 Physics for the Life Sciences
Instructor: Will Riihiluoma, Robert Boyle
Course Description:
Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students. Topics include acoustics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 132 and 142. Prerequisite: 141 or 131.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
TOME 105
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115
PHYS 142-02 Physics for the Life Sciences
Instructor: Will Riihiluoma, Robert Boyle
Course Description:
Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students. Topics include acoustics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 132 and 142. Prerequisite: 141 or 131.
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
TOME 105
PHYS 208-01 Introductory Astrophysics
Instructor: Robert Boyle
Course Description:
Cross-listed with ASTR 208-01. An introduction to the physical basis of astronomy, including celestial mechanics and tools of observational astronomy. Insight into how the field has evolved since ancient times, as well as an appreciation of the problems explored by current research will be gained. Content is similar to ASTR 110, but with additional emphasis on mathematical analysis of astrophysical phenomena. Prerequisite: 131 or 141 or permission of instructor. This course is cross-listed as ASTR 208.
12:30 PM-01:20 PM, MWF
TOME 213
PHYS 212-01 Introduction to Relativistic and Quantum Physics
Instructor: Lars English
Course Description:
Completion of both PHYS 211 and PHYS 212 fulfills the WID Requirement. A project-based course focusing on special relativity and quantum physics. Projects, such as the detection and measurement of ionizing radiation, relativistic mass increase, or the investigation of delayed choice experiments, are used to understand the concepts of the atom, nuclear structure, relativity, and quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: 132 or 142, and Math 171 or permission of instructor. NOTE: Completion of both 211 and 212 fulfills the WID graduation requirement.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
TOME 103
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 213
PHYS 282-01 Introduction to Theoretical Physics
Instructor: David Jackson
Course Description:
A rigorous survey of mathematical topics and techniques that are commonly used in theoretical physics. Topics include vector analysis, differential equations, power series, linear algebra, tensors, and vector calculus (gradient, divergence, curl, line integrals, and so on). The primary focus of this course is on solving problems as a means to improve students confidence and understanding of mathematics within the context of physical systems. Prerequisite: 211 or permission of instructor. Corequisite: MATH 171 or permission of the instructor.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
TOME 213
PHYS 331-01 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Instructor: Will Riihiluoma
Course Description:
The basic laws of thermodynamics are derived from principles of statistical mechanics. Thus, the laws governing our macroscopic world are seen as fundamentally statistical in nature. Familiar quantities, like temperature and pressure, will be re-discovered, and new ones, like entropy and free energy, will be developed and applied to real-world problems in engineering, condensed-matter physics, and chemistry. We will conclude with an examination of phase transitions and quantum statistics. Prerequisite: 211 and 212 and 282. Offered every two years.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
TOME 213
PHYS 361-01 Computational Physics
Instructor: David Jackson
Course Description:
This course is designed to give students an introduction to computational techniques and simulations in physics using the Open Source Physics Library. A significant fraction of the students' time will be spent actually programming specific physics problems rather than learning abstract techniques. Students should therefore be prepared to learn by doing.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
TOME 213
PHYS 492-01 Advanced Laboratory Capstone II
Instructor: Lars English
Course Description:
In this capstone experience, students will work in groups to study several advanced physics topics in detail. Potential topics include muon decay, microwave diffraction, the speed of light, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, and the Hall effect. The course emphasizes collaborative research, investigative techniques, oral and written communication.Prerequisite: Physics major senior status. The physics major requires either the two-semester sequence of 491 & 492 OR two semesters of PHYS 550.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
TOME 206
PHYS 550-01 Investigation of the Gravitational Constant through a Cavendish Experiment
Instructor: David Jackson
Course Description: