| ASTR 109-01 |
Mysteries of the Solar System
Instructor: Windsor Morgan, Robert Boyle
Course Description:
This course explores questions that are as old as humanity; you will step into the shoes of ancient astronomers to ponder the workings of the night sky and Solar System. Why do the stars move the way they do? Why do some bright objects wander the night sky? Can we know what these objects are and where they came from? We will develop practical and critical thinking skills that are crucial to the art of discovery, focusing on the historical use of naked eye and telescopic observations, as well as the use of present day space probes and the electromagnetic spectrum. Our journey will take us to the planets and some fascinating moons. Three hours classroom, one two-hour laboratory a week. This course counts toward the astronomy minor.
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01:30 PM-03:20 PM, R
TOME 105
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 115 |
| ASTR 306-01 |
Intermediate Astrophysics: Stellar Interiors
Instructor: Windsor Morgan
Course Description:
Cross-listed with PHYS 306-01.
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11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 213 |
| ASTR 550-01 |
Photometric Analysis of the Eclipsing Binary KH15D
Instructor: Catrina Hamilton-Drager
Course Description:
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| ASTR 550-02 |
Astronomical Instrumentation Research
Instructor: Catrina Hamilton-Drager
Course Description:
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| Courses Offered in PHYS |
| PHYS 131-01 |
Introductory Physics
Instructor: Windsor Morgan
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. Kinematics, Newton's Laws of motion, conservation laws, rotational motion, and oscillations are studied during the first semester. 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. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 131 and 141. Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, MATH 151 or 170.
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09:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 101 |
| PHYS 131-02 |
Introductory Physics
Instructor: Lars English
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. Kinematics, Newton's Laws of motion, conservation laws, rotational motion, and oscillations are studied during the first semester. 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. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 131 and 141. Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, MATH 151 or 170.
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01:30 PM-03:20 PM, MWF
TOME 101 |
| PHYS 141-01 |
Physics for the Life Sciences
Instructor: Will Riihiluoma
Course Description:
Permission of Instructor Required. Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students. Topics include mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics. 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 131 and 141.
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11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
TOME 105 |
| PHYS 141-02 |
Physics for the Life Sciences
Instructor: Will Riihiluoma
Course Description:
Permission of Instructor Required. Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students. Topics include mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics. 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 131 and 141.
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11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
TOME 105 |
| PHYS 211-01 |
Vibrations, Waves & Optics
Instructor: Hans Pfister
Course Description:
Completion of both PHYS 211 and PHYS 212 fulfills the WID Requirement. The physics of periodic motions, oscillating systems, resonances, propagating waves and optical phenomena. The course is centered around various projects such as the investigation of a kinetic art apparatus, the study of a tuned-mass-damper in a high-rise building, an examination of the Fourier spectrum of different musical instruments, and the dispersion relation for a very large slinky. The course culminates with a presentation at either the "Rainbow Symposium" or the "Vision Symposium." Prerequisite: 131 and 132 or 131 and 142, and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, MATH 171 or permission of instructor. NOTE: Completion of both 211 and 212 fulfills the WID requirement.
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01:30 PM-04:00 PM, TF
TOME 103 |
| PHYS 306-01 |
Intermediate Astrophysics: Stellar Interiors
Instructor: Windsor Morgan
Course Description:
Cross-listed with ASTR 306-01.
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11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 213 |
| PHYS 311-01 |
Dynamics & Chaos
Instructor: David Jackson
Course Description:
An advanced treatment of classical mechanics using vector calculus and the calculus of variations, as well as an introduction to the analysis of chaotic systems. Topics will include: the dynamics of systems of particles and conservation laws; linear and nonlinear oscillators; iterative maps and the route to chaos; central force motion; rigid body motion; non-inertial reference frames and fictitious forces; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of dynamics. The course will also focus heavily on analytical and problem-solving techniques. Prerequisite: 211 and 282 or permission of the instructor.
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09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
TOME 213 |
| PHYS 312-01 |
Electrodynamics
Instructor: Hans Pfister
Course Description:
This course will investigate electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electrodynamics in vacuum and in matter. Maxwell's equations of electrodynamics are developed and explored in depth. Vector calculus is used throughout this course. Possible projects include the experimental study of capacitors, the force and torque on a magnetic dipole, and an exploration of Faraday-induced electric fields. Prerequisite: 211, 212 and 282, or permission of instructor.
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10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
TOME 213 |
| PHYS 392-01 |
Junior Seminar
Instructor: Lars English
Course Description:
This course revolves around student reports and discussions on several topics in contemporary physics. Emphasis is on the development of bibliographic skill, seminar presentation and report writing techniques as well as increasing the breadth and depth of the student's knowledge of recent research. Preparation for senior research and life after Dickinson will also be topics of discussion. Prerequisite: Physics major junior status. One-half course credit.
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01:30 PM-02:45 PM, R
TOME 213 |
| PHYS 491-01 |
Advanced Laboratory Capstone I
Instructor: David Jackson
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.
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01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
TOME 206 |
| PHYS 550-01 |
Investigation of the Gravitational Constant through a Cavendish Experiment
Instructor: David Jackson
Course Description:
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