| ASTR 109-01 |
Mysteries of the Solar System
Instructor: 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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07:00 PM-09:00 PM, M
TOME 105
12:30 PM-01:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115 |
| ASTR 110-01 |
Stars, Galaxies, and Beyond!
Instructor: Windsor Morgan
Course Description:
Modern astronomy encompasses a wide range of fascinating topics, from cutting-edge techniques used to detect and survey exosolar planets, to advances in astrophysics that reveal tantalizing glimpses into the nature of space and the beginning and possible end of our universe as a whole. This course will look at the tools and physics that astronomers utilize, as well as the electromagnetic spectrum to explore and expand our understanding of the Universe. Students will apply fundamental ideas from physics to the Sun, as well as distant objects, both within and outside our own Galaxy. Three hours classroom, one two-hour laboratory a week. This course may count toward the astronomy minor.
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01:30 PM-03:20 PM, R
TOME 105
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
TOME 115 |
| ASTR 306-01 |
Observational Techniques
Instructor: Catrina Hamilton-Drager
Course Description:
Cross-listed with PHYS 306-01. This course has been designed to give students an introduction to current observational techniques used to study variable stars. Students will make observations with the Dickinson College 24-inch telescope and then analyze those data using multiple techniques. An introduction to AstroImageJ and Python will provide students with the tools needed to complete their analysis. Nighttime sessions, in addition to the weekly class meetings, will be necessary on clear nights to obtain data for the required project.
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07:00 PM-10:00 PM, T
TOME 213 |
| Courses Offered in PHYS |
| PHYS 132-01 |
Workshop Physics: Matter and Fields
Instructor: Brett Pearson
Course Description:
Workshop Physics: Matter and Fields
An introduction to thermal physics and electromagnetism using an inquiry-based, hands-on approach that combines cooperative learning with the use of computer tools for data acquisition, analysis, and mathematical modeling. Both analytic and numerical calculations are introduced for characterizing motion. A selection of kinesthetic experiments is included to enhance student learning. Topics include heat, temperature, phases of matter, kinetic theory, and heat engines; electric and magnetic fields, forces on charged particles, electrical circuits, and Ohms and Kirchhoffs law; an introduction to Maxwells equations and electromagnetic waves.
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.
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09:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 101 |
| PHYS 132-02 |
Workshop Physics: Matter and Fields
Instructor: Catrina Hamilton-Drager
Course Description:
Workshop Physics: Matter and Fields
An introduction to thermal physics and electromagnetism using an inquiry-based, hands-on approach that combines cooperative learning with the use of computer tools for data acquisition, analysis, and mathematical modeling. Both analytic and numerical calculations are introduced for characterizing motion. A selection of kinesthetic experiments is included to enhance student learning. Topics include heat, temperature, phases of matter, kinetic theory, and heat engines; electric and magnetic fields, forces on charged particles, electrical circuits, and Ohms and Kirchhoffs law; an introduction to Maxwells equations and electromagnetic waves.
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.
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01:30 PM-03:20 PM, MWF
TOME 101 |
| PHYS 142-01 |
Physics for the Life Sciences
Instructor: Robert Boyle, Windsor Morgan
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.
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11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
TOME 105 |
| PHYS 142-02 |
Physics for the Life Sciences
Instructor: Windsor Morgan, 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.
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01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
TOME 105
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115 |
| 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 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: 132 and MATH 171.
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09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
TOME 213 |
| PHYS 306-01 |
Observational Techniques
Instructor: Catrina Hamilton-Drager
Course Description:
Cross-listed with ASTR 306-01. This course has been designed to give students an introduction to current observational techniques used to study variable stars. Students will make observations with the Dickinson College 24-inch telescope and then analyze those data using multiple techniques. An introduction to AstroImageJ and Python will provide students with the tools needed to complete their analysis. Nighttime sessions, in addition to the weekly class meetings, will be necessary on clear nights to obtain data for the required project.
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07:00 PM-10:00 PM, T
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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09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
TOME 213 |
| PHYS 431-01 |
Quantum Mechanics
Instructor: Lars English
Course Description:
Basic postulates are used to develop the theoretical framework for quantum mechanics. The course deals with measurements on quantum systems, the uncertainty principle, the Schrdinger wave equation and the probability interpretation, Heisenberg's matrix mechanics, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, finite and infinite dimensional vector spaces, operator methods, and enables students to use the Dirac formalism for quantum mechanical manipulations for a variety of situations and systems. Prerequisites: 212 and 282 and at least one 300-level physics course, or permission of instructor. Normally offered every other year
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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.
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01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
TOME 206 |
| PHYS 550-01 |
Reducing Glazing Loss in a Double-Pass Solar Air Heater
Instructor: Hans Pfister
Course Description:
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