| ASTR 110-01 |
Stars, Galaxies, and Beyond!
Instructor: Robert Boyle, 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, W
TOME 105
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
TOME 115 |
| Courses Offered in PHYS |
| 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.
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01:30 PM-04:00 PM, TF
TOME 103 |
| PHYS 132-01 |
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. 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.
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09:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 101 |
| PHYS 132-02 |
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. 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.
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01:30 PM-03:20 PM, MWF
TOME 101 |
| PHYS 142-01 |
Physics for the Life Sciences
Instructor: Robert Boyle, David Jackson
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, M
TOME 105
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115 |
| PHYS 142-02 |
Physics for the Life Sciences
Instructor: Brett Pearson, 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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11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
TOME 105 |
| PHYS 212-01 |
Introduction to Relativistic and Quantum Physics
Instructor: David Jackson
Course Description:
Completion of both PHYS 211 & 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.
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09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
TOME 213
01:30 PM-04:15 PM, F
TOME 105 |
| 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.
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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 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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10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 213 |
| PHYS 492-01 |
Advanced Laboratory Capstone II
Instructor: Brett Pearson
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 |
Design, Construction, and Testing of a PCM Based Thermal Storage Device
Instructor: Hans Pfister
Course Description:
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| PHYS 550-02 |
Optical Observations of the Close-Contact Binary VZ Psc
Instructor: Catrina Hamilton-Drager
Course Description:
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