| ASTR 110-01 |
Stars, Galaxies, and Beyond!
Instructor: Catrina Hamilton-Drager
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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10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
TOME 115
01:30 PM-03:20 PM, R
TOME 105 |
| Courses Offered in PHYS |
| PHYS 132-01 |
Workshop Physics: Matter and Fields
Instructor: Hans Pfister
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, Brett Pearson
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: Robert Boyle, Brett Pearson
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 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, MR
TOME 103 |
| PHYS 331-01 |
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Instructor: David Jackson
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.
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09:30 AM-10:20 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, TF
TOME 206 |