Physics Course Descriptions

PHYS - 100. Introductory Physics I (4)

Prerequisite: either high school Physics or Chemistry; one and one-half years of high school algebra and trigonometry. This is the first course in the two-semester sequence of algebra-based physics for the life sciences. Mechanics, properties of matter, fluids, heat, waves, and sound. Three hours lecture and three hours lab weekly. Offered every Fall.

PHYS - 101. Introductory Physics II (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 100. Corequisite: BIOL - 464. This is the second course in the two-semester sequence of algebra-based physics for the life sciences. Electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Three hours lecture and three hours lab weekly. Offered every Spring.

PHYS - 110. General Physics I (4)

This is the first course in the two-semester fundamental sequence of calculus-based physics. It is designed to meet the needs of the student whose major is Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Computer Science; in addition, it is recommended for Biology and Environmental Science majors who would prefer a stronger physics background than is provided by PHYS 100-101, Introduction to Newtonian mechanics of particles, systems of particles, and rigid bodies. Special topics include oscillations and gravitation. Three hours lecture and three hours lab weekly. Offered every Fall.

PHYS - 120. Astronomy: From the Earth to the Cosmos (4)

An exploration of the universe, from the Earth to the most distant galaxies, touching upon the fundamental scientific principles that explain the order that characterizes the cosmos. The course includes a number of foundational topics such as gravitation, light, and atomic structure, as well as the history of astronomy and its impact on the development of science and technology. The course is based on a conceptual approach, and it includes observation nights and field trips to the local Planetarium. Two hours lecture and two hours lab weekly. Offered every semester.

PHYS - 121. Planetary Astronomy (4)

Planetary Astronomy is an introductory course that covers the modern scientific knowledge of the astronomical bodies of the solar system, including the Sun, the planets, their moons, comets and asteroids. Basic concepts of astronomy will be introduced as necessary, and cutting-edge topics including planets around other stars, space-based missions to discover such planets and astrobiology will also be covered briefly.

PHYS - 122. The Geometry of the Cosmos: Einstein, Black Holes, and the Big Bang (4)

The Geometry of the Cosmos: Einstein, Black Holes & the Big Bang" is an introduction to the geometry of the cosmos for non-science majors, centered on black holes and the Big Bang, as described by

Einstein's Universe: general relativity. Problems related to gravitation, space, time, and contemporary astronomy and cosmology are considered. No math or physics prerequisites.

PHYS - 130. Concepts in Physics (4)

A self-contained introduction to Physics for students who do not need the depth and rigor of courses for science majors. It includes a number of foundational topics, such as the laws of motion, the universal principles of conservation, gravitation, and the properties of matter, light and sound. The course is based on the conceptual approach, although it contains a mathematical component. Lecture sessions will also include a number of additional elements, such as hands-on demonstrations of physical phenomena, computer-simulated physical experiments and videos. Three hours lecture weekly. Offered every Fall.

PHYS - 135. Masterpiece Physics (4)

While their methods may differ radically, artists and scientists share the drive to investigate the ways in which disparate pieces of Nature fit together. This course will attempt to bridge those seemingly distinct worlds, using art and music to present physics and mathematics. Within a background of artistic masterpieces, we will explore sound, light, color, and how the brain perceives them. We'll dissect musical instruments, photographic cameras, and paintings. We will also learn to discern mathematical structures within pieces of artistic expression.

PHYS - 201. Physics by Inquiry (4)

Physics by Inquiry provides a step-by-step introduction to physics and the physical sciences. Through in-depth study of simple physical systems and their interactions, students gain direct experience with the process of science. Starting from their own observations, students develop basic physical concepts, use and interpret different forms of scientific representations, and construct explanatory models with predictive capability.

PHYS - 210. General Physics II (4)

This is the second course in the two-semester fundamental sequence of calculus-based physics. It is designed to meet the needs of the student whose major is Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics. Introduction to the physics of electricity and magnetism, including electric fields, electric currents, circuits, magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves. Three hours lecture and three hours lab weekly. Offered every Fall.

PHYS - 213. Introduction to Electromagnetism and Electronics (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 110. This course is designed to meet the needs of the student whose major is Computer Science. Introduction to the physics of electricity and magnetism (including charge and current, electric and magnetic fields, and basic circuit theory) and digital electronics (including analog-digital converters, logical networks, flip-flops, shift registers, combinatorial logic, etc.). Three hours lecture and three hours lab weekly. Offered every Spring.

PHYS - 215. Electronics (2)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 210. Introduces fundamentals of circuitry, including analog and digital. Covers diodes and transistors, continues through gate operations, adders, flip-flops, shift registers, and digital-to-analog converters. Three hours lecture and three hours lab weekly for second-half of semester. Offered every Spring.

PHYS - 240. Modern Physics (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 210. Corequisite: PHYS - 371. An introduction to the physics of the twentieth century for students who have completed the General Physics sequence and three semesters of Calculus. The course focuses on two major developments: relativistic and quantum physics. Topics include an in-depth study of the special theory of relativity, an introduction to the general theory of relativity, a survey of the experimental basis of quantum physics, and an introduction to the old quantum theory, to Schrödinger quantum mechanics, and to quantum statistics. Applications include the hydrogen atom, the periodic table, and examples from atomic, molecular, solid-state, and nuclear physics. The course ends with an overview of elementary particles and cosmology. Offered every Spring.

PHYS - 286. Special Topics in Physics (4)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Topics not covered by other Physics curriculum offerings. Three hours lecture or two hours lecture and two hours lab weekly. Offered intermittently.

PHYS - 298. Directed Study for Advanced Undergraduates (1-4)

With the written consent of the instructor and the Department chair, it is possible for a student to undertake special study (of various forms and credit values) in experimental, theoretical or mathematical physics.

PHYS - 299. Directed Research for Advanced Undergraduates (1-4)

With the written consent of the instructor and the Department chair, it is possible for a student to undertake special study (of various forms and credit values) in experimental, theoretical or mathematical physics.

PHYS - 301. Computational Physics (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 210. An introduction to the use of computer simulations in Physics. It builds upon the physical principles covered in General Physics, using computer models and numerical techniques (such as the Runge-Kutta, Gear, Crank-Nicholson, and Montecarlo methods, among others) to simulate physical situations. In addition, new topics such as chaos, fractals, and neural networks, and some elements of statistical physics (random walks and Ising model) are introduced. Moreover, the course covers the application of physical and computational techniques to the study of the most complex system in nature, the human brain. No previous familiarity with programming languages is assumed. The aims of the course also include learning the C, OpenGL, and Mathematica programming languages. Two hours lecture and two hours lab weekly. Offered every Fall.

PHYS - 310. Analytical Mechanics (4)

Prerequisite: MATH - 211. General theory of three formulations of classical mechanics: Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian. Introduction to the calculus of variations. Applications include linear oscillations, non-linear oscillations, gravitation, and central-force motion. Emphasis is placed on those concepts that provide a transition to quantum mechanics. Offered every Spring.

PHYS - 312. Statistical and Thermal Physics (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 240. Survey of classical thermodynamics. Introduction to the theory of equilibrium statistical mechanics in three different ensembles: microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical, with emphasis on the transition to classical thermodynamics. Applications include ideal and real gases, Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac statistics, blackbody radiation, specific heats, magnetic systems, and phase transitions. The course ends with a brief introduction to kinetic theory and nonequilibrium phenomena. Offered every Spring.

PHYS - 320. Electricity and Magnetism (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 210. Review of Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic fields, and vector calculus. Physical and mathematical properties of static electric and magnetic fields. Topics include electrostatics, electric potential, energy of the electrostatic field, conductors, Laplace's and Poisson's equations, boundary value problems, multipole expansions, dielectric media, magnetostatics, the vector potential, and magnetic media. Offered every Fall.

PHYS - 330. Quantum Mechanics (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 240. Corequisites: PHYS - 333, PHYS - 332. Review of wave mechanics and the Schrödinger equation. General theory of quantum mechanics, including its axiomatic abstract formulation in terms of state vectors and operators using the Dirac notation. Topics include the position and momentum representations, the generalized uncertainty principle, compatible observables, quantum dynamics and the Hamiltonian operator, the WKB approximation, the harmonic oscillator, the factorization method and ladder operators, angular momentum, spin, and central potentials. Offered every Fall.

PHYS - 332. Nuclear Physics (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 240. Corequisite: PHYS - 330. A survey of nuclear phenomena with a theoretical discussion accompanied by examples of experimental studies. It is assumed that students have a background in quantum mechanics at the introductory level. Topics include basic nuclear structure, nuclear models, nuclear decay and radioactivity, interactions of charged particles with matter, and nuclear reactions. Offered in the Fall of odd-numbered years.

PHYS - 333. Solid State Physics (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 240. Corequisite: PHYS - 330. An introduction to the physics of solid state and condensed matter. Topics include discrete symmetries and crystal lattices, crystal binding, lattice vibrations: normal modes and phonons, thermal properties, the free-electron gas, the dielectric constant, band theory, diamagnetism and paramagnetism, and transport theory of electrical and thermal conduction, with applications to metals, semiconductors, and superconductors. Emphasis is placed on the underlying quantum principles that govern the structure of matter. Offered in the Fall of even-numbered years.

PHYS - 340. Optics (4)

An in-depth study of geometric and physical optics. Applications include matrix formulation of geometrical optics in a form suitable for computer calculations, multiple-layer dielectric films, polarization, interference, diffraction, and holography. Offered in the Fall of even-numbered years.

PHYS - 341. Upper-Division Laboratory I (2)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 240. A group of laboratory experiments to accompany the upper-division lecture courses with an emphasis on optics but also including atomic physics, fundamental constants, nuclear physics and chaos. Four hours supervised laboratory every week. Offered every Fall.

PHYS - 342. Upper-Division Laboratory II (2)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 240. A group of laboratory experiments to accompany the upper division lecture courses with an emphasis on solid state physics but also including atomic physics, fundamental constants, nuclear physics and chaos. Four hours supervised laboratory per week. Offered every Spring.

PHYS - 343. Astrophysics (4)

Prerequisites: General Physics sequence; or Introductory Physics sequence and MATH - 110 ; or PHYS - 120 and MATH - 110. An advanced course in astronomy that starts with a discussion of the practicalities and techniques of Earth-bound observation and then moves on to study the Solar System, stars, galaxies and cosmology. The evolution and internal workings of planets, stars and galaxies are outlined, leading to discussion of arcane entities such as black holes, white dwarfs and active galaxies. The course will be analytical and will include the application of simple calculus. There will be no laboratory component but there will be short field trips. Three hours lecture per week. Offered intermittently.

PHYS - 350. Physics Colloquium (1)

Weekly physics colloquium given by invited speakers on miscellaneous topics of current interest. Topics are selected from the frontiers of current physics research, as well as from exceptional historical or philosophical perspectives of the discipline. The course also includes the presentation of seminars by the students. Students may register for this course in more than one semester. Physics majors must take this course at least three times.

PHYS - 361. Electronics I (4)

This course provides an introduction to methods of electronics measurements, particularly the application of oscilloscopes and computer-based data acquisition. Topics covered include diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers, filters, transducers, and integrated circuits. Emphasis is placed on practical knowledge, including prototyping, troubleshooting, and laboratory notebook style.

PHYS - 371. Methods of Mathematical Physics (4)

Prerequisites: PHYS - 210 and MATH - 211. Corequisite: PHYS - 240. A study of selected mathematical techniques of universal applicability across the different branches of theoretical physics. Emphasis is placed on the physicist's approach to formulating and solving problems with sophisticated mathematical tools. A typical selection includes matrices, Fourier series, integral transforms, ordinary and partial differential equations, including Green's functions and Sturm-Liouville theory, and complex analysis. Offered every Spring.

PHYS - 380. Foundations of Computational Neuroscience (4)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An introduction to the physical, mathematical, and computational concepts and techniques used to formulate biophysical models of neurons and synaptic transmissions to study the brain and neural systems. Simple biological systems, such as population growth and predator-prey models, are used to introduce dynamical systems. This is followed by a physiological description of the neuron, including its biophysical and electrical properties. Each topic covered includes a physiological introduction, physical-mathematical analysis, and computer modeling. Topics include ion movement through cell membranes, single-neuron models, generation of action potentials, synapses and neurotransmitters, neuronal networks, and learning and memory. Software simulation platforms are used both in lectures and in laboratories. The course does not assume previous physics, biology, or programming experience. Three hours lecture and three hours lab weekly. Offered intermittently.

PHYS - 386. Special Topics in Physics (4)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Topics not covered by other Physics curriculum offerings. Three hours lecture or two hours lecture and two hours lab weekly. Offered intermittently.

PHYS - 398. Directed Study for Advanced Undergraduates (1-4)

With the written consent of the instructor and the Department chair, it is possible for a student to undertake special study (of various forms and credit values) in experimental, theoretical or mathematical pysics.

PHYS - 399. Directed Research for Advanced Undergraduates (1-4)

With the written consent of the instructor and the Department chair, it is possible for a student to undertake research projects (of various forms and credit values) in experimental, theoretical, or mathematical physics.

PHYS - 410. Advanced Classical Dynamics (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 310. Advanced applications of classical nonrelativistic mechanics. Topics include dynamics of a system of particles, motion in noninertial reference frames, properties of three-dimensional rotations and tensors, dynamics of rigid bodies, and coupled oscillations. The course ends with an introduction to the mechanics of continuous media and applications to fluid dynamics and elasticity. Offered in the Fall of odd-numbered years.

PHYS - 420. Advanced Electrodynamics (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 320. General properties of Maxwell's equations and the dynamics of the electromagnetic field. Topics include potential formulations of electrodynamics, conservation laws, electromagnetic waves (in a vacuum, in infinite linear media, and in bounded regions), optical dispersion in material media, and electromagnetic radiation. The course ends with an introduction to the relativistic formulation of electrodynamics. Offered in the Spring of even-numbered years.

PHYS - 422. General Relativity (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 240. A comprehensive introduction to Einstein's general theory of relativity as the classical field theory of gravitation. Topics include special relativity; the geometry of four-dimensional spacetime; the principle of equivalence and the phenomenology of gravitation; the geometry of curved spacetime, including a survey of Riemannian geometry and tensor analysis; and the Einstein field equation. Applications are centered on astrophysical systems, black holes, and cosmology.

PHYS - 430. Advanced Quantum Mechanics (4)

Advanced applications of the abstract formulation of quantum mechanics. Topics include identical particles, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, the variational principle, the adiabatic approximation, scattering theory, and second quantization. The course ends with an introduction to the EPR paradox, Bell's theorem, and the interpretation of quantum mechanics. Offered in the Spring of odd-numbered years.

PHYS - 450. Advanced Materials (4)

Prerequisite: PHYS - 333. Surveys modern advanced materials; emphasis on fundamental underlying principles; semiconductors; superconductors; photonic materials; liquid crystals; polymers.

PHYS - 486. Special Topics in Physics (4)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Topics not covered by other Physics curriculum offerings. Three hours lecture or two hours lecture and two hours lab weekly. Offered intermittently.