Physics

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

This course will explore topics in modern astronomy, including the formation of the solar system, the lives and deaths of stars, the structure of the galaxy, and the origin and evolution of the universe. Both lecture and lab will emphasize a hands-on approach to understanding the underlying physical principles that govern astronomy. Three one-hour lecture periods and one two-hour laboratory each week. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). Course Fee: $20.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by course instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes." NOTE: Studies in a specialized area of instructor's and student's interest, such as solid-state physics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, optics, radiation physics, etc. Laboratory and discussion sessions will be stressed, with students largely responsible for the progress of the course.

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 115 (or concurrent enrollment)

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

First half of a two-course sequence stressing the basic concepts of physics and problem solving, suitable for the student intending to major in the physical sciences, as well as for students in the life sciences and arts who seek a liberal-arts course in classical and modern physics. Topics include Newtonian Mechanics, heat, and energy. Three one-hour periods each week and one two-hour period for discussion or laboratory work.

1 Course

Prerequisite: PHY 217; completion or waiver of MAT 125 (or concurrent enrollment); OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

Second half of the introductory physics sequence. Topics include wave motion, fluids, electricity & magnetism, electric circuits, light and optics. Three one-hour periods each week plus one two-hour period for discussion or laboratory work, where appropriate.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by course instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes." NOTE: Studies in a specialized area of instructor's and student's interest, such as solid-state physics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, optics, radiation physics, etc. Laboratory and discussion sessions will be stressed, with students largely responsible for the progress of the course.

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: MAT 135 (or waiver) or concurrent enrollment

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

This is the first half of a two-course sequence in classical physics with calculus. The focus of the first term is classical mechanics, with emphasis on the relationship between force, momentum, and energy. Topics to be covered include Newtonian dynamics, fundamental forces, conservation of momentum and energy, and rotational motion. Three one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory each week.

1 Course

Prerequisites: PHY 315 and MAT 225, or concurrent enrollment

Offered: Typically every Fall Term (not offered in 2008, as an exception)

A continuation of the introductory sequence in classical physics with calculus. The second term will focus on the phenomena of electromagnetism and waves. Topics include wave motion, electrostatics, electric and magnetic fields, fundamentals of DC circuits, and electromagnetism. Three one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory each week.

1 Course

Prerequisites: PHY 316 and MAT 135 (or waiver); OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

This course provides an introduction to topics in 20th century physics including relativity, introductory quantum mechanics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Other topics of interest may be covered as time allows. Four one-hour lectures each week.

1 Course

Prerequisites: PHY 315 and MAT 135 (or waiver), or concurrent enrollment; OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

This course stresses applications of Mathematical methods and techniques to Physics that are needed in the physical sciences. Topics generally include: simple functions of applied math, quadratic and higher-power equations, simultaneous equations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, geometry, vectors, complex numbers, series and approximations, differential operators, and simple integration. Four hours of lectures each week.

1 Course

Prerequisites: PHY 325 and MAT 225; OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

A course of applied mathematics and techniques often required in physics. Topics may vary, but will generally include partial differential equations and boundary value problems, Fourier analysis and integral transforms, complex integration, group representations, matrices, and determinants. Four hours of lectures each week.

1 Course

Prerequisites: PHY 316 or permission of instructor; AND MAT 225

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Spring 2009)

The wave nature of light is presented and optical phenomena explained in terms of the model. Modern topics in optics revolving around the laser are included. Three one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory session each week.

1 Course

Prerequisite: PHY 218

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow(next offered Fall 2009)A laboratory course dealing with some of the important experimental techniques in modern physics involving experience with such things as vacuum systems; electronic design and shop construction; classical experiments in contemporary physics; and independent research projects. One three-hour laboratory session each week. May be repeated for credit for sequential or differing learning experiences.

1/4 Course

Prerequisites: PHY 315 and MAT 225; OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Spring 2009)

An intermediate course covering classical thermodynamics and the methods of statistical mechanics. Topics covered include the first and second laws of thermodynamics, with applications, statistical theory of entropy, and classical and quantum ensembles. Four one-hour lectures each week.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by course instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes." NOTE: Studies in a specialized area of instructor's and student's interest, such as solid-state physics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, optics, radiation physics, etc. Laboratory and discussion sessions will be stressed, with students largely responsible for the progress of the course.

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet

1 Course

Prerequisite: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course

Prerequisites: PHY 316 and MAT 330; OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Fall 2008, as an exception)

An introduction to the fundamentals of classical electricity and magnetism and electromagnetic waves. Emphasizing vector analysis and the laws of Coulomb, Faraday, and Ampere, leading to the development of Maxwell's Theory. Four one-hour lectures each week.

1 Course

Prerequisites: PHY 315 and MAT 330

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

A course covering topics in Newtonian and Lagrangian Mechanics. Topics include rectilinear motion, oscillations, three-dimensional motion, central forces, generalized coordinates and momenta, and Lagrange multipliers.

1 Course

Prerequisites: PHY 320 and 481; OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2009)

An intermediate course in quantum mechanics, with applications. Topics include Schrodinger's equation, particle in a box, the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, perturbation theory, and the WKB approximation. Four one-hour lectures each week.

1 Course

Prerequisites: PHY 315, 316, and 320; OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Fall 2009)

This course provides an introduction to the area of solid-state physics. Topics to be covered include crystal structure; diffraction of waves by crystals; thermal properties of solids; dielectric properties of solids; free electron model of metals; band theory; magnetism and magnetic resonance; and superconductivity.
Four one-hour lectures each week.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by course instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes." NOTE: Studies in a specialized area of instructor's and student's interest, such as solid-state physics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, optics, radiation physics, etc. Laboratory and discussion sessions will be stressed, with students largely responsible for the progress of the course.

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A course centered around readings, experiments, and research on topics approved by departmental faculty. The seminar emphasizes oral presentations, discussion, and preparation of written reports. Normally taken in the senior year, it is open to other advanced students with permission.

1/4 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course