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Physics and Astronomy

Professor: Thomas H. Solomon

Associate Professors: Jeffrey M. Bowen, Jack F. Gallimore, Sally Koutsoliotas, Edwin F. Ladd, Martin K. Ligare, David C. Schoepf (Chair), Benjamin P. Vollmayr-Lee, Katharina Vollmayr-Lee

Assistant Professors: Raymond Chastain (visiting), Kevin Marshall (visiting), Michele D. Thornley

Physics is the fundamental science of the natural world. The study of physics and astronomy leads to a deeper appreciation and awareness of the world around us. From the quantum mechanical behavior at the smallest scale to the workings of the cosmos at the largest scale, physics consists of a few general principles that explain a vast range of phenomena. Coursework in physics leads to an understanding of these phenomena and gives students experience in abstract mathematical modeling as well as experimental and computational techniques. As a means to enhance the physics curriculum, research opportunities in astronomy and physics also are available and strongly encouraged.

A physics major is an appropriate first step on the path to a career as a research scientist. Since physics is such a fundamental science it can be the basis for the understanding of principles that are relevant to a wide variety of fields. It provides preparation for graduate study in physics or in related fields such as astrophysics, biophysics, chemical physics, geophysics, or engineering. A fundamental understanding of nature has been a goal throughout history, and a study of physics can be the focus of a liberal education because of its connections with intellectual history and philosophy. A major in physics can be the platform for pursuing a wide variety of careers including medicine, law, business, and teaching.

Modern astronomy involves the application of physics toward understanding the workings of the universe. Students interested in an introductory survey are encouraged to enroll in ASTR 101 (Our Solar System) or ASTR 102 (Stars, Galaxies, and Beyond). Students interested in advanced undergraduate or postgraduate study are advised to complete the physics major, choosing elective courses in observational astrophysics (ASTR 201) and advanced astrophysics (ASTR/PHYS 301).

A major in physics may be pursued under the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree program, either of which can provide adequate preparation for graduate study. Students in the bachelor of arts program who plan to attend graduate school in physics should consult with their advisers to select an appropriate set of electives.

The standard entry point for either degree program is the year-long introductory sequence PHYS 211-212. Students with a strong background or aptitude in mathematics and physics who express an interest will be considered for placement in the special section PHYS 211E-212E of the introductory course.

A bachelor of arts major in physics consists of PHYS 211 (or PHYS 211E), PHYS 212 (or PHYS 212E), PHYS 221, PHYS 222 (with prerequisite MATH 211), PHYS 310 and a minimum of three other 200- or 300-level physics courses, two of which must be at the 300-level. One of the 300-level courses must be chosen from PHYS 317, PHYS 331, PHYS 332, or PHYS 333. (The other courses may include ASTR 201, ASTR 301and approve Capstones.)

A bachelor of science major in physics consists of PHYS 211(or PHYS 211E), PHYS 212 (or PHYS 212E), PHYS 221, PHYS 222 (with prerequisite MATH 211), PHYS 235, PHYS 310, PHYS 331, PHYS 332, PHYS 333, and a minimum of two other 300-level physics credits. (These courses may include ASTR 301 and approved Capstones.) In addition, bachelor of science candidates must take MATH 212, MATH 213, and either ASTR 201 or a 200- or 300-level biology, chemistry, computer science, or geology course.

The typical course sequence for students pursuing the bachelor of science physics major might look like the following:

A physics major leading to the bachelor of arts degree also is available in combination with a bachelor of science in engineering in a five-year program.

A minor in physics consists of four 200- or 300-level physics courses, which may include ASTR 201. Advanced placement credit does not count toward the minor.

The physics department encourages students to participate in research projects; research serves as an important complement to the classroom study of physics and astronomy. The department offers research opportunities in atomic and molecular physics, chaos and nonlinear dynamics, astronomy and astrophysics, general relativity, theoretical quantum optics, laser spectroscopy, elementary particle physics, positron physics, biological physics, theoretical condensed matter physics, and statistical physics.

Honors in physics is given to those students who are accepted by the University Honors Council and successfully complete and defend an honors thesis in physics.

Study abroad is possible for students completing either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. Such study should be discussed well in advance with the academic adviser and the chair of the physics department.

Students wishing to become certified as secondary school physics teachers should consult with the education department and the chair of the physics department to arrange a plan of study that ensures that all of the requirements for certification will be met.

Astronomy (ASTR)

101. Our Solar System (I; 3, 3)
An introduction to astronomy concentrating on our evolving understanding of the solar system. Designed for non-science majors.

102. Stars and Galaxies.(II; 3, 3)
An introduction to astronomy concentrating on the structure of our universe beyond the solar system. Designed for non-science majors. ASTR 101 is not a prerequisite for ASTR 102.

201. Observational Astrophysics (AII; 2, 2)
This course covers spherical astronomy and observational techniques, and applications of physics toward solar system objects, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. Some night observing required. Laboratories focus on observational techniques and data reduction. Prerequisite: PHYS 212 (or PHYS 212E) or PHYS 221.

301. Astrophysics (AII; 3, 0)
An introduction to general astrophysics covering mechanics of orbiting bodies, radiation laws, stellar spectra, stellar atmospheres, the internal constitution of stars, stellar energy, galaxies, and cosmology. Prerequisites: PHYS 222 and MATH 212. Crosslisted as PHYS 301.

337. Contemporary Problems in Astronomy/Astrophysics (I and II; R) Half or full course.
Seminar or independent study in areas of interest in the astronomy/astrophysics community. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

350. Undergraduate Research (I and II; R) Half or full course.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

401. Astrophysics (I or II; 3, 0)
An introduction to astrophysics, including orbiting bodies, stellar structure and energy production, galaxies, and cosmology. We also will examine cultural pressures on the flow of scientific progress. Prerequisites: PHYS 222 and MATH 212. Crosslisted as PHYS 401.

Physics (PHYS)

141. Secrets of the Universe (I; 3, 3)
The great ideas of 20th-century physics (symmetry principles, relativity, and quantum mechanics) and their application to cosmology and the evolution of the universe. Also, historical development and philosophical implications of these ideas. Designed for nonscience majors. No prerequisite. Not open to students who have passed a 200-level physics course.

142. Light and Vision (AII; 3, 3)
Particle and wave theories of light, cameras and optical instruments, the visual process, lasers, and optical communications. Designed for non-science majors. No prerequisite. Not open to students who have passed a 200-level physics course.

144. How Things Work (II; 3, 3)
This course introduces the ideas of physics in the context of everyday phenomena, including common inventions and topics in medicine, sports, and music. Designed for non-science majors. No prerequisite. Not open to students who have passed a 200-level physics course.

145. Contemporary Issues in Energy (AII; 3, 3)
This course will examine the physics of energy use, energy generation, and energy transformations. Each offering of the course will have a unifying theme such as the environment, weaponry, or alternative energy sources. Designed for non-science majors. Not open to students who have successfully completed a 200-level physics course.

211 and 212. Classical and Modern Physics (I and II; 4, 3)
Newtonian mechanics, relativity, waves, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and special topics in modern physics. PHYS 211 or permission of the instructor is prerequisite to PHYS 212. Corequisites: MATH 201 for PHYS 211; MATH 202 or another mathematics course for PHYS 212.

211E and 212E. Classical and Modern Physics (I and II; 4, 3)
Same topics as PHYS 211-212 with more emphasis on mathematical modeling, computer applications, and extensions of the theory. Fourth hour to be used for guest speakers, computer lab time, testing, and other problem solving. This course is intended for students with a strong background in mathematics and physics. PHYS 211E or permission of the instructor is prerequisite to PHYS 212E. Corequisites: MATH 201 for PHYS 211E; MATH 202 or another mathematics course for PHYS 212E.

221. Classical Mechanics (I; 3, 3)
Newtonian mechanics including conservation laws, rotational dynamics, forced damped harmonic motion, and coupled oscillations. Prerequisites: PHYS 211 (or PHYS 211E) and MATH 202 or advanced placement with corequisite MATH 205.

222. Wave Mechanics and Quantum Physics (II; 4, 0)
Physics of coupled oscillations and waves, including classical wave equation. Wave-particle duality; origin and elementary applications of quantum mechanics; the Schroedinger wave equation; atomic and nuclear physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 212 (or 212E) or 221 and MATH 211.

235. Applied Electronics (II; 2, 4)
Circuit fundamentals, linear and digital integrated circuits, transducers, analog to digital conversion, filtering, Fourier methods, microcomputers, and computer interfacing. Designed for science and computer science majors. Prerequisite: PHYS 212 (or 212E). Open to electrical engineering students by permission only.

301. Astrophysics (AII; 3, 0)
An introduction to general astrophysics covering mechanics of orbiting bodies, radiation laws, stellar spectra, stellar atmospheres, the internal constitution of stars, stellar energy, galaxies, and cosmology. Prerequisites: PHYS 222 and MATH 212. Crosslisted as ASTR 301.

303. Modern Optics (AII; 3, 0)
Geometrical optics, interference and diffraction, quantum optics, optical properties of matter, lasers and holography. Prerequisite: PHYS 222 or permission of the instructor.

309. Condensed Matter Physics (AII; 3, 0)
Crystal structure, phonons, free electron theory of metals, band theory, semi-conductors, magnetism, superconductivity and superfluidity, liquid crystals, and other special topics. Prerequisite: PHYS 222 or permission of the instructor.

310. Experimental Physics (II; 2, 4)
Methods and techniques used in experimental and computational physics, including data analysis and numerical methods, use of standard research equipment, and documentation of laboratory work emphasizing written and oral communication of scientific results. Experiments include topics in astrophysics, atomic and nuclear physics, nonlinear dynamics, optics, and phase transitions. Prerequisite: PHYS 222 or permission of the instructor.

317. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (I; 3, 0)
The laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic functions, kinetic theory of gases, statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: PHYS 212 (or 212E) and PHYS 221 or PHYS 222 or permission of the instructor.

329 and 330. Experimental Physics I and II (I and II; 0, 6) Half course.
Experiments and computer simulations based on principles of optics, solid-state physics, nuclear physics, nonlinear dynamics, biophysics, electricity and magnetism, laser spectroscopy, electronics, phase transitions, and vacuum systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 222 or permission of the instructor.

331. Advanced Classical Mechanics (I; 3, 0)
Kinematics and dynamics of particles, systems, and rigid bodies. Hamilton’s principles, Lagrange’s equations, theory of small vibrations, orbital mechanics accelerated frames, and nonlinear dynamics. Prerequisites: PHYS 221 and MATH 212 or permission of the instructor.

332. Quantum Mechanics (I; 3, 0)
Basic postulates and applications, perturbation theory, angular momentum, scattering theory, relativistic effects. Prerequisites: PHYS 221, PHYS 222 and MATH 211 or permission of the instructor.

333. Electromagnetic Theory I (I; 3, 0)
Classical electromagnetic theory, including scaler and vector potentials, electrostatics, magnetostatics, time dependent fields, and culminating with Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisites: PHYS 212 (or 212E) and MATH 211.

334. Electromagnetic Theory II (AII; 3, 0)
Continuation of PHYS 333. Electromagnetic waves, radiation theory, theory of relativity, and elements of plasma physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 333.

336. Mathematical Physics (AII; 3, 0)
Topics will include two or three of the following: complex variables, special functions, tensor analysis, group theory, partial differential equations. Prerequisites: PHYS 212 (or 212E), MATH 212, and MATH 213.

337. Contemporary Problems in Physics (I and II; R) Half or full course.
Seminar or independent study in areas of current interest in the physics community. Prerequisite: permission of the department.

339. Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Particle Physics (AII; 3, 0)
Advanced topics in quantum mechanics including applications to elementary particle physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 332.

350. Undergraduate Research (I or II; R) Half or full course.
Prerequisite: permission of the department.

401. Astrophysics (I or II; 3, 0)
An introduction to astrophysics, including orbiting bodies, stellar structure and energy production, galaxies, and cosmology. We also will examine cultural pressures on the flow of scientific progress. Prerequisites: PHYS 222 and MATH 212. Crosslisted as ASTR 401.