Note: If the Waitlist code on a Physics course is WL:5, then both sign on the waitlist through Touch-Tone Registration and contact the department office.
103. The Physical Universe: Relativity and Quanta. High School
geometry, trigonometry, and algebra. (1). (NS). (BS).
The goal of physicists is to understand everything that goes on in the
universe in terms of a small number of fundamental laws of nature. The various
laws we presently know may even derive from some single unifying principle.
The laws of gravity, relativity, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics
will be discussed and applied to simple problems. Grades will be based on
homework and a research paper of approximately 3000 words. Cost:1 WL:3
104. The Physical Universe: What Einstein Never Knew. High School
geometry, trigonometry, and algebra. (1). (NS). (BS).
The goals of physicists is to understand everything that goes on in
the universe in terms of a small number of fundamental laws of nature. Recent
developments involving quarks, leptons, black holes, big-bang cosmology,
dark matter, etc. will be described on an elementary level. In the end,
all questions of "how" and "why" must be answered or
else pushed to the limit of present knowledge. Grades will be based on homework
and a research paper of approximately 3000 words. The are no college physics
or advanced mathematics prerequisites. Cost:1 WL:3
107. 20th Century Concepts of Space, Time, and Matter. High school
algebra and geometry. (3). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).
The twentieth century has been witness to two major revolutions in man's
concepts of space, time and matter. The first of these was provided by Einstein's
Special and General Theories of Relativity. The implications of the Special
Theory to our understanding of the unity of space and time and of the General
Theory to our understanding of gravity and the evolution of the universe
are explored. The second revolution was provided by quantum mechanics, leading
to a new picture of the basic structure of matter. Topics to be discussed
in this area include the Uncertainty Principle, wave-particle duality, the
forces of nature, and the continuing search for the fundamental constituents
of matter. No mathematical background beyond the high school level is assumed.
112. Cosmology: The Science of the Universe. (3). (NS). (BS).
The majority of even college educated adults have only a modest understanding
of our place in the universe at large. Most would be hard pressed to answer
correctly such questions as: What else is there in the universe besides
stars? Why do we think there was a big bang? How big is a galaxy and how
might they have formed? This course will provide answers to such questions,
stressing conceptual understanding over calculational problem solving.
The format will be varied and informal. In addition to regular seminar attendance,
students will likely be asked to perform small experiments and present at
least one oral presentation. Essays and other written work will play a large
role in the grade. Although no science prerequisites are required, exposure
to physics at high school level would be helpful.
125. General Physics: Mechanics, Sound, and Heat. Two and one-half
years of high school mathematics, including trigonometry. Phys. 125 and
127 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have
completed or are enrolled in 140 or 160. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).
Physics 125 and 126 constitute a two-term sequence offered primarily
for students concentrating in the natural sciences, architecture, pharmacy,
or natural resources; and for preprofessional students preparing for medicine,
dentistry, or related health sciences. Physics 125 and 126 are an appropriate
sequence for any student wanting a quantitative introduction to the basic
principles of physics but without the mathematical sophistication of Physics
140 and 240. Strong emphasis is placed on problem solving, and skills in
elementary algebra and trigonometry are assumed. While a high school level
background in physics is not assumed, it is helpful. Physics 125 and 126
are not available by the Keller plan.
PHYSICS 125 covers classical mechanics (laws of motion, force, energy and power) and mechanical wave motion (including sound waves). The final course grade is based on three one-hour evening examinations, class performance and a final examination. Physics 127 should be taken concurrently. Cost:3 WL:5
127. Mechanics, Heat and Sound Lab. Concurrent election with Phys.
125 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed
or are enrolled in Phys. 141. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required.
Physics 127 is a laboratory course intended to accompany Physics 125
and provide a perspective on physics as an experimental science. Macintosh
computers are used for data acquisition and analysis. Evaluation is based
on participation and performance in the laboratory classes, and on written
laboratory reports and quizzes. Cost:2 WL:5
140. General Physics I. Math. 115. Phys. 140 and 141 are normally
elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are
enrolled in Phys. 125 or 160. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).
Physics 140, 240, and 242 constitute a three-term sequence which examines
concepts in physics fundamental to the physical sciences and engineering.
This introductory sequence uses calculus, and, while it is possible to elect
Physics 140 and Mathematics 115 concurrently, some students will find it
more helpful to have started one of the regular mathematics sequences before
electing Physics 140. The introductory sequence is primarily designed to
develop a skill: the skill to solve simple problems by means of mathematics.
Developing this skill requires daily practice and a sense for the meaning
of statements and formulas, as well as awareness of when one understands
a statement, proof, or problem solution and when one does not. Thus one
learns to know what one knows in a disciplined way.
The topics in Physics 140 include: vectors, motion in one dimension, circular motion, projectile motion, relative velocity and acceleration, Newton's laws, particle dynamics, work and energy, linear momentum, torque, angular momentum of a particle, simple harmonic motion, gravitation, planetary motion, pressure and density of fluids, and Archimedes' principle. Evaluation is based on performance on 3 evening hourly examinations (see Time Schedule for dates and times) and a final examination.
Certain sections of Physics 140 are offered by the Keller Plan, a self-paced program without formal lectures. These sections are marked PSI in the Time Schedule. An information sheet describing the format of Keller Plan offerings is available in the Physics Student Services Office (2061 Randall Lab). Students who want to elect Physics 140 by the Keller Plan should read this information before registering. Cost:3 WL:5
141. Elementary Laboratory I. Concurrent election with Phys. 140
is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or
are enrolled in 127. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required.
Physics 141 is a laboratory course intended to accompany Physics 140
and provide a perspective on physics as an experimental science. Evaluation
is based on participation and performance in the laboratory classes, and
on written laboratory reports and quizzes. Macintosh computers are used
for data acquisition and analysis. Cost:2 WL:5
160. Honors Physics I. Math. 115 or equivalent, or permission
of instructor. Students should elect Phys. 141 concurrently. No credit granted
to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 140. (4). (NS). (BS).
(QR/1).
Physics 160 is a rigorous introduction to particle mechanics and the
motion of extended objects. Particular topics include vectors, one and two
dimensional motion, conservation of laws, linear and rotational dynamics,
gravitation, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. Students should also elect
a Physics 141 laboratory. Cost:3