The Physics Department discourages students from changing midstream from Physics 140 to Physics 125 or from Physics 240 to Physics 126, so it is important that students choose the first course of a physics sequence with care. Prospective engineers, physicists, and chemists should elect Physics 140/240 rather than Physics 125/126 because concentration programs in these areas require the Physics 140/240 sequence. In the case of some departmental concentration programs (e.g., biology) or in special individual circumstances, students can elect or are encouraged to elect the Physics 125/126 sequence. Some advisors will advise all students who have had calculus to elect Physics 140/240. Physics 140/240 can be elected by all students who have had calculus, but it should be elected only by students who enjoy solving difficult problems and who think that they will be good at it. Physics 145 is a three credit version of Physics 140. The difference between Physics 140 and Physics 145 is that Physics 140 meets in two lectures and two discussion sessions per week, while Physics 145 has three lectures per week and no discussion sessions. The same topics are covered in both courses, and the final exam is common for Physics 140 and Physics 145. Physics 145 is primarily intended for students in the Engineering College who have a limit on their number of credit hours, although it is not restricted to Engineering College students.
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 (Becchetti)
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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 (Becchetti)
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106. Everyday Physics. (3). (NS). (BS).
This course examines everyday phenomena and current technology in terms of physical concepts and laws. The subjects examined are wide ranging and the discussion focuses on discovering common underlying themes. Examples of topics covered include: lasers, tornadoes, rainbows, computers, and satellites. This class emphasizes concepts rather than mathematical models. Grades are based on homework and exams. Curiosity is the major prerequisite. Cost:2 WL:5
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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. (Berman)
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107
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. (Thun)
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119/Geol. 130/Chem. 108. The Physical World. High-school algebra. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).
See Geological Sciences 130. (van Keken)
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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, 145, 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 (Gray)
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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
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140. General Physics I. Math. 115. Physics 140 and 141 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 125, 145, 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 three evening hourly examinations (see Time Schedule for dates and times) and a final examination. (Allen)
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Sections 035 and 036 - Keller Plan. 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
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141. Elementary Laboratory I. Concurrent election with Phys. 140 or 145 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 or 145 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
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145. General Physics. Math. 115. Physics 145 and 141 are normally elected concurrently. No credit to those who have completed for are enrolled in Physics 125, 140, or 160. (3). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).
Physics 145 is a three credit version of Physics 140. The same topics are covered and the same textbook is used in both courses. The final exam is common between Physics 140 and 145. The difference between the courses is that Physics 140 meets twice a week in lecture and twice a week in discussion section, while Physics 145 meets three times a week in lecture and does not have a discussion section. Cost:2 WL:5
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160. Honors Physics I. Math. 115 . Students should elect Physics 141 concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 125, 140, or 145. (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 (Rojo)
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250/Environ. Studies 353. Energy, Entropy, and Environment. Two and one-half years of high school mathematics, or any college course in mathematics or natural science. (3). (NS). (BS).
For Fall Term, 1997, this section is offered jointly with RC Natural Science 263. (Rycus)
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