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 College of Engineering who have a limit on their number of credit hours, although it is not restricted to Engineering 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.
Take me to the Spring Time Schedule
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 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 examinations, class performance and a final examination. Cost:3
WL:5
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Times, Location, and Availability
126. General Physics: Electricity and Light. Phys. 125. Phys. 126 and 128 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 240 or 260. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).
See Physics 125 for a general description of this introductory
sequence of courses.
Physics 126 is a continuation of Physics 125; it covers electricity
and magnetism, the nature of light, and briefly introduces atomic
and nuclear phenomena. The final course grade is based on three
one-hour examinations, class performance, and a final examination.
Cost:3 WL:5
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Times, Location, and Availability
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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Times, Location, and Availability
128. Electricity and Light Lab. Concurrent election with Phys. 126 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 241. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required.
Physics 128 is a laboratory course intended to accompany Physics
126 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. Cost:2
WL:5
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Times, Location, and Availability
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, 145, or 160. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).
Physics 140, 240, and 340 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 hourly examinations (see Time Schedule for dates
and times) and a final examination. Cost:3
WL:5
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Times, Location, and Availability
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 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
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
240. General Physics II. Phys. 140, 145 or 160; and Math. 116. Phys. 240 and 241 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 126 or 260. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).
See Physics 140 for a general description of the introductory
physics sequence.
The topics covered in Physics 240 include (1) classical electromagnetism:
charge, Coulomb's Law, electric fields, Gauss' Law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, electromotive
force and circuits, magnetic fields, Biot-Savart Law, Ampere's
Law, Faraday's Law of induction, simple AC circuits; and (2) geometrical
and physical optics. There will be three hourly examinations (see Time Schedule for dates and times) and a final examination.
Cost:3 WL:5
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Times, Location, and Availability
241. Elementary Laboratory II. Concurrent election with Phys. 240 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 128. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required.
Physics 241 is a laboratory course intended to accompany Physics
240 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. Cost:2
WL:5
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
415. Special Problems for Undergraduates. Permission of instructor. (1-6). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.
This course emphasizes experimental or theoretical research
under the supervision of a faculty member. Generally a small facet
of a large research undertaking is investigated in detail. This
is an independent study course, and instructor permission is required.
The appropriate form is available in the Physics Student Services
Office, 2061 Randall Lab.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
496. Senior Thesis I. Permission of departmental concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Students get introductory experience and research work with
faculty, the results of which could provide the basis for a senior thesis project. If work is not completed in this term, student
would register for 497 in the next term.
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Times, Location, and Availability
497. Senior Thesis II. Permission of departmental concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
A continuation of Physics 496. Students who do not complete their thesis research in Physics 496, may continue to 497. If
continuing, a grade of Y is given for Physics 496 and a final
senior thesis grade given upon completion of the research.
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Times, Location, and Availability
498. Introduction to Research for Honors Students. Permission of departmental concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Honors students get introductory experience with research work
with faculty, the results of which could provide the basis for
a thesis used to fulfill that part of the Honors requirement.
If work is not completed in this term, the student would register
for 499 in the next term.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
499. Introduction to Research for Honors Students. Permission of physics concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Honors students get introductory experience with research work
with faculty, the results of which could provide the basis for
a thesis used to fulfill that part of the Honors requirement.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
Take me to the Summer Time Schedule
415. Special Problems
for Undergraduates. Permission of instructor. (1-6).
(Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.
This course emphasizes experimental or theoretical research under the supervision of a faculty member. Generally a small facet of
a large research undertaking is investigated in detail. This is
an independent study course, and instructor permission is required.
The appropriate form is available in the Physics Student Services
Office, 2061 Randall Lab.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
496. Senior Thesis I.
Permission of departmental concentration advisor.
(2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Students get introductory experience and research work with faculty, the results of which could provide the basis for a senior thesis
project. If work is not completed in this term, student would
register for 497 in the next term.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
497. Senior Thesis II.
Permission of departmental concentration advisor.
(2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
A continuation of Physics 496. Students who do not complete their thesis research in Physics 496, may continue to 497. If continuing, a grade of Y is given for Physics 496 and a final senior thesis
grade given upon completion of the research.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
498. Introduction to
Research for Honors Students. Permission of departmental
concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Honors students get introductory experience with research work
with faculty, the results of which could provide the basis for
a thesis used to fulfill that part of the Honors requirement.
If work is not completed in this term, the student would register
for 499 in the next term.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
499. Introduction to
Research for Honors Students. Permission of physics
concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Honors students get introductory experience with research work
with faculty, the results of which could provide the basis for
a thesis used to fulfill that part of the Honors requirement.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
Take me to the Spring/Summer Time Schedule
415. Special Problems
for Undergraduates. Permission of instructor. (1-6).
(Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.
This course emphasizes experimental or theoretical research under the supervision of a faculty member. Generally a small facet of
a large research undertaking is investigated in detail. This is
an independent study course, and instructor permission is required.
The appropriate form is available in the Physics Student Services
Office, 2061 Randall Lab.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
496. Senior Thesis I.
Permission of departmental concentration advisor.
(2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Students get introductory experience and research work with faculty, the results of which could provide the basis for a senior thesis
project. If work is not completed in the Spring/Summer Term, student
would register for 497 in the Fall Term.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
497. Senior Thesis II.
Permission of departmental concentration advisor.
(2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
A continuation of Physics 496. Students who do not complete their thesis research in Physics 496 may continue to 497. If continuing, a grade of Y is given for Physics 496 and a final senior thesis
grade is given upon completion of the research.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
498. Introduction to
Research for Honors Students. Permission of departmental
concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Honors students get introductory experience with research work
with faculty, the results of which could provide the basis for
a thesis used to satisfy that part of the Honors requirement.
If work is not completed in Spring/Summer Term, the student would
register for 499 in Fall Term.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
499. Introduction to
Research for Honors Students. Permission of physics
concentration advisor. (2-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).
Honors students get introductory experience with research work
with faculty, the results of which could provide the basis for
a thesis used to satisfy the part of the Honors requirement.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
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