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.
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.
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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
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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 are 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
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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 evening examinations, class performance, and a final examination. Physics 128 should be taken concurrently. Cost:3 WL:5
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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 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, and simple AC circuits. There will be three evening hourly examinations (see Time Schedule for dates and times) and a final examination.
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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
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260. Honors Physics II. Phys. 140, 145, or 160; and Math. 116. Students should elect Phys. 241 concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 240. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).
Physics 260 is a rigorous introduction to the theory of electromagnetic phenomena, involving a great deal of student participation. Topics include electric and magnetic fields and potentials, DC and AC circuits, inductance, and Maxwell's equations. Students should elect Physics 241 laboratory. Cost:3
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340. Waves, Heat, and Light. Phys. 240 or 260, and Math. 215. Concurrent election of Phys. 341 is strongly recommended. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course is the third in a three-term introductory physics sequence, and is required of all physics concentrators. The topics covered in this course include thermodynamics, light and optics, and special relativity. The Wave equation is treated in detail. The class meets in lecture, with applications and demonstrations of the topics covered.
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341. Waves, Heat, and Light Lab. Phys. 240 or 260. Concurrent election of Phys. 340 is strongly recommended. (2). (Excl). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required.
Physics 341 is a laboratory course intended to accompany Physics 340 and provide a perspective on physics as an experimental science. The experiments performed cover topics that include temperature measurement, black body radiation, optics, interference, diffraction, and the speed of light. Evaluation is based on participation and performance in the laboratory classes, and on written laboratory reports.
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390. Introduction to Modern Physics. Phys. 340 and Math. 216. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course is a quantitative introduction to modern physics and includes a review of special relativity, the relationship of particles and waves, the Schrödinger equation applied to barrier problems, atomic structure and the interpretation of quantum numbers, the exclusion principle and its applications, structure of solids. This course includes a survey of the topics and techniques in several subfields of physics, including Solid State, Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle Physics. The class will meet as a lecture group. Applications of the principles will be considered in the lecture section on a regular basis.
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401. Intermediate Mechanics. Phys. 126/128 or 240/241, and Math. 216. (3). (Excl). (BS). (QR/1).
This course is required for physics concentrators. It presents a systematic development of Newtonian mechanics beginning with single particle motion in one dimension and extending through multiparticle systems moving in three dimensions. The conservation laws of energy and linear and angular momentum are emphasized. Lagrangian mechanics is introduced, and Hamiltonian mechanics may be introduced as well. Physical systems treated in detail include the forced damped-oscillator, inverse square forced orbits, harmonic motion in two dimensions, coupled oscillations and rigid body motion in two and three dimensions. Mathematical topics given extensive treatment include vector algebra, elements of vector calculus, ordinary differential equations, plane and spherical polar coordinates and phasors and/or complex numbers. Grades are based on one or two hourly exams and a two-hour final.
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402. Light. Phys. 126/128 or 240/241, and Math. 216. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course may be included in a concentration in physics. Topics studied cover the phenomena of physical optics, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, and polarization interpreted in terms of the wave theory of light. Several topics in modern optics will also be developed. Cost:3 WL:4
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405. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism. Phys. 126/128 or 240/241, and Math. 216. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This is a second course on the classical theory of electromagnetism. Familiarity with Maxwell's equations at the level of 240 is assumed. Physics 340 is strongly recommended. The course elaborates on the theoretical content of the Maxwell theory as well as practical application. Topics: review of vector analysis; electrostatic boundary value problems; magnetostatics; dielectric and magnetic materials; Maxwell's equations and electrodynamics; the wave equation, electromagnetic waves in free space, waves in conducting and dielectric media; guided waves; electromagnetic radiation; sources of EM radiation. Cost:3 WL:4
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406. Statistical and Thermal Physics. Phys. 126/128 or 240/241, and Math. 216. (3). (Excl). (BS).
An introduction to the thermal and other macroscopic properties of matter, their description in terms of classical thermodynamics, and their microscopic interpretation from the perspective of statistical mechanics. Techniques from classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and elementary quantum mechanics will be used. Frequent homework problem assignments, at least one hour exam, and a final examination will be given. Cost:2 WL:4
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410. Energy Systems. Math 216; concentration in physical science or engineering, and senior standing. (4). (Excl).
Climate change induced by the use of energy worldwide is likely to have a major impact on public policies, scientific research, relations between industrial and industrializing countries, and technological change. How well established is the science of global warming? which predictions are relatively solid and which highly uncertain? What is the potential for extracting energy from sunlight, from the wind, from growing plants, from a revival of nuclear power? What role can improved efficiency play?
Physics 410 is an analysis of the use of energy by society and for its environmental consequences (especially climate changes) and some policy and technology responses that society could make. This course addresses the need of science concentrators for broad knowledge of the scientific issues concerning energy and society, including an introduction to the policy issues. Course topics are: the basic science of energy extraction, including fossil fuels and the potential of renewable resources; the efficiency of energy conversion systems and possibilities for improved efficiency; atmospheric science, especially the role of energy use in climate change; and finally, present and future public policies and changes in technology affecting energy efficiency in the manufacturing and use of automobiles. Life-cycle assessment, the emerging tool for integrating energy and environmental considerations of manufacture and disposal with those of product use, will also be studied. In addition to take-home exercises and examinations, each student will participate in a major small-group project in life cycle assessment. Course requirements: long-term project reports, reading, quantitative problems, essay-type final exam. The course is team taught with faculty from LS&A, SNRE, and Engineering. (Ross)
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413/Complex Systems 541. Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics and the Physics of Complexity. Phys. 401. (3). (Excl). (BS).
Section 001 - The Physics of Nonlinear Dynamical Complex Systems. This course is intended to introduce the study of a variety of nonlinear-dynamical and complex systems at an undergraduate level. It should be useful to students in engineering, mathematics, or one of the sciences. The topics covered will provide an introduction to nonlinear, complex, and disordered systems, emphasizing its concepts, ideas, and some applications. Nonlinearities and disorder often produce complex behavior, and they will be two central themes underlying the course material. Most of the course will focus on basic tools of dynamical systems to study nonlinear differential and difference equations (including bifurcation theory, numerical algorithms, chaos, fractals; with many examples and applications). At the end, we will discuss some current-research issues in spatio-temporal dynamics, collecting transport in disorder systems, instabilities, and avalanches in a variety of systems. This course will emphasize the effective use of computers in science, including interactive graphics and several useful numerical techniques. Computers can be used as a discovery tool to explore new ideas, and students will be encouraged to do so. The Science Learning Center provides the software and books needed to do most of the homeworks. Grading is based on homeworks and two exams. Texts: (Recommended) S.H. Strogatz, Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos, with Applications to Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Engineering (Addison-Wesley, 1994 J.H. Hubbard and B.H. West, Differential Equations: A Dynamical Systems Approach (part I and II) (Springer-Verlag, 1991 and 1995). Cost:4 WL:3
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418/Macromolecular Science 418. Structural Macromolecular Physics. Math. 216, and Phys. 340, 402, and 417. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course will provide an introduction to physical techniques used to study the ultrastructure of macromolecules and biomolecules: characterization of macromolecular structure; factors influencing conformational stability; an elementary study of structural techniques; scattering theory (such as X-ray diffraction, light scattering, etc.) and spectroscopic methods (such as infrared, Raman, UV, etc.) with applications to macromolecules.
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435. Gravitational Physics. Phys. 390 and 401. (3). (Excl). (BS).
The Einstein theory of general relativity provides the foundation of gravitational physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. After an introduction to the theory, experimental tests of general relativity which were performed in the past, the implications of pulsars, black holes, supernovae, and cosmic background radiation as well as the ongoing experimental detection of gravitational waves are discussed. This is an elective course for concentrators in physical sciences. Regular exams as for any elective course in physics are given. WL:4
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441. Advanced Laboratory I. Phys. 390 and any 400-level Physics course. (2). (Excl). (BS).
This is an advanced laboratory course. A wide selection of individual experiments is offered, each covering a fundamental physics concept. Students are required to select five experiments in consultation with the lab instructor. Experiments are to be selected from several different areas of physics. Examples of experiments include the photo- electric effect, electron charge/mass ratio, X- ray diffraction, muon lifetime, nuclear magnetic resonance, high Tc superconductors, chaos, and electron microscope imaging. Physics 441 is offered Fall Term and Physics 442 is offered Winter Term. Physics concentrators are required to take both terms and perform different experiments in the two courses.
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451. Methods of Theoretical Physics. Phys. 401 and Math. 450. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This is a course in the mathematical methods used in physics and is considered necessary preparation for graduate school. Among the topics treated are orthogonal functions and vector spaces, complex variables, differential equations and their special functions, Fourier series, and aspects of group theory. Cost:4 WL:3
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453. Quantum Mechanics. Phys. 390. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course begins with an overview of the experimental and theoretical foundations for quantum mechanics. The theory is developed and applied to simple physical systems, with examples taken from atomic, molecular, condensed matter, nuclear, and particle physics. Topics include: basics of the Schrödinger equations and its solutions in rectangular and spherical coordinates; properties, uses, and interpretations of state functions; expectation values and physical observables; coherence, correlation, and interference. Other topics include spin, the exclusion principle, and some quantum statistical mechanics.
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455. Electronic Devices and Circuits. Phys. 240 and 241. (3). (Excl). (BS).
An introduction to DC and AC circuits; equivalence theorems; introduction to diodes, bipolar transistors (BJT), field effect transistors (J-FET, MOSFET, IGFET); transistor amplifiers (frequency and pulse response via circuit simulation with SPICE); transistors as switches; integrated circuits (operational amplifiers and logic gates); Computer based circuit testing.
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