Course Listings - Spring 2003
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Spring 2003
Physics 102. Physics through Experimentation, (4 credits), Dr. Lee
This course provides an introduction to physics through group activities
and discussion. The emphasis will be on discovering physical concepts
and principles by means of guided inquiry. The specific topics we will
investigate will depend somewhat on student interest, but may include
density, light and color, magnetism, electricity, radioactivity, and
astronomy. Activities used in the course will be mostly based on
material from Lillian McDermott’s Physics by Inquiry.
Physics 107. Astronomy, (4 credits), Dr. Fleisch
Pre-requisite: Minimum Math Placement 22.
The subject matter of this course spans the entire Universe, from
our earthly environment to the farthest reaches of space and time.
We begin by examining the sky using only our eyes, just as humankind
has done for thousands of years. We then study the contributions of
the great astronomers and physicists of the last 400 years,
including Galileo, Copernicus and Kepler. Moving outward from
the earth, we will learn about each member of our solar system,
from scorching Mercury to ice-covered Pluto. We’ll consider
asteroids, comets, and meteoroids, and discuss the probability
and consequences of collisions with our planet. Next on our agenda
is an overview of the birth and death of stars, after which we
proceed outward through our galaxy and into the deep cosmos,
toward the edge of the known Universe and the beginning of time.
We conclude with discussion of the beginning and possible destiny
of the Universe, and we consider the possibility that we are not
alone. This course is accompanied by periodic observing sessions
at Weaver Observatory. This is a math-intensive course.
Physics 200. Mechanics & Waves, (5 credits), Dr. George
Pre-requisite Placement into Math 201 is required. Math 201 (Calculus I) is strongly suggested as a co-requisite.
The study of classical mechanics and waves. Topics include
kinematics (the description of motion), dynamics (forces and
Newton's laws), work and energy, impulse and momentum, statics,
rotational motion, and waves. There will be 3 class meetings
and one 3-hour lab each week. This is the first course in
various introductory physics sequences designed for science
majors and pre-health students: P200 & P205 for pre-health,
biology, and geology; P200 & P218 for chemistry and math/computer
science; P200, P213, P214, P215, P218, & P220 for physics and
pre-engineering majors.
Physics 213. Thermodynamics and Optics, (2 credits, 1st half), Dr. Lee
Prerequisite: Physics 200; Suggested co-requisite: Mathematics 202.
This course builds upon the foundation laid in Physics 200
for understanding the nature and behavior of heat and light.
Specific topics include the ideal gas, thermodynamic processes,
multi-lens systems and diffraction theory. The physical
principles at work in scientific and medical devices such as
heat engines, microscopes, and interferometers are presented.
Physics 214. Intermediate Physics Laboratory, (1 credit), Dr. Lee
Prerequisite: Physics 200; Required co-requisite: Physics 213.
This laboratory course provides the opportunity for students
to conduct experiments that elucidate and extend the concepts
presented in Physics 213 and 215. Specific topics include
lens systems, the diffraction and interference of single- and
multiple-slit gratings, and the thermodynamic properties of
matter. Several modern-physics experiments are also included.
Physics 215. Special Relativity and Applications, (2 credits, 2nd half), Dr. Lee
Prerequisite: Physics 200; Suggested co-requisite: Mathematics 202.
In 1905, Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity revolutionized
our understanding of space and time. This course introduces
the student to Special Relativity as well as its consequences
and apparent paradoxes. In studying the kinematics and dynamics
of rapidly moving bodies, concepts such as energy and momentum
are redefined. Applications of the Special Theory include
phenomena such as the Compton effect and elementary nuclear
physics.
Physics 220. Modern Physics, (5 credits), Dr. Dollhopf
Prerequisites: Physics 200 and Mathematics 201. Co-requisites: Physics 215 and Mathematics 202.
An introduction to quantum mechanics with applications from
atomic, molecular, condensed matter and nuclear physics.
The operation of devices such as nuclear detectors and the
scanning electron microscope will be studied. An emphasis
will be placed on the use of computer programs which do symbolic
calculations. The writing intensive portion of the course
will be addressed through the preparation of extensive laboratory
reports. One three-hour lab per week.
Physics 280. Observational Astronomy, (4 credits), Dr. Fleisch
Prerequisite: Physics 107 or permission of the instructor.
This course is a sequel to Physics 107 (Introductory Astronomy)
designed for students who wish to acquire hands-on experience
using telescopes, digital cameras, and other astronomical hardware
and software through which the Universe may be explored.
Students will collect data using Weaver Observatory’s 10-inch
Lundin refractor, 1.5 mega-pixel CCD camera, cassegrain
spectrograph, and 0.7-Angstrom H-alpha filter for solar
observations. Additionally, students will learn how to
acquire and process data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey
taken with the 2.5-meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory.
Periodic observing sessions will be scheduled by the instructor.
Physics 312. Wave Phenomena, (5 credits), Dr. Voytas
Prerequisite: Physics 220. Math 212 and 215 are recommended.
This course is a unified treatment of the general properties
of waves including the mathematical representation of mechanical
and electromagnetic waves. Topics include reflection and
refraction, propagation, interference, diffraction, polarization,
and geometrical optics. This is a laboratory course and it is
writing intensive.
Physics 325. Topics in Contemporary Physics; Solid State Physics, (2 credits), Dr. Lee
Prerequisites: Physics 218, 220 and 311.
This course will be an introduction to both theoretical and experimental
Solid State Physics. Crystal structure, electronic band structure,
lattice vibration (phonon) modes, and charge transport in solids will
be introduced. Examples will be drawn from electronic device physics
and will include the basics of Schottky diode, pn-junction diode, and
field effect transistor operation. An introduction to the physics of
conducting polymer devices will also be included.
Physics 332. Electromagnetism, (4 credits), Dr. Dollhopf
Prerequisites: Physics 311 and Math 212.
Mathematical theory of electric and magnetic fields. Emphasizes
three-dimensional boundary value problems for evaluating the
physical behavior of electric and magnetic fields. Maxwell's
equations are developed in both the differential and the integral
forms and are used in the analysis of electromagnetic phenomena.
Physics 360. Junior Seminar, (1 credit), Dr. Fleisch
Physics 460. Senior Seminar, (1 credit), Dr. Fleisch
Physics 490. Independent Study, (variable credit), Staff
Physics 491. Internship, (variable credit), Staff
Course reserved for supervised research during summers or while off campus.
Physics 498. Senior Thesis, (variable credit), Staff
Writing intensive. Offered on demand.
Physics 499. Senior Honors Thesis, (variable credit), Staff
Writing intensive. Offered on demand.
