Course Descriptions
Spring 2007
Physics 102B. Physics through Experimentation
(4 credits)
Dollhopf, William
This course provides an introduction to physics using small groups to explore the physical world through experimentation and discussion. The emphasis will be on discovering physical concepts and principles by means of guided inquiry. The specific topics we will investigate may include density, light, electricity, and radioactivity. Activities used in the course will be mostly based on material from Lillian McDermott’s Physics by Inquiry.
Physics 107N. Astronomy
(4 credits)
Fleisch, Dan
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, and we’ll consider the question, “What exactly is a planet?” 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 a 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 200B. Mechanics & Waves
(5 credits)
Voytas, Paul
Pre-requisite: Placement into Math 201 is required. Math 201 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: PHYS 200B & PHYS 205 for pre-health, biology, and geology; PHYS 200B & PHYS 218 for chemistry and math/computer science; PHYS 200B, PHYS 213, PHYS 214, PHYS 215, PHYS 218, & PHYS 220 for physics and pre-engineering majors.
Physics 213. Thermodynamics and Optics
(2 credits, 1st half)
George, Elizabeth
Pre-requisite: 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, heat and temperature, energy and entropy, thermodynamic processes, mirrors, lenses, and interference and diffraction of light. The physical principles at work in various scientific and medical devices such as heat engines, telescopes, and interferometers are presented.
Physics 214. Intermediate Physics Laboratory
(1 credit)
George, Elizabeth
Pre-requisite: 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 heat and temperature, thermodynamic processes, mirrors and lenses, diffraction and interference, and some fundamental modern physics experiments.
Physics 215. Special Relativity and Applications
(2 credits, 2nd half)
George, Elizabeth
Pre-requisite: 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. Concepts such as energy and momentum are redefined. Other modern developments in our understanding of the nature and structure of matter will be discussed, including phenomena such as the Compton effect and elementary nuclear and particle physics.
Physics 220. Modern Physics
(5 credits)
Dollhopf, William
Pre-requisites: 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. Devices such as nuclear detectors and the scanning electron microscope will be used to study physical phenomena. Computer programs which do symbolic calculations will be applied throughout the course. The writing intensive portion of the course will be addressed through the preparation of extensive laboratory reports. One three-hour lab per week.
Physics 312. Wave Phenomena
(5 credits)
Fleisch, Dan
Pre-requisite: 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, electromagnetic, and matter waves. Topics include wave propagation, reflection and refraction, geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, and polarization. This is a laboratory course and it is writing intensive.
Physics 325. Topics in Contemporary Physics: Nuclear Physics
(2 credits, 1st half)
George, Elizabeth
In this course, we will investigate a variety of topics in nuclear physics. Course goals include learning some advanced nuclear physics concepts as well as some widely-used experimental techniques, and relating these concepts and techniques to contemporary research and applications of nuclear physics to medicine, energy, and health and safety. Specific examples will depend on student interest, but may include detection and identification of environmental radiation; nuclear techniques for trace-element analysis; and nuclear scattering experiments using Wittenberg’s 400 kV particle accelerator.
Physics 325. Topics in Contemporary Physics: Elementary Particle Physics
(2 credits, 2nd half)
George, Elizabeth
This course focuses on the experimental and theoretical quest for a better understanding of the basic nature and structure of matter and forces. We will focus on the Standard Model, with its fundamental particles (quarks and leptons) and four fundamental interactions (weak, strong, electromagnetic, and gravitational), but will also discuss why the Standard Model is thought to be incomplete, and what the future of particle physics may hold.
Physics 332. Electromagnetism
(4 credits)
Dollhopf, William
Pre-requisites: Physics 411 and Math 212 or by permission of the instructor.
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)
Dollhopf, William
Physics 460. Senior Seminar
(1 credit)
Dollhopf, William
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.
