Catalog 2008-2009

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

Division of Natural Sciences

Associate Professor Steven Alexander, PhD, Chair
Associate Professor Mark Bottorff, PhD
Associate Professor William P. O’Brien, PhD
Visiting Assistant Professor Sarah Salviander, PhD
Assistant Professor James Friedrichsen, PhD (part-time)
Instructor Jeremy Murphy, BS, PhD in progress (part-time)
Instructor Peter Wehner, MS (part-time)

The Physics Department serves students with many different goals: 1) those planning to follow a career related to physics; 2) those planning a career in engineering; 3) those planning a career in a science field other than physics; 4) those planning to teach physics; and 5) those who are not majoring in science but would like to know something about the methods and results of science.

The Physics Department offers majors and minors for the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts degrees. Students wishing to study Engineering are also supported by the department. For more information, please consult the Physical Science Major (Dual Degree, Pre-Engineering Program) in this catalog.

The Physics capstone (53-951, 952 or 953) is normally an introduction to research and provides students with an opportunity to examine in depth any topic, experimental or theoretical, within the field of physics. It involves individual study under the guidance of the instructor.

Major in Physics (BA or BS): 34-36 semester hours, including Physics 53-154, 164, 204, 214, 324, 334, 403, 413, 423; one from 53-951, 952, 953 (Capstone).

Required supporting courses in the major: 13 semester hours, including Mathematics 52-154, 254, 353, 753. Sufficient advanced mathematics for a minor is recommended.

Minor in Physics: 20 semester hours, including Physics 53-154, 164, 204, 214, 334.

See the Education Department for information regarding teacher certification in physics.

Physics (PHY)

53-033INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE (3-0). This course examines the complex physical relations between land, sea and atmosphere. It also explores how some actions of our modern civilization disrupt the environment. Topics include geologic hazards, land management, water resources, hazardous waste disposal, energy resources, mineral resources and conservation of resources. Also Environmental Studies 49-033. (NS)
53-043EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE—THE SOLAR SYSTEM (3-0). This course is an introduction to the science of the solar system. Topics include: the Sun, the planets and their moons, meteors, asteroids and comets. The current theory of the origin and evolution of the solar system and the observations that led to the development of this theory are discussed. The discovery of planetary systems beyond our solar system and the possibility of life on other planets are also investigated. (NS)
53-053EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE—STARS, GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY (2-2). This course is an introduction to the science of the stars, the structures they form and the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe. Topics include current theories about: the properties of stars, the Sun as a star, stellar evolution (including the formation of black holes), multiple stars, star clusters, galaxies, galaxy clusters, and the Big Bang. The observations that led to the development of each of these theories are discussed. The associated laboratory provides observational and experimental experience in the foundations of astronomy. (NSL)
53-063MUSICAL ACOUSTICS. Physics of sound with application to musical instruments and music. Designed for students not majoring in science, but open to any student with knowledge of elementary algebra. (NSL)
53-104CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS (3-3). A descriptive survey of topics in physics: mechanics, properties of liquids and gases, heat, electricity, sound and light. This course may not be counted as part of a physics major. (NSL)
53-114, 124INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS I & II (3-3). An algebra-based introduction to mechanics, electromagnetism, optics. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration or credit in Mathematics 52-123. (Physics 53-114 is prerequisite for Physics 53-124.) These courses may not be counted as part of a physics major. (NSL)
53-154, 164FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS I & II (3-3). A calculus-based treatment of mechanics, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics. Prerequisites: Concurrent registration or credit in Mathematics 52-154. (Physics 53-154 is prerequisite for Physics 53-164.) (NSL)
53-204ELECTRONICS (3-3). Introduction to digital and analog circuits, with applications to modern instrumentation. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-154, 254 and Physics 53-154, 164. Mathematics 52-353 is a pre- or co-requisite for this course. (NSL)
53-214ELEMENTARY MODERN PHYSICS (3-3). An introduction to the physics of the 20th century that surveys relativity theory, wave-particle duality, atomic structure, wave mechanics, nuclear theory and particle physics. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-154, 254 and Physics 53-154, 164. Mathematics 53-353 is a pre- or co-requisite for this course. (NSL)
53-324ELECTROMAGNETISM I (3-3). Development of Maxwell’s equations with applications to electrostatics and magnetostatics. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-154, 254 and Physics 53-154, 164. Mathematics 53-353 is a pre- or co-requisite for this course. (NSL)
53-334CLASSICAL MECHANICS I (3-3). An advanced treatment of Newtonian mechanics with applications to kinematics, forced oscillations, central force motion and systems of particles. Prerequisites: Mathematics 52-353 and Physics 53-154, 164. Mathematics 53-753 is a pre- or co-requisite for this course. (NSL)
53-403ELECTROMAGNETISM II (3-0). Applications of Maxwell’s equations to propagation of plane and guided waves in various media. Prerequisite: Physics 53-324. (NS)
53-413CLASSICAL MECHANICS II (3-0). Introduction to the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics with application to non-inertial reference frames, rigid bodies and oscillating systems. Prerequisite: Physics 53-334. (NS)
53-423QUANTUM PHYSICS (3-0). A detailed introduction to quantum mechanics and its applications to atoms and molecules. Prerequisites: Physics 53-214, 334. (NS)
53-001, 002, 003, 004SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
53-301, 302, 303, 304SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
53-901, 902, 903, 904TUTORIAL.
53-941, 942, 943, 944ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP. Must be taken Pass/D/F.
53-951, 952, 953, 954INDEPENDENT STUDY AND RESEARCH. May be repeated with change in content.
53-983HONORS. By invitation only.