Physics

An introduction to mechanics and waves. The class has three hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory investigation, and one hour of recitation per week. Recommended for the general student, those who have not taken high school physics, and science students who do not take calculus. Prerequisites: competence in algebra, geometry and trigonometry. (Physics and Chemistry majors, see PHY 201-202.)

An introduction to thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, light, and optics. The class has three hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory investigation, and one hour of recitation per week. Recommended for the general student, those who have not taken high school physics, and science students who do not take calculus. Physics and Chemistry majors, see PHY 201-202.

An introduction to mechanics and waves. There are two hours of laboratory investigation, three hours of lecture, and one recitation per week. Recommended for science and mathematics majors. Required in the field of concentration.

An introduction to thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, light and optics are taught in 202. There are two hours of laboratory investigation, three hours of lecture, and one recitation per week. Recommended for science and mathematics majors. 

An introduction to oscillations, waves, light, and Einstein's relativity, one of the two major advances in physics in the 20th century. Topics include: simple harmonic motion, damped oscillations, forced oscillations and resonance, coupled oscillations and normal modes, standing waves and traveling waves, Fourier analysis, sound, dispersion, electromagnetic waves, polarization, Poynting vector, radiation pressure, the generation of electromagnetic waves, scattering, reflection and refraction, geometrical optics, waveguides, interference, and diffraction. Topics in relativity include the postulates of special relativity; consequences for simultaneity, time dilation, and length contraction; Lorentz transformations; relativistic paradoxes; Minkowsky diagrams; invariants and four vectors; relativistic momentum and energy; particle collisions; relativity and electromagnetisms. Required in the field of concentration. 

An introduction to modern physics, including the second major advance in physics in the 20th century: Quantum Mechanics. Quantum Mechanics is discussed using the Schrodinger Equation. Solutions will give the wave function and energy level quantization of example systems: particles in potential wells, tunneling through barriers, harmonic oscillators, and the hydrogen atom. Discussion will progress to the properties of multi-electron atoms, the periodic table, X-ray spectra, and entanglement. Solids and molecules are discussed including bonding, molecular spectra, crystal structure, energy bands, the nature of metals, semiconductors and insulators, and how semiconductor devices work. We will then proceed to the basics of nuclear physics such as nuclear binding, models of the nucleus, nuclear spin, NMR and MRI, nuclear stability and radiation, radioactive dating, biological effects of radiation, and nuclear fission and fusion. Particle physics discussions will lead to elementary particle properties, particle accelerators, the standard model, and the history of the universe. Mathematical tools needed in upper-level classes are introduced as time allows. 

Modern physics lab emphasizing experimental techniques. Experiments focus on modern physics and will include blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, atomic spectra, Michelson interferometer, properties of laser light, single-photon detection, double-slit experiment done with single photons, Franck-Hertz experiment, etc. Experimental skills will be emphasized including error analysis, error propagation, least squares curve fitting, and hypothesis testing using the chi-square statistic. Required in the field of concentration.

This course will continue work on statistical concepts in data and error analysis, scientific report writing, and measurement procedures. Experiments are chosen from various areas of classical, quantum mechanical, atomic, and solid-state physics, e.g., oscillations, superconductivity, hydrogen atom wavefunctions, quantum control of proton resonance, energy band structure of solids, photoelectric effect, X-ray diffraction, and spectrometry. Required in the field of concentration.

Computer techniques and methods to solve physical problems are taught. Students will be introduced to Linux-based computing using the Python programming language. These tools will be employed in the study of problems such as integration techniques, Lissajous figures, Lagrange points, spacecraft trajectories, and N-body simulations. The Python skills acquired will be applicable to scientific computing in any natural science. Examples chosen will reflect the student's background and interests. Offered on demand.

Lectures deal with the understanding, design and use of basic electronic circuits, including passive networks, transducers, current and voltage amplifiers. The fundamentals of transistors, operational amplifiers, digital logic and scientific instrumentation circuits are described. Experimental work covers transistors, current and voltage sources, operational amplifier applications, timers, transducers, digital logic and computer circuits. Emphasis is on using integrated circuits. The course includes two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory work per week. Required in the field of concentration. 

Three-hour course basic to advanced work in physics, chemistry and mathematics. Dealing with both statics and dynamics, Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian formalisms are examined, and concepts necessary to relativity and quantum mechanics are included. Some topics covered are motion with viscous forces and applications of mathematics (i.e., vector analysis and differential equations) 90 to the solution of physical problems.

Three-hour course basic to advanced work in physics, chemistry and mathematics. Dealing with both statics and dynamics, Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian formalisms are examined, and concepts necessary to relativity and quantum mechanics are included. Some topics covered are motion with viscous forces and applications of mathematics (i.e., vector analysis and differential equations) 90 to the solution of physical problems. Offered on demand.

A study of thermal and statistical physics incorporating a survey of classical thermodynamics. Topics include a statistical treatment of entropy, temperature, thermal radiation, chemical potential, and Helmholtz and Gibbs free energy. The Boltzmann, Planck and Gibbs distributions as well as ideal, Bose and Fermi gases are considered. Applications are made to metals, semiconductors, superconductors and astrophysics. 

The course will discuss the basic components of a physics high school course: lecture, demonstrations, laboratories. It will do this amid higher level discussions of what physics actually IS, how physics fits, or can and should fit, into a classical curriculum or curriculum taught at many Barney Charter Schools, and how effectively to make connections to the broader curriculum. Through this course, students will also acquire a set of tools such as lecture outlines, demonstrations, lab equipment lists, reading lists, etc. that they can take and use as a foundation for their future physics course. This course would be for any student who is considering going into science teaching in secondary education. This course fulfils one of the elective requirements for the Classical Education minor. Offered on demand

An essential study of electric and magnetic phenomena, with emphasis on the fields in vacuo and in materials. Vector calculus is introduced and then applied throughout. Electrostatics and magnetostatics are developed, with emphasis on Gauss' and Ampere's laws. Induced EMFs and Maxwell's equations conclude this basic course. Required in the field of concentration. 

Advanced laboratory experiments on topics from mechanics and light. Typical experiments include the speed of light, electron spin resonance, charge on the electron (Millikan experiment), driven harmonic motion, measurement of g(reversible pendulum), measurement of G (Cavendish torsional pendulum), Frank-Hertz experiment, optical interference effects in single and multiple slits, Michelson interferometer, Fabry-Perot interferometer, optical filter transmission characteristics, electron diffraction on graphite crystals, photoelectric effect, Schlierens optical system, and optical properties of prisms. (One course chosen from PHY 470, 471, 472 or 480 is required for the major.) 

A state-of-the-art X-ray diffractometer will be used to teach crystallography. The course stresses principles and measurement of atomic crystalline arrangements. Identification and physical properties of metals, inorganics, minerals, etc., will be considered. The second part of the laboratory will use gamma ray spectrometry to measure and identify nuclear isotopes. Principles of nuclear radiation and its detection will be taught. Both the X-ray and nuclear equipment use computer data collection and analysis. Radiation measurement may be studied to a greater extent as an option for those with corresponding career interests. (One course chosen from Physics 470, 471, 472, or 480 is required for the major.) 

Advanced laboratory experiments: electrostatic measurements, magnetic hysteresis, Hall effect, inductance, A.C. circuits, etc. (One course chosen from PHY 470, 471, 472 or 480 is required for the major.) Offered on demand.

This course involves an introduction to the magnetism of metals and alloys and magnetic impurities in these systems. In the first semester, 480, theoretical and experimental ideas in the areas of magnetism, condensed matter physics, low-temperature physics, and vacuum science will be discussed and demonstrated. The class will then carry out an experimental procedure for one alloy.  Research based on the theory and procedures learned in this class may be used for student research by taking PHY 481-3 below or with other arrangements.  This research is supported by an 8-Tesla superconducting magnet, a microbalance (0.1 micrograms), a low-temperature cryostat (3.8-300K), a helium leak detector, and high-vacuum equipment. A machine shop and other departmental equipment support the research. (One course chosen from PHY 470, 471, 472, or 480 is required for the major.)

In PHY 481- 483, the student will begin a series of measurements to contribute to the ongoing faculty-student research project. Four semesters of this work are possible. In addition, the student’s senior thesis may be based on the theory and procedures learned in PHY 480 and the student's further research in this area.
Offered on Demand.

The probabilistic theory of particles and their interactions has been very successful since its early forms treated quantization of radiation, electron-photon interactions, and atomic energies (Planck 1901, Einstein 1905, and Bohr 1913). Modern quantum mechanics deal with particles described as wave packets having a range of positions and momenta. This explains both the particle and wave effects observed. These wave packets are solutions of the Schrodinger wave equation and involve both space and time. The formal theory involves finding wave function solutions for harmonic oscillators, the hydrogen atom, and other systems. Physical properties of these systems are extracted from these wave functions using mathematical operators. This course is essential for those planning graduate study in physics or related areas. Required in the field of concentration.

Applications of Maxwell's equations to numerous practical situations in electrodynamics, including electromagnetic waves and radiation. The theory of relativity and its relation to classical electricity and magnetism are usually included. Strongly recommended for students who will go on to graduate studies in physics or engineering or who will study undergraduate electrical or electronic engineering. Offered on demand

An advanced study of nuclear and atomic physics. Topics will include: relativistic treatment of energy and momentum in nuclear reactions and Compton scattering, nuclear and atomic structure, the nucleonnucleon interaction, nuclear decay, particle accelerators, and nuclear particle detection. Quantum mechanics will be used when appropriate. Prerequisites: (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511 or PHY 520 is required for the major.)

Background and theory necessary to understand modern optical devices, instruments, techniques and phenomena. The course begins with a study of the mathematics of waves and important aspects of Maxwell's electromagnetic theory. The course uses geometrical optics to understand thin and thick lenses and systems of lenses such as telescopes and microscopes. The wave theory of light is used to study polarization, interference and diffraction. Various types of interferometers are examined, as well as diffraction of multiple slits and gratings. (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511, or PHY 520 is required for the major.) 

This course continues the study of Quantum Mechanics, building upon the foundations presented in PHY 490, Quantum Mechanics. Topics covered typically include identical particles, degenerate and nondegenerate time independent perturbation theory, the variational principle, the WKB approximation, time dependent perturbation theory, the emission and absorption of radiation, spontaneous emission, and scattering and partial wave analysis. These theories are applied to the fine structure of hydrogen, the Zeeman effect, hyperfine splitting, the ground state of helium, the hydrogen molecule ion and other systems. (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511, or PHY 520 is required for the major.) 

A study of the properties and physical processes taking place in the solid. This subject draws on all the areas of physics and thus tends to unify knowledge from other courses. The course begins by laying the groundwork in crystal structure, crystal binding energies, crystal diffraction, and the reciprocal lattice. We will then consider the thermal properties of crystals, the free electron gas in metals, Fermi surfaces, energy bands in solids, electron transport, and semiconductor devices. Strongly recommended for those considering graduate school in physics, chemistry, or engineering, or seeking an industrial position in physics or engineering. (The physics major requires one course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511, or PHY 520.)