Courses
A Phy 100N Contemporary Astronomy-The Cosmic Connection (3)
Modern developments in astronomy, the birth and death of stars, solar and planetary science, neutron stars and black holes, galactic structure, cosmology, theories of the origin and future of the universe. [NS]
A Phy 102N Applications of Modern Physics in Art History and Archaeology (3)
Twentieth century physics has greatly increased our knowledge of the structure of matter and the natural laws that lead to that structure. This course discusses our modern understanding of the structure of matter at an introductory level and then illustrates how this knowledge can be applied to the study of objects of interest in art history or archaeology. The goals of such studies include learning about the age of an object, the technology used to fabricate the object, and how an object should be stored in order to preserve it for future generations.[NS]
A Phy 103N Exploration of Space (3)
The solar system, modern developments in planetary and space science; human exploration of space; space travel and future colonization.. [NS]
A Phy 104N Physical Science for Humanists (3)
How the universe works. A historical approach to the development of the laws of physics from the classical physics of Newton to the present. Emphasizes the people and events of the revolution in physics in the 20th century. Unraveling of the structure and properties of the nuclear atom or from raisin pudding to quarks. Intended for nonmajors. [NS]
A Phy 105N General Physics I (3)
Vectors, kinematics, dynamics, vibrations and waves, sound, fluids, and thermodynamics. Three class periods each week. May not be taken for credit by students with credit for A Phy 140N. Prerequisite(s): three years of high school mathematics. [NS]
A Phy 106 General Physics Lab (1)
Laboratory experiments to complement the topics being studied in A Phy 105N. One laboratory each week. Corequisite(s): A Phy 105N.
A Phy 107 Problem Solving: General Physics (1)
Applications of the principles and methods studied in general physics. Assignments selected with the aim of aiding the student in developing a more thorough understanding of the subject matter of general physics. Individual assignments can be arranged for students with special needs or interests. Corequisite: A Phy 105N.
A Phy 108N General Physics II (3)
Electrostatics, circuit electricity, magnetism, geometrical and physical optics, atomic and nuclear phenomena. Three class periods each week. May not be taken for credit by students with credit for A Phy 150N. Prerequisite(s): A Phy 105N. [NS]
A Phy 109 General Physics Lab (1)
Laboratory experiments to complement the topics in A Phy 108N. One laboratory period each week. Corequisite(s): A Phy 108N.
A Phy 110 Problem Solving: General Physics (1)
Applications of the principles and methods studied in general physics. Assignments selected with the aim of aiding the student in developing a more thorough understanding of the subject matter of general physics. Individual assignments can be arranged for students with special needs or interests. Corequisite(s): A Phy 108N.
A Phy 122 Problem Solving: Introductory Physics I (1)
Application of the principles and methods studied in Introductory Physics I (A Phy 140N). Assignments selected with the aim of aiding the student in developing a more thorough understanding of the subject matter in A Phy 140N. Individual assignments can be arranged for students with special needs or interests. Corequisite: A Phy 140N.
A Phy 126 Problem Solving: Introductory Physics II (1)
Application of the principles and methods studied in Introductory Physics II (A Phy 150N). Assignments selected with the aim of aiding the student in developing a more thorough understanding of the subject matter in A Phy 150N. Individual assignments can be arranged for students with special needs or interests. Corequisite(s): A Phy 150N.
A Phy 140N (formerly A Phy 120N) Physics I: Mechanics (4)
An introduction to the fundamentals of physics: Classical Mechanics. Topics include the concepts of force, energy and work applied to the kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies and an introduction to special relativity. Pre/corequisite: A Mat 111 or 112 or 118. [NS]
A Phy 145 (formerly A Phy 221) Physics Lab I (1)
Experiments in mechanics, electricity, and optics. One laboratory period each week. Offered fall semester. Pre/corequisite: A Phy 140N.
A Phy 150N (formerly A Phy 124N) Physics II: Electromagnetism (3)
An introduction to the fundamentals of physics: Electrostatics and magnetism, including the concepts of the electric and magnetic fields, electric potential and basic circuits. The laws of Gauss, Ampere, and Faraday: Maxwell's equations. Geometrical optics. Pre/corequisite: A Mat 113 or 119; prerequisite: A Phy 140N. [NS]
A Phy 155 (formerly A Phy 225) Physics Lab II (1)
Experiments in electricity and magnetism, circuits, and optics. One laboratory period each week. Offered spring semester. Pre/corequisite: A Phy 150N.
A Phy 201L Physics and Buddhism (3)
Parallels between modern physics and Eastern thought with emphasis on the Buddhist concept of interdependence of all phenomena. Nonmathematical discussion of ideas of atomic and particle physics, relativity and quantum theory, in comparison with the psychology and philosophy of Theravada, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhism. May not be used to satisfy major or minor requirements in physics. A Phy 201E is the writing intensive version of A Phy 201L; only one may be taken for credit. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Phy 201E Physics and Buddhism (3)
May not be used to satisfy major or minor requirements in physics. A Phy 201E is the writing intensive version of A Phy 201L; only one may be taken for credit. May not be offered during 2002-2003. [WI]
A Phy 202N Environmental Physics (3)
Study of the collection, evaluation, and interpretation of data and the modeling and analysis of urban and environmental problems. Topics include population, pollution, mass transportation systems, comparison of various energy sources such as solar, nuclear, and fossil fuel, and effective utilization of natural resources. Three class periods each week. Prerequisite(s): algebra. [NS]
A Phy 229 Mathematics in Physics (4)
The physical applications of analytic and numerical methods are studied in such topics as differential equations, Fourier series, Laplace transforms, matrices and vectors. Prerequisite(s): A Phy 150N; prerequisite(s) or corequisite: A Mat 214. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Phy 240 (formerly A Phy 220) Physics III: Structure of Matter (3)
An introduction to the fundamentals of physics: Thermodynamics and kinetic gas theory. Quantum theory of photons, atoms, nuclei and solids. Pre/corequisite: A Mat 214; prerequisite: A Phy 150N.
A Phy 245 Physics Lab III (1)
Experiments in modern physics. One laboratory period each week. Offered fall semester. Pre/corequisite: A Phy 240.
A Phy 250 (formerly A Phy 224) Physics IV: Waves (3)
Waves and oscillations in optics, in classical and in quantum mechanics. An introduction to physical concepts (wave packets, normal modes, interference and diffraction) and mathematical techniques (Fourier series, transforms, complex numbers, eigenvectors). Pre/corequisite: A Mat 220; prerequisite: A Phy 240.
A Phy 305 Physics Principles in Nuclear Medicine (3)
Basic physics in nuclear medicine, radioactive nuclides, radionuclide scanning, radiation chemistry, biological effects of radiation and radio-pharmaceuticals, clinical radiation pathology, radiation hazards and safety, waste disposal. Three class periods a week. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisite(s): A Phy 108N or A Phy 250 or equivalent. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Phy 315 Electronics (3)
Transistors and their characteristics; electronic circuits, field effect transistors and applications, amplifiers, low and high frequency response; operational amplifiers; consideration of control-circuit design; fast-switching and counting devices; integrated circuits and their designs. Two class periods and one three-hour laboratory each week. Offered fall semester only. Prerequisite: A Phy 150N.
A Phy 316 Electronics: Projects (3)
Independent projects involving laboratory work in the study of electronic circuits using linear and/or digital devices. (Each student is expected to undertake a project that requires originality and broadens knowledge of the area.) Special attention is paid to counters, registers, encoders, decoders, and digital applications. Offered spring semester only.
A Phy 320 (formerly A Phy 321) Classical Mechanics (3)
Fundamentals of Newtonian mechanics: conservation theorems, central forces, motion in non-inertial frames, rigid-body motion. Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations. Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: A Phy 250, or permission of the instructor.
A Phy 330 (formerly A Phy 332) Electromagnetism (4)
Electrostatics and magnetostatics in vacuum and in material media. Maxwell's equations. Energy and momentum in the electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic waves. Special relativity. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: A Phy 250, A Mat 314.
A Phy 335 (formerly A Phy 403) Advanced Physics Lab (3)
Introduction to the techniques of experimental research in the areas of electronics, electromagnetism and modern physics. Measurement technique and error analysis are emphasized. Two three-hour lab periods each week. Prerequisite: A Phy 250 or permission of instructor.
A Phy 335Z (formerly A Phy 403Z) Advanced Physics Lab (3)
A Phy 335Z is the writing intensive version of A Phy 335; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite: A Phy 250 or permission of instructor. [WI]
A Phy 353 Microprocessor Applications (3)
Applications of microprocessors to data collection and process control; the capabilities of typical microprocessors and the techniques used to interface them to external devices; input/output programming, use of the data and address busses; interrupt handling, direct memory access, and data communications; characteristics of peripheral devices such as keyboards, printers, A/D and D/A converters, sensors, and actuators. Three class periods each week. Prerequisite(s): A Csi 201N or 204 or equivalent. An elementary knowledge of electricity is helpful.
A Phy 360 Modern Optics (3)
Matrix methods of geometrical optics, diffraction theory, optical Fourier transforms, lasers, holography, Brillouin scattering, and an introduction to nonlinear optics. The course includes frequent demonstrations. Prerequisite(s): A Phy 250.
A Phy 408 (= A Chm 408) Polymer Chemistry and Physics (3)
Structure, synthesis, and morphology of polymers; polymerization reactions; molecular weight determination; introduction to thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties; design of polymers, graft, and copolymers; processing and selected applications including adhesion, coatings, and films. A term paper is required. Only one of A Phy 408 & A Chm 408 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Chm 340B or permission of instructor.
A Phy 440 (formerly A 344) Quantum Physics I (3)
Introduction to non-relativistic quantum mechanics; wave functions, amplitudes and probabilities; the superposition of quantum states, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Time evolution: the Schroedinger equation, stationary states, two-state systems. Motion in one-dimensional potentials: tunneling, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator. Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: A Phy 250.
A Phy 450 (formerly A Phy 421) Quantum Physics II (3)
Quantum motion in central potentials; angular momentum and spin; the hydrogen atom. Identical Particles. The structure of atoms and molecules, the periodic table. Stationary-state and time-dependent perturbation theory. Scattering theory. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: A Phy 440.
A Phy 454 Microprocessor Applications Laboratory (3)
Complements the theoretical development presented in A Phy 353. Centers around practical laboratory applications in both hardware and software of a particular microprocessor. Students prototype a minimum system and expanded system. Applications include keyboard, printer, display, A/D, D/A, and control functions. A knowledge of a microprocessor and digital logic functions is desirable. Prerequisite(s): A Phy 315 or permission of instructor or A Phy 353.
A Phy 460 (formerly A Phy 431) Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (3)
Thermodynamic systems and variables; the laws of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic potentials and applications, ideal and real gas relations; changes of phase, introduction to probability theory; elementary kinetic theory of gases; micro and macro-states of simple quantum-mechanical systems; Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein, and Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics. Three class periods each week. Pre/co-requisite: A Phy 440. Prerequisite(s): A Mat 214 and A Phy 250.
A Phy 462 (formerly A Phy 362) Physics of Materials (3)
The physics of real materials: the structure of crystalline and amorphous solids; x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy; the thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transformations; crystallographic defects and their relation to mechanical properties. Prerequisite(s): A Phy 250.
A Phy 464 Materials Characterization (3)
A laboratory and lecture course designed to give students experience with modern methods of materials characterization such as electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, optical absorption, nuclear magnetic resonance, neutron activation, Auger spectroscopy, particle induced x-ray emission, Rutherford backscattering and nuclear reaction analysis. Prerequisite(s): A Phy 362 or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Phy 465 Materials Fabrication (3)
A laboratory and lecture course designed to give students experience in modern methods of materials fabrication and modification such as thin-film evaporation, sputtering, chemical vapor deposition, electrodeposition, doping by ion implantation and diffusion, and ion beam mixing. Prerequisite(s): A Phy 464 or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 2002-2003.
A Phy 466 X-ray Optics, Analysis and Imaging (3)
A broad survey of x-ray optics and their uses. Introduction to the theory of x-ray interaction with matter, including refraction, diffraction, total reflection, image formation, fluorescence, absorption spectroscopy, and the effects of Compton scattering, photo-electric absorption, and surface roughness. Applications include x-ray astronomy, microscopy, lithography, materials analysis and medical imaging. Prerequisite: A Phy 330.
A Phy 467 Physics of Semiconductor Devices (3)
A survey of state-of-the art semiconductor device manufacture and usage in the electronics industry. Topics covered include basic semiconductor physics (band structure, electron transport, phonon, optical, thermal, and high magnetic field properties) and the operating principles and current manufacturing techniques of various devices (p-n junctions, transistors, CCD's, photonic devices, and superlattices). Prerequisite(s): A Phy 330 and A Phy 460; corequisite: A Phy 450
A Phy 497 Research and/or Independent Study (1-3)
Research and/or independent study under the direct supervision of a faculty member with whom the student has made an arrangement. Ambitious students are encouraged to engage in an activity that broadens their experience considerably beyond that of conventional course work. A written report is submitted on the work of each semester. May be repeated for credit. S/U graded
A Phy 498 Honors Seminar in Physics (3)
A seminar specifically designed for students admitted to the department's honors program. Topics are determined by the Departmental Honors Committee. Prerequisite(s): admission to honors program.
