Professors: Frederick R. Chromey, Debra M.
Elmegreen, Morton A. Tavelab; Associate
Professor: Cindy Schwarz (Chair); Assistant
Professors: James Lombardi, Mark Somerville;
Lecturer: James F. Challey; Lecturer and
Coordinator of Laboratory Instruction: Daniel
Lawrence.
Astronomy
Requirements for Concentration: 10 units,
including 5 units of astronomy, 3 units of physics including
Physics 200 and 2 additional units of intermediate or
advanced work in either astronomy, physics, geology,
computer science, or chemistry to be selected with the
approval of the adviser. Only one introductory level
astronomy course may count toward the major.
Senior-Year Requirement: Astronomy 320 or 340.
Prospective majors should consult the department as soon
as possible. Normally such students should elect physics and
mathematics as freshmen. After the declaration of an
astronomy major, no required courses may be elected NRO.
Recommendations: Additional work in mathematics,
physics, and computer science. In particular, students
planning on graduate work in astronomy should complete
Physics 320 and 340.
Advisers: Mr. Chromey, Ms. Elmegreen.
I. Introductory
Astronomy 101 and 105 are designed for students who do
not plan to major in the sciences and who have little or no
science background.
101a. Solar System Astronomy (1)
A study of the solar system as seen from earth and space:
the sun, planets, satellites, comets, meteors, and the
interplanetary medium; astronautics and space exploration;
life on other planets; planetary system cosmogony. Mr.
Chromey.
Open to all classes.
105b. Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (1)
This course is designed to acquaint the student with our
present understanding of the universe. The course discusses
the formation, structure, and evolution of gas clouds,
stars, and galaxies, and then places them in the larger
content of clusters and superclusters of galaxies. The Big
Bang, GUTS, inflation, the early stages of the universe's
expansion, and its ultimate fate are explored. Ms.
Elmegreen.
Open to all classes.
II. Intermediate
212b. Galaxies and Galactic Structure (1)
The distribution and properties of stars and star
clusters; contents, structure and evolution of the Milky
Way. Observations and theories of normal and active
galaxies. Ms. Elmegreen.
Prerequisites: Astronomy 220 or permission of
instructor.
220a. Stellar Astrophysics (1)
The physical theory of stellar interiors, atmospheres,
and energy sources. Stellar evolution. Spectral sequence and
its origin. Interstellar medium. Supernovae, white dwarfs,
neutron stars, and black holes. Ms. Elmegreen.
Prerequisites: Physics 114 or by permission of
instructor.
230a or b. Planetary and Space Science (1)
Atmospheres, surface features, and interiors of the
planets. Interaction of the sun with the other members of
the solar system. Planetary formation and evolution. Life on
other planets. Space exploration. Mr. Chromey.
Prerequisite: Physics 114 or by permission of
instructor.
240a. Observational Astronomy (1)
This course introduces the student to a variety of
techniques used in the detection and analysis of
electromagnetic radiation from astronomical sources. All
areas of the electromagnetic spectrum are discussed, with
special emphasis on solid-state arrays as used in optical
and infrared astronomy. Topics include measurement
uncertainty, signal-to-noise estimates, the use of
astronomical data bases, telescope design and operation,
detector design and operation, practical photometry and
spectroscopy and data reduction. Students are required to
perform a number of nighttime observations at the college
observatory. Mr. Chromey.
Prerequisites: Physics 112 or 114, or by permission of
instructor.
[250b. Topics in Modern Astronomy] (1)
An opportunity for the student to pursue a topic to a
greater depth than normally possible in the other courses.
Mr. Chromey.
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.
Not offered in 1999/00.
290a or b. Field Work (1/2 or 1)
298a or b. Independent Work (1/2
or 1)
III. Advanced
300a or b. Senior Thesis (1/2 or
1)
301-302. Senior Thesis (1/2 or
1)
320a. Astrophysics: The Interstellar Medium
(1)
A study of the observations and theory related to
interstellar matter, including masers, protostars, dust,
atomic, molecular and ionized gas clouds. Radiative
transfer, collapse and expansion processes, shocks and
spiral density waves will be discussed. Ms. Elmegreen.
Prerequisites: Physics 200 or by permission of
instructor.
340b. Advanced Observational Astronomy
(1/2 or 1)
This course applies in depth the methods introduced in
Astronomy 240. Students are expected to pursue individual
observational projects in collaboration with the instructor.
The amount of time spent in the observatory and how it is
scheduled will depend on the nature of the project, although
1/2 unit projects will require half the total
time of full unit projects. Mr. Chromey.
Prerequisite: Astronomy 240. Permission of instructor
required.
399a or b. Senior Independent Work
(1/2 or 1)
Physics
Requirements for the major: 9 units above the
introductory level (Physics 111/112 or 113/114 or
equivalent) including Physics 200, 201, 210, 240, 245, and
320. Of the 2 1/2 units remaining, 2 must be chosen from
(Physics 305, 310, 321, 340, Astronomy 320). Note that
Physics 137, 165, and 168 do not count towards the physics
major.
After the declaration of a physics major, no required
courses may be elected NRO. Prospective majors should
consult the department as soon as possible and are strongly
advised to elect physics and mathematics as freshmen. Those
majors planning on graduate work in physics are strongly
advised to complete Physics 321 and Physics 340 and are
encouraged to consult with the department concerning other
courses in the natural sciences which may supplement the
physics major.
Advisers: Mr. Challey, Mr. Lombardi, Ms. Schwarz,
Mr. Somerville, Mr. Tavel.
Correlate Sequence in Physics: Students majoring
in other programs may elect a correlate sequence in physics.
The requirements for the correlate sequence consist of 4
units of physics above the introductory level (Physics
111/112 or 113/114 or equivalent), 2 of which must be chosen
from the following pairs of courses: Physics 210-310,
210-320, 205-305, or 240-340. The two remaining units must
be at the 200- or 300-level. (Note that Physics 200 is a
prerequisite for Physics 320.) A working knowledge of
calculus is required for Physics 113/114 and for all courses
above the 100-level. The NRO option may be used for courses
to be included in the physics correlate sequence, but only
one grade of pass may be obtained.
I. Introductory
[111a. Topics in Classical Physics]
(1)
An introduction to the basic concepts of physics with
emphasis on mechanics, wave motion, and thermodynamics. A
knowledge of elementary algebra and trigonometry is
essential.
Two 75-minute periods or three 50-minute periods; one
3-hour laboratory.
Not offered in 1999/00.
[112b. Topics in Classical and Modern Physics]
(1)
Fundamentals of electricity and magnetism, and optics,
with an introduction to atomic and nuclear physics.
Prerequisite: Physics 111 or by permission of
instructor.
Two 75-minute periods or three 50-minute periods; one
3-hour laboratory.
Not offered in 1999/00.
113a or b. Topics in Classical Physics (1)
An introduction to the basic concepts of physics with
emphasis on mechanics, wave motion, and thermodynamics. A
working knowledge of calculus is required. Recommended for
potential majors in physics and other physical sciences. Mr.
Challey, Mr. Lombardi, Ms. Schwarz.
Prerequisite: Calculus.
Three 50-minute periods; one 3-hour laboratory.
114b. Topics in Classical and Modern Physics
(1)
Fundamentals of electricity, magnetism, and optics, with
an introduction to atomic, nuclear, and particle physics. A
working knowledge of calculus is required.
Prerequisite: Physics 113 or by permission of
instructor.
Three 50-minute periods; one 3-hour laboratory.
[165b. Relativity]
(1/2)
An introduction to the concepts of special relativity.
Discussion of paradoxes, time dilation, black holes, etc.
This course followed by Cosmology forms a sequence to give
the student an understanding of modern cosmological ideas.
Mr. Tavel.
No prerequisite. May not count towards a physics
concentration.
Not offered in 1999/00.
[168a. A Tour of the Subatomic Zoo]
(1/2)
This course is designed for nonphysics majors who want to
know more about the constituents of matter including quarks,
gluons, and neutrinos. The particle discoveries and the
implications of the discoveries are discussed in an
historical context. Additional topics discussed: matter vs.
antimatter, the wave, and particle nature of light. Ms.
Schwarz.
May not count towards a physics concentration.
Not offered in 1999/00.
II. Intermediate
Students electing intermediate and upper-level courses
are expected to have a working knowledge of differential and
integral calculus.
200a. Modern Physics (1)
An introduction to five topics that form the core of
contemporary physics: symmetry principles, special and
general relativity, quantum theory and chaos. These topics
will be thematically connected by the concept of how we
acquire knowledge of the physical world, with an emphasis on
uncertainty, determinism and predictability. Specific items
to be treated include the Lorentz transformation,
relativistic dynamics, the Schwarzschild metric, quantum
mechanical models, entropy and irreversibility, and chaotic
dynamics. Mr. Somerville.
Prerequisites: 114, or permission of instructor.
201a. Modern Physics Lab
(1/2)
Perform classic historical experiments that accompanied
major revolutions in modern physics. These include the
Franck-Hertz experiment, Millikan oil drop, electron
diffraction, x-ray diffraction, and Michelson
interferometer. Simulate chaos on a computer and explore
mechanical analogs to phase changes and thermodynamics. Mr.
Somerville.
Prerequisites: Physics 112, 114, 200 or permission of
instructor.
[205a. Mathematical Methods in the Sciences]
(1)
Solutions of problems by numerical and analytical
techniques with examples from sciences. Topics include
linear algebra, vector calculus, differential equations, and
series. Mr. Tavel.
Prerequisite: a working knowledge of differential and
integral calculus.
Not offered in 1999/00.
210b. Classical Mechanics (1)
A study of the motion of objects using Newtonian theory.
Topics include oscillator systems, central forces,
noninertial systems, and rigid bodies. An introduction to
the Lagrangian formulation. Ms. Schwarz.
Prerequisites: Physics 113, and Mathematics 250 or
permission of instructor.
240a. Electromagnetism I (1)
A study of electromagnetic forces and fields. Topics
include electrostatics of conductors and dielectrics,
electric currents, magnetic fields, and the classical
theories and phenomena that led to Maxwell's formulation of
electromagnetism. Mr. Challey.
Prerequisite: Physics 114 and Mathematics 250.
245b. Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and
Thermodynamics (1)
Probability distributions, statistical ensembles,
thermodynamic laws, statistical calculations of
thermodynamic quantities, absolute temperature, heat,
entropy, equations of state, kinetic theory of dilute gases,
phase equilibrium, quantum statistics of ideal gases.
Prerequisites: Physics 113, and Mathematics 250.
[260a. Optics] (1)
Description and behavior of light in geometrical,
physical, and modern optics. Special topics include lasers,
holography, and optical fibers. Physics 261, Optics
Laboratory, is designed to complement Physics 260 and
students are strongly encouraged to enroll in it, either
simultaneously or following 260. Physics 261 is not required
in order to receive credit for Physics 260.
Prerequisites: Physics 114 and a working knowledge of
calculus.
Not offered in 1999/00.
[261a. Optics Laboratory]
(1/2)
Hands-on introduction to optical physics and technology,
designed to complement Physics 260. Lasers are used to
explore a wide range of optical phenomena, including optical
fibers, acousto-optics, properties of laser radiation,
holography, and basic geometrical and physical optics.
Co- or prerequisite: Physics 260.
Not offered in 1999/00.
270b. Computational Methods in the Sciences
(1/2)
This course introduces students to computational
techniques which are helpful in the physical sciences. No
previous experience with computer programming is required.
Topics include sorting algorithms, numerical integration,
differential equations, series, linear algebra, root
findings and the basics of fortran programming. Mr.
Lombardi.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 250 or permission of
instructor.
281. The Physics and Technology of Semiconductor
Devices (1/2)
This course surveys the physics behind the operation and
fabrication of modern integrated circuits.
298a or b. Independent Work (1/2
or 1)
III. Advanced
300a, 301b. Independent Project or Thesis
(1/2 or 1)
[305b. Mathematical Physics] (1)
A presentation of mathematical techniques including such
topics as orthogonal functions, selected ordinary and
partial differential equations, boundary value problems,
Green's theorem and Green's functions, complex analysis, and
the Fourier and Laplace transforms. Mr. Tavel.
Prerequisite: Physics 205.
Not offered in 1999/00.
310a. Advanced Mechanics (1)
A study of the dynamics of simple and complex mechanical
systems using the variational methods of Lagrange and
Hamilton. Topics will include the variational calculus, the
Euler-Lagrange equations, Hamilton's equations, canonical
transformations, and the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. Mr.
Lombardi.
Prerequisite: Physics 210.
320a. Quantum Mechanics I (1)
An introduction to the formalism of nonrelativistic
quantum mechanics and its physical interpretation, with
emphasis on solutions of the Schrodinger wave equation.
Topics covered include the operator formalism, uncertainty
relations, one-dimensional potentials, bound states,
tunneling, central field problems in three dimensions, the
hydrogen atom, the harmonic oscillator, and quantum
statistics. Ms. Schwarz.
Prerequisites: Physics 200 and 210.
340b. Electromagnetism II (1)
A study of the electromagnetic field. Starting with
Maxwell's equations, topics covered include the propagation
of waves, waveguides, the radiation field, retarded
potentials, and the relativistic formulation of
electromagnetic theory. Mr. Tavel.
Prerequisites: Physics 240, Mathematics 250 or by
permission.
Alternate years: offered in 1999/00.
375a. Advanced Topics in Physics (1)
Course topics vary from year to year. Topics included
High Energy physics, atomic and nuclear physics, solid state
physics, chaos, and advanced computational physics. May be
taken more than once for different topics. Prerequisites
vary depending on topic. Consult with instructor. Open only
to juniors and seniors.
Prerequisites: Physics 200, 210 or by permission.
386. Special Studies
(1/2-1)
Special topics in such fields as solid state physics,
nuclear physics, or optics, offered at irregular intervals
in response to demand.
399a or b. Senior Independent Work
(1/2 or 1)
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