Catalogue 2013-2014 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Physics and Astronomy Department
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Professors: Frederick R. Chromey, Jr., Debra M. Elmegreen, Cindy Schwarz;
Associate Professor: Brian Dalyb;
Assistant Professors: David T. Bradley, Jenny Magnes, José Perillán;
Lecturer: David R. Rishell;
Visiting Assistant Professor: Zosia Krusberg;
b On leave 2013/14, second semester
Astronomy Major Advisers: Mr. Chromey, Ms. Elmegreen.
Physics Major Advisers: Mr. Bradley, Mr. Daly, Ms. Magnes, Ms. Schwarz.
Major
Correlate Sequences in Physics and Astronomy
Astronomy: I. Introductory
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ASTR 101 - Solar System Astronomy Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
A study of the solar system as seen from earth and space: planets, satellites, comets, meteors, and the interplanetary medium; astronautics and space exploration; life on other planets; planets around other stars; planetary system cosmogony. Open to all classes. Ms. Krusberg.
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ASTR 105 - Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
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. Open to all classes. Ms. Elmegreen.
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ASTR 150 - Life in the Universe Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
An introduction to the possibility of life beyond Earth is presented from an astronomical point of view. The course reviews stellar and planetary formation and evolution, star properties and planetary atmospheres necessary for a habitable world, possibilities for other life in our Solar system, detection of extrasolar planets, the SETI project, and the Drake equation. Open to Freshmen only. Satisfies requirement for a Freshman Writing Seminar. Ms. Elmegreen.
Prerequisite(s): high school physics and calculus.
Astronomy: II. Intermediate
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ASTR 220 - Stellar Astrophysics Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
The physical theory of stellar interiors, atmospheres, and energy sources. Stellar evolution. Spectral sequence and its origin. Supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Ms. Elmegreen.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 114 , or permission of the instructor.
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ASTR 222 - Galaxies and Galactic Structure Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Observations and theories of the formation and evolution of galaxies. Properties of star-forming regions; contents, structure, and kinematics of the Milky Way and spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies. Active galaxies, interacting galaxies, clusters, and high redshift galaxies. Ms. Elmegreen.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 114 and either ASTR 105 or ASTR 220 , or permission of the instructor; not open to freshmen.
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ASTR 230 - Planetary and Space Science Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
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. Ms. Krusberg.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 114 , or permission of the instructor.
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ASTR 240 - Observational Astronomy Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
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 databases, 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.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 113 or PHYS 114 , or permission of the instructor.
Not offered in 2013/14.
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ASTR 290 - Field Work Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1/2 or 1 unit(s)
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ASTR 298 - Independent Work Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1/2 or 1 unit(s)
Astronomy: III. Advanced
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ASTR 300 - Senior Thesis Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1 unit(s)
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ASTR 301 - Senior Thesis Semester Offered: Fall
1/2 unit(s)
Yearlong course, 301-ASTR 302 .
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ASTR 302 - Senior Thesis Semester Offered: Spring
1/2 unit(s)
Yearlong course, ASTR 301 -302.
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ASTR 320 - Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
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 are discussed. Ms. Elmegreen.
Prerequisite(s): one 200-level physics course or one 200-level astronomy course, Junior or Senior status, or permission of the instructor.
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ASTR 340 - Advanced Observational Astronomy Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
This course applies in depth the methods introduced in ASTR 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 depends on the nature of the project, although 1/2 Unit projects require half the total time of full unit projects. Mr. Chromey.
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 240 and permission of the instructor.
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ASTR 399 - Senior Independent Work Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1/2 or 1 unit(s)
Physics: I. Introductory
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PHYS 100 - Physics in Motion
1 unit(s)
Motion is much of what physics is about and motion can be seen all around us. Recent technological advances in digital video and computers allow many motions to be filmed, analyzed and studied. We begin by filming a variety of objects in motion and uncover the physics inside. In the second half of the semester groups focus on topics (of their choice) of interest to K-12 students. Each group produces a DVD, incorporating video, text, and other media into the project to help explain the physics behind the scenes. The DVD project is presented in local K-12 schools as a final exercise. Ms. Schwarz.
Not open to students who have taken PHYS 113 , or received AP credit for PHYS 113 .
Not offered in 2013/14.
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PHYS 110 - Science of Sound
1 unit(s)
An exploration of the basic nature of sound, including the transmission and reception of sound, pitch, quality (timbre), loudness, musical intervals, musical instruments, building acoustics, and modern research in sound and acoustics. These topics are covered through a combination of lecture, group discussion, and hands-on investigation. There are no science prerequisites for this course, except a willingness to explore physics fundamentals through the lens of acoustics. Mr. Bradley.
Not offered in 2013/14.
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PHYS 113 - Fundamentals of Physics I Semester Offered: Fall
0 or 1 unit(s)
An introduction to the basic concepts of physics with emphasis on mechanics. Recommended for potential majors in physics and other physical sciences. The department.
Corequisite(s): MATH 121 or equivalent.
Three 50-minute periods or two 75-minute periods; one 3-hour laboratory.
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PHYS 114 - Fundamentals of Physics II Semester Offered: Spring
0 or 1 unit(s)
Fundamentals of electricity, magnetism, and optics. Recommended for potential majors in physics and other physical sciences. The department.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 113 , AP Physics C credit, or equivalent college level course and MATH 121 or equivalent.
Three 50-minute periods or two 75-minute periods; one 3-hour laboratory.
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PHYS 115 - Topics in Classical Physics Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
This six-week course covers topics typically left out of the physics AP curriculum and reinforces the use of calculus in mechanics and electricity and magnetism. Ms. Magnes.
Only open to freshman and sophomores with AP B credit or AP C credit for Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism or special permission.
0.5 units upon completion of PHYS 116 . -
PHYS 116 - Topics in Applied Physics Semester Offered: Fall
1/2 unit(s)
In this six-week course, each week is an introduction to current research and applications of physics. Topics include, nanotechnology, lasers, materials science, particle and nuclear physics in medicine, biophysics, geophysics, environmental physics and astrophysics. Not all topics are taught in a specific year. Ms. Magnes.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 114 or PHYS 115 , calculus or special permission.
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PHYS 150 - The Limits of the Universe and the Limits of Understanding Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as PHIL 150 ) This course allows students to combine their interests in physics and in philosophy, recognizing common concerns and actively engaging in joint difficulties. The guiding questions of this course can be formulated as follows: In what ways, and to what extent, do recent developments in physics (e.g. the notion of space that is both infinite and bounded because curved) either solve or bypass traditional philosophical paradoxes concerning space and time, causality, and objectivity? In what ways, and to what extent, do traditional philosophical worries (e.g. worries about incoherence, worries about theories that cannot be falsified, or worries about concepts whose application cannot be imagined) cast doubt on the accuracy or the methodology of current physics? Readings are from physics and philosophy. Ms. Church, Ms. Schwarz.
Two 75-minute periods.
May not count towards a physics concentration.
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PHYS 152 - Lasers, Technology, Teleportation Semester Offered: Spring
1/2 unit(s)
Underlying physics of modern technology and scientific research are explored. Modern gadgets are evaluated regarding physical mechanisms. In addition, modern research on present and future technologies is discussed. Hands-on experiences and demonstrations are incorporated. Ms. Magnes.
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PHYS 168 - A Tour of the Subatomic Zoo
1/2 unit(s)
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 2013/14.
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PHYS 182 - Relatively Uncertain: A History of Physics, Religion and Popular Culture Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as RELI 182 and STS 182 ) This course will examine the cultural history of key ideas and experiments in physics, looking in particular at how non-scientists understood key concepts such as entropy, relativity, quantum mechanics and the idea of higher or new dimensions. It begins with an assumption that’s widely accepted among historians – namely, that the sciences are a part of culture and are influenced by cultural trends, contemporary concerns and even urgent personal ethical or religious dilemmas. In this course we will be attuned to the ways that physicists drew key insights from popular culture and how non-scientists, including religious or spiritual seekers, appropriated (and misappropriated) scientific insights about the origin and nature of the world, its underlying laws and energetic forces, and its ultimate meaning and purpose. Mr. Daly and Mr. White.
Two 75-minute periods.
Physics: II. Intermediate
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PHYS 200 - Modern Physics Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
An introduction to the two subjects at the core of contemporary physics: Einstein’s theory of special relativity, and quantum mechanics. Topics include paradoxes in special relativity; the Lorentz transformation; four-vectors and invariants; relativistic dynamics; the wave-particle duality; the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and simple cases of the Schrodinger wave equation. Ms. Magnes.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 114 or PHYS 116 , MATH 125 or MATH 121 /MATH 122 , or permission of the instructor.
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PHYS 201 - Methods of Experimental Physics
1 unit(s)
An introduction to the tools and techniques of modern experimental physics. Students replicate classic historical experiments (e.g., photoelectric effect, Michelson interferometer, muon lifetime). Emphasis is placed on the use of computers for capturing and analyzing data, and on effective oral and written presentation of experimental results. Ms. Magnes.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 114 or PHYS 116 , MATH 125 or MATH 121 /MATH 122 .
Recommended: PHYS 200 .
Not offered in 2013/14.
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PHYS 210 - Classical Mechanics Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
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. Krusberg.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 113 (or equivalent) and MATH 220 or permission of the instructor.
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PHYS 240 - Electromagnetism I Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
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. Bradley.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 114 or PHYS 116 and one additional 200-level physics course, MATH 220 .
Recommended: Recommended: MATH 228 .
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PHYS 245 - Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
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. Mr. Daly.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 200 and one 200-level mathematics course.
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PHYS 260 - Contemporary Optics
1/2 unit(s)
This course samples topics in modern optics research and optics applications. Study of cross-disciplinary research and applications in fields like biology, chemistry, medicine etc. is an essential part of this course. Hands-on demonstrations and laboratory exercises are included. Ms. Magnes.
Prerequisite(s): two units of any science at Vassar, calculus or special permission.
Not offered in 2013/14.
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PHYS 290 - Field Work
1/2 or 1.5 unit(s)
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PHYS 298 - Independent Work Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1/2 or 1 unit(s)
Physics: III. Advanced
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PHYS 300 - Independent Project or Thesis Semester Offered: Fall
1/2 or 1 unit(s)
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PHYS 301 - Independent Project or Thesis Semester Offered: Spring
1/2 or 1 unit(s)
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PHYS 310 - Advanced Mechanics
1 unit(s)
A study of the dynamics of simple and complex mechanical systems using the variational methods of Lagrange and Hamilton. Topics include the variational calculus, the Euler-Lagrange equations, Hamilton’s equations, canonical transformations, and the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. The department.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 210 , MATH 221 , MATH 220 .
Recommended: Recommended: MATH 228 .
Not offered in 2013/14.
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PHYS 320 - Quantum Mechanics I Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
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.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 200 , PHYS 210 , MATH 221 .
Recommended: Recommended: MATH 220 and MATH 228 .
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PHYS 341 - Electromagnetism II Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
A study of the electromagnetic field. Starting with Maxwell’s equations, topics covered include the propagation of waves, waveguides, the radiation field, and the relativistic formulation of electromagnetic theory. Ms. Magnes.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 240 , MATH 220 or permission of the instructor.
Recommended: Recommended: MATH 228 .
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PHYS 375 - Advanced Topics in Physics Semester Offered: Spring
1/2 or 1 unit(s)
Course topics vary from year to year. May be taken more than once for different topics. Mr. Bradley.
Prerequisite(s): Prerequisites vary depending on the topic.
Not open to freshman.
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PHYS 399 - Senior Independent Work Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1/2 or 1 unit(s)
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