Apr 28, 2024  
College Catalog 2016-2017 
    
College Catalog 2016-2017 ARCHIVED CATALOG

Course Descriptions


 

Mathematics

  
  • MATH 360 - Point Set Topology


    Metric spaces, sequences, continuity, connectedness, product spaces, separation axioms, compactness, topological spaces.

    Pre-req: A C- or better in MATH 241  and MATH 280 
    3 credits
  
  • MATH 380 - Linear Algebra


    Vector spaces, linear transformations, similarity, eigenvectors, diagonalization, quadratic forms.

    Pre-req: A C- or better in MATH 242  and MATH 280 
    3 credits
  
  • MATH 390 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • MATH 395 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • MATH 440A - Introduction to Analysis I


    Topology of the Reals and Euclidean n-space; compact sets; Heine-Borel and Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorems; connected sets; mappings; continuity and uniform continuity; differentiability; uniform convergence; power series; Inverse Function Theorem; Implicit Function Theorem; Integration.

    Pre-req: A C- or better in MATH 241  and MATH 280 
    3 credits
  
  • MATH 440B - Introduction to Analysis II


    Topology of the Reals and Euclidean n-space; compact sets; mappings; continuity and uniform continuity; connected sets; mappings; continuity and uniform continuity; differentiability; uniform convergence; power series; Inverse Function Theorem; Implicit Function Theorem; Integration.

    Pre-req: A C- or better in MATH 241  and MATH 280 
    3 credits
  
  • MATH 480A - Modern Algebra I


    Sets, mappings, relations, operations, algebraic structures (groups, rings, fields, modules), homomorphisms, substructures, quotient structures, finite fields, field extensions, proof of impossibility of some geometric constructions using only compass and ruler, Galois Correspondence.

    Pre-req: A C- or better in MATH 242  and MATH 280 
    3 credits
  
  • MATH 480B - Modern Algebra II


    Sets, mappings, relations, operations, algebraic structures (groups, rings, fields, modules), homomorphisms, substructures, quotient structures, finite fields, field extensions, proof of impossibility of some geometric constructions using only compass and ruler, Galois Correspondence.

    Pre-req: A C- or better in MATH 480A 
    3 credits
  
  • MATH 490 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • MATH 491A - Senior Seminar I in Mathematics


    Develops the student’s ability to learn mathematics independently and to write for a mathematical audience. Includes a significant expository or research paper and a public presentation. Must be taken in the fall semester of the senior year.

    Pre-req: Instructor permission
    1 credits
  
  • MATH 491B - Senior Seminar II in Mathematics


    Continuation of MATH 491A . Develops the student’s ability to learn mathematics independently and to write for a mathematical audience. Includes a significant expository or research paper and a public presentation.

    Pre-req: MATH 491A 
    3 credits
  
  • MATH 495 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits

Music

  
  • MUS 016 - Beginning Guitar Class


    1 credits
  
  • MUS 018 - College Choir


    A large choral ensemble open by audition to all students; performs a variety of choral literature, and performs on campus throughout the academic year. Its two principal activities are the Holiday Dinner in December and the annual concert tour in the Spring. Recent tours include the Southeastern States, Northern California, Mexico, and Hawaii. May be repeated for credit

    0 to 1 credits
  
  • MUS 051 - Chamber Music


    Provides students with the preparation and performance of small group/chamber music. Emphasis is placed upon high degree of musicianship and fine ensemble playing. Areas of concentration include the study of musical styles, phrasing, balance and blending techniques, intonation, rehearsal techniques, and performance. Groups ranging in size from 2 members are formed for this purpose. Performances take place on regularly scheduled Music Department activities. Days and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    0 to 1 credits
  
  • MUS 070 - Introduction to Music Theory & Musicianship


    Introduction to the language of music: notation, rhythm, scales, intervals, melody and chords. Development of musical skills through rhythmic execution, sight singing and basic keyboard facility. Required of majors and minors who do not pass the music placement exam. Encouraged for students in College ensembles, but open to all students as an elective.

    3 credits
  
  • MUS 071 - Music in History


    This course is designed to help the musically inexperienced gain a better understanding of the elements of music from a listener’s perspective, its evolution throughout history, and its current place in a changing society. Emphasis is placed on identification of genres, as well as social and political trends affecting musical development. Class members will attend a live music performance (extra fee required).

    3 credits
  
  • MUS 074 - Music of Latin America


    Provides an historical and philosophical survey of music in Latin America, in addition to a basic analysis of generic aspects of origins, influences, style, and development within that geographical area. Discussion of regional folkstyles, of the indigenous factor and popular trends (both traditional and progressive) and of the state of music among the Latin populations of the United States. This class will provide an overall understanding of Latin American music aesthetic and culture.

    3 credits
  
  • MUS 076 - A World of Music


    Introduction to the musics of non-Western cultures. Course discussions will focus on the music-cultures by geographical regions and socio-cultural performance context. Basic theories and methodologies of ethnomusicology, functions of music in society, and general musical characteristics and concepts are examined.

    3 credits
  
  • MUS 077 - Approachable Opera


    After establishing a musical vocabulary, useful in describing and analyzing music from a listeners perspective, the class will embark on a survey of Western opera. The diverse operas will be studied in their entirety and viewed in their historical context. Class members will attend a live operatic performance (extra fee required).

    3 credits
  
  • MUS 100H - Harmony I


    The purpose of this course is to develop a deeper understanding of common-practice melody, harmony, and voice leading, and to demonstrate their analytical and compositional uses.

    Pre-req: MUS 070 
    Co-req: MUS 100M 
    3 credits
  
  • MUS 100M - Musicianship I


    The purpose of this course is to develop sight singing and dictation skills necessary in the performance and teaching of tonal music.

    Pre-req: MUS 070 
    Co-req: MUS 100H 
    1 credits
  
  • MUS 102 - History of Jazz


    This course examines the development of jazz from its African and African-American folk origins through the blues, early jazz, swing era, bebop, “cool” jazz, fusion and contemporary styles of Jazz. Discussion on the works of jazz musicians, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane, will emphasize their significance in United States’ historical and social contexts.

    3 credits
  
  • MUS 103 - American Popular Music


    This course examines the social and parallel musical development of postwar United States. American popular music will not be viewed as a trend in contemporary society, but as an expression: of commodification, of the incorporation of experience, authenticity, and subjectivity (ideology), of textual schizophrenia, of the postmodern disappearance of reality, and of new forms of cultural resistance.

    3 credits
  
  • MUS 104 - Music Business


    Introduction to non-performance careers within the music business; performing-right payments, music for stage and screen, marketing, etc. Techniques designed to assist in the transfer from academic to work environment will be presented in addition to discussion of current events within the music industry.

    2 credits
  
  • MUS 105 - World Percussion


    This course provides students with the opportunity to learn and execute the principles of world percussion. Emphasis is placed on the teaching methods for world percussion through rehearsal techniques and performing experiences.

    Pre-req: MUS 070 
    3 credits
  
  • MUS 110 - Piano Class for Music Majors


    Introduction to the concepts of musicianship and technique at the keyboard while preparing the student for successful completion of the required piano proficiency examination administered by the music department; content includes scales, arpeggios, accompanying skills, repertory. May be repeated for zero credit until proficiency requirement is met

    Pre-req: Music majors onlys
    1 credits
  
  • MUS 111 - Introduction to Music Technology


    This course is designed to introduce the student to the practical applications of music software on the Macintosh platform, including Finale, Logic Express, and Garage Band. Techniques and exercises are used to discover the capabilities of each program, culminating in a semester project specifically coordinated to individual student interest. Technology fee required

    Pre-req: MUS 070 
    2 credits
  
  • MUS 198 - Private Instruction


    Private lessons are offered by outstanding artist faculty in all instruments, voice and composition. One half-hour lesson with a minimum of five hours practice weekly yields one credit per semester; two half-hour lessons with corresponding practice carry two credits. Lessons may be arranged without credit. $500 lab fee for weekly half-hour lessons; $1000 for hour lessons. Students taking class for 0 credits still subject to these lab fees. Please see Music Department for details.

    0 to 2 credits
  
  • MUS 200H - Harmony II


    The purpose of this course is to develop a deeper understanding of common-practice melody, harmony, voice leading, and musical form, and to demonstrate their analytical and compositional uses.

    Pre-req: MUS 100H 
    Co-req: MUS 200M 
    3 credits
  
  • MUS 200M - Musicianship II


    The purpose of this course is to develop sight singing and dictation skills necessary in the performance and teaching of tonal music.

    Pre-req: MUS 100M 
    Co-req: MUS 200H 
    1 credits
  
  • MUS 201H - Harmony III


    The purpose of this course is to develop a deeper understanding of common-practice melody, harmony, voice, leading, and musical form, to demonstrate their analytical and compositional uses, and to introduce nontonal musical practices.

    Pre-req: MUS 200H 
    Co-req: MUS 201M 
    3 credits
  
  • MUS 201M - Musicianship III


    The purpose of this course is to develop sight singing and dictation skills necessary to perform and teach tonal and nontonal music.

    Pre-req: MUS 200M 
    Co-req: MUS 201H 
    1 credits
  
  • MUS 203 - Music History I


    Understanding music through score study and guided listening; principal forms, structures and compositional techniques in instrumental and vocal music from Medieval through Baroque periods.

    Pre-req: MUS 100H and 100M
    3 credits
  
  • MUS 204 - Music History II


    Music and its development in Western civilization from 1750 to the present; acquaintance with formal and stylistic problems through representative works; understanding musical concepts in their historical and cultural contexts.

    Pre-req: MUS 203 
    3 credits
  
  • MUS 206 - Music in Film


    An introduction to the history of film music, from early dramatic film scores of Max Steiner and Alfred Newman to synthesized scores of Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman, and other contemporary composers. Extensive viewing and commentary of films; brief technical explanation of film scoring techniques.

    3 credits
  
  • MUS 211 - Music Technology II


    Continuation of techniques and applications obtained in Introduction to Music Technology with emphasis on integration of software programs for optimal project success. Technology fee required

    Pre-req: MUS 111 
    2 credits
  
  • MUS 295 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • MUS 300 - Instrumentation


    The purpose of this course is to understand the properties of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. To understand scoring procedures for small and large ensembles using the above instruments, and to gain a basic understanding of the computer notation software used in this scoring process.

    Pre-req: MUS 201H 
    2 credits
  
  • MUS 305 - Conducting


    Score reading and baton technique; study and execution of basic patterns using standard orchestral and choral literature, score reading, performance, and stylistic analysis.

    Pre-req: MUS 201H  or MUS 300 
    3 credits
  
  • MUS 310 - Recording Techniques


    Introduction to the basic principles and properties of sound: frequency, intensity, timbre, resonance, reverberation; study of multi-track recording techniques, signal processing devices, and MIDI techniques including sequencing, analog to digital transfer, and editing.

    Pre-req: MUS 111 
    2 credits
  
  • MUS 330 - Introduction to Ethnomusicology


    This course introduces the student to the theory and methodology in the field of Ethnomusicology. Emphasis is placed on the systematic study of non-Western music cultures. Topics for discussion include fieldwork, musical transcription, description of musical compositions, organology, historical and geographical approaches, context and communication, and bibliographic resources.

    Pre-req: MUS 204 
    2 credits
  
  • MUS 390 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • MUS 395 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • MUS 400 - Senior Seminar in Music


    Special topics presented by music faculty. Readings will be assigned from major journals, and students will be expected to engage in independent library research. Students will complete a significant independent study project, leading to a major term paper that satisfies Whittier College’s Paper in the Major requirement, and a presentation open to the entire college community.

    Pre-req: Senior standing
    2 credits
  
  • MUS 490 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • MUS 495 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits

Philosophy

  
  • PHIL 050 - Meet and Talk


    Informal philosophical discussion in the home of one of the faculty members.

    1 credits
  
  • PHIL 100 - Philosophical Questions


    An introduction to philosophy-metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory-through an examination of some of the “big questions”: What is reality?  Is truth merely subjective?  Is knowledge possible?  Are human beings just complicated machines?  Does free will exist?  Why should we be moral if we can get away with being immoral?  Is there any reason, other than blind faith, to think that God exists?

    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 105 - Introduction to Ethics


    This course presents various traditional and critical approaches to moral and ethical issues and uses them to understand practical problems in daily life.

    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 190 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 220 - Philosophical Issues in Imaginative Literature


    Develops an understanding of the philosophical enterprise through discussion of works of fiction that raise issues of a philosophical nature.

    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 230 - Philosophical Issues on Film


    Addresses philosophical questions posed by some of the masterpieces of world cinema; students view feature-length films, read relevant philosophical texts, and explore connections between the films and texts.

    Pre-req: INTD 100 
    3 or 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 250 - Philosophy of Love and Human Sexuality


    An examination of the constructions of female and male sexuality and some of their ethical and political implications; contemporary issues including promiscuity, child abuse, prostitution, pornography, and marriage.

    Cross-listed with GEN 250 
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 260 - Eco-Philosophy


    The evolution of theoretical responses to unprecedented environmental crises such as Global Warming and mass extinctions-from application of traditional ethical theories to the development of comprehensive alternative environmental philosophies.

    Pre-req: PHIL 105  recommended
    Cross-listed with ENST 260 - Eco-Philosophy  / GEN 260 
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 270 - History of Social Thought


    Historical approaches to the foundations of the state, and feminist and anti-racist critiques of that social contract tradition.

    Pre-req: INTD 100 
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 280 - Philosophy of Simplicity


    This course explores the theory and practice of simplifying one’s life. Readings come from eastern and western traditions, ancient and modern, with a particular focus on the Quaker practice of simplicity as a way to live in accordance with one’s conscience. There will also be a one-week retreat at Hsi Lai Temple to experience the Buddhist approach to simplicity.

    4 credits
  
  • PHIL 290 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 295 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 300 - Early Chinese Philosophy


    The early period of Chinese philosophy: Confucianism and Daoism, as well as other thinkers and schools of thought, all of which were influential in the development of cultures across East Asia.

    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 302 - Development of Buddhist Philosophical Thought


    The development of Buddhist philosophical thinking as it began in India and flourished in China and Japan. There will also be a one-week retreat at Hsi Lai Temple, as the course is offered during Jan term.

    Pre-req: Previous course in philosophy recommended
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 305 - Seminar in Philosophical Buddhism


    Focused study on a Buddhist text in preparation for a week-long meditation retreat at Hsi Lai Temple.

    Pre-req: PHIL 302 , Buddhist Philosophy, is recommended but not required
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 307 - Chinese Buddhism: Philosophy and Practice


    An investigation into the practice of Chinese Buddhism as it takes place at a traditional Chinese Buddhist monastery. The program will specifically explore the history of central Buddhist tenets and look at ways in which they are realized within a living Buddhist monastic community. This program will also afford students the opportunity to engage with and participate in some of the aspects of Chinese Buddhist monastic life. The program will accomplish these goals through lectures and discussions on Buddhist philosophy, religious practice, material culture, and religious texts as well as structured discussions with Buddhist monks and nuns and active involvement with the monastic community and its culture.

    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 310 - Classical Philosophy


    Greek and Roman thought as the foundation for Western philosophy with an emphasis on Plato and Aristotle.

    Pre-req: Previous course in philosophy recommended
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 312 - Medieval Philosophy


    Examines the period from the beginning of Christian philosophy through the High Middle Ages to the breakdown of the Medieval synthesis; focuses on Augustin and Aquinas.

    Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above; previous course in philosophy recommended
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 315 - Modern Philosophy


    Major Continental and British philosophers of the 17th and 18th centuries, beginning with Descartes and ending with Kant.

    Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above; previous course in philosophy recommended
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 317 - Nineteenth Century Philosophy


    This course explores the thought of Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, and Kierkegaard, all very difficult thinkers who were influential in forming the modern “continental” tradition in philosophy.

    Pre-req: One previous course in philosophy.
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 320 - Philosophy Retreat Internship


    This internship provides students who have been to the Hsi Lai Temple retreat before with an opportunity to go again as retreat staff. Interns will help students prepare for the experience prior to the retreat and to integrate their experience afterwards. Service Learning Course.

    Pre-req: One previous retreat experience
    4 credits
  
  • PHIL 326 - Symbolic Logic


    An introduction to formal structures of reasoning through analysis of the logical forms of language and thought; readings and problems in logic and logical theory. Recommended for students considering Law School

    Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above recommended
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 330 - Ethical Theories


    The traditional Western theories of ethics are put to the challenge of adequacy to the global world of the 21st century. Readings from both historical and contemporary philosophers.

    Pre-req: One course in PHIL
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 340 - Contemporary Social Philosophy


    Concepts in social philosophy such as justice, welfare, the individual, community, and society; contemporary problems such as the just allocation of resources, the individual in relation to society, and the relationship between law and morality.

    Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 345 - Philosophy of Art


    Philosophical reflection on the nature of the arts: the plastic arts (painting, sculpture, etc.), literature, music, and the performance; topics include the definition of art, critical appraisal, artistic creativity, aesthetic experience, and the role of audience and institutions.

    Pre-req: Completed 60 credits or one PHIL course
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 350 - God and Religion


    The idea of God; proofs for the existence of God; the nature of religious language; the problem of evil; arguments for and against the supernatural.

    Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 360 - Philosophy of Mind


    Critical examination of the major theories about the nature of mind; an exploration of selected topics, including the mind-body relationship, personal identity, artificial intelligence, intentionality, and free will.

    Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 385 - Feminist Philosophy


    An examination of the primary feminist responses to the omission of gender as fundamental category of analysis in social and political theory – liberal, socialist, Marxist, radical, anti-racist, and ecofeminist.

    Pre-req: One course in PHIL or GEN
    Cross-listed with GEN 385 
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 390 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 395 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 425 - Seminar in Philosophy


    A focused study of some aspect of philosophy; contact instructor for details. May be repeated for credit

    Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 490 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 495 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 498 - Senior Thesis and Colloquium


    This advanced seminar supports and directs senior majors in the research and writing of their Senior Thesis. The Senior Thesis, usually a year-long project, is the required paper-in-the-major.

    Pre-req: Senior standing
    0 to 3 credits

Physics

  
  • PHYS 100 - Astronomy of the Solar System


    This is a general astronomy course suitable for non-science students. Topics covered include historical astronomy, orbits and gravity, light and telescopes, and the planets and other minor bodies in the Solar System. Short labs/activities will be part of the class. Some nighttime observing will be involved.

    Pre-req: Any MATH class or a score of 1 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 101 - Astronomy of Stars, Galaxies and the Universe


    Topics covered include the structure and physics of the sun and stars (including star formation, stellar energy sources, stellar death, and black holes), galaxies, and the universe as a whole (including the big bang theory, and the structure, history, and future of the universe). Short labs/activities will be part of the class. This is a general astronomy course suitable for non-science students. PHYS 100  is not a prerequisite for this course, and students may take either or both of PHYS 100  and PHYS 101, in any order.

    Pre-req: Any MATH class or a score of 1 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 103 - The Nature of Light


    This is a one-semester algebra-based course. Topics covered include both geometrical optics (reflection, refractions, lenses, mirrors, telescopes) and physical optics (interference, polarization). This course is taught in an activity-based workshop format.

    Pre-req: Any MATH class or a score of 1 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 104 - Energy and the Environment


    This is a one-semester algebra-based course satisfying the Comm. I requirement. Topics covered include a description of what we mean when we talk about energy, and a survey of the known methods to change energy into useful forms. The class will also look at social issues, such as the advantages and disadvantages of different types of energy transformation and how different societies use the energy they produce.

    Pre-req: Any MATH class or a score of 1 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 106 - The Nature of Sound


    This course will examine what sound waves are, how they are produced and how we perceive them. Topics that will be covered include: measurement of the speed of sound; the natural vibrations of strings and air columns and their relationship to musical scales and intervals; the perception of loudness and pitch and its relation to the structure of the human ear; (Fourier) analysis of the frequency spectrum of sound waves.

    Pre-req: MATH 76 or a score of 1 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 135A - Algebra-based Physics I (Mechanics)


    First course in a two-semester sequence of algebra-based physics. Topics covered are kinematics and mechanics. This course is taught in an activity-based workshop format. First course in a two-semester sequence of algebra-based physics.

    4 credits
  
  • PHYS 135B - Algebra-based Physics II (Electricity, Magnetism and Modern Physics)


    Second course in a two-semester sequence of algebra-based physics. Topics covered are electricity, magnetism and modern physics. This course is taught in an activity-based workshop format. Second course in a two-semester sequence of algebra-based physics.

    Pre-req: PHYS 135A 
    4 credits
  
  • PHYS 150 - Calculus-Based Physics I (Mechanics)


    Topics covered include vectors, projectile motion, Newton’s laws, gravitation, momentum, and energy. This course is taught in an activity-based workshop format. This is a one-semester, calculus based introductory physics course that can serve as an entry to the major, or that can be taken to satisfy the science division breadth requirement.

    Pre-req: MATH 139A  or MATH 141A  (may be concurrent)
    4 credits
  
  • PHYS 180 - Calculus-Based Physics II (Electricity, Magnetism and Thermodynamics)


    Topics covered include electrostatics, circuits, magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction, heat and temperature, thermodynamic engines, and ideal gasses. This course is taught in an activity-based workshop format. This is a one-semester, calculus-based introductory physics course that is normally taken after PHYS 150.

    Pre-req:   or   and   (may be concurrent)
    5 credits
  
  • PHYS 190 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHYS 205 - Electronics and Computer Interfacing


    An introduction to electronics and computer interfacing of small-scale laboratory experiments. Open to all science majors. Topics include: An overview of basic electrical circuit theory; the design and use of digital circuits using logic gates, flip-flops, etc.; the design and implementation of computer interfacing schemes for small scale experiments in physics, biology, and chemistry using commercial interfacing hardware and software. Combined lecture and lab meets for three hours twice per week. Students will complete a final project involving interfacing of an experiment relevant to their majors and interests.

    Pre-req: Instructor permission
    Cross-listed with PHYS 105
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 250 - Computational Oscillations & Waves


    Analysis of damped and driven oscillators and resonance phenomena in various physical contexts; coupled oscillators and modes. Solutions of the wave equation, superposition, traveling waves, standing waves. Introduction to non-linearity. Heavy use of computers and computational techniques are stressed throughout the course.

    Pre-req: PHYS 150 and MATH 141B
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 260 - Search for Extraterrestrial Life


    Does life exist elsewhere in the universe? This course examines this question in detail, from the possibility of fossil bacteria existing on Mars to the possibility of advanced races colonizing the galaxy. Topics studied include: the detection of planets around other stars, the evolution of life and intelligence on Earth, the search for life in our Solar System, radio astronomical searches for extraterrestrial intelligence, and UFO and alien abduction phenomena. Content will be the same as INTD 217 with the addition of an appropriate technical assignment for those completing the course under the physics cross-listing. Intended for Physics majors completing the astronomy emphasis.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250
    Cross-listed with INTD 217
    4 credits
  
  • PHYS 275 - Optics & Modern Physics


    Geometrical and physical optics, wave-particle duality, quanta, atomic and nuclear physics, elementary particles.

    Pre-req: PHYS 180  and MATH 241  (may be concurrent)
    4 credits
  
  • PHYS 280 - Introduction to Nanoscience


    The emerging field of nanoscience is truly an interdisciplinary subject rooted in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. This course aims to present an integrated introduction to nanoscience for those who want to be initiated to this burgeoning field. Topics covered include basic scientific concepts and principles of nanoscience, microscopy and manipulation tools, top-down and bottom-up ways of making nanostructures, electrons in nanostructures, molecular electronics, nanostructured materials, and nanobiology.

    Pre-req: PHYS 180  and PHYS 275  or CHEM 110B 
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 290 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHYS 295 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHYS 310 - Mechanics


    Systematic exposition of Newtonian mechanics; conservation laws, systems of particles, rigid body motion, central forces and orbital mechanics, non-inertial reference frames. Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations of motion. Special relativity.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250  and PHYS 275 
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 315 - Statistical Physics


    Physics of large scale systems consisting of many particles. Statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, thermodynamics and heat. Introduction to quantum statistics. This course has an emphasis on computation.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250  and PHYS 275 
    3 credits
 

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