|
|
College Catalog 2016-2017 ARCHIVED CATALOG
Physics Courses
|
|
Department of Physics and Astronomy
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
PHYS 320 - Optics
The nature of light. Geometrical, physical, and quantum optics. Light rays, lenses, and optical instruments. Light waves, superposition, interference, and diffraction. Photons, spectra, lasers, interferometry, fiber optics, and nonlinear optics.
Pre-req: PHYS 250 and PHYS 275
3 credits
PHYS 330 - Electromagnetic Theory
Electro- and magneto- statics in vacuum and in matter, scalar and vector potentials, and electrodynamics. Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic waves.
Pre-req: PHYS 250 and PHYS 275
3 credits
PHYS 350 - Quantum Mechanics
General formalism; operators, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues. The Schrodinger equation. One dimensional quantum systems. Angular momentum.
Pre-req: PHYS 250 and PHYS 275
3 credits
PHYS 360 - Astrophysics
Stellar structure, stellar spectra, nuclear energy generation, and stellar evolution. The interstellar medium, galaxy structure and dynamics, and cosmology.
Pre-req: PHYS 250 and PHYS 275
3 credits
PHYS 380 - Experimental Physics
Laboratory experiments taken from a wide variety of topics in physics including experiments of historical importance, atomic and nuclear physics, x-ray physics, condensed matter physics, and signal processing. Error analysis and statistical treatment of data.
Pre-req: PHYS 250 and PHYS 275
3 credits
PHYS 390 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PHYS 395 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PHYS 396 - Physics Research
Independent research under the direction of a faculty member. Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 3 credits
PHYS 490 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PHYS 495 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PHYS 499A - Senior Seminar I in Physics
Readings will be assigned from both text books and major journals, and students will be expected to engage in independent library research. Each student will give several presentations based on these readings. Students will complete a significant independent study project, leading to a major term paper that satisfies Whittier College’s Paper-in-the-Major requirement (COM4), and a presentation open to the entire college community.
Pre-req: Instructor permission
1 credits
PHYS 499B - Senior Seminar II
Continuation of PHYS 499A
2 credits
|
|
Print this Page