| ASTR 109-01 |
Mysteries of the Solar System
Instructor: Windsor Morgan
Course Description:
This course explores questions that are as old as humanity; you will step into the shoes of ancient astronomers to ponder the workings of the night sky and Solar System. Why do the stars move the way they do? Why do some bright objects wander the night sky? Can we know what these objects are and where they came from? We will develop practical and critical thinking skills that are crucial to the art of discovery, focusing on the historical use of naked eye and telescopic observations, as well as the use of present day space probes and the electromagnetic spectrum. Our journey will take us to the planets and some fascinating moons. Three hours classroom, one two-hour laboratory a week. This course counts toward the astronomy minor.
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01:30 PM-03:20 PM, T
TOME 105
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
TOME 115 |
| ASTR 208-01 |
Introductory Astrophysics
Instructor: Windsor Morgan
Course Description:
Cross-listed with PHYS 208-01. An introduction to the physical basis of astronomy, including celestial mechanics and tools of observational astronomy. Insight into how the field has evolved since ancient times, as well as an appreciation of the problems explored by current research will be gained. Content is similar to ASTR 110, but with additional emphasis on mathematical analysis of astrophysical phenomena. Prerequisite: 131 or 141 or permission of instructor. This course is cross-listed as PHYS 208.
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10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
TOME 213 |
| Courses Offered in PHYS |
| PHYS 131-01 |
Workshop Physics: The Mechanical Universe
Instructor: Hans Pfister
Course Description:
An introduction to classical mechanics using an inquiry-based, hands-on approach that combines cooperative learning with the use of computer tools for data acquisition, analysis, and mathematical modeling. Both analytic and numerical calculations are introduced for characterizing motion. A selection of kinesthetic experiments is included to enhance student learning. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, gravitation, conservation laws, and rotational motion. Recommended for physical science, mathematics, and pre-engineering students and for biology majors preparing for graduate study. Three two-hour sessions per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 131 and 141. Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, MATH 151 or 170.
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09:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 101 |
| PHYS 131-02 |
Workshop Physics: The Mechanical Universe
Instructor: Catrina Hamilton-Drager
Course Description:
An introduction to classical mechanics using an inquiry-based, hands-on approach that combines cooperative learning with the use of computer tools for data acquisition, analysis, and mathematical modeling. Both analytic and numerical calculations are introduced for characterizing motion. A selection of kinesthetic experiments is included to enhance student learning. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, gravitation, conservation laws, and rotational motion. Recommended for physical science, mathematics, and pre-engineering students and for biology majors preparing for graduate study. Three two-hour sessions per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 131 and 141. Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, MATH 151 or 170.
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01:30 PM-03:20 PM, MWF
TOME 101 |
| PHYS 141-01 |
Physics for the Life Sciences
Instructor: Brett Pearson, Robert Boyle
Course Description:
Permission of instructor required. Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students. Topics include mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 131 and 141.
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11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
TOME 105 |
| PHYS 141-02 |
Physics for the Life Sciences
Instructor: Brett Pearson, Robert Boyle
Course Description:
Permission of instructor required. Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students. Topics include mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 131 and 141.
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01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
TOME 105
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 115 |
| PHYS 208-01 |
Introductory Astrophysics
Instructor: Windsor Morgan
Course Description:
Cross-listed with ASTR 208-01. An introduction to the physical basis of astronomy, including celestial mechanics and tools of observational astronomy. Insight into how the field has evolved since ancient times, as well as an appreciation of the problems explored by current research will be gained. Content is similar to ASTR 110, but with additional emphasis on mathematical analysis of astrophysical phenomena. Prerequisite: 131 or 141 or permission of instructor. This course is cross-listed as ASTR 208.
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10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
TOME 213 |
| PHYS 212-01 |
Introduction to Relativistic and Quantum Physics
Instructor: David Jackson, Lars English
Course Description:
Completion of both PHYS 211 and PHYS 212 fulfills the WID Requirement. A project-based course focusing on special relativity and quantum physics. Projects, such as the detection and measurement of ionizing radiation, relativistic mass increase, or the investigation of delayed choice experiments, are used to understand the concepts of the atom, nuclear structure, relativity, and quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: 132 or 142, and Math 171 or permission of instructor. NOTE: Completion of both 211 and 212 fulfills the WID graduation requirement.
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01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
TOME 103
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
TOME 103 |
| PHYS 282-01 |
Introduction to Theoretical Physics
Instructor: David Jackson
Course Description:
A rigorous survey of mathematical topics and techniques that are commonly used in theoretical physics. Topics include vector analysis, differential equations, power series, linear algebra, tensors, and vector calculus (gradient, divergence, curl, line integrals, and so on). The primary focus of this course is on solving problems as a means to improve students confidence and understanding of mathematics within the context of physical systems. Prerequisite: 132 and MATH 171.
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09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
TOME 213 |
| PHYS 311-01 |
Dynamics & Chaos
Instructor: Lars English
Course Description:
An advanced treatment of classical mechanics using vector calculus and the calculus of variations, as well as an introduction to the analysis of chaotic systems. Topics will include: the dynamics of systems of particles and conservation laws; linear and nonlinear oscillators; iterative maps and the route to chaos; central force motion; rigid body motion; non-inertial reference frames and fictitious forces; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of dynamics. The course will also focus heavily on analytical and problem-solving techniques. Prerequisite: 211 and 282 or permission of the instructor.
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10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 213 |
| PHYS 313-01 |
Computer Interfacing and Laboratory Instrumentation
Instructor: Brett Pearson
Course Description:
A study of the interfacing techniques needed for data acquisition and the control of laboratory equipment. An introduction to the LabView programming environment and how it can be used to automate typical laboratory tasks, for example, the control of linear or rotational actuators or the measurement and analysis of audio signals. Prerequisite: 213 or permission of instructor. Offered occasionally.
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01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
TOME 217 |
| PHYS 491-01 |
Advanced Laboratory Capstone I
Instructor: Hans Pfister
Course Description:
In this capstone experience, students will work in groups to study several advanced physics topics in detail. Potential topics include muon decay, microwave diffraction, the speed of light, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, and the Hall effect. The course emphasizes collaborative research, investigative techniques, oral and written communication. Prerequisite: Physics major senior status. The physics major requires either the two-semester sequence of 491 & 492 OR two semesters of PHYS 550.
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03:00 PM-04:15 PM, MR
TOME 206 |