Undergraduate Course Atlas
Fall Semester 2003
For more information, contact Kate Bennett
|
PHYSICS 115:
Introductory Astronomy |
| Bajaj |
TTh |
1:00 PM
- 2:15 PM |
MAX: 55 |
Credit:
4 Hours |
| Bajaj |
TTh |
2:30 PM
- 3:45 PM |
MAX: 55 |
Credit:
4 Hours |
Content: A descriptive overview
of astronomy. Topics covered include the celestial coordinate
system, time keeping, constellations, ancient astronomy,
the planetary system, the sun, stellar evolution, neutron
stars, black holes, galactic astronomy, cosmology and
the origin of the Universe.
Audience: Only a minimal mathematical
ability is required. Students who have completed or
who are enrolled in Physics 116 may
not enroll in Physics 115. Physics 115 satisfies one
II.B Natural Sciences Non-Laboratory Course General
Education Requirement.
Particulars: There will be three
in-class exams and a final comprehensive exam.
| Texts: |
Discovering
the Universe, 6th ed. (2002), Comins and Kaufmann |
| |
Edmund
Mag 5 Star Atlas (recommended) |
| |
The
New Patterns in the Sky: Myths and Legends of the
Stars, Staal (recommended) |
|
|
PHYSICS 116:
Introductory Astronomy, with Laboratory |
| Williamon |
TTh |
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM |
MAX: 40 |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Lab Sections:  |
Tu
Th |
7:30
PM - 10:30 PM
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM |
MAX:
20
MAX: 20 |
L-B
L-D |
Content: A descriptive astronomy
course with laboratory. Topics covered include celestial
mechanics, light and telescopes, the solar system, the
Sun, stellar evolution, black holes, galaxies, and the
origin and fate of the Universe.
Audience: Only a minimal mathematical
ability is required. Students who have completed or
who are enrolled in Physics 115 may
not enroll in Physics 116. Physics 116 satisfies one
II.B Natural Sciences Laboratory Course General
Education Requirement.
Particulars: There will be three
in-class exams and a final comprehensive exam. There
are two laboratory sections, held weekly on either Tuesday
or Thursday night, which require registration.
| Texts: |
Discovering
the Universe, 6th ed. (2002), Comins and Kaufmann |
| |
The
Night Sky (Planisphere), Chandler |
| |
Astronomy
Laboratory Manual, Parks (for sale only by the
Physics Department) |
|
|
PHYSICS 121:
How Things Work |
| Boettcher |
TTh |
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM |
MAX: 175 |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Content: Bicycles, rockets,
airplanes, cars, Frisbees, elevators -- the mysteries
of these and other objects will be explored, increasing
your understanding of our technical world.
Audience: Physics 121 satisfies
one II.B Natural Sciences Non-Laboratory Course General
Education Requirement.
Particulars: Problem sets, one
term paper, one midterm exam, and a final examination.
| Texts: |
How
Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life, Bloomfield |
|
|
PHYSICS 141:
Introductory Physics I, with Laboratory |
| Coleman |
MWF |
8:30 AM - 9:20 PM |
MAX: 24 per recitation
section |
Credit: 4 Hours |
| Coleman |
MWF |
9:35 PM - 10:25 PM |
MAX: 24 per recitation
section |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Content: Introduction to classical
mechanics and thermodynamics. Physics 141 is the first
course of a two-semester non-calculus introductory physics
sequence.
Audience: The student is expected
to be competent in algebra, trigonometry, and plane
geometry. Physics 141 and 142
are appropriate courses to satisfy a one-year physics
requirement of various professional schools. Students
who expect to pursue a BS degree in mathematics or one
of the sciences should seriously consider Physics
151. Physics 141 satisfies one II.B Natural Sciences
Laboratory Course General
Education Requirement.
Particulars: Three 2 hour tests
will be given at 6:30 PM on these three Wednesday evenings:
October 1, November 5 and December 3. Course has 3 lectures
and one recitation section per week. Registration will
be by scheduled recitation section. There is one three-hour
laboratory
each week which requires
registration as a related component.
| Texts: |
[to
be determined] |
| |
Physics
141-142 Laboratory Manual, Emory University
Physics Department |
|
|
PHYSICS 151:
General Physics: Mechanics, with Laboratory |
| Weeks |
MWF |
10:40 AM - 11:30 AM |
MAX: 54 |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Content: Introduction to classical
mechanics and thermodynamics. Differential and integral
calculus are employed from the beginning and more advanced
mathematical techniques are introduced throughout the
course. Physics 151 is the first course of a two-semester
introductory physics sequence.
Audience:
Physics 151 and 152
are strongly recommended for students who contemplate
the completion of a BS degree in science or mathematics,
or who plan to pursue graduate studies in the sciences
or engineering. If you have AP credit in physics and
are considering majoring in physics, please contact
the instructor for advice. Physics 151 satisfies one
II.B Natural Sciences Laboratory Course General
Education Requirement.
Prerequisites:
Mathematics
112, 112S
or 112Z
(may be taken concurrently).
Particulars:
There is one three hour laboratory
each week. |
|
PHYSICS 190H:
Freshman Seminar: Envisioning Light |
| Perkowitz |
TTh |
1:00 PM
- 2:15 PM |
MAX: 15 |
Credit:
4 Hours |
Content:
A course about understanding light and vision from the
scientific and human viewpoints. Especially appropriate
for non-scientists who want to discuss some important
ideas with minimal mathematics, and for science majors
who want to broaden their background. Early theories
of light; light in culture and art; how the eyes and
brain interpret light; the beginning (Big Bang) and
the end (Big Crunch) of light; light in quantum theory
and the theory of relativity; illumination, optical
devices, and the 21st-century technology of light.
Audience: Freshman
only. Permission of Dean Brzinski required proir to
enrollment. Physics 190H satisfies two General
Education Requirements: I.C Freshman Seminar and
II.B Natural Sciences Non-Laboratory Course.
Particulars:
Seminar discussion format; brief quizzes, a mid-term
exam, and a term paper. Special features include guest
discussion leaders and class demonstrations.
| Texts: |
Empire
of Light (paperback), Perkowitz; additional
readings |
|
PHYSICS 211:
Multivariable Calculus |
(Crosslisted as Mathematics
211P)
| Brussel |
TTh |
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM |
MAX: 10 |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Content:
Vectors and 3-space, functions of several variables,
parametrized curves, vector fields, line integrals,
surfaces, gradients, partial derivatives, multiple integrals
in various coordinate systems, conservative fields,
circulation, flux, Stokes' Theorem.
Audience: Suitable for physical
science and mathematics students. This course, taught
by the Mathematics Department, is designed to meet the
needs of the Physics B.A. major. Physics BS and Applied
Physics BS majors should register for Mathematics
211P (the section for Physics majors).
Prerequisites:
Mathematics
112, 112s,
or 112Z.
|
|
PHYSICS 234:
Digital Electronics & Microprocessors, with
Laboratory |
TPL
|
| DuVarney |
TTh |
10:00 AM
- 11:15 AM |
MAX: 18 |
Credit:
4 Hours |
Content:
An introduction to combinational and sequential logic
circuits, and microprocessor hardware. Topics include
transistors, gates, flip-flops, counters, clocks, decoders,
displays, microprocessors (internal architecture and
programming), memory, input/output circuits, and device
interfacing. The course places great emphasis on hands-on
experience. This is a Theory-Practice
Learning course.
Prerequisite:
Physics 142 or 152.
Particulars: A mid-term and
a final exam project. |
|
PHYSICS 253:
Modern Physics, with Laboratory |
| Warncke |
TTh |
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM |
MAX: 16 |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Content: Particle-like properties
of electromagnetic radiation, wave-like properties of
particles, Schrödinger equation and wave mechanics,
hydrogen atom, many-electron atoms, nuclear structure
and radioactivity, and the special theory of relativity.
Prerequisites: Physics
142 or 152, and
Mathematics
112 or the equivalent.
Particulars: Three tests and
one final examination, and weekly homework assignments.
There is a three-hour laboratory each week (Monday or
TBA, 2:30-5:30). |
|
PHYSICS 320:
Mathematical Methods for Scientists |
| Benson |
MWF |
10:40 AM - 11:30 AM |
MAX: 16 |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Content:
An advanced mathematical methods course designed for
majors in the natural sciences, emphasizing techniques
and applications. Topics include curvilinear coordinates,
basic linear algebra and vector spaces, complex variables,
partial differential equations, orthogonal functions,
special functions, Fourier series and transforms.
Prerequisites:
Physics 142 or 152
and Mathematics
211 and 212,
or consent of instructor.
Text:
Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences,
Boas. |
|
PHYSICS 361:
Analytical Mechanics I |
| Malko |
MWF |
8:30 AM - 9:20 AM |
MAX: 16 |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Content:
A deeper mathematical and philosophical treatment of
classical mechanics, which will also provide experience
in reasoning from fundamental principles, and familiarity
with some important mathematical techniques. Topics
to be covered include vector analysis; conservation
laws; rocket motion; central forces and planetary motion;
rotations; oscillating systems; scattering problems;
variational principles; Lagrangians; and relativistic
kinematics.
Audience:
Required for Physics BS and Applied Physics BS majors.
Physics BA majors may take Physics 361 (in which case
they must also take Physics
365: Electromagnetic Fields I) or they can instead
take Physics 254: Classical
Physics (spring semester).
Prerequisites:
Physics 152 and Mathematics
211, or consent of instructor. |
|
PHYSICS 397R:
Directed Study |
| Faculty |
TBA |
TBA |
MAX: 16 |
Credit: 1 - 12 Hours |
Content:
Varies.
Prerequisite: Consent
of instructor.
Particulars:
Adapted to the particular needs of individual students,
with the instructor acting as advisor. |
|
PHYSICS 421:
Thermal Physics |
| Family |
TTh |
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM |
MAX: 10 |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Content:
Entropy, temperature, free energy, statistical mechanics,
Gibbs ensembles, partition function, ideal gas, Fermi
and Bose gases, principles of classical thermodynamics,
Carnot Theorem, phase transitions, and kinetic theory
of gases.
Prerequisites:
Physics 253, or consent of instructor.
|
|
PHYSICS 436: Computational
Physics |
| Hentchel |
TTh |
11:30 AM
- 12:45 PM |
MAX: 16 |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Content:
Computational techniques will be introduced that will
enable students to simulate, analyze, and graphically
visualize physical systems and processes. Some of the
topics that may be covered include numerical integration,
nonlinear dynamics and chaos, random walks and diffusion,
percolation and critical phenomena, fractals, cellular
automata, Monte Carlo techniques, and molecular dynamics.
Prerequisite:
Physics 142 or 152,
Computer
Science 150 or 170,
or consent of instructor.
Particulars:
The grade in the course will be based on numerical projects
and a final research paper. Final projects will be selected
from different areas of physics according to student
interest and background.
Text: An
Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods: Applications
to Physical Systems, 2nd
ed., H. Gould and J. Tobochnik (Addison-Wesley, 1996).
|
|
PHYSICS 444WR:
Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory |
TPL
|
| Day |
W |
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
MAX: 10 |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Content: Modern experimental
techniques and methods, including the use of analog
electronics, instrumentation and computer interfacing,
cryogenics, and electro-optics. This is a Theory-Practice
Learning course.
Prerequisite: Physics
253 AND consent of the instructor.
Particulars: An integrated lecture
and laboratory format. Each project will require a full
written report according to the appropriate Scientific
Report Writing guidelines. |
|
PHYSICS 495:
Honors Research |
| Faculty |
TBA |
TBA |
MAX: NA |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Audience: For students
participating in the College Honors Program.
Prerequisite: Consent of the
undergraduate physics advisor. Independent research
for students invited to participate in the Physics Department's
Honors program. |
|
PHYSICS 495WR:
Honors Research |
| Faculty |
TBA |
TBA |
MAX: NA |
Credit: 4 Hours |
Audience: For students participating
in the College Honors Program.
Prerequisite: Consent of honors
research advisor.
Content: Final Semester of independant
research for students invited to participate in Physics
Department Honor's program. WR is satisfied by acceptance
of completed honors thesis. |
|
PHYSICS 499R:
Undergraduate Research |
| Faculty |
TBA |
TBA |
MAX: 20 |
Credit: 1 - 12 Hours |
Audience: For students
who wish to participate in physics research with the
instructor acting as research director.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
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