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Undergraduate Course Atlas

Fall Semester 2006


For more information, contact Kate Bennett
For other departments, see the Emory College Course Atlas.

115 Introductory Astronomy
116 Introductory Astronomy, with Lab
121 How Things Work I
141 Introductory Physics I, with Lab
151 General Physics: Mechanics, with Lab
190 Freshman Seminar: How Things Work I
190 Freshman Seminar: Information Revolution
190 Freshman Seminar: Physics, Philosophy, and Spirituality
211 Multivariable Calculus
234 Digital Electronics and Microprocessors,
with Lab

253 Modern Physics, with Lab
320 Mathematical Methods for Scientists
361 Analytical Mechanics I
380R Special Topics: Biomacromolecules
380R Special Topics: Science and Religion
397R Directed Study
397R Directed Study: INSPIRE
421 Thermal Physics
444WR Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory
495 Honors Research
495WR Honors Research
499R Undergraduate Research


PHYSICS 115: Introductory Astronomy

Malko TTh 8:30 - 9:45 AM MAX: 56 Credit: 4 Hours
Bajaj TTh 2:30 - 3:45 PM MAX: 56 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:  
Malko The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 3rd ed. (2002), Bennett, et al.
  The Night Sky 30-40 deg. North (Planisphere), Chandler
   
Bajaj 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 000

Williamon 001

 

TuTh

TuTh

10:00 - 11:15 AM

11:30 - 12:45 AM

MAX: 36

MAX: 36

Credit: 4 Hours

Credit: 4 Hours

Lab Sections:
LA1
LB1
LC1
LD1


M
Tu
W
Th


7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM


MAX: 18
MAX: 18
MAX: 18
MAX: 18


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 is one 3-hour lab session, held weekly, which requires 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 I

Boettcher TTh 11:30 - 12:45 PM MAX: 85 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.

Text: How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life, Bloomfield


PHYSICS 141: Introductory Physics I, with Laboratory

Day 000 MWF 8:30 AM - 9:20 AM Credit: 4 Hours
Day 001 MWF 9:35 AM - 10:25 AM 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 6:00 PM on these three Wednesday evenings: October 4, November 1 and November 29. There is one three-hour laboratory Class Page each week which requires registration as a related component.

Texts: Physics for Scientists and Engineers, vols. I and II, Randall D. Knight-- with access to Mastering Physics (online homework site), and PRS RF clicker.
  Physics 141-142 Laboratory Manual, Emory University Physics Department


PHYSICS 151: General Physics: Mechanics with Laboratory

Weeks MWF 11:45 - 12:35 PM MAX: 72 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 190: Freshman Seminar-- How Things Work

Coleman TTh 10:00 - 11:15 AM MAX: 16 Credit: 4 Hours

Content: How Things Work will explore the science behind many of the technical things (for example, automobiles) and not-so-technical things (baseball bats) that are part of our daily existence. This course is especially appropriate for non-scientists who want to understand, well, how things work. The mathematics is minimal. We will see our world as predictable rather than magical, and a few simple rules will allow us to understand some quite complicated objects and that technical complexity need not be intimidating.

Audience: Freshman only. Permission of Dean Brown required prior to enrollment.

Particulars: Seminar discussion format;in class discussion and presentations, a mid-term exam, a final exam, and a collaborative project. Class participation will count at least 1/3 of the final grade.

Texts: How Things Work, the Physics of Everyday Life, 3rd. ed. Bloomfiled plus additional readings.


PHYSICS 190: Freshman Seminar-- From Sand to Supercomputers: the Story of the Information Revolution

Bajaj TTh 11:30- 12:45 PM MAX: 15 Credit: 4 Hours

Content:The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the developments in materials science and technology that have led to the so-called information revolution. A qualitative description of the basic properties of semiconductors, and of the operating characteristics of electronic devices, and of the systems based on these devices, will be presented. The course will also address the revolutionary impact of information technology on economic, military, social, cultural, ethical and global aspects of modern life. Especially appropriate for non-scientists who want to discuss the technological basis of the information age with minimal mathematics and for science majors who want to broaden their background.

Audience: Freshman only. Permission of Dean Brown required prior to enrollment.

Particulars: Seminar discussion format; brief quizzes, a mid-term exam, and a final term paper.

Texts:
The Quantum Dot: A Journey into the Future of Microelectronics,
Richard Turton.


PHYSICS 190: Freshman Seminar-- Physics, Philosophy, and Spirituality

Rao MWF 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM MAX: 15 Credit: 4 Hours

Content:The course will address the following topics: (1) The scientific worldview derived from the progress of natural sciences particularly physics.
(2) The descriptions of worldviews based on the faith traditions of Abrahamic religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam as well as Eastern religions of Hinduism and Buddism. (3) The philosophical activity of attempting to formulate, understand and answer fundamental questions (such as what is real, what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful) that leads to the spirituality of man, his beliefs and expectations.

Audience: Freshman only. Permission of Dean Brown required prior to enrollment.

Particulars: Seminar discussion format; journal writing, brief quizzes, a mid-term exam, and a term paper

Texts: The Dancing Universe - from Creation Myths to Big Bang, Gleisser
  The World's Religions, Smith


PHYSICS 211: Multivariable Calculus

(Crosslisted as Mathematics 211P)

TBA TBA Credit: 4 Hours

Content: This section of Math 211 is designed to meet the needs of physics majors, but math majors and others with strong interest are welcome. Topics include 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. Optimization (for economics) will not be covered.

Prerequisites: Mathematics 112, 112s, or 112Z.


PHYSICS 234: Digital Electronics & Microprocessors, with Laboratory

TPL
DuVarney TTh 10:00 - 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

Brody TTh 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM MAX: 27 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 Thursday, 2:30-5:30PM).


PHYSICS 320: Mathematical Methods for Scientists

Koehler MWF 12:50 - 1:40 PM MAX: 20 Credit: 4 Hours

Content: An advanced mathematical methods course designed for majors in the natural sciences, emphasizing techniques and applications. Topics include basic linear algebra, derivatives and integrals in 3D vector spaces, complex variables and 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.

Texts: Div, grad, curl and all that, 4th edition, H. M. Schey, ISBN 0-393-92516-1
  Applied Partial Differential Equations, Alan Jeffrey, ISBN 0-12-382252-1


PHYSICS 361: Analytical Mechanics I

Rasnik MWF 10:40 - 11:30 AM MAX: 20 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.

Text: Classical Mechanics, John R. Taylor


PHYSICS 380R: Special Topics - Biomacromolecules

Finzi TTh 1:00 - 2:15 PM MAX: 14 Credit: 4 Hours

Content: This course is meant to provide physics graduate students, in their first year of study, and advanced undergraduates with the fundamental knowledge necessary to practice research in biophysics. Toward this goal, the first part of the course will introduce the concept of atomic (electronic) structure, including molecular orbitals and basic ligand field theory, pertinent to the discussion of the nature of the chemical bonds involved in the structure and function of biomacromolecules. The course will then discuss the interaction of biomacromolecules with different types of environments. The concepts of acids, bases, pH and buffer effects will be introduced along with those of membranes and Brownian motion. Subsequently, polymer chain statistics will be thoroughly discussed, followed by an analysis of binding interactions including a discussion of ensemble versus single-molecule analysis especially in relation to conformational changes, molecular motors. The course will conclude with a section dedicated to reaction dynamics: kinetics, especially enzyme kinetics, also at the single-molecule level.

Audience: Graduates and advanced undergraduates

Prerequisite: There are no a prior prerequisites given the nature of the course which is aimed at providing the basic tools for the understanding of the biochemical and biophysical behavior of macromolecules as a function of their environment.

Texts: Readings to be announced


PHYSICS 380R: Special Topics - Science and Religion

Rao MWF 11:40 - 12:30 AM MAX: 14 Credit: 4 Hours

Content: For over a decade, intense intellectual debate has gone on in the United States about the role of religion and science in our lives; it is the goal of this course to bring these issues to the attention of students. By reading substantial material that acquaints participants with relevant issues emerging in this field, the students are expected to enrich their own personal knowledge. The topics include science in its historical and cultural contexts, contributions of Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Einstein, Darwin and others for the scientific understanding of the physical universe, neuroscience perspectives on consciousness, mind and self, and a study of the religious worldviews.

Audience: The course is designed for those who have already taken some introductory classes in scienes and in the study of religions.

Particulars: An emphasis on open discussion, serious reflection through journal writing and presentation of personal statements are significant features designed to achieve the course's goal. Requirements include class participation, journal writing, short quizzes and one final paper.

Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor

Texts:
The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time and the Texture of Reality,
Brian Green
The World's Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions, Houston Smith
The Sacred Depths of Nature, Ursula Goodenough
Science, Religion and Human Experience, James D. Proctor


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 397R 0OP: Directed Study

Segre Th 4:00 - 5:15PM MAX: NA Credit: 1 Hour

Content: General introduction to scientific research. This course will introduce the students to the numerous areas of scientific research conducted in the Emory physics department as well as give an overview of how modern science is carried out. The students will participate in in-depth tours of active research laboratories, covering diverse fields, in the physics department. In the classroom, we will also discuss topics related to science research in general, including the hprocess of publishing and presenting scientific results, science ethics and some current science issues "in the news."

Audience: For students participaing in the INSPIRE Program.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Text: Class notes and science articles from the instructor.


PHYSICS 421: Thermal Physics

Berland MWF 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM MAX: 20 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.

Text: An Introduction to Thermal Physics, Daniel V. Schroeder.


PHYSICS 444WR: Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory

 
Segre Lecture Tu 2:30 - 5:30 PM MAX: 10 Credit: 4 Hours
Brody Lab Wed 2:30 - 5:30 PM    

Content: Modern experimental techniques and hands-on laboratory projects, including semiconductor device physics, chaos in electronics, X-ray crystallography, and astronomical photometry.

Prerequisite: Physics 253 AND consent of the instructor.

Particulars: Each student will complete written reports for at least three experimental projects. All students must register for both Tu 2:30-5:30 and Wed 2:30-5:30 PM.

Texts: Student Manual for the Art of Electronics
   
   


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 Honors 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.