Undergraduate Course Atlas - Fall Semester 2006

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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

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

Content: Varies.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Particulars: Adapted to the particular needs of individual students, with the instructor acting as advisor.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Audience: For students who wish to participate in physics research with the instructor acting as research director.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.