The requirements for a Physics Major are:
A minimum of 8.5 units of Physics.
-
The required courses are: 167,
168, 169, 191,
242, 291,
321,
325, 336 plus one of the following:
-
In addition, certain mathematics courses must be taken as
cognates:
- Mathematics 141, 143 Calculus of a Single Variable
- Mathematics 219 Elementary Differential Equations
- Mathematics 245 Multivariate Calculus
Since the use of computers has become routine in science
and technology, students are strongly urged to include Computer Science 171,
Introduction to Computer Science I, in their curriculum.
-
For those contemplating advanced work in physics, these
additional courses are strongly suggested:
The requirements for a Physics Minor are similar to
those for the Major.
A minimum of 5.25 units of Physics.
-
The required courses are: 167,
168, 169, 191, and
242 plus one of the following:
-
In addition, the same mathematics courses as those for the
Major must be taken as cognates.
The Physics Department regularly offers these courses for students:
Liberal Arts 101 - Freshman Seminar: The Physics of
Music
In this course, we will explore the physical basis of the three
necessary components of music production: the instrument that produces
the tones, the transmitting medium that conveys the tones between
locales, and the listener who perceives the tones. Additional
topics will include electrified instruments and sound reinforcement,
room acoustics, and computer-based tone storage and generation,
including compression techniques.
PHYS 101 - Basic Concepts of Physics
The basic ideas of physics in a historical and philosophical framework
to give the student insight and appreciation of physics of this century
and how physics relates to our contemporary society. Not intended for
science majors. Offered alternate years.
PHYS 102 - The Physics of Urban and Environmental
Problems
The physics of modern urban and environmental problems with respect to their
causes, effects and possible cures. Topics include transportation, energy
generation and transmission, pollution and resources. This course satisfies the
Environmental Category requirement and is not intended for science majors. Offered alternate years.
PHYS 105 - Introductory Astronomy
The techniques of modern astronomy and the perspective on our place in the
universe that has been obtained with these techniques. This course satisfies the
Scientific Analysis Mode requirement. Lecture and laboratory.
PHYS 115- General Physics
This course is the first semester introductory course in physics. Various forms
of energy and their interactions: mechanics, sound and heat. Includes
analytical, historical and philosophical aspects. Lecture and laboratory.
Physics 116- General Physics
A continuation of Physics 115. This course covers electricity and
magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHYS 115.
PHYS 167 - Analytical Physics
The first course in a three-semester calculus-based survey of general physics.
Topics include kinematics, dynamics, and fluid mechanics. Lecture and
laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 141.
Physics 168 - Analytical Physics
The topics in this second course in the three-semester calculus-based survey
of general physics include thermodynamics and electricity and magnetism.
Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: PHYS 167 and MATH 143.
Physics 169 - Analytical Physics
The topics in this this third course in the three-semester calculus-based
survey of general physics include sound, optics and modern physics.
Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 168.
Physics 191 - Physics and Astronomy Seminar I
A weekly discussion of selected topics in physics and astronomy as
determined by student and staff interest. The course is led by
departmental faculty, visiting speakers and students. Students submit
written summaries of each presentation. Offered on a credit/no credit
basis.
PHYS 206 - Astronomy and Astrophysics
An introduction to the physics behind star formation, evolution and death.
Topics including galaxies and cosmology are also covered. This course
satisfies the Scientific Analysis Mode requirement. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: Calc-based math, HS physics, or permission of instructor.
PHYS 242 - Intro to Theoretical Physics
An introduction to the mathematical methods of physics using spreadsheets and
symbolic mathematics computer programs. Topics include numerical and power
series solutions, vector calculus, complex analysis, Fourier analysis,
statistics and data interpretation. Lecture and laboratory.
PHYS 245 - Electronics
The use of linear and integrated circuits, discrete devices, amplifiers, power
supplies, oscillators and digital logic in experimental design and data
acquisition. Applications of measurement instrumentation. Prerequisites:
PHYS 168, or PHYS 116 with MATH 141 and MATH 143, or permission of instructor.
Physics 291 - Physics and Astronomy Seminar II
A weekly discussion of selected topics in physics and astronomy as
determined by student and staff interest. The course is led by
departmental faculty, visiting speakers and students. Students submit
written summaries of each presentation and give a presentation on a
current Physics or Astronomy topic at the end of the semester.
Offered on a credit/no credit basis.
PHYS 308 - Optics
An introduction to geometrical and physical optics which includes paraxial
theory, polarization, interference and diffraction phenomena and optical
instruments. Topics in contemporary optics, including lasers, holography and
Fourier optics will also be discussed. Lecture and laboratory. Offered alternate
years.
PHYS 321 - Modern Physics
Topics such as relativity, atomic physics and quantum mechanics are covered.
Pre-requisite: PHYS 242.
PHYS 322 - Solid State & Nuclear Physics
An introduction to the modern quantum mechanical description of solids and the
atomic nucleus. Lecture and laboratory. Offered alternate years.
Pre-requisite: PHYS 242.
PHYS 325 - Theoretical Mechanics
Review of elementary mechanics, one-dimensional motion, harmonic oscillator,
motion in two and three dimensions, central force motion and orbital mechanics,
many-particle systems, rotational motion, gravitation, moving coordinate systems
and Lagrangian mechanics. Pre-requisites: PHYS 242 and MATH 219 (minimum Grade:
1.0).
PHYS 336 - Electricity & Magnetism
A through discussion of Maxwell's electromagnetic field equations in
differential form. Major topics are electrostatics, magnetostatics,
electromagnetic induction and electromagnetic waves. Pre-requisites: PHYS 242
and MATH 219 and MATH 245.
PHYS 380 - Mathematical Physics
Mathematical methods in physics including vector calculus transform calculus,
tensor analysis and special functions (viz. Fourier series, Gamma functions,
Hermite polynomials, Bessel functions, spherical harmonics and Laguerre
polynomials).
Same as Mathematics 380. Offered alternate years. Pre-requisites: PHYS 242
and PHYS 325 and PHYS 336 and MATH 219 and MATH 236 and MATH 245.
PHYS 384 - Thermodynamics
Classical thermodynamics, including kinetic theory an introduction to
statistical mechanics. Pre-requisites: PHYS 168 and MATH 219.
PHYS 387 - Quantum Mechanics
Non-relativistic quantum interpretation of matter and energy, employing both the
wave mechanics of Schroedinger and the matrix mechanics of
Heisenberg. Pre-requisites: PHYS 242 and PHYS 325 and PHYS 336.
PHYS 389 - Selected Topics
The course content will vary depending on student and faculty interests.
PHYS 392 - Internship
Units: 0.50 to 2.00. Also offered on a credit/no credit basis.
PHYS 401, 402 - Seminar
Units: 0.50 or 1.00. Pre-requisite: PHYS 191.
PHYS 411, 412 - Directed
Study
Units: 0.50 or 1.00.
Questions or comments? Please send
e-mail to
dseely@albion.edu . |
