| PHY 101
Fall '99 |
Introductory Physics |
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The course is concerned with an introduction to the fundamental laws underlying physics and having general application in other areas of
science. The treatment is complete and detailed, however, less mathematical preparation is assumed than for PHY 103-104. Mechanics
and thermodynamics are treated quantitatively with a special emphasis on problem solving. In the spring semester PHY 102 covers
electricity and magnetism, optics and relativity using the topics treated in PHY 101. |
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| PHY 103
Fall '99 |
General Physics |
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To understand the basic physics needed for further study in science and engineering. Logical, quantitative approach to problem solving.
Applying fundamental concepts to idealized, practical problems. |
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| PHY 105 Fall '99 |
Advanced Physics (Mechanics) |
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Physics 105 is a first-year course in mechanics (with a bit of thermodynamics mixed in), taught at
a somewhat more sophisticated level than
Physics 103. The approach of Physics 105 is that of an upper-division physics course, with more
emphasis on derivation and the
underlying formal structure of physics than one gets in 103. Though we get excellent physics
majors from both 103 and 105, Physics 105
will give you a better sense of the flavor of the more advanced courses in the department.
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PHY 107 Fall '99 |
General Physics |
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This course is the first term of a three-term sequence, 107-8-9, covering the same material as Physics 103-4. Students interested in this
option should enroll in PHY 103. After two weeks, a PHY 107 section will form for students who elect the slower pace of 107-8-9.
Concepts and problem solving strategies are emphasized, and cooperative learning is encouraged. |
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PHY 111 Fall '99 |
Contemporary Physics |
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In this course for humanities and social sciences students, we will introduce the
structure of classical physics then examine the strange world
of modern physics. Special relativity and quantum mechanics underlie our understanding
of the physical world. Yet these ideas directly
contradict the evidence of our own senses. How can they be useful, let alone true? Our
approach will be conceptual rather than
mathematical, but the use of quantitative reasoning is itself an important component of
the course that we will work on as needed.
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PHY 203 Fall '99 |
Elementary Mechanics |
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This course is an in depth study of classical mechanics. The underlying physics is essentially Newtonian, but somewhat more sophisticated
mathematical techniques will be introduced, as needed, in order to understand more complex phenomena. Topics include damped, driven
oscillators, coupled oscillations, central force motion, Lagrangian mechanics, and rigid body rotation. Special relativity will be introduced
near the end of the course. Numerical solutions using computational tools will also be developed.
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PHY 205 Fall '99 |
Advanced Physics II |
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Classical Mechanics with emphasis on the development of the Lagrangian method. Topics considered include examples of the motion of
simple systems, bound states and scattering due to central force, small oscillations, rotation of rigid bodies, and wave motion in continuous
media. This course will require intensive study. |
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| PHY 301 Fall '99 |
Thermal Physics |
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A unified introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, both classical and quantum.
Applications include black-body radiation
and phase transitions. Classes will involve discussions regarding modern
applications of thermal physics. |
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PHY 305 Fall '99 |
Introduction to the Quantum Theory |
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This course is a continuation of Physics 208. We will continue to develop the formalism of quantum mechanics and to explore its basis. We
will apply our methods to phenomena from atomic, high energy, and condensed matter physics. |
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| PHY 403 Fall '99 |
Elementary Mathematical Physics |
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(Also Mathematics 407)
Mathematical methods essential for modern theoretical physics are discussed. These include some of the traditional techniques of
mathematical physics, but also more modern and elegant methods such as group theory. Mathematical theories are not treated as ends in
themselves; the goal is to show how mathematical tools are developed to solve physical problems. |
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| PHY 405 Fall '99 |
Modern Physics I -
Atomic, Molecular, and Solid-State
Physics |
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A senior in physics has intensively studied many disciplines of physics, but has had little chance to see how these theories work together to
explain nature. This course will provide an opportunity to use this accumulated knowledge to understand the structure of matter, from
atoms to solids. The emphasis of the course will be on solid state physics, including topics such as electron band theory, semiconductors,
phonons, magnetism, and superconductivity.
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| PHY 501 Fall '99 |
Electricity and magnetism |
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A systematic treatment of the theory of electromagnetic phenomena from an advanced standpoint. Maxwell's equations are discussed with
special attention to their physical meaning. Other topics include potential theory, macroscopic media, waves in simple media and in
bounded structures, radiation, scattering and the limitations of the theory. |
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| PHY 505 Fall '99 |
Quantum Mechanics I |
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The physical principles and mathematical formalism of quantum theory, with emphasis on applications to atomic, molecular, and
many-body physics; scattering phenomena; and electromagnetism (photon physics).
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PHY 102 Spring '00 |
Introductory Physics |
In the spring semester PHY 102 covers
electricity and magnetism, optics and relativity using the topics treated in PHY 101.
Course Description from Spring '99: The goal of the course is to present an introduction to the fundamental laws of nature, especially
optics, electricity/magnetism, gravity and atomic theory. These are treated quantitatively with an emphasis on problem
solving. The laboratory is intended to give students an opportunity to observe physical phenomena and to gain hands-on
experience with apparatus and instruments. |
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PHY 104 Spring '00 |
General Physics |
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Course Description from Spring '99: To understand the basic physics needed for further study in science and engineering. Logical, quantitative approach to problem solving.
Applying fundamental concepts to
idealized, practical problems. |
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PHY 106 Spring '00 |
Advanced Physics (Electromagnetism) |
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Course Description from Spring '99: Parallels Physics 104 at a more sophisticated level. To enter this
course, students must have done well in Physics 103 or 105.
Physics 103 students must attend the lectures on special
relativity given in reading period as part of 105. Three lectures,
one class, one three-hour laboratory. |
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PHY 108 Spring '00 | General Physics |
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Course Description not yet available |
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PHY 111 Spring '00 |
Contemporary Physics |
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Course Description from Fall '99:
In this course for humanities and social sciences students, we will introduce the
structure of classical physics then examine the strange world
of modern physics. Special relativity and quantum mechanics underlie our understanding
of the physical world. Yet these ideas directly
contradict the evidence of our own senses. How can they be useful, let alone true? Our
approach will be conceptual rather than
mathematical, but the use of quantitative reasoning is itself an important component of
the course that we will work on as needed.
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PHY 208 Spring '00 |
Principles of Quantum Mechanics |
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Course Description from Spring '99: An introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include state
functions and the probability interpretation, the Schrödinger
equation, the uncertainty principle, the eigenvalue problem,
multiparticle states, angular momentum, perturbation theory, and
the hydrogen atom. Two lectures, one class, one three-hour
laboratory. Prerequisites: 203 or 205, and Mathematics 203 or 217,
and 204 or 218 (204/218 can be taken concurrently); or
instructor's permission. |
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PHY 304 Spring '00 |
Advanced Electromagnetism |
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Course Description from Spring '99: Extensions of electromagnetic theory including some important
applications of Maxwell's equations. Solutions to Laplace's
equationboundary value problems. Retarded potentials.
Electromagnetic waves and radiation. Special relativity.
Mathematical tools developed as required. Two 90-minute lectures.
Prerequisites: 104 or 106. |
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PHY 312 Spring '00 |
Experimental Physics |
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Course Description from Spring '99: Each course offers six different experiments from the advanced
laboratory collection. Experiments include Josephson effect,
ß-decay, holography, Mössbauer spectroscopy, optical
pumping. Lectures stress modern experimental methods and devices.
One lecture, one laboratory. |
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PHY 406 Spring '00 |
Modern Physics II -
Nuclear and Elementary Particle
Physics |
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Course Description from Spring '99: The basic features of nuclear and elementary particle physics are
described and interpreted. Problems of current interest are
discussed. Three lectures. |
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PHY 408 Spring '00 |
Modern Classical Dynamics |
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Course Description from Spring '99: The course discusses some of the most important and beautiful
phenomena described by classical dynamics. This includes
generalized Hamiltonian systems and variational principles, shock
waves propagation, gravitational instabilities, simple solitons
and vortices plus elementary exposition of the theories of
turbulence and period doubling. Three lectures. Prerequisite 203
or 205. |
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| PHY 502 Spring '00 |
Electricity and Magnetism |
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Course Description from Spring '99:
The course provides a systematic
treatment of the theory of
electromagnetic phenomena from an advanced standpoint. Maxwell's
equations are discussed, with special attention given to their
physical meaning. Other topics include dielectric and magnetic
media, radiation, and scattering. |
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| PHY 506 Spring '00 |
Quantum Mechanics I |
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Course Description from Spring '99:
The physical principles and mathematical formalism of quantum
theory, with an emphasis on applications to atomic, molecular, and
many-body physics; scattering phenomena; and electromagnetism
(photon physics) are studied.
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Introduction
