Introductory Physics with Calculus I Phys - 131
First semester of a calculus-based introductory sequence. Linear motion, force, energy, and momentum are covered in the first semester of the two-semester sequence. This course provides a foundation for future physics courses as well as works to develop students' abilities as a problem solver.
- Course Goals:
- Learn the definition of physics concepts such as velocity, energy, work, momentum...
- Learn the laws of physics such as conservation of energy and conservation of momentum
- Learn and appropriately apply models to simplify objects or systems
- Determine the best approach to solve problems
- Assess solutions
- Construct, evaluate and improve instruments and methods to measure the motion of objects
Introductory Physics with Calculus II Phys - 132
Physics 132 is the second semester of the introductory physics course. The topics covered in 132 include but are not limited to heat, waves, electricity, magnetism and optics. Similar to 131 this course is also taught in a workshop style with integrated lecture, group problem solving and lab.
- Course Goals:
- Learn the definition of physics concepts such as charge, current, magnetism, entropy...
- Learn the laws of physics such as conservation of energy and conservation of momentum
- Learn and appropriately apply models to simplify objects or systems
- Determine the best approach to solve problems
- Assess solutions
- Construct, evaluate and improve instruments and methods to measure the motion of objects
Biophysics Phys - 204
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary course applying statistical physics and mechanics to the life sciences. There are a veriety of topics in biophysics, however this course focuses on diffusion, thermal fluctuations, entropy and free energy.
- Course Goals:
- Identify physics concepts that are important to biological systems
- Apply physics concepts to biological questions
- Understand how statistics and probability dictate behavior at the cellular level
- Gain insight into the importance of thermal energy at the small scale
- Learn to read, interpret and critique biophysics research
Computational Methods in Physics Phys - 215
Computational methods introduces students to computational techniques used to solve physics problems and basic programming skills usingMathematica software. The course consists of a combination of lecture and computational labs. At the end of the semester students conduct individual computational projects on topics ranging from schrodinger's equation, to forces acting on moving charges, to the flight of a baseball at different altitudes.
- Course Goals:
- Learn the basics of programming
- Learn and apply tools to numerically solve differential equations
- Learn and apply stochastic methods to solve problems
- Adapt programs and tools to new problems
- Assess solutions
- Analyze, manipulate and categorize data
Intermediate Lab Phys - 221
Intermediate lab is a hands on experimental course that teaches students good laboratory techniques such as experimental design, data acquisition, error analysis, and data presentation through written reports. The semester begins with structured labs that all students complete and introductory lectures on error and error analysis. In subsequent weeks students work independently on a range of available experiments and end the semester with a multiple week experimental project of their choosing.
- Course Goals:
- Identify, report and remove sources of error
- Construct experiments to test physical theories and hypothesis
- Understand and use basic scientific equipment
- Communicate the importance of a study through writing
- Communicate the result of a student through consise reports, graphs and tables
- Evaluate the acceptability of research results
Mathematical Methods in Physics Phys - 260
Mathematical methods is a course that brings together math concepts important to physics. Topics are taken from vector calculus, matrices, differential equations, calculus of variations, orthogonal functions, complex analysis, and Fourier transformations. The goal is to introduce these topics in the context of physics applications and prepare students for upper level course work.
Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics Phys - 308
This course covers both thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Topics include ideal gas, kinetic theory, specific heat, heat engine, microstates, macrostates, Einstein Solid, Boltzmann statistics, Gibbs factor, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein Distributions.
- Course Goals:
- Learn the foundations of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
- Apply foundational concepts to examples systems
- Understand the limitations and applications and thermodynamics and statistical concepts
Physics Seminar Phys - 397/398/497/498
This junior/senior seminar course focuses on presentation of scientific knowledge. Juniors prepare and give oral presentations on physics topics of their choosing. While seniors prepara a manuscript and present presentations on a senior reserach project.
- Course Goals:
- Learn how to present and practice presenting physic research and materials before an audience of your peers and faculty
- Learn and practice scientific writing
- Exposure to topics in physics research through talks and discussions that follow
- Build and strengthen the physics community through interactions, announcements, and discussions