DIVISION OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS

PHYSICS

PHYS 101 Introduction to Physics I

Professor: M. Deady

CRN: 91734 Distribution: E/G/Q

Time:M Th 10:30 am ­ 12:30 pm HEG 106

Lab A M 1:20 pm - 3:20 pm HEG 107

Lab B M 3:40 pm - 5:40 pm HEG 107

Lab C M 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm HEG 107

A calculus-based survey of Physics. This first semester covers topics in mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, and wave motion. The course stresses ideas--the unifying principles and characteristic models of physics. Labs develop the crucial ability to elicit understanding of the physical world. Corequisite: Math 111 or 113.

PHYS 314 Thermal Physics

Professor: P. Skiff

CRN: 91735 Distribution: n/a

Time: W F 10:30 am ­ 12:00 pm ROSE 108

Elements of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics. Equations of state, first and second laws, distribution functions, the partition function, quantum statistics. Prerequisites: Physics 101­102, Mathematics 112.

PHYS 325 Methods of Mathematical Physics

Professor: M. Deady

CRN: 91736 Distribution: n/a

Time: W F 9:20 am ­ 10:20 am ROSE 108

(Two credits)Concepts and techniques of vector and tensor analysis, line and surface integration, and complex function analysis will be developed in this course. These mathematical methods are particularly useful in thermodynamics and electromagnetism. Prerequisite: Mathematics 112.

NSCI 181 A Light and Color

Professor: B. Brody

CRN: 91737 Distribution: E/G/Q

Time: Tue Th 10:30 am ­ 12:30 pm ROSE 108

NSCI 181 B Light and Color

Professor: B. Brody

CRN: 91738 Distribution: E/G/Q

Time:M Th 1:20 pm ­ 3:20 pm ROSE 108

An introduction to light, optical phenomena, and related devices, including some historical perspective; classical and modern models of light; light and color in nature, and vision; the geometrical optics of lenses, mirrors, and related devices; the physical optics of interference and diffraction; spectroscopy and polarization; color science, lasers, and holography. Without assuming either prior knowledge of physics or heavier mathematics, we will develop models in class and explore them in weekly labs. Prerequisites: high school algebra and trigonometry (certified at registration).

NSCI 225 Einstein

Professor: P. Skiff

CRN: 91740 Distribution: C/E

Time: Tue Th 1:20 pm ­ 2:50 pm HEG 102

of related interest: German Studies

An examination of Einstein's life and work and their impact on current world views, and consideration of some of the many controversies involved therein. We will use biography and popular descriptions of the relativity theories, atomic theories, and optical theories, and will compare the advantages of methods of positivism and realism in philosophy and of "internalism" and "externalism" in the history of science. Readings include some primary sources; secondary authors will include Clark, Pais, Zukav, Reichenbach, Miller, Holton, and others. Accessible to non­science students with no prior collegiate scientific or mathematical experience.

NSCI 304 Philosophy of Science

Professor: P. Skiff

CRN: 91741 Distribution: A/E

Time: Tue Th 3:40 pm ­ 5:10 pm HEG 102

An historical reconstruction of recent developments in epistemology, focusing on the emergence of realism and anti­positivism in the 1980s. Readings include Ayer, Hempel, Popper, Lakatos, Feyerabend, Laudan, MacIntyre, Stegmuller, and Foucault. A seminar of twelve selected participants; seminar presentation required. Prerequisites: Natural Science 222, 223, and at least one course each in Kant and modern philosophy.