Course:

PHYS 141  Introduction to Physics I

Professor:

Paul Cadden-Zimansky  

CRN:

15369

Schedule/Location:

Mon  Wed  Fri   10:10 AM – 11:40 AM Hegeman 107

Mon       1:20 PM – 3:20 PM Hegeman 107

Distributional Area:

LS Laboratory Science  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 12

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 141.

 

Course:

PHYS 142  Introduction to Physics II

Professor:

Shuo Zhang  

CRN:

15370

Schedule/Location:

Mon  Wed  Fri   10:10 AM – 11:30 AM Rose Laboratories 108

Distributional Area:

LS Laboratory Science  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 24

Part II of a calculus-based survey which will focus on electricity and magnetism, light, electromagnetic radiation, and optics. The course stresses ideas – the unifying principles and characteristic models of physics. Labs develop the critical ability to elicit understanding of our physical world.  Prerequisite:  Physics 141, Mathematics 141. Students must select a Lab section as well.

 

Course:

PHYS 142 LBA Introduction to Physics II Lab A

Professor:

Shuo Zhang  

CRN:

15371

Schedule/Location:

Mon       1:20 PM – 3:20 PM Rose Laboratories 108

Distributional Area:

LS Laboratory Science  

Credits: 0

 

Class cap: 12

 

Course:

PHYS 142 LBB Introduction to Physics II Lab B

Professor:

Shuo Zhang  

CRN:

15372

Schedule/Location:

  Wed     3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Rose Laboratories 108

Distributional Area:

LS Laboratory Science  

Credits: 0

 

Class cap: 12

 

Course:

PHYS 222  Mathematical Methods of Physics II

Professor:

Harold Haggard  

CRN:

15373

Schedule/Location:

Mon   Thurs Fri   1:30 PM – 2:50 PM Hegeman 106

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 16

Crosslists: Mathematics

This is the second part of a two-part course series that introduces mathematical topics and techniques that are commonly encountered in the physical sciences, including complex numbers and analytic functions, Fourier series and orthogonal functions, standard types of partial differential equations, and special functions.  Prerequisites: MATH 141 and 142, or the equivalent.  Recommended: PHYS 221, Mathematical Methods I.

 

Course:

PHYS 313  Advanced Lab

Professor:

Antonios Kontos  

CRN:

15376

Schedule/Location:

Mon       11:50 AM – 1:10 PM Hegeman 107

        Fri   1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Rose 108

Distributional Area:

LS Laboratory Science  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 12

This is an upper level physics course focused on measurements, experimental techniques, and the theory behind them. Students will work on a small number of advanced experiments, e.g. in quantum optics and nuclear experimentation, in order to gain a deeper knowledge of how experiments in physics are carried out. In addition, we will explore specific techniques often encountered in the lab such as data acquisition, signal processing and feedback controls. During lectures, we will look at the theory behind what we see in the lab, including how some ubiquitous experimental equipment works, such as spectrum analyzers and digital-to-analog converters. Prerequisites: Physics 241 or consent of the instructor.

 

Course:

PHYS 314  Thermal Physics

Professor:

Harold Haggard  

CRN:

15374

Schedule/Location:

Mon  Wed  Fri   8:30 AM – 9:50 AM Hegeman 106

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 16

This course studies the thermal behavior of physical systems, employing thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics.  Thermodynamical topics include equations of state, energy and entropy, and the first and second laws of thermodynamics.  Both classical and quantum statistical mechanics are covered, including distribution functions, partition functions, and the quantum statistics of Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein systems. Applications include atoms, molecules, gases, liquids, solids, and phase transitions. Prerequisites: Physics 141-142, Mathematics 141-142.

 

Course:

PHYS 321  Quantum Mechanics

Professor:

Antonios Kontos  

CRN:

15375

Schedule/Location:

Mon  Wed  Fri   10:10 AM – 11:30 AM Hegeman 102

Distributional Area:

MC Mathematics and Computing  

Credits: 4

 

Class cap: 16

Quantum mechanics is our most successful scientific theory: spectacularly tested, technologically paramount, conceptually revolutionary.  This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to this remarkable theory.  We will begin by establishing the structure of quantum mechanics in the context of its simplest case, the so-called qubit.  Simultaneously, we will refresh the mathematical apparatus required to formulate quantum mechanics.  To explore some of quantum mechanic’s most interesting phenomena, including contextuality, entanglement, and nonlocality, we will next study systems of qubits. After an interlude on the interpretation of quantum mechanics, we will consider a variety of applications of quantum mechanics: 1-dimensional systems, including the harmonic oscillator, 3-dimensional systems, including the hydrogen atom, and quantum statistical mechanics, including that of identical particles as well as scattering and perturbation theory.  We will conclude by learning the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics.  Time permitting, we will touch on such topics as decoherence and quantum computation. Prerequisites: Physics 241, Mathematics 213.