An introduction to the fundamental concepts of classical mechanics: Newton’s laws, conservation of momentum and energy, and oscillatory and rotational motion. Students planning to take additional physics courses should take Mathematics 110 concurrently with Physics 101. Four hours of classroom work and two hours of laboratory work are required each week. (4U) Offered each fall. Prerequisite: high-school mathematics, including trigonometry.

A continuation of Physics 101. Introduction to geometric optics, electric circuits, and electric and magnetic fields. Four hours of classroom work and two hours of laboratory work are required each week. (4U) Offered each spring. Prerequisite: Physics 101 and Mathematics 110 or 115.

An introduction to modern astronomy, with emphasis on the development of planetary, stellar, and galactic systems. Study of the observations and physical laws that lead astronomers to our current understanding of the Solar System and Universe. Evening laboratories include outdoor observations using binoculars and telescopes, as well as indoor activities using planetarium software and astronomical datasets. Four class hours per week. (4U) Offered occasionally.

An in-depth development of a selected area from the realm of modern astronomy. Examples of topics: cosmology, exoplanets, astrophysical disks. Offered occasionally. (1S) Prerequisite: Physics 101 or 130 and facility with high-school algebra and trigonometry. Depending on the topic, other courses may be required.

An introduction to the special theory of relativity, early quantum theory, and non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Application of these ideas to selected topics in atomic, nuclear, and condensed matter physics. The laboratory will require independent use of advanced equipment and statistical analysis of data. Offered each fall. Prerequisite: Physics 101 and Mathematics 115. Physics 102 recommended.

A survey of electronics concepts commonly found in engineering and modern technology. The course covers foundational material of the passive devices of resistors, capacitors, and inductors; complex impedance notations; Thevenin and Norton equivalent elements; and idealized amplifier concepts. The central part of the course works with feedback circuits. The final part of the course considers nonlinear devices with PN semiconductor junctions, transistors, and small and large signal transistor circuits. The course consists of both lab-centered practical circuit analysis and computer-simulated circuit analysis. Offered even years, fall semester. (1S) Prerequisite: Physics 102 and Mathematics 110.

Relativistic dynamics, nuclear models, nuclear decay and reactions, high energy physics, elementary particles. Offered occasionally. Prerequisite: Physics 210 and Mathematics 290.

An in-depth development of a selected area of physics. Examples of topics: general relativity, fluiddynamics, plasma physics. May be repeated for credit if topic is different. Offered occasionally. (1S) Prerequisite: Depends upon the topic.

Research project conducted by a student with supervision by a faculty member. Projects may include a laboratory investigation, a design study, or other work in applied physics or astronomy. The work must be documented, and a final report suitable for publication is required. Prerequisite: Physics 210. Consent of faculty supervisor and department chair.

Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, oscillatory motion, variational methods, Hamilton’s principle, Lagrangian dynamics, systems with many degrees of freedom. Both analytical and numerical techniques are utilized. Offered odd years, spring semester. Prerequisite: Physics 101 and Mathematics 290.

An applied course in numerical methods and computational techniques related to problems in the natural sciences and engineering. Systems of equations, integration, differential equations, and parallel techniques will be examined within the framework of spreadsheets and structured programming. Error analysis and run-time will be addressed. (CP) Offered even years, fall semester. Prerequisite: Physics 101, Mathematics 110 or 115, and some previous computer experience. Recommended: Mathematics 115 and 290 and a course in computer programming.

Classical field theory. Maxwell’s equations, waves and radiation, fields in continuous media; relativistic considerations. Offered odd years, fall semester. Prerequisite: Physics 102 and Mathematics 290.

A course in experimental physics beyond the level of the 200-level courses. Students carry out several experiments that elucidate the principles studied at the 300-level, and design and carry out experiments of their own. Typical experiments include nuclear coincidence experiments, electron spin resonance, the Faraday effect, shot noise determination of the electron charge, the Zeeman effect, and holographic testing. (CP) Offered odd years, spring semester. Prerequisites: Physics 210 and Mathematics 290.

Foundations and mathematical techniques of quantum mechanics, including variational methods and perturbation theory; applications to atomic, molecular, and nuclear structure and processes. Offered even years, fall semester. Prerequisites: Physics 210 and Mathematics 290.

Group and individual guidance on methods of writing a comprehensive paper, composed of critical evaluation of a topic or original research in consultation at various stages of revision with a primary and secondary faculty reader. This course is required to be considered for honors in physics. Offered each semester, on demand. (CP) Prerequisite: senior standing in physics, and prior approval of a thesis advisor.

Independent library research or independent theoretical work in physics, astronomy, or a cross-disciplinary area involving physics or astronomy. Prerequisite: at least 2 units of physics and sophomore standing. Mathematics 290 recommended.

Work with faculty in classroom and laboratory instruction. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Consent of faculty supervisor and the chair of the department.