General Science Courses Light and Color
Physics 118
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 prior knowledge of physics or higher mathematics, the class develops models and explores them in weekly labs. Prerequisites: high school algebra and trigonometry (certified at registration).
Intermediate Courses Mechanics
Physics 303
This course in particle kinematics and dynamics in one, two, and three dimensions covers -conservation laws, coordinate transformations, and problem-solving techniques in differential equations, vector calculus, and linear algebra. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations are also studied. Prerequisites: Physics 141 and 142 and Mathematics 141 and 142.
Modern Physics
Physics 321
This topical course in the development of -modern physics from the theory of relativity to quantum mechanics covers relativity, the -photo-electric effect, X-ray production and scattering, nuclear transmutation, alpha and beta radiation processes, and particles and quasiparticles. Prerequisites: Physics 141 and 142 and Math-ematics 141 and 142.
Introductory Courses Introduction to Physics
Physics 141
Physics 141
A calculus-based survey of physics. The 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 critical ability to elicit understanding of the physical world. Corequisite: Mathematics 141.
back to top
|
