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Physics and Astronomy Department Homepage

PHYS 103. Astronomy of the Solar System [4-3] (1 course)

An introductory course concentrating on the solar system. Topics to be covered include: observational astronomy; the history and development of astronomy; Kepler's laws of planetary motion; Newton's laws of motion and gravity; the Earth-moon system; the structure and composition of the planets with an emphasis on comparative planetology; asteroids, comets, the formation of the solar system, the sun and the exploration of space. Emphasis is placed on investigating the methods by which astronomers gain knowledge about the solar system. Evening laboratory periods will emphasize observation and will help students develop quantitative skills in interpreting data. PHYS 103 and PHYS 104 may be taken in either order. May not be counted toward a major in physics. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry.

PHYS 104. Stellar Astronomy [4-3] (1 course)

An introductory course concentrating on the astronomy of stars and stellar systems. Topics to be covered include properties of stars; stellar evolution; white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes; the interstellar medium; the Milky Way; galaxies; Hubble's Law; and cosmology. Emphasis is placed on investigating the methods by which astronomers gain knowledge about the universe. Evening laboratory periods will emphasize observation and will help students develop quantitative skills in interpreting data. PHYS 103 and PHYS 104 may be taken in either order. Not open to students with credit in PHYS 200. May not be counted toward a major in physics. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry.

PHYS 112. Physics for Poets [4-2] (1 course)

The fundamental concepts of classical and modern physics with attention to their bearings in other fields of science and the humanities. Topics include the historical development of Newtonian mechanics, special and general relativity, quantum physics and modern cosmology. Contrasts between Newtonian and 20th-century world views are emphasized. This course does not fulfill the prerequisites for advanced courses in physics, nor the requirements for medicine, engineering or secondary teaching. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry.

PHYS 121. Principles of Physics I[4-2] (1 course)

An introductory calculus-based course covering fundamental concepts of physics including: momentum, energy, conservation laws, particle interactions, Newton's laws, oscillations, orbits and planetary motion and special relativity. Laboratory sessions will provide a hands-on opportunity to explore the concepts of physics. This course is designed for students majoring in the sciences and mathematics and those in pre-professional programs in health sciences, medicine, engineering and teaching. Prerequisite or co-requisite: MATH 136 or MATH 151.

PHYS 122. Principles of Physics II [4-2] (1 course)

This course builds on PHYS 121 and covers fundamental concepts of physics including: electric and magnetic fields, circuits, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, waves, interference and diffraction, wave-particle duality, atoms, nuclei and radioactivity, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Laboratory sessions will provide a hands on opportunity to explore the concepts of physics. This course is designed for students majoring in the sciences and mathematics and those in pre-professional programs in health sciences, medicine, engineering and teaching. Prerequisite: PHYS 121.

PHYS 200. Introductory Astrophysics (1 course)

The concepts of classical and modern physics are applied to the study of astronomy, providing a physical basis for understanding the components and structure of our universe. Topics to be covered include: spectroscopy, stellar properties, binary stars, stellar classification, stellar structure and evolution, galaxies and galactic structure, active galactic nuclei and cosmology. Prerequisite: PHYS 122. Co-requisite: PHYS 271.

PHYS 203. Cosmology [4-0] (1 course)

An examination of fundamental questions about the origin, order and meaning of the universe from the perspectives of physics, philosophy and other disciplines. Topics include: creation myths; development of Western cosmology; physics and metaphysics of space and time; cosmological and design arguments for the existence of God; the Anthropic Principle; life and consciousness.

PHYS 205. Introduction to Engineering and Technology [3-0] (1/2 course)

An orientation to the fields of engineering and to the functions and skills common to professional engineers. An exploration of the impact of technology on society and the responsibilities and opportunities faced by engineers. Readings, discussions with visiting engineers, field trips and student presentations. Not applicable toward the major. May not be taken Pass-Fail.

PHYS 231. Statics [2-0] (1/2 course)

Mathematical methods for analysis of force systems for rigid bodies, including equilibrium requirements, stresses in frames and trusses, forces in beams and cables, friction, centroids and moments of inertia. Prerequisite: PHYS 121.

PHYS 241. Circuit Theory and Electronics [4-3] (1 course)

Experimental and theoretical treatment of direct current and alternating current circuits. Topics include: diode applications, transistors, operational amplifiers, feedback, analog-digital conversion, digital logic and microprocessors. Prerequisite: PHYS 122.

PHYS 271. Introduction to Modern Physics [4-3] (1 course)

A phenomenological and theoretical treatment of some fields of modern physics, including relativity and quantum mechanics; studies of wave-particle duality; molecular, atomic and nuclear structure; selected current developments; and fundamental particles. Prerequisite: PHYS 122.

PHYS 272. Mathematical Methods I [4-0] (1 course)

Methods in applied mathematics for students in physical sciences, engineering and mathematics. Topics include: partial derivatives, multiple integrals, power series, complex numbers, linear algebra and vector analysis. Emphasis is given to the physical applications of the mathematics. Co-requisite: MATH 152. Prerequisite: PHYS 121.

PHYS 273. Mathematical Methods II [4-0] (1 course)

Additional topics in applied mathematics, including ordinary and partial differential equations, Fourier series, integral transforms, Green's functions, special functions, probability and complex variables. Prerequisite: PHYS 272.

PHYS 331. Mechanics [4-0] (1 course)

Basic definitions and principles of classical mechanics, conservation laws, systems of particles and motion of rigid bodies, oscillating phenomena and an introduction to generalized coordinates and the methods of Lagrange and Hamilton. Prerequisite: PHYS 272.

PHYS 332. Electricity and Magnetism [4-0] (1 course)

Experimental foundations of electricity and magnetism, electrostatic and magnetostatic problems, dielectrics, the field concept in electromagnetism and Maxwell's equations and the concept of energy in electromagnetism. Several periods may be in laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 272.

PHYS 351. Dynamics [4-0] (1 course)

A theoretical treatment of the physical laws governing the motion of particles and rigid bodies, including studies of energy and momentum, kinematics, curvilinear motion and central forces. Prerequisite: PHYS 121-122.

PHYS 361. Optics [3-3] (1 course)

Geometrical and physical optics along with the nature and theory of electromagnetic radiation and wave motion including paraxial theory, superposition of waves, interference, diffraction, polarization, basics of coherence theory and selected topics from contemporary optics including lasers and holography. Prerequisite: PHYS 122.

PHYS 400. Teaching of Physics (1/2 course)

For students planning to teach physics and general science in secondary schools. Not applicable toward the major. Prerequisite: PHYS 122.

PHYS 412. Thermal Physics [4-0] (1 course)

Treatment of the laws of thermodynamics and the concepts of temperature, pressure, entropy, chemical potential and free energy as related to the quantum statistical behavior of microscopic systems. Included are applications to kinetic theory of gases, heat engines, photons and phonons, systems in magnetic and electric fields, transport phenomena and biological and engineering problems. Prerequisite: PHYS 272.

PHYS 452. Quantum Mechanics [4-0] (1 course)

Non-relativistic wave mechanical treatment of physical systems. Definition and interpretation of state functions; construction of wave packets; solutions of the Schrodinger equation for simple one-dimensional systems; the hydrogen atom; various approximation methods including perturbation theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 271.

PHYS 471-472. Advanced Laboratory [0-1 or 0-2] (1/4-1/2 course each semester)

The extension of other physics courses or experimental work in modern physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 271.

PHYS 481-482. Selected Topics in Physics (1/4-1/2 course each semester)

Independent study. May include various aspects of bio-physics, chemical physics or other interdisciplinary subjects. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

PHYS 483. Seminar (1/2 course)

Individual presentations and group discussions cover a wide range of topics. Prerequisite: a major in physics or permission of instructor. Required of all senior physics majors.

PHYS 490. Selected Topics in Astronomy (1/4-1/2 course)

Independent study. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

E-mail questions or comments to: sbates@depauw.edu

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