PHYS - Physics
PHYS 103
Light! More Light!
Focuses on the nature of light and its interaction with matter. Topics include waves, quanta, lasers, modern optics, wave-particle duality, and the following paradox: While the theory of light is unsurpassed in elegance, predictive success, and heuristic influence, light remains mysterious and continues to defy common sense. Weekly laboratory exercises on laser physics and modern optics are incorporated in the regular, two-hour class periods. Offered every two or three years. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: High school physics and trigonometry
PHYS 107
Physics of Music
Explores the relationship between physics and music, covering such topics as vibrations, waves, interference, resonance, wave forms, scales and temperament, physics of musical instruments, characteristics of auditoriums, impact of electronics. Weekly laboratory. Units: 6.
PHYS 110
Topics in Astronomy
Treats selected topics in astronomy and cosmology: the solar system, stellar evolution and death, black holes, galaxies, the big bang theory of the early universe. Astronomical observations are interpreted in light of known physical laws to form a comprehensible picture of the universe. Units: 6.
PHYS 112
Energy Technology, Society, and the Environment
Explores energy production, storage, and usage as they are currently practiced. Certain emerging technologies will also be addressed. Environmental and socio-economic impact will be discussed in the context of limitations imposed by the laws of physics. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 115
PHYS 115
Topic for Spring 2010: Exploring Special and General Relativity
Explores the ideas contained in Einstein's most famous theories, Special Relativity and General Relativity. Both of these theories are increasingly relevant in physics today, as particle accelerators create conditions akin to the Big Bang and advances in astronomical observations point us towards black holes, gravitational waves and the very shape of the universe. Requires algebra and trigonometry. Units: 6.
Aspects of Physics
Treats topics selected for the non-scientist who wants one term of physics. In recent years, the course has sometimes focused on relativity and sometimes on energy and the environment. Physics 115 is not intended to serve as a general introduction to physics, as are Physics 120, 130 and Physics 150, 160, and does not supply an adequate background for intermediate or advanced courses.
PHYS 120
Foundations of Physics I
An algebra-based introduction to the fundamental concepts of classical physics: Newton’s laws, particle motion, conservation laws, gravity, fluids, waves, optics, and thermodynamics. Weekly laboratories emphasize the acquisition, reduction, and interpretation of experimental data and the keeping of complete records. The course is designed to meet the needs of those students who do not intend to major in physics. Note: Students intending to major in physics or engineering must enroll in Physics 150 and 160. Other science majors with strong mathematics and physics backgrounds are also encouraged to enroll in Physics 150 and 160. Units: 6.
PHYS 130
Foundations of Physics II
A continuation of Physics 120. Physics 130 covers both classical and modern physics, including electricity and magnetism, circuits, special relativity, quantum aspects of nature, atomic and nuclear structure, and elementary particles. Weekly laboratory. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 120
PHYS 150
Principles of Classical Physics
Treats the basic topics in classical physics developed prior to 1900: classical mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, and waves. Weekly laboratory emphasizes the acquisition, reduction, and interpretation of experimental data and the keeping of complete records. The course is designed to serve the needs of physics and engineering students and is substantially more demanding than Physics 120 and 130. Only for students with strong backgrounds in mathematics and physics. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: One year of high school physics and MATH 140
PHYS 160
Principles of Modern Physics
Treats basic ideas developed since 1900: quantum aspects of nature, special relativity, elementary wave mechanics, atomic and nuclear structure, fundamental particles. Weekly laboratory. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 150 and MATH 140
PHYS 191
Directed Study in Physics
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
PHYS 201
In Pursuit of Innovation
This course acquaints students with innovation—its objectives, major characteristics, and likely origins. The course focuses mainly on scientific and /or technological innovation; it will be taught as a joint physics/economics offering. The course will include one or two lectures per week along with student presentations and hard-charging discussion based on readings from books, articles and case studies. Outside resource individuals (in most cases Lawrence alumni) who are well-placed and experienced in innovation will offer advice and guidance to particular student projects. Units: 6.
Also listed as Economics 211
Prerequisite: Two courses in mathematics, or two courses in physics, or two courses in economics, or consent of instructor
PHYS 212
Origins: Solar System, Earth, Life
This course explores questions of deep origins—of the Solar System, Earth, and Life—and how these can be addressed through the methods of physics, geology, and biology. Topics considered include stellar evolution, planetary formation, the origin of the Moon, the differentiation of the Earth, and geological and biological constraints on the nature of the earliest lifeforms. Units: 6.
Also listed as Geology 215, Biology 212
Prerequisite: Introductory courses in any two different natural sciences; at least one intermediate course in a natural science; and at least sophomore standing.
PHYS 220
Physical Electronics
A laboratory course covering analysis, construction, and testing of circuits used in present-day experimental research. Strict adherence to standard laboratory practice required. Two laboratories and one lecture per week. Note: To register, you must sign up with instructor.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 150 and MATH 130 or 140
PHYS 225
Computational Mechanics
Introduces symbolic and numerical computation through examples drawn mainly from classical mechanics but also from classical electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. This course emphasizes computer-based approaches to graphical visualization, the solution of ordinary differential equations, the evaluation of integrals, and the finding of roots, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 150 and MATH 210
PHYS 230
Electricity and Magnetism
Develops and explores charge and current densities, particle motions, electrostatics, magnetostatics, induction, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, responses of matter. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 225 and MATH 210
PHYS 310
Quantum Mechanics
Develops the theoretical framework used to describe microscopic phenomena: wave-particle duality, wave functions, states and observables, Schrödinger equation, uncertainty relations, bound states, quantum scattering, angular momentum, spin, and stationary and time-dependent perturbation theories. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 225, MATH 210, and some exposure to quantum mechanics (e.g. PHYS 160, CHEM 470)
PHYS 320
Thermal Physics
Treats elementary statistical mechanics, Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics, kinetic theory, and classical thermodynamics. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 160 and 225 and MATH 210
PHYS 330
Advanced Laboratory
Independent work on experiments selected from the following areas: optical, Mössbauer, alpha, beta, gamma ray, and x-ray spectroscopy; optical double resonance; magnetic resonance; vacuum techniques; solid-state physics; laser physics; nuclear physics. Three laboratories weekly; no lectures. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 160, 220 and 225; PHYS 310 recommended
PHYS 340
Optics
Treats geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, polarization, and various other topics in classical and contemporary optics. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 160 and PHYS 225 or 230
PHYS 350
Physics on Your Feet I
This is the first part of a two-course sequence in which approaches to a wide variety of problems in all major areas of physics are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on quickly identifying relevant fundamental princples and make order of magnitude estimates. Units: 2.
Prerequisite: PHYS 225, 230 and 310
PHYS 351
Physics on Your Feet II
This is the second part of a two-course sequence in which approaches to a wide variety of problems in all major areas of physics are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on quickly identifying relevant fundamental principles and make order of magnitude estimates. Units: 2.
Prerequisite: PHYS 225, 230 and 310.
PHYS 390
Tutorial Studies in Physics
Readings of texts and/or current literature to study a topic not covered in regular offerings. Topics must be carefully defined and a bibliography assembled before permission to enroll is granted. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PHYS 391
Directed Study in Physics
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
PHYS 399
Independent Study in Physics
Theoretical or experimental independent study. A written proposal must be submitted to the department at least one term before enrolling. Recent independent studies have been undertaken in fluid mechanics, general relativity, atomic systems coupled to electromagnetic fields, phase transitions in liquid crystals, plasma physics, and robotics. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PHYS 410
Advanced Mechanics
Treats various topics selected from: mechanics of rigid bodies, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations, variational principles, fluids, classical scattering, relativistic mechanics, and theory of small vibrations. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 225 and MATH 210
PHYS 430
Advanced Electricity and Magnetism
Treats several topics selected from: multipole expansions, radiation from accelerated charges, solutions to Laplace’s equations, retarded potentials, wave guides, modern optics, and electron physics. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 230 and MATH 210
PHYS 440
Mathematical Methods of Physics
Treats several topics selected from: Fourier series and transforms, partial differential equations, special functions, numerical methods, matrix methods, calculus of variations. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 225 and MATH 210
PHYS 460
Advanced Modern Physics
Treats quantum mechanically various topics selected from atomic and nuclear physics. This course will concentrate on properties of atoms and nuclei, atomic and nuclear structure, the deuteron, nucleon-nucleoon scattering, nuclear models, and nuclear decay. Six supplemental laboratory exercises that focus on laser spectroscopy will be arranged. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 310 and MATH 210
PHYS 500
Special Topics in Physics
Treats selected topics, such as relativity, fundamental particles, fluid mechanics, and surface physics that vary according to the interests of students and staff.
Units: 6.
PHYS 520
Plasma Physics
Explores the properties of hot, ionized gases: motion of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields, plasma kinetic theory, fluid models, waves and instabilities, wave-particle interactions (Landau damping), and plasma confinement and transport. Offered every two or three years. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 230
PHYS 530
Solid State Physics
Explores the fundamental properties of crystalline solids from an experimental perspective. Experimental investigations using scanning probe microscopy and x-ray diffraction introduce the topics of crystal structures and the reciprocal lattice, phonons, and the quantum theory of electronic band structure. Insights from experiments will guide theoretical development. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 310
PHYS 540
Computational Physics
Treats computational approaches to problems in physics with particular emphasis on finite difference and finite element methods for solving partial differential equations as they arise in electromagnetic theory, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and quantum mechanics and on techniques for graphical visualization of the solutions. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 225
PHYS 560
Topics in Astrophysics
Treats selected topics in astrophysics and cosmology, such as orbital mechanics, stellar structure and evolution, galactic dynamics, the origin and evolution of the Universe. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: PHYS 225 and PHYS 230
PHYS 590
Tutorial Studies in Physics
Readings of texts and/or current literature to study a topic not covered in regular offerings. Topics must be carefully defined and a bibliography assembled before permission to enroll is granted. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PHYS 591
Directed Study in Physics
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
PHYS 599
Independent Study in Physics
Theoretical or experimental independent study. A written proposal must be submitted to the department at least one term before enrolling. Recent independent studies have been undertaken in fluid mechanics, general relativity, atomic systems coupled to electromagnetic fields, phase transitions in liquid crystals, plasma physics, and robotics. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PHYS 690
Tutorial Studies in Physics
Readings of texts and/or current literature to study a topic not covered in regular offerings. Topics must be carefully defined and a bibliography assembled before permission to enroll is granted. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
PHYS 691
Directed Study in Physics
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
PHYS 699
Independent Study in Physics
Theoretical or experimental independent study. A written proposal must be submitted to the department at least one term before enrolling. Recent independent studies have been undertaken in fluid mechanics, general relativity, atomic systems coupled to electromagnetic fields, phase transitions in liquid crystals, plasma physics, and robotics. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.