35 courses with the subject PHYS, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PHYS 10001 The Technology of Keeping Time and the Humanity of Spending Time6
In this seminar, we will consider human-made devices for tracking the passage of time from ancient astronomical clocks to modern atomic clocks. How are these devices made and what is the science behind them? What leads to particular choices about how to measure time? What is gained and what is lost with more precise and ubiquitous timekeeping? In addition to exploring these questions through readings and discussions, students will also engage in the process of building their own timekeeping device. Offered: Fall 2025 Liberal Arts Requirements: AI/WR1, Argument & Inquiry/WR1 the FOCUS Colloquium. Students are only allowed to register for one A&I course at a time. If a student wants to change this A&I course they must contact the Registrar's Office. Tags: CL: 100 level Faculty: Melissa Eblen-Zayas
Student is a member of the First Year First Term class level cohort and is enrolled in
PHYS 123What Physicists Do
A program of five lectures by invited speakers that is intended to give students some perspective on the kinds of work done by people with a physics background. Visitors from industry, government, business, and research and educational institutions will discuss their work and work-related experiences. The abstracts for the talks can be found at https://www.carleton.edu/physics-astronomy/phys-123-speaker- series/. Offered: Spring 2026 Grading: S/CR/NC Credits: 1 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration Physics (131-165) course OR Two 3 credit Introductory Physics (131-165) courses with a grade of C- or better. Tags: CL: 100 level PHYS Addl Recommended Faculty: Arjendu Pattanayak
PHYS 131Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab3
A traditional introduction to classical mechanics using the Newtonian worldview. The kinematics and dynamics of some simple systems are investigated using Newton's laws, vector analysis, and the conservation laws of momentum and energy. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Offered: First Five Weeks, Fall 2025 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning course(s): MATH 101 or MATH 111 or equivalents or greater or has received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or has received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or has received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or received a score greater than or equal to 111 on the Carleton Math Requisite Equivalency exam or equivalent AND has NOT taken PHYS 142 or PHYS 143 or PHYS 144 or PHYS 145. Tags: CL: 100 level ENTS Introductory PHYS Introduction Mechanics & Relativity Faculty: Arjendu Pattanayak · Seth Kimbrell
Student has completed or in the process of completing any of the following
PHYS 142Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity with Problem Solving and Lab
This course begins with an introduction to classical mechanics using the Newtonian worldview. Descriptions of motion and change in motion of some simple systems at human speeds are investigated using Newton’s laws, vector analysis, and the conservation laws of momentum and energy. The course moves beyond the Newtonian framework to consider a relativistic framework where time and space are intertwined and explores the motion of objects whose speeds approach the speed of light. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. This section of introductory physics with problem solving is periodically offered for students who wish to further develop their general analytical and critical thinking skills. The smaller section will have additional class meetings for problem solving and review. PHYS 142 is appropriate for students who would like to have more scheduled time to work with a faculty member on developing their scientific reasoning skills and understanding of the foundations of physics. Offered: Spring 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning MATH 111 or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP Exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or has received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or equivalents or received a score greater than or equal to 111 on the Carleton MATH Requisite Equivalency exam AND has NOT taken PHYS 131 or PHYS 144 or PHYS 145 or PHYS 151. PHYS 142 and PHYS 143 are equivalent courses, if you have taken one you cannot register for the other. Tags: CL: 100 level PHYS Introduction Mechanics & Relativity Faculty: Barry Costanzi
PHYS 143Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab
This course begins with an introduction to classical mechanics using the Newtonian worldview. Descriptions of motion and change in motion of some simple systems at human speeds are investigated using Newton's laws, vector analysis, and the conservation laws of momentum and energy. The course moves beyond the Newtonian framework to consider a relativistic framework where time and space are intertwined and explores the motion of objects whose speeds approach the speed of light. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Offered: Winter 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning MATH 111 or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP Exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or has received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or equivalents or received a score greater than or equal to 111 on the Carleton MATH Requisite Equivalency exam AND has NOT taken PHYS 131 or PHYS 144 or PHYS 145 or PHYS 151. PHYS 142 and PHYS 143 are equivalent courses, if you have taken one you cannot register for the other. Tags: CL: 100 level PHYS Introduction Mechanics & Relativity Faculty: Marty Baylor
PHYS 144Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab
This course begins by reviewing Newtonian mechanics, with applications of vector analysis and the concepts of momentum and energy to large-scale gravitational phenomena in the universe. The course moves beyond the Newtonian framework to consider a relativistic framework where time and space are intertwined and explores the motion of objects whose speeds approach the speed of light. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Sophomore Priority section is available Offered: Winter 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam AND has NOT taken PHYS 131 or PHYS 142 or PHYS 143 or PHYS 145 or PHYS 151. Tags: CL: 100 level PHYS Introduction Mechanics & Relativity Faculty: Seth Kimbrell · Andreia Carrillo
This course begins with the study of the motion of objects on the human scale using Newton's laws. The course provides the foundation for the study of conservation of energy and momentum, waves, and fluids. Biologic, medical, chemical, nuclear, and geologic applications may be considered. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Offered: Spring 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or received a score greater than or equal to 111 on the Carleton Math Requisite Equivalency exam or equivalent AND has NOT taken PHYS 131 or PHYS 142 or PHYS 143 or PHYS 144. Tags: CL: 100 level Faculty: Chris West · Arjendu Pattanayak
Student has completed any of the following course(s): MATH 101 or MATH 111 or
PHYS 151Introduction to Physics: Relativity and Particles and Lab3
An introduction to principles of physics in the realm of the very small and very fast. The course provides an introduction to special relativity where time and space are intertwined and explores the motion of objects whose speeds approach the speed of light. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Offered: Second Five Weeks, Fall 2025 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning course(s): MATH 101 or MATH 111 or greater or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or received a score greater than or equal to 111 on the Carleton Math Requisite Equivalency exam or equivalent AND PHYS 131 AND has NOT taken PHYS 142 or PHYS 143 or PHYS 144. Tags: CL: 100 level PHYS Introduction Mechanics & Relativity Faculty: Seth Kimbrell
PHYS 165Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics and Lab6
A study of the principles of electricity, magnetism, and optics with an emphasis on real-world applications to areas such as electronics, medicine, or materials science. Topics include electric and magnetic fields, electric potentials, DC and AC circuits and geometric and wave optics. Designed for science majors who want additional background in physics. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. One laboratory per week. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Offered: Winter 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning PHYS 143 or PHYS 144 or PHYS 145 with a grade of C- or better AND MATH 101 or MATH 111 or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or received a score greater than or equal to 111 on the Carleton Math Requisite Equivalency exam or equivalent. Tags: CL: 100 level Faculty: Chris West
Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 131 or PHYS 142 or
PHYS 222A Survey of Cosmology
A detailed survey of selected topics in cosmology. Topics might include the Friedmann equation, fluid and acceleration equations, basic metrics, evolution of single and multi-component universes, cosmological parameters, dark matter, baryogenesis/leptogenesis, the cosmic microwave background
An introduction to quantum mechanics and select applications that explore physics in the realm of the very small world or atoms and nuclei. Topics include wave-like and particle-like behavior of both light and matter, behavior of particles in confined spaces, material properties of solids, radioactive decay, and experimental techniques and instrumentation for exploring these optical, atomic, and nuclear processes. One laboratory per week. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Offered: Fall 2025 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 121 or better on the Carleton Math Requisite Equivalency exam AND the student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 142 or PHYS 143 or PHYS 144 or PHYS 151 with a grade of C- or better. Tags: CL: 200 level PHYS 200-level Core Faculty: Marty Baylor · Jay Tasson · Melissa Eblen-Zayas
An analytical and computational treatment of classical mechanics and dynamics. We start from a reconsideration of complicated Newtonian problems and also develop the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism of classical mechanics. A variety of systems, including some whose equations of motion cannot be solved analytically, will be explored. Possible examples include harmonic oscillators, central- force problems, chaotic dynamics, astrophysical systems, and medieval siege engines. Offered: Winter 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
A study of stellar structure and evolution with an emphasis on the physical principles underlying the observed phenomena. Topics include the birth, evolution, and death of stars, pulsars, black holes, and white dwarfs. Offered: Spring 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning PHYS 144 or PHYS 151 AND PHYS 228 or PHYS 231 with a grade of C- or better. Tags: CL: 200 level Faculty: Ryan Terrien
Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 142 or PHYS 143 or
PHYS 233Astrophysics II6
A study of galactic and extragalactic astronomy with an emphasis on the physical principles underlying the observed phenomena. Topics include the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy and other galaxies, the interstellar medium, quasars and active galaxies, clusters and superclusters, and cosmology. Not offered in 2025-26 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning PHYS 144 or PHYS 151 AND PHYS 228 or PHYS 231 with a grade of C- or better. Tags: CL: 200 level
Electric and magnetic fields in free space, and their interactions with charges and currents. Topics include electric fields and magnetic fields of various charge and current distributions, induction, DC and AC circuits and Maxwell's equations. Weekly laboratory work explores course content in more practical detail. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Offered: Spring 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning PHYS 144 or PHYS 151 AND PHYS 165 or PHYS 228 or PHYS 231 AND MATH 210 or MATH 211 or greater with grade of C- or better or equivalent. Tags: CL: 200 level PHYS 200-level Core Faculty: Seth Kimbrell · Ryan Terrien
Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 142 or PHYS 143 or
PHYS 251Theory and Applications of Remote Sensing6
Remote sensing – interpreting information about physical systems at a distance using the electromagnetic spectrum – enables scientists to monitor climate change, detect material resources, track urban develoment, or map the surface of other planets, among a host of other applications. This course will explore key satellite remote sensing methods, such as visible and thermal imagery, visible through mid- infrared spectroscopy, radar, gamma ray and neutron spectroscopy, and laser altimetry, introducing both the physical theory and practical data analysis techniques. Not offered in 2025-26 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning including PHYS 142 or PHYS 143 or PHYS 144 or PHYS 145 or PHYS 151 or PHYS 152 or PHYS 165 or ASTR 110 or ENTS 120 or GEOL 110 AND MATH 120 or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 121 or better on the Carleton Requisite Equivalency exam. Tags: CL: 200 level
Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100 level PHYS course
PHYS 294Directed Research in Physics1
Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation. Offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026 – 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration Tags: CL: Faculty Research
A study of astronomical detection and measurement across the electromagnetic spectrum, encompassing both the underlying physical principles and their application. Building on a foundation of radiometry, optics, and measurement statistics, this course will explore the design and function of modern electromagnetic measurement systems. Possible topics include high-dispersion spectroscopy, spatial interferometry, and the analysis of sensitivity and noise in electromagnetic detection for coherent and incoherent detectors. Not offered in 2025-26 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or better. Tags: CL: 300 level
Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 228 with a grade of C-
PHYS 333Survey of Particle and Nuclear Physics6
A detailed survey of selected topics in particle and nuclear physics. Particle physics topics might include the Standard Model interactions and mediators, Feynman diagrams, symmetries and tests of conservation laws, Dirac equation and possibly QED Feynman rules. Nuclear physics topics might include the Liquid Drop, Fermi Gas, and Shell models of the nucleus, discussion of radiation, energy deposition in media, and discussion of quantum chromodynamics. Fluency in multi-variable calculus is expected. Not offered in 2025-26 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration or better AND has completed or is in the process of completing PHYS 335 with a grade of C- or better. Tags: CL: 300 level
Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 235 with a grade of C-
PHYS 335Quantum Mechanics
An examination of the structure of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and how this theory differs from those of classical physics. Topics include the mathematics of Hilbert space, the postulates of quantum mechanics, the motion of a particle in one dimension (including the free particle and the simple harmonic oscillator), the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and spin. Multidimensional applications will include the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom. Approximation techniques and applications will be presented. Offered: Winter 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning AND MATH 134 or MATH 232 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 232 on the Carleton Math Requisite Equivalency exam. Tags: CL: 300 level PHYS 300-level Theory Faculty: Jay Tasson
PHYS 336Open Quantum Systems and Quantum Information6
An introduction to composite quantum systems, quantum entanglement, and open quantum systems. Topics include treatment of composite and reduced density matrices and the dynamics of decoherence via the Lindblad dynamical equation, as well as quantum circuits and quantum information theoretic applications including quantum cryptography and teleportation and a consideration of quantum algorithms that improve upon classical computing. We will also discuss experimental implementation and quantum error correction appropriate for real-world applications. Offered: Spring 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration or better. Tags: CL: 300 level PHYS Addl Recommended Faculty: Arjendu Pattanayak
Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 335 with grade of C-
PHYS 341Waves6
The analysis of wave phenomena, including normal mode expansions, the wave equation and boundary value problems, and interference, diffraction, dispersion, and polarization. Applications are made to mechanical, sound, water and electromagnetic waves with particular emphasis on both the unifying principles across all wave phenomena, as well as the nuances of particular types of waves. Not offered in 2025-26
A study of experimental techniques and apparatus basic to the measurements which underlie and validate contemporary theories in physics. Topics include electrical measurements, data analysis and statistics, optical and laser techniques, particle detectors, and time coincidence techniques. Applications are made to experiments such as magnetic resonance, Mossbauer and nuclear spectroscopy and laser optics. Class time is devoted to studying the measurement techniques and considering phenomenological models of the effects observed in the laboratory. One laboratory per week. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Offered: Spring 2026 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning AND PHYS 335 or PHYS 346 with grade of C- or better. Tags: CL: 300 level PHYS 300-level Lab focus Faculty: Melissa Eblen-Zayas
A study of the electrical circuits and electronics underlying modern physics instrumentation. Includes an introduction to microprocessor and microcomputer design. Approximately equal emphasis on analog and digital electronics. One laboratory per week. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry. Offered: Fall 2025 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or better. Tags: CL: 300 level CS Major Electives CS Pertinent PHYS 300-level Lab focus Faculty: Barry Costanzi
This is a laboratory course that will serve as a follow-up to Physics 344, Classical and Quantum Optics. Students will conduct a number of experiments pertaining to optical phenomena. The experiments will display effects pertaining to classical, quantum, and non-linear optics. The lab will take place once a week for four hours each session. Not offered in 2025-26 Liberal Arts Requirements: LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning Tags: CL: 300 level PHYS 300-level Lab focus
The fundamentals of classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Topics include the laws of thermodynamics; heat engines and refrigerators; the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; the various canonical distributions; the statistical concepts of temperature and entropy; Fermi-Dirac, and Bose- Einstein distributions with applications to black-body radiation, phonons, and electrons in solids; the Ising model; and an introduction to critical phenomena. Offered: Fall 2025 Credits: 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or better. Tags: CL: 300 level PHYS 300-level Theory Faculty: Andreia Carrillo
Einstein’s theory of general relativity is developed from basic physical principles. Also presented is the mathematics of curved space time. Astrophysical applications of general relativity, including spherically symmetric objects, black holes, cosmology and the creation and detection of gravitational waves are given. Not offered in 2025-26 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning with grade of C- or better. Tags: CL: 300 level
Student has completed all of the following course(s): PHYS 231 AND PHYS 235
PHYS 352Advanced Electricity and Magnetism6
The course introduces techniques for applying electromagnetic theory to charge and current distributions beyond what is covered in prior Electricity and Magnetism courses. Additional topics include applications to Maxwell's equations, radiation, and relativity. Recommended preparation: MATH 341. Offered: Spring 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or better. Tags: CL: 300 level PHYS 300-level Theory Faculty: Jay Tasson
Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 235 with grade of C-
PHYS 354Solid State Physics6
An introduction to the physics of solids. Particular attention is paid to the properties exhibited by atoms and molecules because of their association and regular periodic arrangement in crystals. Topics include crystal structure and diffraction, the reciprocal lattice, phonons and lattice vibrations, thermal properties, free-electron theory and band structure. Offered: Winter 2026 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
Student has completed or is in the process of completing PHYS 335 OR the student has completed PHYS 346 with a grade of C- or better.
PHYS 355Topics in Advanced Classical Mechanics6
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods including central force motion, coupled harmonic oscillators, and the study of continuous systems. Additional subjects may include fluid dynamics, classical field theory or other specialized topics. Offered: Fall 2025 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning or better. Tags: CL: 300 level Faculty: Jay Tasson
Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 231 with a grade of C-
PHYS 394Directed Research in Physics1
Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation. Offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026 Grading: S/CR/NC – 6 Liberal Arts Requirements: No Exploration Tags: CL: Faculty Research
An extensive study of a specific topic in physics, culminating in a 60-minute presentation during winter or spring term and a 7500 word paper. Students may arrange to complete the bulk of their work during winter or spring term (Physics 400, 6 credits), or divide their effort between terms (PHYS 400, winter, 3 credits; PHYS 400, spring, 3 credits). Offered: Summer 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026 Grading: S/NC Faculty: Barry Costanzi · Melissa Eblen-Zayas · Arjendu Pattanayak · Marty Baylor · Andreia Carrillo · Jay Tasson · Ryan Terrien
