PHYS

Subject

PHYS

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

A survey of modern astronomy. Topics include gravitation, properties of light, optical instruments, spectra, the solar system, stars, nebulae, clusters, galaxies, pulsars, quasars, black holes and the creation of the universe. The laboratory includes study of astronomical measurements, with both daytime and nighttime observing sessions. Credit can be awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 121, PHYS 163.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

An investigation into the energy sources that make our modern world possible and the impact of those energy sources on the environment. Fossil fuels, nuclear energy, solar power, hydropower, wind power, and alternative energy sources will be investigated. The class will consider some major issues: What to do when we reach peak oil? What should we do in response to global warming? What changes are the students likely to see during their lifetimes?

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

The "how-and-why" of the working of everyday objects from household appliances and television to the way electricity reaches our homes and how telephone calls are made. The inner workings of cars, ships, airplanes and spacecraft will also be studied.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

An introduction to the basic principles of physics. The first term is devoted to the study of mechanics, the properties of matter, and heat and thermodynamics. Applications of physics to the life sciences are included. This course (plus PHYS 141) fulfills the physics requirement for biology, chemistry BA, and geology majors.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

1 credit, 1 two-hour laboratory weekly. Students perform weekly laboratory experiments to explore and apply concepts covered in the lecture component of the course. A passing grade in PHYS 140L and 141L is required for completion of PHYS 140 and 141.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

A continuation of PHYS 140. This course includes the study of wave phenomena, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics. Applications of physics to the life sciences are included. This course (plus PHYS 140) fulfills the physics requirement for biology, chemistry BA, and geology majors.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

1 credit, 1 two-hour laboratory weekly. Students perform weekly laboratory experiments to explore and apply concepts covered in the lecture component of the course. A passing grade in PHYS 140L and 141L is required for completion of PHYS 140 and 141.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

An introduction to optics and Einstein’s theory of relativity. Topics include geometric and wave optics, the special theory of relativity, and relativistic mechanics. The course is designed as a first course for entering first-year students who are considering the possibility of studying physics in some depth during their college career.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

Laboratory work includes a study of optical instruments, wave motion, computer simulations, and other work to explore and apply concepts covered in the lecture component of the course. A passing grade in PHYS 160L is required for the successful completion of PHYS 160.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

An introduction to astronomy and astrophysics primarily for students whose major is in the Division of Physical and Life Sciences. Topics include methods of astronomy, stellar evolution, galactic structures and cosmology. Some observing sessions will be required. Competence in high school algebra is required. Credit can be awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 121 OR PHYS 163.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

In the past decade or so, tremendous progress has been made in the search for other worlds or extra-solar planets (planets orbiting stars other than the Sun). Thousands of these exoplanets have been detected using a variety of methods and their location, sizes, temperature and atmospheres are being studied in an attempt to determine if one of these could possibly support some form of life. This course will cover these recent discoveries, the discovery techniques, and involve a study of the conditions necessary for life itself to evolve. The student will be introduced to several of the methods astronomers use to find exoplanets, characterize them and efforts made to evaluate if some of these planets might host living organisms. The course will require competency in basic high school level mathematics.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

At 1-800-PHYSICS we promise to work for you! There is no problem too big or too small for us to handle. Is your town thinking about installing a wind farm? We can make sure that the plans make sense! Is your business trying to go green, by adding a rooftop garden to your building we will check to see if it is feasible or if it will lead to a roof collapse!. Is some shady salesperson going door-to-door trying to sell a device to “clean up” your electricity? we will give you the tools to prove them wrong. In this class, we will take on the role of physics consultant and explore how the tools of physics can solve problems that many communities face. We will do this by introducing concepts and math as we need them and not worry where it comes from (that job will be for all your other physics classes). No prior physics knowledge is needed. This class is for incoming physics majors, or for those students who might be interested in majoring or minoring in physics and aren’t sure if physics is right for them.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

A calculus based physics course that covers the description of motion, forces, work and energy, momentum, rotational motion, oscillatory motion and gravitation. This course is offered annually in the Spring.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

Students perform weekly laboratory experiments to explore and apply concepts covered in the lecture component of the course. A passing grade in PHYS 201L and 202L is required for completion of PHYS 201 and 202.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

A continuation of PHYS 201. In this course, electricity, magnetism, light and electromagnetic radiation are covered. This course is offered annually in the Fall.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

Students perform weekly laboratory experiments to explore and apply concepts covered in the lecture component of the course. A passing grade in PHYS 201L and 202L is required for completion of PHYS 201 and 202.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

Students use both discrete components and integrated circuits used in laboratory experiments illustrating digital and analog applications that are covered in the lecture component of the course. A passing grade in PHYS 265L is required for completion of PHYS 265.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

In this class we will cover topics in mathematics that are relevant to the physical sciences. These topics include, but are not limited to, integrals, series, complex algebra, ordinary differential equations, matrices, and Fourier techniques. Emphasis will be on applications of mathematics and not on proofs.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

This is an introduction to quantum theory and general relativity. Some of the topics studied are the photoelectric effect, the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, Schrödinger's equation and its solutions, four-vectors and tensors, and relativistic physics. Offered alternate years.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

Study of relationships between thermodynamic variables and the statistical interpretation of these relationships. Topics studied include definition of temperature; the first and second laws of thermodynamics; entropy; properties of ideal gasses and real substances; and statistical descriptions of systems of particles, including quantum statistics. Offered alternate years.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

A study of geometrical and physical optics. Topics include refraction, lenses and lens systems, interference, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, polarization, and quantum optics. Offered alternate years.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

This course provides an introduction to the ideas and foundations of astrophysics with a focus on cosmology. We first discuss how to use basic observations in astronomy in order to determine stellar properties through physical laws and how to classify stars on the H-R diagram. Topics covered will include blackbody radiation, Bohr atom, Kirchoff's laws, photometry, radiative flux and the H-R diagram. Cosmology will then be covered using a Newtonian treatment, which will allow the introduction of several important concepts without having to discuss relativity. Using this knowledge, we will move on discuss many aspects of modern cosmology using the full solutions of Einstein's equations. Topics will include: the Friedman equation, geometry of the universe, Hubble's Law, cosmological models, the cosmic microwave background radiation, Big Bang nucleosynthesis, inflation and some advanced topics.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

A study of the kinematics and dynamics of bodies in motion. The first term is a study of Newtonian mechanics. Topics include the harmonic oscillator, central forces and gravitation. The second term includes Lagrangian dynamics, small oscillations, and the inertia tensor. Offered alternate years.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

A study of the kinematics and dynamics of bodies in motion. The first term is a study of Newtonian mechanics. Topics include the harmonic oscillator, central forces and gravitation. The second term includes Lagrangian dynamics, small oscillations, and the inertia tensor. Offered alternate years.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

A detailed study of the principles of electricity and magnetism. During the first term topics include electrostatics, dielectrics, electric currents, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. Topics covered during the second term include the magnetic properties of matter, plasmas, Maxwell's equations, and electrodynamics. Offered alternate years.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

A detailed study of the principles of electricity and magnetism. During the first term topics include electrostatics, dielectrics, electric currents, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. Topics covered during the second term include the magnetic properties of matter, plasmas, Maxwell's equations, and electrodynamics. Offered alternate years.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

Basic postulates of quantum mechanics and their physical meaning. Topics include potential wells and barriers, the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, electron spin and perturbation theory. Offered alternate years.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

This course is intended for senior Physics majors in the process of organizing and beginning their thesis research projects. This course requires independent guided research with one one-hour meeting per week or the equivalent. Student achievement will be evaluated by: 1) weekly progress on the research and by 2) the quality/content of a draft of the project introduction (featuring the problem and purpose of study, physics background, previous study and methods sections), as well as an initial project bibliography.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

Experimental or theoretical research project. Students work on a project of their choice under supervision of a faculty member. The results of the work are presented to the department in both written and oral form.

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

Subject

PHYS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com

Subject

PHYS

Type

alias

Source

hartwick.smartcatalogiq.com