27 courses with the subject PHYS H, 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 H101CLASSICAL AND MODERN PHYSICS I1.0
Three class hours and one laboratory period. The first of a two-semester comprehensive introduction to physics, with an emphasis on life science applications involving Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, mechanics of materials, fluids, and thermal physics. Prerequisite(s): Calculus at the level of MATH H105 or H110, or equivalent should be taken prior to or concurrently with this course.
The second of a two-semester comprehensive introduction to physics, with an emphasis on life science applications involving electricity and magnetism, waves, electronics, waves and optics. Three class hours and one laboratory period. Prerequisite(s): MATH H105 or H110, and PHYS H101 or equivalent.
Three class hours and one laboratory period. Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamics. Applications are drawn primarily from the physical sciences. This sequence (105/106) is meant as a one-year introduction suitable for students interested in the physical sciences. Prerequisite(s): MATH H118 or H120 (MATH H120 may be taken concurrently), or equivalent. PHYS101 is a possible alternative Fall course.
Electricity and magnetism, optics, electronics and special relativity. Applications are drawn primarily from the physical sciences. This sequence (105/106) is meant as a one -year introduction suitable for students interested in the physical sciences. Three class hours and one laboratory period. Prerequisite(s): MATH H118 or H120, and PHYS H105, or equivalent.
PHYS H211LABORATORY IN ELECTRONICS, WAVES AND OPTICS0.5
The first half of this laboratory is an introduction to analog electronics and instrumentation. The second half includes experiments in waves and optics. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 213 (also concurrently) and students enrolled in at least their 2nd year at Haverford.
Vibrations and waves in mechanical, electronic, and optical systems with an introduction to related mathematical methods such as functions of a complex variable and Fourier analysis. Topics include free and driven oscillations, resonance, superposition, coupled oscillators and normal modes, traveling waves, Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic waves, interference, and diffraction. PHYS H211, a related laboratory half-course, is normally taken concurrently and is required for majors. Prerequisite(s): PHYS H102 or H106 and MATH H118 or H120 or equivalent
Introduction to the principles governing systems at the atomic scale. Topics include the experimental basis of quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, Schrodinger’s equation and solutions in one dimension, time dependence of quantum states, angular momentum, and one-electron atoms. Recent developments, such as paradoxes calling attention to the remarkable behavior of quantum systems, or quantum computing, will be discussed. Multi-electron atoms and nuclei will be considered if time allows. We recommend taking Physics 301, a related laboratory half-course, concurrently. Prerequisite(s): PHYS H213 and MATH H215 (Linear Algebra) or the equivalent (MATH 215 may be taken concurrently with instructor permission).
A full-semester weekly laboratory focusing on experiments of modern relevance with a focus on quantum mechanics. Topics may include: how lasers work and laser spectroscopy; spin resonance; nuclear and cosmic ray physics; electron diffraction; photoelectric effect; superconductivity; quantum eraser (a “which way” experiment); and others. This is one of two laboratories at the advanced level required for the regular physics major and fulfills the advanced laboratory requirement for the interdisciplinary physics major. Prerequisite(s): PHYS H211; Co-requisite: PHYS 214
A continuation of the study of quantum mechanics begun in 214. Topics include matrix mechanics and spin, many-particle systems, perturbation theory and scattering theory. A variety of physical systems will be treated as examples, such as simple atoms, neutrino oscillations, and solids. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 214 and either PHYS H213 or PHYS B306
Treatment of many body systems using classical and quantum statistics and ensembles to derive the laws of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. This course includes applications to the thermal properties of matter (solids, liquids and gases), photon, and phonon systems. Prerequisite(s): PHYS H214 and either PHYS H213, or PHYS B306, or PHYS B205 & PHYS B207
An introduction to the methods and problems of computational physics, including matrix methods, ordinary differential equations, integration, eigensystems, Monte Carlo techniques, Fourier analysis, and iterative methods. Course will include a substantial independent project. Crosslisted: Physics, Astronomy, Computer Science Prerequisite(s): PHYS H213, or PHYS B205 and PHYS B207, or instructor consent
PHYS H308MECHANICS OF DISCRETE AND CONTINUOUS SYSTEMS1.0
Classical mechanics of systems of particles, conservation laws, Lagrangian mechanics, motion in central potentials, and core elements of chaos/non-linear dynamics. Fluid mechanics, covering the assumptions of the fluid approximation, key conservation laws, laminar, creeping, turbulent flow, and special topics like convection, waves, vortices, rotating flows, instabilities, flight, and biological flows as time and interest permit. Prerequisite(s): Either PHYS H213 or (B205 and B207) or PHYS B306
Boundary value problems, multipole fields, dielectric and magnetic materials; electromagnetic waves, propagation in dielectric media, conductors and waveguides; gauge transformations, radiating systems. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 214 and either PHYS H213 or PHYS B306
Understanding solid materials using the principles of quantum and statistical physics. Topics include crystal structure, vibrations in crystals, electron conduction in metals and semiconductors, and electronic devices. Typically offered yearly in alternation with Bryn Mawr. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 214 and either PHYS H213 or PHYS B306
PHYS H325ADVANCED TOPICS IN THEORETICAL PHYSICS1.0
An introductory course in general relativity with an emphasis on physical principles and geodesics in curved spacetime. Topics include special relativity, the calculus of variations, metrics, tensors, parallel transport, covariant derivatives, geodesics, the equivalence principle, gravitational redshift, the static weak-field metric, the Schwarzschild metric describing spacetime outside of a black holes or star, the precession of planetary orbits and the bending of light by massive objects. Additional topics may include applications to rotating black holes, gravitational waves, cosmology, or Hawking radiation. Prerequisites: Phys H213 or PHYS B205 and B207.
Design, execution, and analysis of significant experiments, including experiments on fundamental techniques such as low-noise electronic measurements, optics, and computer interfacing, as well as more advanced experiments which change from year to year. These include studies of microfluidics, atomic spectroscopy, cosmic ray physics, superconductivity, sensor technologies, and chaotic dynamics. Prerequisite(s): PHYS H301, PHYS 214 and either PHYS H213 or PHYS B306
PHYS H352TOPICS IN ASTROPHYSICS: EXTRAGALACTIC DATA SCIENCE0.5
A 0.5 credit upper level astronomy/astrophysics elective, which can be taken in series with the other 0.5 credit upper level Astro elective offered the same semester, or as a stand-alone course. This class will cover the basics of modern extragalactic science (a review of our knowledge of the Milky Way and external galaxies) alongside hands on projects involving data science/statistical techniques used to investigate them. Assessment will be highly project based, with regular coding assignments (in python) done during class time, and guided reading of both current, and classic astrophysical literature. Students will leave with an understanding of extragalactic astrophysics as a modern data focused science. Crosslisted: PHYS. Pre-requisite(s): ASTR204
PHYS H353TOPICS IN PHYSICS: SOFT MATTER PHYSICS1.0
This is an upper-level physics elective course which serves as an introduction to the physics of soft condensed matter (squishy stuff!), and will comprise a mixture of seminar-style discussions and chalk talk-like student presentations. Seminar discussions will center around peer-reviewed literature and conference lecture recordings. Students will finish the course having developed general literacy with the core concepts in Soft Matter and an understanding of the major challenges facing professional Soft Matter scientists. During a given semester, the course may follow a narrower theme, like "The Soft Matter Physics of Coffee," or "The Earth as Soft Matter". Crosslisted: ASTR. Pre-requisite(s): Math H121, at least two 200-level courses in physics or another natural science Lottery Preference: Physics majors, astrophysics majors, astro majors and physics/astro minors, seniors, juniors.
A capstone experience for seniors in physics and astrophysics meeting biweekly throughout the year. An introduction to scientific writing and speaking; scientific ethics; graduate study in physics and astronomy; career options for physics and astronomy majors, both within the field and outside science; preparation and presentation of senior papers and colloquia; attendance at lectures by distinguished visitors; and discussions of student and faculty research projects in the department. This course is graded universal P/F in which no numerical grade is assigned. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in physics or astrophysics
A capstone experience for seniors in physics and astrophysics meeting biweekly throughout the year. An introduction to scientific writing and speaking; scientific ethics; graduate study in physics and astronomy; career options for physics and astronomy majors, both within the field and outside science; preparation and presentation of senior papers and colloquia; attendance at lectures by distinguished visitors; and discussions of student and faculty research projects in the department. This course is graded universal P/F in which no numerical grade is assigned. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in physics or astrophysics
Intended for those students who choose to complete an independent research project in astrophysics under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
Experimental research studying the rigidity and failure of jammed, disordered solids, and the mechanical response of athermal and nonlinear materials. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
PHYS H412RESEARCH IN THEORETICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS1.0
Independent research on current problems in theoretical physics, with emphasis on particle physics, physical cosmology, and mathematical physics; extensive use is also made of computer-based methods. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
Study of the principles and practices of lecture instruction in physics through association with staff in Physics 101. The student will attend and critique course lectures; prepare, practice, and deliver a lecture; develop a lecture demonstration to be used in his or her lecture; participate in the preparation of examination problems and their evaluation; address student questions in the physics clinic; and write an evaluative final paper. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in Physics, Astrophysics or Astronomy and instructor consent.
Intended for students who want to pursue some topic of study that is not currently offered in the curriculum. In order to enroll, a student must have a faculty sponsor. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
