25 courses with the subject PHY, 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.
PHY 141Foundations of Physics I4
The first semester of an introductory study of physics (mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, waves, light and modern physics) without calculus. Basic principles used in both semesters are introduced in the first semester. Some emphasis will be given to applications of physics to biological systems. A laboratory is included. Meets Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
a good background in high school mathematics including algebra and trigonometry. Intellectual Perspective: SD Lab Included: LB
PHY 142Foundations of Physics II4
The second semester of an introductory study of physics (mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, waves, light and modern physics) without calculus. Some emphasis will be given to applications of physics to biological systems. A laboratory is included.
The first semester of a calculus-based introduction to physics, emphasizing the use of fundamental principles to solve problems. Major topics include the transfer of momentum, energy, and angular momentum; simple models of physical systems; a statistical understanding of entropy and temperature; and the use of computational methods to solve problems. A laboratory is included.
The second semester of a calculus-based introduction to physics, with an emphasis on the study of electric and magnetic fields. A laboratory is included
study of the behavior of systems containing large numbers of particles. Topics include a statistical understanding of entropy, the relationship between a system’s entropy and its temperature, pressure, and chemical potential; heat engines and refrigerators; phase transformations; Boltzmann statistics, and quantum statistics.
A quantitative overview of astronomy and astrophysics, including recent advances in the field. Topics discussed include the Solar System, star formation and evolution, the interstellar medium, compact objects, galactic dynamics, gravitational waves, and cosmology. Observational astronomy is emphasized.
A study of techniques in experimental physics, with a particular emphasis on error analysis. In the included laboratory, students will perform a range of experiments, including a semester-long individual project.
A comprehensive analysis of numerical techniques to gain insight into physical systems, for which traditional analytical approaches are unfeasible. The course emphasizes the application of computational methods to systems such as projectile motion, chaotic systems, motion in a gravitational field (including N-body simulations), the diffution equation, and the wave equation. No prior programming experience is required.
An extensive overview of mechanics beyond the scope of Physics 151. Includes the application of mathematical tools such as series expansion, vector calculus, and differential equations to solve problems. Topics include Newton’s laws, conservation of energy and momentum, the Lagrangian method, central forces, and motion in non-inertial frames of reference.
A study of the foundations of classical electromagnetic theory, including electric and magnetic fields, potential theory, Maxwell’s equations, and electromagnetic waves. Vector methods are used extensively.
The theory of quantum mechanics is discussed and studied in detail. Topics include solutions of the Schrödinger equation in one-dimensional systems, the uncertainty principle, the role of the wave function, an introduction to the Dirac notation, atomic physics, angular momentum, and perturbation theory.
Each student will do preliminary background research to develop a proposal for the senior capstone project and begin to make progress toward the project’s completion.
Each student will do preliminary background research to develop a proposal for the senior capstone project and complete the planned project, including both written and oral presentations of the completed work.
