This course will introduce a series of physical principles, based on statistical mechanics, which can be used to examine biological questions, specifically questions involving how cells function. Calculus will be used without apology.
Designed to prepare the student for upper-level physics courses by studying such topics as vector analysis, Fourier series, Laplace and Fourier transforms, and ordinary and partial differential equations of physical systems. Emphasis is placed on the development of computer-based computation skills. Recommended as a prerequisite for all courses numbered above 340.
Theory and applications of DC and AC circuits. Theory of solid state devices such as diodes and transistors. Applications of these devices to power supplies, amplifiers, operational amplifiers, integrated circuits, analog to digital and digital to analog converters and other instrumentation.
Detailed study of kinematics, Newtonian dynamics and rigid bodies. Introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations.
Equations of state, ideal and real gases, laws of thermodynamics, introduction to statistical mechanics. Topics developed from both macroscopic and microscopic points of view. Double majors in Chemistry and Physics not planning to pursue graduate study in physics may, with departmental approval, substitute CHEM 301 and 302 for PHYS 351 to fulfill the physics major elective requirements.
Electrostatics, dielectrics, magnetostatics, Faraday's induction laws, and Maxwell's equations. Working knowledge of vector calculus is assumed.
This course includes: 1) an introduction to modern concepts in optics including electromagnetic waves, propagation of light through media, geometrical optics of lenses and mirrors, interference, coherence, Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffractions; and 2) a brief introduction to modern optical applications, including Fourier optics, holography, light scattering, interferometry and laser technology.
Students will gain experience with laboratory instrumentation as they perform a laboratory exploration of some of the experiments that led to the transition from the classical physics paradigm to quantum mechanics. Some of the experiments for this course may include the photelectic effect, measurement of the speed of light, the measurement of charge-to-mass ratio of the electron and studies of nuclear decays.
Historical development of the transition from classical to quantum physics, Bohr's atomic theory, Schroedinger's equation and applications to atomic, nuclear, and solid state systems. Introduction to relativity and to elementary particles.
This course will cover the general structure and formalism of quantum mechanics. Topics will include: Schrödinger's Equation and solutions for one-dimensional problems; Dirac notation and matrix mechanics; the harmonic oscillator; the hydrogen atom; angular momentum and spin; and approximation methods.
Continuation of Physics 281. Includes an emphasis on independent technical writing. Taken senior year.
Directed investigations in theoretical or experimental physics for physics majors. Satisfies a requirement for graduation with distinction in physics. Students will propose, carry out, write, and defend a thesis project.
Permission of the Department Chair
Selected topics in Physics.
Independent study of topics approved by department.