Professor: Fisher

Associate Professors: Erickson (Chairperson)

Wolfe Part-Time Instructor: Nestor

The department offers two majors. The major in astronomy is specifically designed to train students in the field of planetarium education; it also may serve as a basis for earning state certification as a secondary school teacher of general science. The major in physics can prepare students for graduate work in physics, astronomy, engineering and other related physical sciences, for state certification as secondary school teachers of physics, or for technical positions in government or industry.

Astronomy (ASTR)

The major in astronomy requires courses in astronomy, physics, chemistry and mathematics. The required courses are ASTR 111, 448, and five additional courses numbered ASTR 112 or higher four of which must be numbered ASTR 230 or higher; PHYS 225-226; two courses in chemistry to be selected from CHEM 110, 111, 330, 331, or 439; and MATH 128-129. Astronomy majors are also required to register for four semesters of ASTR 349 and 449 (noncredit colloquia).

The requirement for taking ASTR 448 can be satisfied by doing an individual studies or honors project where the results would be pre-sented at a departmental colloquium. A double major in astronomy and physics need only take the course once. Students who have successfully completed a summer REU, RUG, or equivalent research experience may request departmental approval to substitute that experience plus an additional advanced astronomy or physics course not already required by the major in place of ASTR 448.

The following courses are recommended: PHIL 223 and 333, PHYS 333, and ART 227.

 Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education on page 103.

The following course, when scheduled as a W course, counts toward the writing intensive requirement: ASTR 230.

Minor

A minor in astronomy consists of a grade of C or better in both ASTR 111 and PHYS 225 plus any three additional courses selected from PHYS 226 or ASTR courses numbered 200 or higher.

000

This course provides students with practical experience in laboratory teaching. Students in this course will be paired with a faculty mentor and will help supervise labs, deliver pre-lab lectures and assist in ordering chemicals, supplies, and equipment, and in preparing laboratory experiments. Students will complete a project that integrates the physical science education literature, classroom instruction materials, laboratory safety and proper storage and disposal of materials and equipment used. In the appropriate situation, a student may substitute planetarium show preparation and presentation for laboratory exercises. Open to junior physics and/or astronomy majors pursuing certificationin education, with consent of the instructor. Non-credit course. Cross-listed a PHYS 000.

104

FIELD GEOLOGY

A methods course introducing the field techniques needed to study the geology of an area. May or summer term only.

107

OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY

A methods course providing the opportunity to make a variety of astronomical observations, both visually and photographically, with and without telescopes. The planetarium is used to familiarize the student with the sky at various times during the year and from different locations on earth. May or summer term only.

101

PRINCIPLES OF ASTRONOMY

111

PRINCIPLES OF ASTRONOMY

A summary of current concepts of the universe from the solar system to distant galaxies. Describes the techniques and instruments used in astronomical research. Presents not only what is reasonably well known about the universe, but also considers some of the major unsolved problems. Credit may not be earned for both 101 and 111. Corequisite for 111: MATH 127 or consent of instructor.

102

PRINCIPLES OF GEOLOGY

112

PRINCIPLES OF GEOLOGY

A study of the surface processes and internal structure of the planet Earth. Shows how past events and life forms can be reconstructed from preserved evidence to reveal the geologic history of our planet from its origin to the present. Describes the ways geology influences our environment. Credit may not be earned for both 102 and 112. Corequisite for 112: MATH 127 or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

120

MANNED SPACE FLIGHT

Traces the development of space flight capability from Sputnik (1957) through the early Space Race to achieve a manned landing upon the surface of the Moon, the era of space stations, development of the Space Transportation System (space shuttle), to current U.S. and Russian space efforts. Examination of scientific, engineering, and political motivations. Extensive use of NASA video. May incorporate travel to NASA facilities. Offered only when possible in May Term. Not for distribution.

230

PLANETARIUM TECHNIQUES

A methods course covering major aspects of planetarium programming, operation and maintenance. Students are required to prepare and present a planetarium show. Upon successfully completing the course, students are eligible to become planetarium assistants. Three hours of lecture and demonstration and three hours of practical training per week. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in ASTR 101 or 111. Alternate years.

243

PLANETARY SCIENCE

A comparative survey of the various classes of natural objects that orbit the sun, including the major planets, their satellites, the minor planets, and comets. Topics include meteorological processes in atmospheres, geological processes that shape surface features, internal structures, the role of spacecraft in the exploration of the solar system, and clues to the origin and dynamic evolution of the solar system. Four hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in ASTR 111 or 112, or PHYS 225. Alternate years.

344

RELATIVITY AND COSMOLOGY

A detailed presentation of the special theory of relativity and an introduction to the general theory. Topics include: observational and experimental tests of relativity, fourvectors, tensors, space-time curvature, alternative cosmological models, and the origin and future of the universe. Four hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ASTR 111 and PHYS 225. Alternate years. Cross listed as PHYS 344.

445

STELLAR EVOLUTION

The physical principles governing the internal structure and external appearance of stars. Mechanisms of energy generation and transport within stars. The evolution of stars from initial formation to final stages. The creation of chemical elements by nucleosynthesis. Four hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ASTR 111 and PHYS 226. Alternate years.

446

STELLAR DYNAMICS AND GALACTIC STRUCTURE

The motion of objects in gravitational fields. Introduction to the n-body problem. The relation between stellar motions and the galactic potential. The large-scale structure of galaxies in general and of the Milky Way Galaxy in particular. Four hours of lecture per week.. Prerequisites: ASTR 111 and PHYS 225. Alternate years.

448

RESEARCH TOPICS

Students participate in a research project under the guidance of a faculty member in the department. In weekly meetings, they share reports from the literature and report on their own work. Topics will range from abstract theoretical to selected practical experimental investigations. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Cross-listed as PHYS 448. May be taken a second time with departmental approval.

349 & 449

ASTRONOMY AND PHYSICS COLLOQUIA

This non-credit but required course for juniors and seniors majoring in astronomy and physics offers students a chance to meet and hear active scientists in astronomy, physics, and related scientific areas talk about their own research or professional activities. In addition, majors in astronomy and physics must present two lectures, one given during the junior year and one given during the senior year, on the results of a literature survey or their individual research. Students majoring in this department are required to attend four semesters during the junior and senior years. A letter grade will be given when the student gives a lecture. Otherwise the grade will be P/F. Non-credit course. One hour per week. Cross-listed as PHYS 349 & 449.

470-479

INTERNSHIP (See index)

N80-N89

INDEPENDENT STUDY (See index)

Independent studies may be undertaken in most areas of astronomy.

490-491

INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS (See index)

Physics (PHYS)

The B.A. Degree

The required courses for the B.A. in physics are PHYS 225, 226, 331, 332, 448 and four additional courses numbered PHYS 333 or higher; two courses in chemistry to be selected from CHEM 110, 111, 330, 331, or 439; and MATH 128-129. Physics majors are also required to register for four semesters of PHYS 349 and 449 (non-credit colloquia).

The B.S. Degree

The requirement for taking PHYS 448 can be satisfied by doing an individual studies or honors project where the results would be presented at a departmental colloquium. A double major in astronomy and physics need only take the course once. Students who have successfully completed a summer REU, RUG, or equivalent research experience may request departmental approval to substitute that experience plus an additional advanced astronomy or physics course not already required by the major in place of PHYS 448.

Up to two courses chosen from ASTR111, 112, 243, 445 and 446 may substitute for two physics electives. The following courses are recommended: MATH 231, 238; CPTR 125 (these are required or useful by many internships and graduate schools), and PHIL 223, 333.

Up to two courses chosen from ASTR111, 112, 243, 445 and 446 may substitute for two physics electives. The following courses are recommended: MATH 231, 238; CPTR 125 (these are required or useful by many internships and graduate schools), and PHIL 223, 333.

Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education on page 103.

The following courses, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the writing intensive requirement: PHYS 338 and 447.

Minor

A minor in physics requires completion of the following courses with a C grade or better: PHYS 225-226, 331, 332, and one additional course selected from PHYS courses numbered 300 or higher.

000

This course provides students with practical experience in laboratory teaching. Students in this course will be paired with a faculty mentor and will help supervise labs, deliver pre-lab lectures and assist in ordering chemicals, supplies, and equipment, and in preparing laboratory experiments. Students will complete a project that integrates the  physical science education literature, classroom instruction materials, laboratory safety and proper storage and disposal of materials and equipment used. Open to junior physics and/or astronomy majors pursuing certification in education, with consent of the instructor. Non-credit course. Cross-listed as ASTR 000.

106

ENERGY ALTERNATIVES

A physicist’s definition of work, energy, and power. The various energy sources available for use, such as fossil fuels, nuclear fission and fusion, hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal. The advantages and disadvantages of each energy conversion method, including availability, efficiency, and environmental effects. Present areas of energy research and possible future developments. Projections of possible future energy demands. Exercises and experiments in energy collection, conversion, and utilization. May or summer term only.

108

GREAT IDEAS OF THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSE

An introduction to several major concepts of physics which have developed over the past several centuries, relating them to their broad implications. The emphasis is on a descriptive rather than a mathematical discussion of topics which range from early Greek concepts of science to present day methods and techniques used to describe the physical universe. Many distinctions and similarities between science and other areas of human endeavor will be studied to demonstrate the beauty, simplicity, harmony, and grandeur of some of the basic laws which govern the universe. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Alternate years.

225

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS I

A mathematically rigorous introduction to physics designed for majors in the natural sciences and mathematics. Topics include classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and mechanical waves. Five hours of lecture and recitation and one three-hour laboratory per week. Co-requisite: MATH 128. This course is intended for freshman and sophomore majors in the natural sciences and students intending to pursue health professions, and any majors in the mathematical sciences. 
 

331

CLASSICAL MECHANICS

An analytical approach to classical mechanics. Topics include: kinematics and dynamics of single particles and systems of particles, gravitation and other central forces, moving reference frames, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics. Four hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: MATH 129 and a grade of C or better in PHYS 225. 

332

ELECTROMAGNETISM

A theoretical treatment of classical electromagnetism. Topics include: electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic potentials, electric and magnetic properties of matter, Maxwell’s equations, the electromagnetic field, and the propagation of electromagnetic radiation. Four hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: MATH 129 and a grade of C or better in PHYS 226. 

333

OPTICS

Geometrical optics, optical systems, physical optics, interference, Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, and coherence and lasers will be covered. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 226 and MATH 128; or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

336

MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS

Solution of ordinary linear differential equations using power series and Laplace transforms, nonlinear differential and coupled differential equations, Fourier analysis using both trigonometric and complex exponential functions, complex variables, eigenvalue problems, infinite dimensional vector spaces, partial differential equations, boundary value problem solutions to the wave equation, heat flow equation and Laplace’s equation. Prerequisites: MATH 231 and 238. Alternate years. 

337

THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS

Classical thermodynamics will be presented, showing that the macroscopic properties of a system can be specified without a knowledge of the microscopic properties of the constituents of the system. Then statistical mechanics will be developed, showing that these same macroscopic properties are determined by the microscopic properties. Four hours of lecture and recitation per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 226 and MATH 129. Alternate years.  

338

MODERN PHYSICS

Thorough investigation of changes in the classical understanding of space and time together with those of energy and matter that led to the time development of relativistic and quantum mechanical theories. Topics include: introduction to special relativity, blackbody radiation, the postulation of the photon and quantization, atomic spectra, interactions of matter and energy, Bohr model of the atom, concepts of symmetry, and development and applications of the Schrodinger equation. Four hours of lecture and one-three hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: MATH 129 and a grade of C or better in PHYS 226.

339

CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS

Structural topics include ordinary crystalline structures, liquid crystals, quasi-crystals, and nanostructures. Property-related topics include periodic potentials, band structure, electromagnetic and thermal properties, superconductivity, superfluidity, aspects of surface physics, and aspects of polymer physics. Four hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 332 and MATH 129, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

344

RELATIVITY AND COSMOLOGY

A detailed presentation of the special theory of relativity and an introduction to the general theory. Topics include: observational and experimental tests of relativity, four vectors, tensors, space-time curvature, alternative cosmological models, and the origin and future of the universe. Four hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ASTR 111 and PHYS 225. Alternate years. Cross-listed as ASTR 344.

439

INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS

Introduction to the basic concepts and principles of quantum theory. Solutions to the free particle, the simple harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, and other central force problems are presented using the Schrodinger wave equation approach. Topics also include operator formalism, eigenstates, eigenvalues, the uncertainty principles, stationary states, representation of wave functions by eigenstate expansions, and the Heisenberg matrix approach. Four hours of lecture. Prerequisites: Either PHYS 226 or CHEM 331, and MATH 231. Cross-listed as CHEM 439.

 447

NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS

The course will consider properties of nuclei, nuclear models, radioactivity, nuclear reactions (including fission and fusion), and properties of elementary particles. The interactions of nuclear particles with matter and the detection of nuclear particles will be covered. It will be shown how observed phenomena lead to theories on the nature of fundamental interactions, how these forces act at the smallest measurable distances, and what is expected to occur at even smaller distances. Four hours of lecture and recitation and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 226, MATH 129, and either PHYS 338 or CHEM 110. Alternate years.

448

RESEARCH TOPICS

Students participate in a research project under the guidance of a faculty member in the department. In weekly meetings, they share reports from the literature and report on their own work. Topics will range from abstract theoretical to selected practical experimental investigations. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Cross-listed as ASTR 448. May be taken a second time with departmental approval.

349 & 449

ASTRONOMY AND PHYSICS COLLOQUIA

This non-credit but required course for juniors and seniors majoring in astronomy and physics offers students a chance to meet and hear active scientists in astronomy, physics and related scientific areas talk about their own research or professional activities. In addition, majors in astronomy and physics must present two lectures, one given during the junior year and one given during the senior year, on the results of a literature survey or their individual research. Students majoring in this department are required to attend four semesters during the junior and senior years. A letter grade will be given when the student gives a lecture. Otherwise the grade will be P/F. Non-credit course. One hour per week. Cross-listed as ASTR 349 & 449.

470-479

INTERNSHIP (See index)

Interns in physics work off campus under the supervision of professional physicists employed by local industries or hospitals.

N80-N89

INDEPENDENT STUDY (See index)

Independent studies may be undertaken in most areas of physics.

490-491

INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS (See index)