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Here is the schedule of classes offered by the Physics Department for the Spring 2005 semester. Catalogue descriptions for all courses appear below the table. (Simply click on the title of a course in the schedule to jump to its description.) For more information on our academic program, please visit the Physics section of the main Allegheny Web Site by clicking here.
| Course | Location | Time | Instructor |
A descriptive survey of the science of astronomy. Topics include motions in the sky, history of astronomy, telescopes, planets and the formation of the solar system, stars, the Milky Way Galaxy, other galaxies, and cosmology. Extensive use is made of the Spitz Planetarium, and there are occasional night-time observations using the telescopes at Newton Observatory. Three lectures and one laboratory session per week. Students who have successfully completed Phys 060 may not receive credit for this course.
065 Introduction to PhysicsFor students not intending to major in one of the natural sciences and, as such, it requires no prerequisite course in mathematics. A basic understanding of mechanics, thermodynamics, sound, light, and nuclear physics, as well as some historical perspective, is developed. Emphasis is placed on the application of physics to modern problems and technology. One laboratory per week. May not be taken for credit following successful completion of Physics 101 or Physics 111.
066 Light and ColorA study in the properties of light and its interaction with matter. Specifically designed for the non-scientist, this course covers geometric and physical optics as well as the origins of color. Special attention is given to optical phenomena such as sunsets, rainbows, Aurora Borealis, twinkling of stars, gravitational lenses, etc. Laboratory work is included.
101 Fundamentals of Physics IAn introductory calculus-based course, required for all further courses in physics, with emphasis on physical concepts and principles from the areas of mechanics, thermodynamics and waves. Designed for all students majoring in the natural science division. One laboratory session and one recitation session per week. Students who wish to major in physics after taking this course should consult the physics faculty before deciding which course to take next. Physics 101 may not be taken after successful completion of Physics 111. Corerequisite: Mathematics 156 or 160 or its equivalent or permission of instructor. Offered in sequence with Physics 102.
102 Fundamentals of Physics IIA continuation of Physics 101 with emphasis on the concepts of electricity, magnetism, and optics. One laboratory session and one recitation session per week. Offered in sequence with Physics 101. Physics 102 may not be taken after successful completion of Physics 112. Prerequisite: Physics 101 or permission of instructor.
111 Introductory Physics IAn introductory calculus-based course covering mechanics, thermodynamics, and relativity. The first part of a three-semester sequence designed primarily for physics majors and students who are considering a cooperative engineering program. One laboratory session and one hour recitation session per week. Those desiring to take this course should see the instructor. Offered in sequence with Physics 112 and 230. Physics 111 may not be taken after successful completion of Physics 101. Corequisite: Mathematics 156 or 160 or the equivalent.
112 Introductory Physics IIAn introductory course covering electricity, magnetism and optics. One laboratory session and one hour recitation session per week. Offered in sequence with Physics 111 and 230. Physics 112 may not be taken after successful completion of 102. Prerequisite: Physics 111 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Mathematics 170 or the equivalent.
190 Physics of Everyday PhenomenaThis course is a (mostly) non-mathematical exploration of the physics of our daily lives, ranging from topics such as skating and baseball, to airplanes and spaceships. As much as possible we will investigate these topics in a conceptual, hands-on, exploratory fashion, seeking to gain an understanding of the physical principles underlying the various phenomena studied. While certain fundamental topics (e.g. Newton's Laws) must be covered, to a large extent the subject matter of the course will be dictated by the interests of the students.
191 Life in the UniverseInterdisciplinary examination of scientific issues concerned witih existence and detection of life beyond Earth. Principles from several fields of science, including astronomy (star and planet formation), biology (origin and evolution of life), geology (development of Earth-like planets), and physics (communication using radio, limitations on interstellar travel) are introduced and used to examine the likelihood that life exists beyond Earth and how we would detect it. Also includes discussion of perceptions of extraterrestrials in science fiction and popular culture.
193 Introduction to AstrophysicsThis course is designed for students interested in a quantitative study of modern astronomy. We'll apply elementary physical and mathematical principles to the study of objects and environments beyond Earth. Topics will include motions of objects in the night sky, celestial mechanics as described by Kepler's and Newton's laws, stars' life cycles, light and radiation in astronomy, chemistry in the solar system and interstellar space, the Milky Way and other galaxies, and Big-Bang cosmology. Prerequisites: Math 160 or equivalent and Physics 102 or 112; or permission of instructor.
230 Introductory Modern PhysicsA study of the quantum nature of matter and other ideas in modern physics. One laboratory session per week. Offered in sequence with Physics 111 and 112. Prerequisite: Physics 102 or 112.
240 RelativityAn introduction to the experimental findings leading to Einstein's formulation of the special theory of relativity, relativistic kinematics (simultaneity, time dilation, length contraction, etc.), relativistic dynamics (relativistic mass, momentum, energy, etc.), and the general theory of relativity. Prerequisite: Physics 101 or Physics 111. Credit: Two semester hours.
280 Programming and SimulationA study of numerical simulation that includes learning an operating system (Unix), a programming language (Fortran), and some techniques of numerical analysis to solve problems useful in physics. Part of the course is devoted to learning a general-purpose computational tool (Mathematica). Computer Science 101 or a course in programming is highly recommended prior to taking this course. Prerequisite: Physics 112 (or Physics 102) or permission of the instructor. Credit: Three semester hours.
292 Mathematical PhysicsAn introduction to linear algebra, calculus of several variables, and differential equations with special emphasis on applications to linear and non-linear physical systems. Students who have received credit for any two of Mathematics 210, 290 and 320 will not receive credit for Physics 292. Does not count toward optional physics course. Prerequisite: Mathematics 170.
310 Mechanics of ParticlesA mathematical study of particles and of systems of particles. Prerequisites: Physics 112 (or 102 with permission of the instructor) and Physics 292 or Mathematics 290 (or concurrent registration in Mathematics 290).
330 Analog Electric Circuits and DevicesA study emphasizing AC/DC circuits, semiconductor devices, and analog circuits including amplifiers. One laboratory session per week. Prerequisites: Physics 102 or 112 and Mathematics 170. Computer Science 101 is recommended.
331 Digital Circuits and ComputersAn introduction to practical aspects of modern digital electronics, including computer design and computer interfacing of laboratory equipment. Two 50-minute lectures and two laboratory sessions per week. Computer Science 101 is recommended.
340 Electric and Magnetic FieldsA mathematical investigation of static and time-dependent electric and magnetic fields emphasizing vector differential operators. Laplace's, Poisson's, and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisite: Physics 310 or permission of instructor.
350 Physical OpticsA study of geometrical, physical, and quantum optics. Topics may include the theory and applications of spectroscopy, lasers, fiber optics, and detectors, as well as an analysis of interference, diffraction, and polarization. One laboratory session per week. Prerequisite: Physics 230.
360 Lasers and Microwave SpectroscopyA study of lasers and microwave molecular spectroscopy with an emphasis on the applications of both to research. The course begins with an in-depth study of the theory, operation, and applications of gas, solid-state, and dye lasers, followed by an introduction to the theory and practice of microwave molecular spectroscopy. Laboratories include experience with lasers and the operation of the microwave spectrometer. Additional topics that may be covered include fiber optics, interferometers and current research in optics and microwave spectroscopy. Class meets only the first half (seven weeks) of the semester. One laboratory session per week. Prerequisite: Physics 230. Credit: Two semester hours.
370 Introduction to Solid State PhysicsAn introductory study of crystalline and amorphous materials including symmetry, crystal-binding, crystal-diffraction, phonons (Einstein- and Debye-models), free electron Fermi gas, Bose-Einstein theory, and superconductivity. Topics of current research interest such as computer simulation of amorphous materials, superlattices, and novel mechanisms of superconductivity are also included. Prerequisite: Physics 102 or Physics 112.
441 Quantum MechanicsA study of the concepts of quantum mechanics with emphasis on mathematical analysis. The course begins with an introduction to the Schrödinger wave equation and quantum mechanical formalism. Additional topics that may be covered include the variational principle, perturbation theory, atomic and molecular structure and spectroscopy, Zeeman and Stark effects, molecular orbital theory, tunneling, quantum wells and dots, and the Einstein Podolsky Rosen paradox and Bell's inequality. Prerequisite: Physics 230 or Chemistry 342.
460 ThermodynamicsThe study of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and the basic foundations of kinetic theory of gases and of statistical mechanics. Computer applications, including simulations of some thermodynamic systems, are stressed. Prerequisite: Prior arrangements with the department.
580 Junior SeminarA weekly seminar meeting where students, faculty and guest lecturers make presentations on current topics in physics. Required of juniors majoring in physics. Credit: One semester hour.
585 Advanced LaboratoryA laboratory course covering modern physics experiments with emphasis on the research interests of the physics faculty. Investigations in spectroscopy, lasers, superconductivity and astronomy may be included. One laboratory session per week. Prerequisite (or co-requisite): Physics 230.
590 Independent StudyTo be arranged. Credit: variable.
600 Senior Project IThe first in a sequence of two courses involving experimental and/or theoretical research under the direction of a faculty member. Background information is collected and preliminary work is carried out. Attendance at departmental lectures is required. Credit: Two semester hours.
601 Senior Project IICompletion of the senior research project. Students write reports and discuss their results at an oral presentation given for faculty members. In most cases they also present their findings at regional or national physics meetings and lectures. Taken after successful completion of Physics 600.
602 Senior ProjectEquivalent to the Physics 600-601 sequence and under special circumstances may be taken as an alternate to Physics 600 and 601. Permission of instructor required.