Courses
- 2009-2010 Courses:
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PHYS 100: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
The ability to manipulate matter at length scales from 1-100nm has produced a surge in nanoscale research. While the term "nano" is ubiquitous, differentiating genuine possibilities for scientific and technological advancement from hype can be challenging. This course begins with an overview of science at the atomic and molecular scale, where chemistry, physics and biology converge to explain phenomena in the nano-realm. Then we will explore the fabrication and characterization of nanoscale devices, and investigate promising nanotechnology applications in medicine, alternative energy, and computing. Finally, we will consider how to address potential concerns about health and environmental impacts of nanotechnology. 6; S/CR/NC; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- M. Eblen-Zayas -
PHYS 120: Revolutions in Physics
The structure and development of key concepts in physics. In particular, we will examine the Newtonian synthesis, Einstein's theory of relativity, quantum mechanics and chaotic dynamics. We will see how the various developments alter our perspective on our relationship with the material universe. We will also consider the role of social context, creativity, aesthetics, and tradition in scientific discovery. No mathematical background beyond high-school algebra will be assumed. Occasional laboratory work. Not open to students majoring in mathematics or the natural sciences or to students who have taken 112, 113, 114, 115, 131, 132, 141, 142, 151, 152, 153, 161 or 162. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- J. Weiss -
PHYS 123: What Physicists Do
A program of five lectures by invited speakers that is intended to give students some perspective on the kinds of work done by people with a physics background. Visitors from industry, government, business, and research and educational institutions will discuss their work and work-related experiences. Prerequisite: Physics 112, 113, 114, 115, 131, 132, 141, 142, 151, 152, 153, 161 or 162. 1; S/CR/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- J. WeissExtended departmental description for PHYS 123
April 3 - Larry Price - The Search for Gravitational Waves: What, Why and How
About 90 years ago Albert Einstein put forth his general theory of relativity. One of the theory's most dramatic predictions is the existence of gravitational waves - ripples in the fabric of space and time. In this talk I'll discuss some sources of gravitational waves and current experimental efforts to detect them with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and pulsar timing experiments. Time permitting, I'll also describe some of the details of how the search for a stochastic background of gravitational waves is carried out.
Larry Price has a PhD from the University of Florida and is currently doing a post doc at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he spends most of his time thinking about sources of gravitational waves and ways to detect them while waiting for the snow to melt.April 10 - Doug Natelson - Getting Big Science Out of Nanoscale Devices
Doug Natelson is an Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy at Rice. He was named as one of the nation’s top 20 scientists under age 40 by Discover magazine in Dec 2008 -- they called him “the Benjamin Franklin of the microscopic world.”
April 17 - Michael Fleming - Physics in the Design, Use, Test and Measurement of Professional Audio Equipment
Sound is a wonderfully mysterious and elusive phenomenon. With audible sound spanning a frequency range of ten octaves and a power range of one trillion to one, modern transducers and electronics are hard-pressed to rival the sensitivity and discrimination of the human auditory system. Meanwhile, the mathematical foundations of musical harmony may be hundreds of years old, but scientists have only recently attempted to explain how and why a poignant piece of music can send a wave of emotion through your body. I’m lucky to work at the intersection of acoustics, electronics, psychology and artistic communication in my multiple roles as a recording engineer, editor, producer and audio educator. My presentation will explore the significance of basic physics in the design, use, test and measurement of professional audio equipment. I’ll also strive to highlight areas of incomplete knowledge that continue to make psychoacoustics and the interpretation of sound a rich and exciting field.
Michael Fleming (class of 1994) holds a Masters of Music in Sound Recording degree from McGill University. As a Thomas J. Watson Fellow, he participated in acoustical research at the University of Bath and studied classical music recording in collaboration with the BBC, EMI, Decca and independent engineers. Michael was the associate producer of WGBH (Boston) Radio's "Classical Performances" from 1996 to 1999. In 2004 he joined the faculty of Middle Tennessee State University.
April 24 - Katie Devine - Conflicting Interests? Balancing Involvement in Research and Teaching
After graduating from Carleton in 2002, I worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA and then went on to graduate school in astronomy at the University of Wisconsin. During this time, I have focused on topics ranging from teaching at-risk high school students to observing star forming regions in the Milky Way. In this talk, I will discuss how I have pursued my interests in research and education. I will reflect on the challenges and rewards I have encountered while trying to become a good teacher as well as a good scientist, and the career options I found available for someone who loves teaching as much as she loves scientific discovery.
Katie Devine (class of 2002) worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA and then went on to graduate school. She is currently finishing her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.May 1 - Mary Hibbs-Brenner - Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers: A Materials Science and Semiconductor Physics Challenge
A Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) is a relatively new type of semiconductor diode laser that combines the performance of a laser with the manufacturing advantages of an LED. This talk will describe some of the semiconductor physics and materials science issues relevant to the development of this technology, and describe some of its applications. The talk will also discuss considerations of translating scientific research and technology development into a business and work/life balance.Mary Hibbs-Brenner (class of ’77) is co-founder and chief executive of Vixar, Inc., a Minnesota-based start-up company that is developing an energy efficient, high-performance laser called the Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL).
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PHYS 131: Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics
An introduction to classical mechanics using the Newtonian worldview. The kinematics and dynamics of some simple systems including objects in free fall, simple harmonic motion, planetary motion, and the motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields are investigated using Newton's laws, vector analysis, and the conservation laws of linear momentum, angular momentum, and energy. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. Not open to students who have completed Physics 112, 113, 114, 132, 141, or 142 at Carleton. Prerequisite: Mathematics 111. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- S. McDowell -
PHYS 132: Introduction to Physics: Gravity and the Earth
An introduction to the basic principles of Newtonian mechanics and conservation laws using the earth and the gravitational force law as a conceptual framework. The many influences of gravity on the structure of the earth from its shape to the tides, and techniques for measuring gravity will be discussed. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory. Not open to students who have completed Physics 112, 113, 114, 131, 141 or 142 at Carleton. Prerequisite: Mathematics 111. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- W. Titus -
PHYS 141: Introduction to Physics: Gravity and the Cosmos
An introduction of basic principles of physics in the realm of planetary systems, black holes and dark matter in the universe. Gravity, conservation of energy and momentum will be used to explore large-scale phenomena in the cosmos. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory or observational work. Not open to students who have completed Physics 112, 113, 114, 131, 132, or 142 at Carleton. Prerequisites: Mathematics 121 or 131 (completion or concurrent registration) and strong preparation in Newtonian Mechanics. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- J. Weiss -
PHYS 142: Introductory Mechanics: Matter and Interactions
An introduction to Newtonian mechanics using calculus. The kinematics and dynamics of objects in motion are investigated using Newton's laws and related conservation laws. Examples of systems studied include table-top objects, simple astronomical systems, or objects in harmonic motion. This section emphasizes a bottom-up atomic perspective and introduces a computational approach to allow the consideration of atoms and molecules inside solids as well. Weekly laboratory or computational work. Not open to students who have completed Physics 112, 113, 114, 131, 132, or 141 at Carleton. Prerequisite: Mathematics 121 or 131 (completion or concurrent registration) and strong preparation in physics. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- M. Eblen-Zayas -
PHYS 151: Introduction to Physics: Relativity and Particles
An introduction to principles of physics in the domain of the very small and very fast. Topics include the special theory of relativity, and selected applications to atomic, nuclear, and particle physics. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. Prerequisites: Mathematics 121 or 131 and Physics 131 or 132 or 141 or 142. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- Staff -
PHYS 152: Introduction to Physics: Environmental Physics
An introduction to principles of physics and their application to the environment. Topics include energy and its flows, engines, energy efficiency, energy usage and conservation in vehicles and buildings, the atmosphere, and climate change. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work or field trips. Prerequisites: Mathematics 111 (completion or concurrent registration) and Physics 131 or 132 or 141 or 142 (or their equivalents). 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- A. Pattanayak -
PHYS 153: Fluid and Waves
A study of the properties of fluids (both static and dynamic) and the principles of waves and wave motion (including both sound and light). Topics include simple harmonic motion, buoyancy and Archimedes’ principle, Bernoulli’s equation, viscosity, Poiseuille’s equation, standing waves, musical instruments, and the Doppler effect. One laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Physics 131 or 132 or 141 or 142 and Mathematics 111 (Physics 131 and this course will be considered the equivalent of Physics 112, Elementary Physics, for people wishing to retake the old course.) 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- S. McDowell -
PHYS 161: Electricity, Magnetism & Circuits
A study of the principles of electricity, magnetism and circuits with an emphasis on applications to physical measurements. Topics include electric charge, fields, potentials and currents, magnetic fields, Maxwell’s equations, and DC and AC circuits. Provides the physical background to effectively use and understand a variety of laboratory instruments. Designed for science majors who want additional background in physics. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Physics 131 or 132 or 141 or 142, Mathematics 121 or 131. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- J. Weiss -
PHYS 162: Light and Optics
A study of the principles of light and optics with an emphasis on applications in astronomy, laser physics, and medicine. Topics include geometric and wave optics, lenses and mirrors, telescopic and microscopic observational tools, and the physics of the eye. The course provides the physical background to effectively use a variety of laboratory instruments. Designed for science majors who want additional background in physics. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Physics 131 or 132 or 141 or 142, Mathematics 121 or 131. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- S. McDowell -
PHYS 223: Presentation Skills in Physics
Designed to help students improve their skills in oral and visual presentation of scientific topics. The course will begin with readings and discussion of effective oral presentation skills. Students will report on physics-related topics of their choice (e.g., their previous summer's research, or a topic studied in another course). Prerequisite: Physics 115, 151, 152, 153, 161 or 162. 2; S/CR/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; not offered 2009-2010 -
PHYS 228: Atomic and Nuclear Physics
An elementary but analytical introduction to the physics of atoms and nuclei. Topics include the particle aspects of electromagnetic radiation, an introduction to quantum mechanics, the wave aspects of material particles, the structure of atoms, X-ray and optical spectra, instruments of nuclear and particle physics, nuclear structure and elementary particles. One laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Physics 115 or 151. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- D. Luhman -
PHYS 229: Analytical Mechanics
An analytical treatment of classical mechanics from a Lagrangian and Hamiltonian standpoint. Equations of motion and their solutions are studied with special emphasis on the harmonic oscillator and central-force problems. Prerequisites: Physics 131, 132, 141, or 142 and Mathematics 211; or permission of the instructor. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- W. Titus -
PHYS 230: Computational Mechanics
A numerical treatment of classical mechanics concentrating on examples which are difficult, if not impossible, to solve analytically. Topics may include examples from astrophysics and chaotic dynamics. Prerequisite: Physics 229. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- W. Titus -
ASTR 232: Astrophysics I
Cross-listed with PHYS 232. A study of stellar structure and evolution with an emphasis on the physical principles underlying the observed phenomena. Topics include the birth, evolution, and death of stars, pulsars, black holes, and white dwarfs. Prerequisites: Physics 228 and Physics 229/230 or permission of the instructor. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- J. Weisberg -
ASTR 233: Astrophysics II
Cross-listed with PHYS 233. A study of galactic and extragalactic astronomy with an emphasis on the physical principles underlying the observed phenomena. Topics include the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy and other galaxies, the interstellar medium, quasars and active galaxies, clusters and superclusters, and cosmology. Prerequisite: Physics 228 and 229/230 or permission of the instructor. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010 -
PHYS 234: Computer Simulations in Complex Physical Systems
The development of techniques to study complex physical systems, both probabilistic and deterministic, using numerical simulations. Some of the systems to be investigated are random walks, percolation clusters, the Ising model, avalanches, traffic flow, and the spread of forest fires. Prerequisite: Physics 131, 132, 141, or 142 and one year experience with Mathematica. One laboratory and two class meetings per week. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010 -
PHYS 235: Electricity and Magnetism
Electric and magnetic fields in free space, and their interactions with charges and currents. Topics include DC and AC circuits, Maxwells's equations, and electromagnetic waves. Weekly laboratory work. Prerequisites: Physics 115, 151 or 161 and Mathematics 211; or permission of the instructor. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- N. Christensen -
PHYS 247: Digital Electronics
A study of the digital electronics involved in computers, ranging from basic logic circuits to microprocessors. Weekly lab. Each student will complete a term paper that will involve projections about future developments in computer electronics, and a lab project that will involve circuit design. Prerequisite: Computer Science 208. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010 -
PHYS 260: Materials Science
From a simple "Post-It" note to a complex computer microprocessor, modern products derive much of their utility from the structures and properties of their constituent materials. This course will provide a survey of the science of materials including structure (bonding, crystal structure, defects), classes of materials (polymers, ceramics, metals, composites), physical properties (mechanical, electromagnetic, thermal, optical) and techniques for materials characterization. In addition, the technological and societal impacts of materials development will be explored. Prerequisites: Physics 112, 115, 151, 152, 153, 161 or 162 or Chemistry 123 or 128. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010 -
PHYS 261: Medical Physics
The course covers the basic concepts of medical physics. Particular attention is paid to electromagnetism, mechanics and nuclear physics when applied to medical and biological phenomena. Topics include medical imaging techniques, nuclear medicine radiation protection, dosimetry, and physics in biology. Students will visit medical imaging facilities. Prerequisite: Physics 115, 126, 151, 152, 153, 161 or 162. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010 -
PHYS 336: Quantum Mechanics I
An examination of the structure of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and how this theory differs from those of classical physics. Topics include the mathematics of Hilbert space, the postulates of quantum mechanics, the motion of a particle in one dimension (including the free particle and the simple harmonic oscillator), the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and spin. Prerequisites: Physics 229/230 and Mathematics 232. Familiarity with matrix algebra is assumed. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- A. Pattanayak -
PHYS 337: Quantum Mechanics II
A study of the principles and applications of non-relativisitic quantum mechanics. Possible topics may include the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, approximation techniques, and applications to atomic and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: Physics 336. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- A. Pattanayak -
PHYS 339: Thermal and Statistical Physics I
The fundamentals of classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Topics may include the kinetic theory of gases; energy, entropy, and the laws of thermodynamics; heat engines and refrigerators; the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; the physics of efficient energy use as well as the statistical concepts of temperature and entropy. Prerequisites: Physics 228. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- W. Titus -
PHYS 340: Thermal and Statistical Physics II
Applications of the principles of thermal and statistical physics. Topics may include the canonical ensemble and the Boltzmann factor; the Planck, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein distributions and their applications to black-body radiation, phonons, and electrons in solids. Prerequisites: Physics 339. 3; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- W. Titus -
PHYS 341: Waves
The analysis of wave phenomena, including normal mode expansions, the wave equation and boundary value problems, and interference, diffraction, and polarization. Applications are made to mechanical, sound, water and electromagnetic waves with particular emphasis on electromagnetism and optics. Prerequisites: Physics 229 and 235, and Mathematics 232. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010 -
PHYS 342: Contemporary Experimental Physics
A study of experimental techniques and apparatus basic to the measurements which underlie and validate contemporary theories in physics. Topics include electrical measurements, data analysis and statistics, optical and laser techniques, particle detectors, and time coincidence techniques. Applications are made to experiments such as magnetic resonance, Mossbauer and nuclear spectroscopy and laser optics. Class time is devoted to studying the measurement techniques and considering phenomenological models of the effects observed in the laboratory. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Physics 228, 235, 338 or 339. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- D. Luhman -
PHYS 343: Electronics
A study of the electrical circuits and electronics underlying modern physics instrumentation. Includes an introduction to microprocessor and microcomputer design. Approximately equal emphasis on analog and digital electronics. One laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Physics 235. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- S. McDowell -
PHYS 344: Classical and Quantum Optics
A junior/senior level course in classical and quantum optics. Includes the phenomena of interference, diffraction and coherence and quantum optical applications, such as unique statistical states of light or the operation of a laser. Modern applications of these areas are studied through such topics as fiber optics telecommunication, optical data storage, or manipulation of atoms by light. Prerequisites: Physics 235 and Mathematics 232. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- S. McDowell -
PHYS 345: Optics Laboratory
This is a laboratory course that will serve as a follow-up to Physics 344, Classical and Quantum Optics. Students will conduct a number of experiments pertaining to optical phenomena. The experiments will display effects pertaining to classical, quantum, and non-linear optics. The lab will take place once a week for four hours each session. Prerequisite: Physics 344 or permission of the instructor. 2; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010 -
PHYS 352: Advanced Electricity and Magnetism
The classical theory of fields and waves. Electromagnetic theory including Maxwell's equations, radiation and relativity. Prerequisites: Physics 235 and Mathematics 341. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- A. Pattanayak -
PHYS 354: Solid State Physics
An introduction to the physics of solids. Particular attention is paid to the properties exhibited by atoms and molecules because of their association and regular periodic arrangement in crystals. Topics include crystal structure and diffraction, the reciprocal lattice, phonons and lattice vibrations, thermal properties, free-electron theory and band structure. Prerequisites: Physics 336 and 338 or 339. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- M. Eblen-Zayas -
PHYS 356: Special Project
Individual projects in experimental, theoretical, or computational physics. Available projects are often related to faculty research interests or to the development of course-support materials, such as new laboratory exercises. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. 2 or 3; S/CR/NC; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- Staff -
PHYS 400: Integrative Exercise
An extensive study of a specific topic in physics, culminating in a 70-minute presentation during winter or spring term. A short background paper and a longer summary paper are also required. Students may arrange to complete the bulk of their work during winter or spring term (Physics 400, 6 credits), or divide their effort between terms (Physics 400, winter, 3 credits; Physics 400, spring, 3 credits). 6; S/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- Staff