Courses
PHYS-105C SQ Physics in the Arts (3)
This course is an introduction to the physics underlying perception in the arts. Topics will include light and waves, lenses, photography, color, simple harmonic motion, waves, sound perception, and musical instruments. Any necessary mathematical tools will be presented in class.
Attributes: SQ YLIBPHYS-111C P4 Intro to Astronomy (3)
This course surveys the planets and minor bodies of the solar system with an emphasis on comparative planetology.
Attributes: P4 YLIBPHYS-112C P4 Topics Modern Astronomy (3)
This course is an introduction to our current understanding of the structure and evolution of stars and galaxies. Topics in cosmology are treated as time permits.
Attributes: P4 YLIBPHYS-113C P4 Physics Modern Tech (3)
A course primarily for non-science majors. Topics to be covered: Compact disks, radio-carbon dating, electron microscope, medical imaging, energy, flat-panel displays, time and navigation, greenhouse effect, smart cards, and optical communication. The mathematical level is kept at a minimum. Applications and basic underlying principles are stressed.
Attributes: P4 YLIBPHYS-114C P4 Technologies&Phys Prin (3)
A course primarily for non-science majors. Topics to be covered: Analogue (film) and digital cameras, Hubble space telescope, ozone and the atmosphere, high-definition television (HDTV), AM and FM radio transmission and reception, fax machines, Internet and the World Wide Web, engines, fuel cells, nanotechnology, physics of spaceflight, and physics of weather. The mathematical level is kept at a minimum. The emphasis is on applications and fundamental principles, as in PHYS 113C.
Attributes: P4 YLIBPHYS-121C P4 Intro Physics I (0 OR 4)
An introduction to mechanics, waves, and heat. Includes the mechanics of fluids, kinetic theory of gases, and vibration and sound. Uses some calculus. Designed for students majoring in Biology or those who do not plan to take PHYS 211, 212. Note: Chemistry and Mathematics students are advised to take PHYS 131C, 132C. Must also register for non-graded lab section.
Attributes: P4 YLIBPHYS-122C P4 Intro Physics II (0 OR 4)
An introduction to electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Includes some DC and AC circuits, optical instruments, the theory of the atom, and radioactivity. Uses some calculus. Designed for students majoring in Biology or those who do not plan to take PHYS 211, 212. Note: Chemistry and Mathematics students are advised to take PHYS 131C, 132C. Must also register for non-graded lab section.
Attributes: P4 YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-121C D-PHYS-131C P4 General Physics I (0 OR 4)
An introduction to kinematics, dynamics, waves, fluid mechanics, sound, thermodynamics, and kinetic theory. Must also register for non-graded lab section.
Attributes: P4 YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-120C Y D-PHYS-132C P4 General Physics II (0 TO 4)
An introduction to electricity and magnetism, interference and diffraction of light, and some topics in quantum and atomic physics. Must also register for non-graded lab section.
Attributes: P4 YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-122C Y D- AND PHYS-131C N D-PHYS-199C RW Research-Based Writing (3)
Students learn the basics of writing an academic research paper in this discipline. Emphasis is on elements of persuasive argumentation, the inclusion of more than one perspective on an issue, the proper use and documentation of sources, and revision. Students also learn how to make an effective oral presentation of their research. Department-determined topic may change from semester to semester and is likely to include literary texts as primary materials. Restricted to freshmen and transfers. Note: 199C courses may not be taken for credit more than once.
Attributes: RW YLIBPHYS-211 Modern Physics I (4)
An elementary introduction to quantum mechanics, the wave function, and the Schrodinger equation. The course covers atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, and atomic and molecular spectroscopy.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-221C Y D- AND PHYS-132C N D-PHYS-211L Modern Physics I Lab (1)
A laboratory course in which well-known experiments are performed on atomic systems. The experiments are designed to illustrate some limitations of classical theory.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-211 Y D-PHYS-212 Modern Physics II (4)
This course covers statistical mechanics and quantum statistics (with applications), special relativity theory, nuclear physics, and elementary particles.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-211 D- AND MATH-222 Y D-PHYS-212L Modern Physics II Lab (1)
A continuation of Physics 211L with emphasis on basic experiments which are interpreted in terms of the quantum theory.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-212 Y D-PHYS-221 Circuit Analysis (4)
An introduction to linear circuits. Topics include: Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws; Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems; controlled sources; mesh and node analysis; superposition; operational amplifiers; energy storage elements; first and second order circuits; phasors; complex impedance; AC steady state analysis; power; the frequency spectrum and Fourier analysis; frequency response; poles and zeros of T(s); and Bode plots.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-132 D- AND MATH-122C D-PHYS-222 Electronics (4)
An introduction to semiconductor devices and applications. Devices include diodes, bipolar and field-effect transistors, and integrated circuits. Applications are to rectifiers and power supplies, transistor biasing and small signal models, low frequency amplifiers, feedback, and operational amplifiers.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-221 D-PHYS-231 Statics (3)
An intermediate course in statics, with emphasis on engineering applications. Covers equilibrium of a particle, equivalent force systems, equilibrium of a rigid body, structural analysis, friction, centroids, and moments of inertia for an area.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-132C D- AND MATH-221C Y D-PHYS-232 Strength of Materials (3)
An introduction to the mechanics of solids with emphasis on engineering applications. Covers displacement, deformation, strain, stress, stress-strain relations, and elastic and inelastic materials. Includes extension, twisting, bending of bars, and deflection of beams.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-231 D-PHYS-301 Analytical Mechanics (3)
An intermediate course in classical mechanics, dealing with the motion of particles and rigid bodies in the Newtonian formulation. Includes an introduction to the Lagrangian mechanics and the theory of small vibrations.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-221C D- AND MATH-222 D- AND PHYS-132C D-PHYS-311 Geometrical Optics (0 OR 4)
Introduction to the theory of optical instruments, with emphasis on systems of thin lenses. The course covers image formulation, the analysis and synthesis of optical systems, aberrations, and the principles of lens design.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-132C D- AND MATH-222 D-PHYS-332 Physical Optics (0 OR 4)
Introduction to the wave properties of light, including a discussion of the propagation of electromagnetic waves and interference. Fraunhofer and Frensel diffraction, and polarized light, contemporary optics, and quantum properties of radiation.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-132C D- AND MATH-222 D-PHYS-333 Math Methods Physics I (3)
The first of a two-semester sequence in applied mathematics for the physical sciences and engineering. The course content will be derived from the following list of topics: vector calculus; tensor analysis; functions of a complex variable; solutions of partial differential equations; eigenvalue problems; Fourier series; Laplace and Fourier transforms; calculus of variations; and properties of some special functions. Cross-listed with MATH 333.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-221C D- AND MATH-222 D-PHYS-334 Math Methods Physics II (3)
A continuation of PHYS 333. Cross-listed with MATH 334.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-333 D- OR MATH-333 D-PHYS-341 Electricity & Magnetism I (3)
An intermediate-level course using vector methods to develop the properties of electric and magnetic fields. Topics include the electric field and potential, multipoles, dielectrics, boundary value problems, the magnetic induction, the vector potential, and electromagnetic induction. Concurrent registration in PHYS 333 is advised.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-221C D- AND MATH-222 D- AND PHYS-132C D-PHYS-342 Electricity&Magnetism II (3)
Maxwell’s equations are developed and applied to the reflection and refraction of plane waves, wave guides, resonant cavities, and radiation.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-341 D-PHYS-342L Electricity & Magnetism Lab (1)
Experimental investigations are performed in a laboratory of optical phenomena such as reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference, lasers and coherence, and the use of instruments such as Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometers. Three hours per week in the laboratory.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-221C D- AND MATH-222 D- AND PHYS-132C D-PHYS-365 Thermodynamics (3)
Includes the following list of topics: statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, equilibrium between phases, quantum statistics of ideal gases, systems of interacting particles, and transport theory.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-132CPHYS-424 Special Topics (1 TO 4)
This course provides the student with the opportunity to investigate specialized topics of either an experimental or a theoretical nature (e.g., lasers, general relativity, optical instruments). The program is designed to fit the student’s interests and may include any or all of the following activities: seminars, literature search, or experimentation. Completion of the Independent Study/Tutorial Authorization form is required.
Attributes: YLIBPHYS-451 Quantum Mechanics I (3)
An introduction to quantum mechanics presented chiefly from the Schrodinger viewpoint. It includes a thorough treatment of elementary problems in one dimension, such as the harmonic oscillator, and development of the formalism of quantum mechanics.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: MATH-221C D- AND MATH-222 D- AND PHYS-212 D-PHYS-452 Quantum Mechanics II (3)
This course treats the one-electron atom in some detail, and it also covers the elements of angular momentum algebra, the Pauli theory of electron spin, and approximation methods. The elements of scattering theory and a brief introduction to relativistic quantum theory are included. Applications are made to atomic, nuclear, solid-state, and plasma physics.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: PHYS-451 D-