Lafayette College Physics Courses
Physics degree requirements
and typical course patterns.
Choosing the right physics course.
Phys 104: Astronomy: The Solar System
Phys 106: Physics of Music
Phys 108: Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Big Bang
Phys 111: General Physics--Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Phys 112: General Physics--Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
Phys 121: The Dynamics of Particles
Phys 122: Thermodynamics and Waves
Phys 131: Physics I: Mechanics
Phys 132: Physics IIa: Electricity and Magnetism
Phys 133: Physics IIb: Thermodynamics and Waves
Phys 151: Accelerated Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Phys 152: Accelerated Physics II: Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
Phys 215: Introduction to Quantum Physics
Phys 216: Topics in 20th Century Physics
Phys 218: Oscillatory and Wave Phenomena
Phys 220: Medical and Biological Physics
Phys 306: Acoustics
Phys 304: Observational Astronomy
Phys 308: Astrophysics
Phys 327: Advanced Classical Mechanics
Phys 335: Thermal Physics
Phys 338: Advanced Physics Laboratory
Phys 342: Electromagnetic Fields
Phys 351: Quantum Theory
Phys 352: Special Topics
Phys 391: Individual Study
Phys 424: Solid State Physics
Phys 442: Electromagnetic Waves
Phys 451: Applications of Quantum Theory
Phys 495: Thesis
Phys 496: Thesis
DISCLAIMER
These listings are believed to be reasonably accurate,
but you should consult the
College Catalog for authoritative information.
The semesters listed for each course are subject to change. The
advanced courses, in particular, may be affected by student enrollment
and faculty availability.
Course Descriptions
Phys 104: Astronomy: The Solar System
Michael Stark
An introduction to the study of the Sun and its contingent of planets,
moons, comets, and asteroids. Up-to-date details of the orbits, surfaces,
atmospheres, and interior structures as deduced from telescopic and
spacecraft data are discussed. The elementary physics of gravity, orbits,
and distance measurement leads to a limited amount of problem solving. Six
biweekly laboratory sessions and at least three nighttime observing
sessions with telescopes. Requires only high school algebra and
trigonometry.
Satisfies the A.B.lab science requirement.
Taught in the Fall semester each year.
Phys 106: Physics of Music
Lyle Hoffman
A non-technical but rigorous study of physics as it applies to musical
sound and musical instruments. Basic principles of wave motion and
sound, sound synthesis and analysis, room acoustics, physics of
woodwinds, brasses, strings, piano, percussion instruments and the
human voice. Open to all students but specifically intended for those
who have not previously studied physics but have a strong interest in
how instruments make music.
Satisfies the A.B.lab science requirement.
Taught Spring semester in alternate years.
Next taught in Spring 2007.
Phys 108: Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Big Bang
Lyle Hoffman
A study of the nature and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the universe
as a whole. Confrontation of theory with observational data from many
telescopes and spacecraft is stressed throughout. Open to all but
specifically intended for those who have not previously studied physics.
Requires only high school algebra and trigonometry. One or more evening
telescope observing sessions
Satisfies the A.B.lab science requirement.
Taught Spring semester in alternate years.
Next taught in Spring 2006.
Phys 111: General Physics--Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Staff
Classical mechanics of particles and rigid bodies; laws of
thermodynamics with emphasis on microscopic foundation; oscillations and
waves
Physical ideas are stressed, but considerable emphasis is placed on
problem solving.
Together with Phys 112, this course satisfies
requirements for medical school and for a variety of
A.B. majors, but not most B.S. majors.
Requires high school algebra and trigonometry; Mathematics 125 is recommended.
Satisfies the A.B. lab science requirement.
Taught in Fall each year.
Phys 112: General Physics--Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
Staff
Electric and magnetic fields; electromagnetic induction; electric
circuits; geometrical and physical optics; Einstein's special theory of
relativity; foundations of quantum mechanics; and nuclear physics.
Physical ideas are stressed, but considerable emphasis is placed on
problem solving.
Together with Phys 11q, this course satisfies
requirements for medical school and for a variety of
A.B. majors, but not most B.S. majors.
Requires high school algebra and trigonometry; Mathematics 125 is recommended.
Prerequisites: Phys 111
Satisfies the A.B. lab science requirement.
Taught in Spring each year.
Phys 121: The Dynamics of Particles
Starting in Fall 2005, this course has been
renumbered as Physics 131.
Phys 122: Thermodynamics and Waves
Starting in Spring 2006, this course has been renumbered as
Physics 133.
Phys 131: Physics I: Mechanics
Staff
A rigorous introduction to the study of physics primarily designed
for science and engineering majors; a foundation on which an understanding of
physics, physical chemistry, or engineering can be built.
Kinematics and dynamics with emphasis on conservation laws for linear
momentum, angular momentum, and energy.
A calculus-based course satisfying degree requirements in all B.S. or
A.B. degree programs, including the A.B.lab science requirement.
Prerequisites: Math 161 should be taken concurrently (if not before).
Taught every semester.
Phys 132: Physics IIa: Electricity and Magnetism
Staff
A rigorous introduction to the study of physics primarily designed
for engineering and science majors; a foundation on which an
understanding of engineering, physics, or physical chemistry can be built.
Electrostatics, electric currents, magnetostatics, electromagnetic waves.
A calculus-based course satisfying degree requirements in all B.S. or
A.B. degree programs, including the A.B.lab science requirement.
Prerequisites: Phys 121 or 131. Corequisite: Math 263.
Taught in Fall semester each year.
Phys 133: Physics IIb: Thermodynamics and Waves
Staff
A rigorous introduction to the study of physics designed primarily
for science majors; a foundation on which an understanding of
physics, physical chemistry, or engineering can be built.
Harmonic motion and wave propagation;
electromagnetic waves; ray optics, wave optics; atomic and
nuclear physics.
A calculus-based course satisfying degree requirements in all B.S. or
A.B. degree programs, including the A.B.lab science requirement.
Prerequisites: Phys 121 or 131; Math 161. Corequisite: Math 162.
Taught in Spring semester each year.
Phys 151: Accelerated Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Staff
An accelerated calculus-based introduction to the foundations of
classical mechanics and thermodynamics, intended for students
majoring in science or engineering; a foundation on which an
understanding of physics, physical chemistry, or engineering can be
built. Topics include dynamics; conservation laws for linear
momentum, angular momentum, and energy; mechanical oscillations and
waves; and thermodynamics. A course satisfying degree requirements in
all B.S. or A.B. degree programs. Not open to students with credit
for Phys 131.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: AP credit (or equivalent) for Phys 111
or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Math 162.
Taught in Fall semester each year.
Phys 152: Accelerated Physics II: Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
Staff
An accelerated calculus-based introduction to the study of physics
for science and engineering majors; a foundation on which an
understanding of physics, physical chemistry, or engineering can be
built. Topics include electrostatics, electric currents,
magnetostatics, induction, electromagnetic waves, ray optics,
interference and diffraction.
A course satisfying degree requirements in
all B.S. or A.B. degree programs. Not open to students with credit
for Phys 132 or 133.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Phys 151 or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite: Math 263.
Taught in Spring semester each year.
Phys 215: Introduction to Quantum Physics
Staff
An introduction to the topics of modern physics needed to understand
the fundamentals of atomic, nuclear, solid state, and elementary
particle physics. The course begins with the Special Theory of
Relativity, examining the postulates and the paradoxes of Special
Relativity, as well as Relativistic Kinematics and Dynamics. The
course moves on to quantum mechanics, first describing the
wave-particle duality of nature evidenced by the photon behavior of
light and DeBroglie's matter waves, then establishing the foundations
of the modern quantum theory. An emphasis is placed on the wave
mechanics of Schrodinger and its probabilistic interpretation. The
Schrodinger Equation is applied to several simple model systems, and
the course concludes by developing an accurate model of the hydrogen
atom, exploring multi-electron systems, and introducing the quantum
mechanical approach to angular momentum.
Prerequisites: Phys 132 or 133.
Taught in the Fall semester each year.
Phys 216: Topics in 20th Century Physics
Staff
An application of the concepts of quantum physics introduced in Physics
215 and the theory of relativity to several areas of 20th
century physics.
Topics to be covered include quantum statistics, molecular spectra,
lasers, introductory solid state physics, models of nuclear structure,
radioactivity, nuclear reactions, elementary particles, and grand
unification of the fundamental forces.
Prerequisites: Phys 215.
Taught in the Spring semester each year.
Phys 218: Oscillatory and Wave Phenomena
Staff
A continuation of the study of oscillations and waves begun in the
fundamental courses, with a significant emphasis on experimental work
using computerized data collection and analysis techniques. The
course focuses on both experimental and theoretical methods in
physics, examining oscillatory and wave phenomena found throughout
nature. Phenomena studied include vibration of mechanical systems,
oscillations in electrical circuits, the general behavior of damped
oscillations and resonance, normal mode analysis, standing wave
phenomena, wave propagation, optics, and other such physical phenomena
found in nature. The student will be introduced to the theoretical
techniques used to analyze these phenomena as needed.
Prerequisites: Phys 132 and 133. Corequisite: Math 264.
Three hours lecture and one 3-hour laboratory period.
Taught in the Spring semester each year.
Phys 220: Medical and Biological Physics
Bradley Antanaitis
This course demonstrates how the principles, tools, and strategies of
physicists can be applied to problems that have biological, medical,
or ecological import. Methods taught in this course are applied to a
broad range of interdisciplinary problems from biomechanics to nerve
impulse propagation to the latest imaging techniques, including
three dimensional ultrasonic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging.
The course is aimed at students nearing a decision on a career
direction who are curious about what areas of research are open to
them, or to those who simply wish to broaden their biophysical
or biomedical outlook.
Prerequisites: Phys 112 or 133.
Counts as a Writing (W) course.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years.
Next taught in Spring 2007.
Lyle Hoffman
An introduction to the acoustics of musical instruments for students
with some background in physics. Spectral analysis and synthesis;
waves on strings, membranes and bars; waves in fluid media; acoustical
coupling; sound radiation; acoustics of instrumental families. The
course parallels Phys 106 but is more technical in scope and may be
counted toward the B.S. Physics degree requirements.
Prerequisites: Phys 218.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years, concurrent with
Phys 106. Next taught in Spring 2007.
Phys 304: Observational Astronomy
Michael Stark
A study of the methods used for making astronomical observations and
analyzing the data these observations produce. The course examines what
can be learned about stars, planets, galaxies, and the Universe through
these observations. Topics include radio, infrared, optical,
ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray astronomy, and observations of
neutrinos, cosmic rays, and gravitational waves. Students complete an
independent observing or data analysis project. The course parallels
Physics 104 but focuses on observing methods.
Prerequisites: Phys 216
Taught in the Fall semester each year concurrent with
Phys 104.
Lyle Hoffman
An introduction to astronomy and astrophysics for students with some
background in physics. Stellar structure and evolution; galactic
structure and evolution; physical processes in the early universe;
radioastronomy. The course parallels Phys 108 but is more technical
in scope and may be counted toward the B.S. Physics degree requirements.
Prerequisites: Phys 216.
Taught in the Spring semester of alternate years, concurrent with
Phys 108. Next taught in Spring 2006.
Phys 327: Advanced Classical Mechanics
Staff
A rigorous development of non-relativistic mechanics: nonlinear
oscillations; central-force motion, celestial mechanics and the N-body
problem; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations; rotation and rigid
body motion; collisions and scattering.
Prerequisites: Phys 218; Math 264.
Taught in the Spring semester each year.
Phys 335: Thermal Physics
Staff
The fundamental concepts of heat, temperature, work, internal energy,
entropy, reversible and irreversible processes, thermodynamic
potentials, etc., are considered from a modern microscopic as well
as the traditional macroscopic viewpoint.
Statistical thermodynamics is used primarily to study the equilibrium
properties of ideal systems and simple models.
Prerequisites: Phys 133, 215; Math 263.
Taught in the Fall semester in alternate years.
Next taught in Fall 2006.
Phys 338: Advanced Physics Laboratory
Staff
Design of experiments, statistical analysis of observations, report
writing, fundamental experiments in atomic, nuclear and condensed matter
physics. Also experiments selected from electron spin resonance, nuclear
magnetic resonance, properties of liquids at high pressures, properties of
matter at low temperatures.
Computer interfacing with instruments for on-line data collection and
analysis.
May involve independent investigation if appropriate.
Prerequisites: Phys 216, 218.
Counts as a Writing (W) course.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years.
Next taught in Spring 2006.
Phys 342: Electromagnetic Fields
Staff
Electric fields due to static charges, magnetic fields due to steady
currents, fields in matter, Laws of Coulomb, Gauss, Biot-Savart,
Ampere, Faraday; scalar and vector potentials; solutions of Laplace's
and Poisson's equations.
Prerequisites: Phys 132, 218; Math 264.
Taught in the Fall semester in alternate years.
Next taught in Fall 2005.
Staff
The failure of classical physics, the basic concepts of quantum
mechanics, Schrodinger's equation, one dimensional systems including
barriers and the harmonic oscillator, Hermitian operators, angular
momentum, the hydrogen atom, perturbation theory, and interpretations of
quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites: Phys 215, 218; Math 264.
Taught in the Fall semester each year.
Staff
Investigation of special topics under supervision of a faculty advisor.
The most recent such course was Topics in Astrophysics.
Phys 391: Individual Study
Staff
Juniors and seniors may investigate a research topic in physics under
the supervision of a faculty member. The project will culminate in an
extensive report. Departmental permission in required for enrollment.
See individual faculty members about topics of interest.
Recent individual study courses taught include: acoustics, advanced
quantum mechanics, philosophy of quantum mechanics, biophysics,
general relativity, astronomical image analysis, radio-astronomy,
and electronics.
Phys 424: Solid State Physics
Tony Novaco
The fundamental aspects of solid state phenomena and the basic quantum
physics needed to properly understand these phenomena. Topics include
the basic principles of quantization and matter waves; Fermi
statistics; crystal structures; diffraction phenomena in crystals;
conduction electrons in metals; the concept of conduction by holes;
and the basic physics of electrons and holes in both homogeneous and
doped semiconductors.
Prerequisites: Phys 335, 351.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years.
Next taught in Spring 2007.
Phys 442: Electromagnetic Waves
Lyle Hoffman
Maxwell's equations, wave equations for dielectrics and conductors.
Reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, guided waves,
radiation.
Prerequisites: Phys 342.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years.
Next taught in Spring 2006.
Phys 451: Applications of Quantum Theory
Tony Novaco
Additional topics in quantum mechanics, depending upon student
interests. Possible topics include addition of angular momenta,
applications of perturbation theory, scattering theory, and
relativistic quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites: Phys 351.
Taught in the Spring semester in alternate years.
Next taught in Spring 2007.
Staff
Independent study of a topic chosen for participation in the honors
program, culminating in the presentation of a complete written report.
See individual faculty members whose research interests are most closely
aligned with your own.
Staff
Second semester of Phys. 495.
Counts as a Writing (W) course.
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