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Bard College Catalogue 2009-2010
2009-2010
Physics
http://physics.bard.edu FacultyMatthew Deady (director)*, Christian Bracher, Burton Brody, Simeen Sattar, Peter D. Skiff**
* on sabbatical, fall 2009
** on sabbatical, spring 2010 OverviewThe Physics Program provides a firm foundation for work in a variety of areas, including graduate work in physics and allied fields. A student usually takes the core courses listed below, although in some cases the student and faculty may decide that not all the courses are appropriate because of advanced preparation or the particular focus of the student’s work. The student also chooses a number of electives according to personal interests. Students are expected to follow the standard divisional procedure for Moderation and to fulfill the collegewide distribution and First-Year Seminar requirements.RequirementsPrior to Moderation, a student has usually completed Physics 141 and 142, Introduction to Physics I and II; Mathematics 141 and 142, Calculus I and II; and at least one 300-level course in physics. Physics majors are required to complete the courses listed above plus Physics 303, Mechanics; Physics 312, Electricity and Magnetism; Physics 314, Thermal Physics; Physics 321, Modern Physics; at least one 400-level physics course; Mathematics 211, Introduction to Differential Equations; Mathematics 212, Calculus III; and the Senior Project. Recent Senior Projects in Physics: - · “Acoustical Robot Design and Construction”
- · “An Examination of Critical Opalescence in Partially Miscible Binary Liquid Systems”
- · “Eddy Currents in Bounded Configurations”
- · “Micro-Hydropower at Bard College”
Courses
In addition to the core required courses, electives include mathematical courses (e.g., Physics 222, Mathematical Methods of Physics) and advanced laboratory and theoretical courses, including Physics 210 and 211, Introduction to Electronics and Introduction to Digital Electronics, and Physics 403, Quantum Mechanics. Additionally, tutorials are offered for advanced study on such topics as general relativity, nuclear and particle physics, and condensed matter physics.
Acoustics
Physics 116
This laboratory course provides an introduction to the phenomena of acoustics, particularly aspects that are important in the production and perception of music. The physics of sound is covered in depth, and characteristics of acoustic and electronic instruments are discussed. Mathematical and laboratory techniques are introduced as needed. No specific science or mathematics background beyond algebra is assumed.
Light and Color
Physics 118
An introduction to light, optical phenomena, and related devices, including some historical perspective; classical and modern models of light; light and color in nature and vision; the geometrical optics of lenses, mirrors, and related devices; the physical optics of interference and diffraction; spectroscopy and polarization; color science, lasers, and holography. The class develops models and explores them in weekly labs. Prerequisites: high school algebra and trigonometry.
Climate Change
Physics 124
This lab course explores the physical principles underlying climate and anthropogenic climate change. It surveys the most compelling lines of evidence for climate change and studies current observations in the broader context of past climates. Policy mitigation efforts and their implementation obstacles are also discussed. While not technical per se, the course requires that students have the ability to solve linear algebraic equations and perform basic manipulation of data.
Introduction to Physics I
Physics 141
A calculus-based survey of physics. The first semester covers topics in mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, and wave motion. The course stresses ideas—the unifying principles and characteristic models of physics. Labs develop the critical ability to elicit understanding of the physical world. Corequisite: Mathematics 141.
Introduction to Physics II
Physics 142
This is the second part of a calculus-based survey course, continuing with electricity and magnetism, light, and basic atomic and modern physics. Prerequisites: Physics 141 and Mathematics 141.
Introduction to Electronics
Physics 210
This course is a survey of analog electronics, beginning with Kirchhoff’s laws, voltage dividers, and filters, and proceeding to power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, operational amplifiers, timers, and integrated circuits (ICs). Semiconductor diodes, bipolar and field-effect transistors, and ICs are employed. The semester ends with a brief introduction to digital electronics. The course consists of equal parts lecture and lab. Corequisites: at least one physics course and one mathematics course numbered above 140.
Introduction to Digital Electronics
Physics 211
An introduction to the electronics of the bus architecture and algorithms of digital computers. The course begins with a quick introduction to current, voltage, and Kirchhoff’s laws; resistors, diodes, and capacitors; filters, impedance, and voltage dividers; and meters and oscilloscopes. Study proceeds to number systems, Boolean algebra, and circuit realizations of combinational and sequential logic, preliminary to elaborating individual bus-architecture minicomputers with memory, addressed I/O, etc. Calculus is used on occasion and some prior familiarity with basic analog concepts is necessary. Prerequisite: analog background certified by the instructor.
Mathematical Methods of Physics
Physics 222
This course presents methods of mathematics that are useful in the physical sciences. Topics include vector calculus, complex numbers and functions, Fourier series, and orthogonal functions. Prerequisites: Mathematics 141 and 142, or the equivalent.
Mechanics
Physics 303
This course in particle kinematics and dynamics in one, two, and three dimensions covers conservation laws, coordinate transformations, and problem-solving techniques in differential equations, vector calculus, and linear algebra. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations are also studied. Prerequisites: Physics 141 and 142 and Mathematics 141 and 142.
Electricity and Magnetism
Physics 312
This course considers electrostatics, conductors, and dielectrics; Laplace’s equation and characteristic fields; magnetostatics, magnetodynamics, and the magnetic properties of matter; flow of charge and circuit theory; and Maxwell’s equations and the energy-momentum transfer of electromagnetic radiation. Prerequisites: Physics 141 and 142 and Mathematics 211.
Thermal Physics
Physics 314
An introduction to the elements of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics; equations of state; first and second laws; distribution functions; the partition function; and quantum statistics. Prerequisites: Physics 141 and 142 and Mathematics 142.
Modern Physics
Physics 321
This topical course in the development of modern physics from the theory of relativity to quantum mechanics covers relativity, the photoelectric effect, X-ray production and scattering, nuclear transmutation, alpha and beta radiation processes, and particles and quasiparticles. Prerequisites: Physics 141 and 142 and Mathematics 141 and 142.
Methods of Theoretical Physics
Physics 323
This course develops mathematical and theoretical methods for use in advanced physics courses. Fourier series, vector calculus, power series, and other techniques are used in constructing mathematical models for solving scientific problems. Corequisite: Mathematics 142 or permission of the instructor.
Quantum Mechanics
Physics 403
Introduces elements of Schrödinger and Heisenberg formulations of quantum mechanics, including potential wells, hydrogen atoms, scattering, harmonic oscillators, perturbation theory, and angular momentum. Prerequisite: Physics 321.
Condensed Matter Physics
Physics 418
An overview of the physics of the solid and liquid states of matter. Possible topics include crystalline structure of solids; X-ray scattering; lattice vibrations; elasticity; band structure; electrical and optical properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators; magnetism and Hall effect; superfluidity and superconductivity; polymers; and “soft matter.” Prerequisites: Physics 141, 142, and 321.
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