This course examines energy as a fundamental concept in physics and an essential element of human society. Basic principles of energy conservation and transformation are developed to understand sustainable and unsustainable energy resources, and their impact on impending climate change. No background in physics or mathematics beyond algebra is assumed.

An introduction to physics designed for students majoring in life sciences and/or interested in pre-health studies. Topics include geometrical optics, Newtonian mechanics, acoustics, fluids and thermal physics. Class meetings integrate group-based laboratory investigations, simulations and problem solving. Not open to students who have earned credit for PHYS 109.

A continuation of PHYS 107, designed for students majoring in life science and/or interested in pre-health studies. Topics include wave optics, electricity and magnetism, quantum and nuclear physics. Class meetings integrate group-based laboratory investigations, simulations and problem solving. Prerequisite: PHYS 107 or 109.

A calculus-based introduction to physics for students interested in the physical sciences. Starting from the concept of energy, the course develops mechanics and thermodynamics with a focus on conservation laws for mass, momentum, and energy. Students examine the atomic nature of matter and its implications. They consider current areas of research as well as applications in physics-adjacent disciplines (e.g., biology, oceanography, materials science, etc.) in order to learn the methods and techniques of the course. Not open to students who have earned credit for PHYS 107. Prerequisite(s): MATH 105 or 106, which may be taken concurrently.

A rigorous study of Newtonian mechanics. Beginning with Newton's laws, the concepts of energy, momentum, and angular momentum are developed and applied to gravitational, harmonic, and rigid-body motions. Prerequisite(s): MATH 106 and PHYS 107 or 109.

An introduction to computational methods for simulating physical systems, this course focuses on the numerical analysis and algorithmic implementation necessary for efficient solution of integrals, derivatives, linear systems, differential equations, and optimization. While the course presents a rigorous introduction to the numerical analysis underlying these techniques, the emphasis remains on practical solutions to important physical problems. Students solve problems across the wide range of applications of computational physics including astrophysics, biological population dynamics, gravitational wave detection, urban traffic flow, and materials science. No prior experience in programming is required, though students without a technical computing background are encouraged to take PHYS s10 before enrolling. Prerequisite(s): MATH 106 and either PHYS 108 or PHYS S31. Prerequisite(s), which may be taken concurrently: MATH 205.

An introduction to the dynamical behavior of climate on geologic and human timescales. Simple conceptual models are developed, with the goal of understanding the role of feedback, stability, and abrupt changes. Topics include the basic physics of climate, El Niño/La Niña, climate models, the greenhouse effect and global warming, and glacial cycles. Python is used as the main computational tool; no prior experience is required. Prerequisite(s): MATH 105 or 106; and any 100-level earth and climate sciences course OR PHYS 109.

A detailed study of the basic concepts and fundamental experiments of electromagnetism. The development proceeds historically, culminating with Maxwell's equations. Topics include the electric and magnetic fields produced by charge and current distributions, forces and torques on such distributions in external fields, properties of dielectrics and magnetic materials, electromagnetic induction, and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite(s): MATH 106 and PHYS 108 or 109. Prerequisite(s), which may be taken concurrently: PHYS 108. Recommended background, which may be taken concurrently: MATH 206.

A laboratory-oriented study of the basic principles and characteristics of electronic components and their applications in circuits and instruments found in a research laboratory. Both analog and digital systems are studied, as are microcontrollers and their applications. Prerequisite(s): PHYS S31, or PHYS 222, or PHYS 108 AND MATH 106.

Students investigate selected experiments relevant to the development of contemporary physics and the practice of experimental physics research. They are introduced to the use of electronic instruments and computers for data acquisition and analysis, techniques of error analysis, and the practice of speaking and writing about experimental physics. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 211, 222, 230, or s31.

A study of selected mathematical techniques necessary for advanced work in physics and other sciences. The interpretation of functions as vectors in Hilbert space provides a unifying theme for developing Fourier analysis, special functions, methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, and techniques of vector calculus. These methods are applied to selected problems in acoustics, heat flow, electromagnetic fields, and classical and quantum mechanics. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 211. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): MATH 205. Recommended background, which may be taken concurrently: MATH 206.

An investigation of the basic principles of quantum mechanics in the Schrödinger representation and the application of these principles to tunneling, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom. Basic theoretical concepts such as Hermitian operators, Ehrenfest's theorem, commutation relations, and uncertainty principles are developed as the course proceeds. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 301, and PHYS 108 or s31.

In the emerging field of quantum computing, the laws of nature are used to store and process information in new ways. Leveraging the extraordinary properties of quantum mechanics enables an exponential speed-up for certain classes of computational problems. In this course students are introduced to the ideas of the qubit, quantum gates, and quantum circuits; learn about experimental progress; explore quantum algorithms; and implement their own code on quantum cloud computing resources. Prerequisite(s): MATH 205. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): PHYS 308.

A study of crystal structures and the electronic properties of solids, together with an investigation of some active areas of research. Topics include crystal binding, X-ray diffraction, lattice vibrations, metals, insulators, semiconductors, electronic devices, superconductivity, and magnetism. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 222 and 301. Recommended background: PHYS 308 or 361.

Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair are required. Students may register for no more than one independent study per semester.

The theory of equilibrium states is developed in a general way and applied to specific thermodynamic systems. The concepts of classical and quantum statistical mechanics are formulated. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 108 or s31 and PHYS 211 or 222.

A formal treatment of quantum theory using Dirac notation, including an introduction to approximation methods and their applications. The general theory of angular momentum and time-independent perturbation theory are developed and used to derive the fine and hyperfine structures of hydrogen. Additional topics may include quantum statistics, quantum dynamics, and time-dependent perturbation theory. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 308.

Starting from Maxwell's equations, this course develops electrostatics from solutions to Poisson's equation, magnetostatics using the vector potential, electrodynamics with scalar and vector potentials, and properties of electromagnetic waves. Simple radiation problems are discussed as well as the relativistic formulation of electrodynamics. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 222 and 301.

An independent study program for students working on a research problem in a field of interest, culminating in the writing of a senior thesis. Students register for PHYS 457 in the fall semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both PHYS 457 and 458.

An independent study program for students working on a research problem in a field of interest, culminating in the writing of a senior thesis. Students register for PHYS 458 in the winter semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both PHYS 457 and 458.

How are models used in the physical sciences? How are models informed by data in different disciplines, and how do we analyze it? This course will provide students with an opportunity to explore the many ways that models are used to conduct scientific research, and gain insights into how models can support their academic and career goals. We will discuss a variety of models, techniques, and tools used throughout the physical sciences, and guide students to use them for their own research project. Students will learn data fundamentals as well as specific applications of these data-driven techniques to fields within the physical sciences. Lessons will be taught through a lecture and lab component, going over the concepts before letting students work through coding projects, enabling them to create and conduct their own data-driven research. This course has no prerequisites, and aims to bring together students from a wide variety of academic disciplines and any level of coding experience.

An exploration of several core ideas in modern physics: special relativity (Einstein's formulation of space and time underlying the modern understanding of the universe), the wave and particle (photon) nature of light, and the consequences of energy quantization. Laboratory investigations consider related phenomena. The course may examine additional topics in quantum mechanics and nuclear or particle physics. Prerequisite(s): MATH 106 and PHYS 107 or 109.

At subatomic scales, all known physics is described in terms of a small number of types of particles, classified as leptons (and antileptons), quarks (and antiquarks), gauge bosons, and the Higgs boson. This course explores the properties and interactions of these elementary particles. Topics include the historical development of relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory; the modern theories of the strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions; electroweak symmetry breaking; experimental methods of particle physics; and the ongoing quest to discover and understand physics beyond the Standard Model. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 308

Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair are required. Students may register for no more than one independent study during a Short Term.