Bryn Mawr Physics Courses
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Overview of introductory physics courses and sections
Math readiness for Physics 101/102
Information for physics majors
Physics Courses at Haverford
This page displays the schedule of Bryn Mawr courses for this academic year. It also displays descriptions of courses offered by the department during the last four academic years.
For information about courses offered by other Bryn Mawr departments and programs or about courses offered by Haverford and Swarthmore Colleges, please consult the Tri-College Course Guide.
For information about the Academic Calendar, including the dates of first and second quarter courses, please visit the College's master calendar
.
Spring 2012
| COURSE |
TITLE |
SCHEDULE/
UNITS |
MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS |
LOCATION |
INSTRUCTOR(S) |
| PHYS B102-001 |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 8:15 AM- 9:45 AM TTH |
Park 243 |
Cheng,X. |
| PHYS B102-002 |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF |
Park 243 |
Matlin,M., Matlin,M. |
|
PLI: 7:00 PM- 8:00 PM T |
Park 337 |
|
| PHYS B102-00A |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:30 PM- 3:30 PM M |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00B |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM M |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00C |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00D |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:15 PM- 3:15 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00E |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 3:45 PM- 5:45 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00F |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM W |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00G |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM TH |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00I |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 3:45 PM- 5:45 PM TH |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00J |
Introductory Physics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM F |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B122-001 |
Classical Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF |
Park 243 |
Cross,D. |
| PHYS B122-00A |
Classical Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:30 PM- 3:30 PM M |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B122-00B |
Classical Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM M |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B122-00C |
Classical Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B122-00D |
Classical Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:15 PM- 3:15 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B122-00E |
Classical Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 3:45 PM- 5:45 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B122-00F |
Classical Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM W |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B122-00G |
Classical Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM TH |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B122-00I |
Classical Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 3:45 PM- 5:45 PM TH |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B122-00J |
Classical Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM F |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B133-001 |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 243 |
Schulz,M. |
| PHYS B133-00A |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 1:30 PM- 3:30 PM M |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B133-00B |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM M |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B133-00C |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B133-00D |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 1:15 PM- 3:15 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B133-00E |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 3:45 PM- 5:45 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B133-00F |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM W |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B133-00G |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM TH |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B133-00H |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
|
|
|
| PHYS B133-00I |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 3:45 PM- 5:45 PM TH |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B133-00J |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM F |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B134-001 |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 243 |
Beckmann,P. |
| PHYS B134-00A |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 1:30 PM- 3:30 PM M |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B134-00B |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM M |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B134-00C |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B134-00D |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 1:15 PM- 3:15 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B134-00E |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 3:45 PM- 5:45 PM T |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B134-00F |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM W |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B134-00G |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM TH |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B134-00H |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Semester / 0.5 |
|
|
|
| PHYS B134-00I |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 3:45 PM- 5:45 PM TH |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B134-00J |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM F |
Park 234 |
Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B163-001 |
The Big Bang |
First Half / 0.5 |
Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 243 |
Schulz,M. |
| PHYS B164-001 |
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People |
Second Half / 0.5 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 243 |
Beckmann,P. |
| PHYS B214-001 |
An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 337 |
Battat,J., Battat,J., Cheng,X. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM TH |
Park 154 |
|
| PHYS B302-001 |
Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Applications |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 12:45 PM- 2:15 PM TTH |
Park 337 |
Cross,D. |
| PHYS B325-001 |
Advanced Theoretical Physics |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 11:15 AM-12:45 PM TTH |
Park 337 |
Schulz,M. |
| PHYS B331-001 |
Advanced Experimental Physics |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM M |
Park 337 |
Noel,M., Noel,M., Noel,M., Noel,M. |
|
Laboratory: 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM M |
Park 154 |
|
|
Lecture: 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM F |
Park 337 |
|
|
Laboratory: 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM F |
Park 154 |
|
| PHYS B403-001 |
Supervised Research |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B506-001 |
Classical Mechanics II |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:30 PM- 3:00 PM TTH |
Park 336 |
Battat,J. |
| PHYS B701-001 |
Supervised Work |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
|
Fall 2012
(Class schedules for this semester will be posted at a later date.)
Spring 2013
(Class schedules for this semester will be posted at a later date.)
Physics Courses at Haverford
Fall 2011
Spring 2011
PHYS
B101
Introductory Physics
Fall 2011
PHYS 101/102 is an introductory sequence intended primarily for students on the pre-health professions track. Emphasis is on developing an understanding of how we study the universe, the ideas that have arisen from that study, and on problem solving. Topics are taken from among Newtonian kinematics and dynamics, relativity, gravitation, fluid mechanics, waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, electrical circuits, light and optics, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and particle physics and cosmology. An effective and usable understanding of algebra and trigonometry is assumed. First year students who will take or place out of MATH 101 should take PHYS 121. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.
(Matlin,M., Cross,D., Schulz,M. -- Division II w/Lab or Quant.)
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PHYS
B102
Introductory Physics
Spring 2012
PHYS 101/102 is an introductory sequence intended primarily for students on the pre-health professions track. Emphasis is on developing an understanding of how we study the universe, the ideas that have arisen from that study, and on problem solving. Topics are taken from among Newtonian kinematics and dynamics, relativity, gravitation, fluid mechanics, waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, electrical circuits, light and optics, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and particle physics and cosmology. An effective and usable understanding of algebra and trigonometry is assumed. First year students who will take or place out of MATH 101 should take PHYS 121. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.
(Matlin,M., Cheng,X., Lim,S., Cross,D. -- Division II w/Lab or Quant.)
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PHYS
B107
Conceptual Physics
Not offered 2011-12
This course addresses how human beings model physical systems far from the everyday realm, as well as how human senses work and the role of biological evolution. We develop models for electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, special relativity, general relativity, cosmology, particle physics, and nuclear physics. No mathematics is used. Readings include Abbott's Flatland, Wells' The Country of the Blind, Borges' Library of Babel, Kafka's Metamorphosis, other short stories, and selected scientific articles. Lecture three hours, discussion session one hour, laboratory three hours. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. Also see PHYS 150 which is PHYS 107 without the laboratory.
(Beckmann,P., Matlin,M., Noel,M. -- Division II with Lab)
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PHYS
B108
Contemporary Physics
Not offered 2011-12
The 20th century brought two revolutions in our understanding of the universe--the theories of relativity and quantum physics. We will investigate each of them and their consequences, and touch on new theories that might unify them. We will also explore "chaos theory" which applies to phenomena ranging from electrical activity in the brain during seizures to the stability of solar systems. Lecture 3 hours; Laboratory 3 hours. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. Also see PHYS B158 for the lecture only course.
(Matlin,M. -- Division II with Lab)
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PHYS
B121
Modeling the Physical World
Fall 2011
(Beckmann,P., Matlin,M. -- Division II and Quantitive)
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PHYS
B121
Modeling the Physical World
Not offered 2011-12
This course presents current conceptual understandings and mathematical formulations of fundamental ideas used in physics. Students will develop physical intuition and problem-solving skills by exploring key concepts in physics such as the conservation of energy and momentum and modern topics in physics including the unification of the fundamental forces, relativistic space-time, nuclear and particle physics, and cosmology. This course can serve as a stand-alone survey of physics or as the first of a four-semester sequence designed for those majoring in the physical sciences. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Corequisite: MATH 101. (staff, Division IIL and Quantitative Skills)
(Beckmann,P., Matlin,M., Cross,D., Nice,D. -- Division II w/Lab or Quant.)
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PHYS
B122
Classical Mechanics
Spring 2012
The lecture material covers Newtonian Mechanics of single particles, systems of particles, rigid bodies, and continuous media with applications, one-dimensional systems including forced and nonlinear oscillators, scattering and orbit problems. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisites: PHYS 121 and MATH 101. Corequisite: MATH 102. (staff, Division IIL and Quantitative Skills).
(Matlin,M., Cross,D., Lim,S. -- Division II w/Lab or Quant.)
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PHYS
B131
Focus: How Things Work
Fall 2011
In this half-semester course students will explore the physical principles that govern the objects and activities familiar in their everyday lives. Topics will vary, but may include objects such as roller coasters, rockets, light bulbs or Xerographic copiers through which we will explore motion, fluids, heat, or electricity. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. This is a half semester Focus course. Also see PHYS 161 which is PHYS 131 without the laboratory.
(Matlin,M., Noel,M. -- Division II with Lab)
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PHYS
B132
Focus: The Universe According to Einstein
Fall 2011
This half-semester course will provide an extensive introduction to Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, and a brief overview of his General Theory of Relativity ("GR"). We will see how time and distance measurements made by different observers are related to their motions. Several "paradoxes" of relativity will be discussed and resolved. We also will see how, according to GR, a massive object such as a black hole distorts space and time around itself. Implications of Einstein's theories for the origin and evolution of the universe will be illustrated. Time permitting, we may also discuss more speculative ideas regarding black holes, "warp drives" (that might allow faster---than---light travel) and multiple universes. This course will make fairly extensive use of basic algebra. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. This is a half semester Focus course. Also see PHYS B162 which is PHYS B132 without the laboratory.
(Matlin,M. -- Division II with Lab)
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PHYS
B133
The Big Bang
Spring 2012
This half semester course will explore our current scientific understanding of the evolution of the universe as a whole. What do we mean when we say that the universe expanded from a hot, dense primordial fireball? What has the universe been up to since then--what are its milestones? How and when did atoms, stars, and galaxies form? What, if anything, can we say about the ultimate fate of our universe? Finally, how do we test this story? This course will make regular use of basic algebra and interpretation of graphs. Lecture three hours, discussion session one hour, laboratory two hours. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. Also see PHYS B163 which is PHYS B133 without the laboratory.
(Matlin,M., Schulz,M. -- Division II with Lab)
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PHYS
B134
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People
Spring 2012
In this half-semester course we discuss the four fundamental interactions in nature and put them in a historical perspective. These are gravity, electricity & magnetism, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear or radioactivity. This course concentrates on the nuclear interactions. The distance scales we deal with are so small that they are not of our realm. We investigate radiocarbon dating, smoke detectors, radon in the home, how the sun shines, nuclear fission (current power plants), nuclear fusion (future power plants?), positron emission tomography (PET) in medicine, and other phenomenon. Lecture three hours, discussion session one hour, laboratory two hours. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. Also see PHYS 164 which is PHYS 134 without the laboratory.
(Beckmann,P., Matlin,M. -- Division II with Lab)
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PHYS
B150
Conceptual Physics
Not offered 2011-12
PHYS 107 but without the laboratory.
(Beckmann,P. -- Division II: Natural Science)
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PHYS
B158
Contemporary Physics
Not offered 2011-12
The 20th century brought two revolutions in our understanding of the universe--the theories of relativity and quantum physics. We will investigate each of them and their consequences, and touch on new theories that might unify them. We will also explore "chaos theory" which applies to phenomena ranging from electrical activity in the brain during seizures to the stability of solar systems. Lecture 3 hours. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. Also see PHYS B108 for the lecture/laboratory course.
(Matlin,M. -- Division II: Natural Science)
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PHYS
B161
Focus: How Things Work
Fall 2011
In this half-semester course students will explore the physical principles that govern the objects and activities familiar in their everyday lives. Topics will vary, but may include objects such as roller coasters, rockets, light bulbs or Xerographic copiers through which we will explore motion, fluids, heat, or electricity. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. This is a half semester Focus course. Also see PHYS B131 which is PHYS 161 with the laboratory.
(Noel,M. -- Division II: Natural Science)
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PHYS
B162
Focus: The Universe According to Einstein: A Journey Through Spacetime
Fall 2011
This half-semester course will provide a solid introduction to Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity and an overview of his General Theory of Relativity. We will see how time and distance measurements made by observers depend on their motions. Some apparent paradoxes of relativity will be discussed. Implications of Einstein's theories for the origin and evolution of the universe will be illustrated. We may also discuss more speculative ideas regarding black holes, "warp drives" and multiple universes. This course will make fairly extensive use of basic algebra. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. This is a half semester Focus course. Also see PHYS B132 which is PHYS B162 with the laboratory.
(Matlin,M. -- Division II: Natural Science)
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PHYS
B163
The Big Bang
Spring 2012
This half semester course will explore our current scientific understanding of the evolution of the universe as a whole. What do we mean when we say that the universe expanded from a hot, dense primordial fireball? What has the universe been up to since then--what are its milestones? How and when did atoms, stars, and galaxies form? What, if anything, can we say about the ultimate fate of our universe? Finally, how do we test this story? This course will make regular use of basic algebra and interpretation of graphs. Lecture three hours, discussion session one hour. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. Also see PHYS B133 which is PHYS B163 with the laboratory.
(Schulz,M. -- Division II: Natural Science)
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PHYS
B164
Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People
Spring 2012
In this half-semester course we discuss the four fundamental interactions in nature and put them in a historical perspective. These are gravity, electricity & magnetism, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear or radioactivity. This course concentrates on the nuclear interactions. The distance scales we deal with are so small that they are not of our realm. We investigate radiocarbon dating, smoke detectors, radon in the home, how the sun shines, nuclear fission (current power plants), nuclear fusion (future power plants?), positron emission tomography (PET) in medicine, and other phenomenon. Lecture three hours, discussion session one hour, laboratory two hours. This course does not satisfy the Quantitative Skills requirement. Also see PHYS 134 which is PHYS 164 with the laboratory.
(Beckmann,P. -- Division II: Natural Science)
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PHYS
B201
Electromagnetism
Fall 2011
The lecture and material covers electrostatics, electric currents, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves. Scalar and vector fields and vector calculus are introduced and developed as needed. The laboratory involves passive and active circuits and analog and digital electronics. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 102 or 122. Corequisite: MATH 201.
(Department staff,T., Cheng,X. -- Division II w/Lab or Quant.)
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PHYS
B214
An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Spring 2012
An introduction to the principles governing systems at the atomic scale and below. Topics include the experimental basis of quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, Schrödinger's equation and its solutions, the time dependence of quantum states, angular momentum in the microscopic world, simple atoms, and atomic nuclei. Recent developments, such as paradoxes calling attention to the counter-intuitive aspects of quantum physics, will be discussed. The laboratory involves quantum mechanics, solid state physics, and optics experiments. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 201, MATH 201. Corequisite: MATH 203.
(Cheng,X., Battat,J., Beckmann,P. -- Division II w/Lab or Quant.)
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PHYS
B302
Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Spring 2012
This course presents nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, including Schrodinger's equation, the eigenvalue problem, the measurement process, the hydrogen atom, the harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, spin, the periodic table, perturbation theory, and the relationship between quantum and Newtonian mechanics. Lecture three hours and additional recitation sessions as needed. Alternates between Bryn Mawr and Haverford; 2010-11 at Haverford. Prerequisites: PHYS 214 and PHYS 306.
(Cross,D.)
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PHYS
B303
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Not offered 2011-12
This course presents the statistical description of the macroscopic states of classical and quantum systems, including conditions for equilibrium, the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles, and Bose-Einstein, Fermi-Dirac, and Maxwell Boltzmann statistics. The statistical basis of classical thermodynamics is investigated. Examples and applications are drawn from among solid state physics, low temperature physics, atomic and molecular physics, electromagnetic waves, and cosmology. Lecture three hours and additional recitation sessions as needed. Alternates between Bryn Mawr and Haverford; 2010-11 at Bryn Mawr. Prerequisite: PHYS 214. Corequisite: PHYS 306.
(Matlin,M., Beckmann,P.)
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PHYS
B306
Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
Fall 2011
This course presents topics in applied mathematics useful to students, including physicists, engineers, physical chemists, geologists, and computer scientists studying the natural sciences. Topics are taken from Fourier series, integral transforms, advanced ordinary and partial differential equations, special functions, boundary-value problems, functions of complex variables, and numerical methods. Lecture three hours and additional recitation sessions as needed. Prerequisites: MATH 201 and 203.
(Noel,M.)
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PHYS
B308
Advanced Classical Mechanics
Fall 2011
This course presents kinematics and dynamics of particles and macroscopic systems using Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian mechanics. Topics include oscillations, normal mode analysis, inverse square laws, nonlinear dynamics, rotating rigid bodies, and motion in noninertial reference frames. Lecture three hours and additional recitation sessions as needed. Alternates between Bryn Mawr and Haverford; 2010-11 at Haverford. Prerequisite: PHYS 214. Corequisite: PHYS 306.
(Battat,J.)
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PHYS
B309
Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
Not offered 2011-12
This course presents electrostatics and magnetostatics, dielectrics, magnetic materials, electrodynamics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, and special relativity. Examples and applications are taken from superconductivity, plasma physics, and radiation theory. Lecture three hours and additional recitation sessions as needed. Alternates between Bryn Mawr and Haverford; 2010-11 at Bryn Mawr. Prerequisites: PHYS 214 and 306.
(Matlin,M.)
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PHYS
B322
Solid State Physics
Not offered 2011-12
This course presents the physics of solids. Topics include crystal structure and diffraction, the reciprocal lattice and Brillouin zones, crystal binding, lattice vibrations and normal modes, phonon dispersion, Einstein and Debye models for the specific heat, the free electron model, the Fermi surface, electrons in periodic structures, the Bloch theorem and band structure. Additional topics are taken from semiclassical electron dynamics, semiconductors, superconductivity, 0-D (quantum dots), 1-D (quantum wires) and 2-D (graphene) structures and the microscopies used to investigate them. Lecture three hours and additional recitation sessions as needed. Alternates between Bryn Mawr and Haverford; 2010-11 at Bryn Mawr. Prerequisites: PHYS 214 and 306.
(Beckmann,P.)
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PHYS
B325
Advanced Theoretical Physics
Spring 2012
This course presents one or more of several subjects, depending on instructor availability and student interest. The possible subjects are (1) special relativity, general relativity, and gravitation, (2) the standard model of particle physics, (3) particle astrophysics and cosmology, (4) relativistic quantum mechanics, (5) grand unified theories, (6) string theory, loop quantum gravity, and causal set theory. Lecture three hours and additional recitation sessions as needed. Prerequisites: PHYS 306 and 308. Corequisite: PHYS 302.
(Schulz,M.)
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PHYS
B331
Advanced Experimental Physics
Spring 2012
This laboratory course consists of set-piece experiments as well as directed experimental projects to study a variety of phenomena in atomic, molecular, optical, nuclear, and solid state physics. The experiments and projects serve as an introduction to contemporary instrumentation and the experimental techniques used in physics research laboratories in industry and in universities. Students write papers in a format appropriate for research publications and make a presentation to the department. Laboratory eight hours a week. Prerequisite: PHYS 201. Corequisite: PHYS 214.
(Noel,M.)
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PHYS
B380
Physics Pedagogy
Not offered 2011-12
Students work with a faculty member as assistant teachers in a college course in physics, or as assistants to a faculty member developing new teaching materials. Students will be involved in some combination of the following: directed study of the literature on teaching and learning pedagogy, construction and design of parts of a course, and actual teaching in a lecture course or laboratory. Corequisite: PHYS 201.
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PHYS
B390
Independent Study
Not offered 2011-12
At the discretion of the department, juniors or seniors may supplement their work in physics with the study of topics not covered in regular course offerings.
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PHYS
B403
Supervised Research
At the discretion of the department, juniors and seniors may supplement their work in physics with research in one of the faculty research groups. Students provide a written paper and give an oral presentation at the end of the semester or year. Students are encouraged to contact individual faculty members and the departmental Web pages for further information.
(Department staff,T., McCormack,E., Cheng,X.)
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PHYS
B503
Electromagnetic Theory I
Not offered 2011-12
This course is the first semester of a year-long standard sequence on electromagnetism. This semester begins with topics in electrostatics, including Coulomb's and Gauss's Laws, Green functions, the method of images, expansions in orthogonal functions, boundary-value problems, and dielectric materials. The focus then shifts to magnetic phenomena, including the magnetic fields of localized currents, boundary-value problems in magnetostatics, and the interactions of fields and magnetic materials. The last portion of the course treats Maxwell's equations, transformation properties of electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic waves and their propagation and, time permitting, the basics of waveguides. This course is taught in a seminar format, in which students are responsible for presenting much of the course material in class meetings.
(Matlin,M.)
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PHYS
B504
Electromagnetic Theory II
Not offered 2011-12
(Schulz,M.)
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PHYS
B505
Classical Mechanics I
Not offered 2011-12
This course will cover mechanics topics familiar from the undergraduate curriculum, but from deeper theoretical and mathematical perspectives. Topics will include Lagrange & Hamilton methods, the central force problem, rigid body motion, oscillations, and canonical transformations. Time permitting, other topics that might be explored include chaos theory, special relativity, and the application of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods to continuous systems. This course is taught in a seminar format, in which students are responsible for presenting much of the course material in class meetings.
(Matlin,M.)
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PHYS
B506
Classical Mechanics II
Spring 2012
(Battat,J.)
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PHYS
B507
Statistical Mechanics I
Not offered 2011-12
Review of Thermodynamics; Equilibrium statistical mechanics -- microcanonical and canonical ensembles; Ideal gases, photons, electrons in metals; Phase transitions; Monte Carlo techniques; Classical fluids, Non-equilibrium statistical mechanics.
(Schulz,M.)
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PHYS
B701
Supervised Work
Fall 2011, Spring 2012
(Department staff,T., McCormack,E., Noel,M., Schulz,M., Cheng,X.)
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Courses at Haverford
PHYS H308-A01 Mechanics of Discrete and Continuous Systems
Fall 2010
Course URL
Classical mechanics of systems of particles, and also continua such as fluids, including oscillations and chaos, Lagrangian mechanics, dynamics of systems of particles, the Navier-Stokes equations of fluids, and applications to diverse physical phenomena that may vary from year to year, e.g. waves, vortices, rotating fluids, flight, instabilities, turbulence, and biological flows. Prerequisite: Physics 106 or Physics 213.
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PHYS H326-A01
Advanced Physics Laboratory
Fall 2010
Course URL
Design, execution, and analysis of significant experiments, which change from year to year. Those presently available include studies of microfluidics, atomic spectroscopy, cosmic ray physics, laser tweezers, x-ray diffraction and materials synthesis, superconductivity, sensor technologies, and chaotic dynamics. The course emphasizes the effective use of contemporary experimental tools, including low-noise measurement techniques, laboratory computers, and optical methods. Prerequisite: Physics 212 or consent.
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PHYS H302-B01
Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Spring 2011
Course URL
A continuation of the study of quantum mechanics begun in 214. Topics include matrix mechanics and spin, many-particle systems, perturbation theory and scattering theory. A variety of physical systems will be treated as examples, including simple atoms and solids.
Prerequisite: Physics 214.
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Physics H304: Computational Physics
Not offered 2010-2011
Course URL
Physical theories such as Newtonian mechanics, Maxwell's equations and quantum mechanics give us simple descriptions of physical phenomena. Much of the undergraduate syllabus treats powerful analytical tools for the solution of the equations derived from the relevant physical law. Such solutions enable physicists to move from a general formalism to the description of specific situations and phenomena, and enable comparison with experiment. Frequently, however, the calculation of the behavior of specific physical systems is out of the reach of pencil and paper calculation. Computational physics enables us to treat such situations by a combination of brute force calculation and sophisticated algorithmic techniques.
PHYS H335-B01
Advanced Topics in Theoretical Physics
Spring 2011
Course URL
An introduction to advanced theoretical physics. The central ideas covered will include: the use of symmetry in physics, non-euclidean geometry and curved spaces, advanced concepts of quantum theory. The course will address these topics by providing an introduction to one of the following areas of advanced theoretical physics: general relativity, quantum information theory, quantum field theory, particle physics. The specific topic will be determined by the instructor and will vary from year to year. Jr. standing. Phys 213 and 214 or consent.
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