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
This page displays the schedule of Bryn Mawr courses in this department 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 Course Guides page.
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 II | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 8:15 AM- 9:45 AM TTH | Park 243 | Cheng,X. |
| PLI: 5:30 PM- 6:30 PM TTH | Park 243 | ||||
| PHYS B102-002 | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF | Park 243 | Matlin,M., Matlin,M. |
| PLI: 7:00 PM- 8:00 PM TTH | Park 339 | ||||
| PHYS B102-00A | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 1:30 PM- 3:30 PM M | Park 234 | Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00B | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM M | Park 234 | Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00C | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM T | Park 234 | Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00D | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 1:15 PM- 3:15 PM T | Park 234 | Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00E | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 3:45 PM- 5:45 PM T | Park 234 | Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00F | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM W | Park 234 | Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00G | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM TH | Park 234 | Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00I | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 3:45 PM- 5:45 PM TH | Park 234 | Matlin,M. |
| PHYS B102-00J | Introductory Physics II | 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 | Second Half / 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., Battat,J., Cheng,X., Cheng,X. |
| Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM TH | Park 154 | ||||
| Recitation Section: 9:00 PM-10:00 PM T | Park 336 | ||||
| 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 B403-001 | Supervised Research | Semester / 1 | Dept. staff, TBA | ||
| PHYS B505-001 | Classical Mechanics I | Semester / 1 | LEC: 1:30 PM- 3:00 PM TTH | Park 336 | Battat,J. |
| PHYS B506-001 | Classical Mechanics II | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-001 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
Fall 2012
| COURSE | TITLE | SCHEDULE/ UNITS |
MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS | LOCATION | INSTRUCTOR(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS B101-001 | Introductory Physics I | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF | Park 243 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| LEC: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM T | |||||
| LEC: 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM F | |||||
| PHYS B101-002 | Introductory Physics I | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF | Park 243 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B101-00A | Introductory Physics I | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:45 PM- 3:45 PM M | Park 234 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B101-00B | Introductory Physics I | Semester / 1 | Lab: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM M | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B101-00C | Introductory Physics I | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 10:45 AM-12:45 PM T | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B101-00D | Introductory Physics I | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM T | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B101-00E | Introductory Physics I | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM W | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B101-00F | Introductory Physics I | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:15 PM- 3:15 PM W | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B101-00G | Introductory Physics I | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 10:45 AM-12:45 PM TH | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B101-00H | Introductory Physics I | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM TH | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B121-001 | Modeling the Physical World | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF | Park 243 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B121-00A | Modeling the Physical World | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:45 PM- 3:45 PM M | Park 234 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B121-00B | Modeling the Physical World | Semester / 1 | Lab: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM M | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B121-00C | Modeling the Physical World | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 10:45 AM-12:45 PM T | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B121-00D | Modeling the Physical World | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM T | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B121-00E | Modeling the Physical World | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM W | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B121-00F | Modeling the Physical World | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:15 PM- 3:15 PM W | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B121-00G | Modeling the Physical World | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 10:45 AM-12:45 PM TH | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B121-00H | Modeling the Physical World | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM TH | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B201-001 | Electromagnetism | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF | Park 337 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM T | Park 241 | ||||
| PHYS B303-001 | Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 11:15 AM-12:45 PM TTH | Park 337 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B306-001 | Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM MWF | Park 259 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B398-001 | Senior Seminar I | Semester / 0.5 | LEC: 2:15 PM- 3:45 PM TH | Park 337 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B403-001 | Supervised Research | Semester / 1 | Dept. staff, TBA | ||
| PHYS B403-001 | Supervised Research | Semester / 1 | Dept. staff, TBA | ||
| PHYS B503-001 | Electromagnetic Theory I | Semester / 1 | Lecture: Date/Time TBA | Noel,M. | |
| PHYS B701-001 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-002 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-003 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-004 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-005 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-006 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
Spring 2013
| COURSE | TITLE | SCHEDULE/ UNITS |
MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS | LOCATION | INSTRUCTOR(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS B102-001 | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF | Park 243 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| Recitation: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM T | Park 243 | ||||
| Recitation: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM F | Park 243 | ||||
| PHYS B102-002 | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF | Park 243 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B102-00A | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:45 PM- 3:45 PM M | Park 234 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B102-00B | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM M | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B102-00C | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 10:45 AM-12:45 PM T | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B102-00D | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM T | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B102-00E | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM W | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B102-00F | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | LEC: 1:15 PM- 3:15 PM W | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B102-00G | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 10:45 AM-12:45 PM TH | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B102-00H | Introductory Physics II | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM TH | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B122-001 | Classical Mechanics | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF | Park 243 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B122-00A | Classical Mechanics | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:45 PM- 3:45 PM M | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B122-00B | Classical Mechanics | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM M | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B122-00C | Classical Mechanics | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 10:45 AM-12:45 PM T | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B122-00D | Classical Mechanics | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM T | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B122-00E | Classical Mechanics | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM W | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B122-00F | Classical Mechanics | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:15 PM- 3:15 PM W | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B122-00G | Classical Mechanics | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 10:45 AM-12:45 PM TH | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B122-00H | Classical Mechanics | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM TH | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B142-001 | The Search for Life in the Universe | Semester / 1 | LEC: 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM MWF | Park 243 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B142-00A | The Search for Life in the Universe | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:45 PM- 3:45 PM M | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B142-00B | The Search for Life in the Universe | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM M | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B142-00C | The Search for Life in the Universe | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 10:45 AM-12:45 PM T | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B142-00D | The Search for Life in the Universe | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM T | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B142-00E | The Search for Life in the Universe | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM W | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B142-00F | The Search for Life in the Universe | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:15 PM- 3:15 PM W | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B142-00G | The Search for Life in the Universe | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 10:45 AM-12:45 PM TH | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B142-00H | The Search for Life in the Universe | Semester / 1 | Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM TH | Park 234 | |
| PHYS B172-001 | The Search for Life in the Universe | Semester / 1 | LEC: 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM MWF | Park 243 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B214-001 | An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF | Park 337 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM TH | Park 154 | ||||
| PHYS B309-001 | Advanced Electromagnetic Theory | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 11:15 AM-12:45 PM TTH | Park 337 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B324-001 | Optics | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF | Park 337 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B331-001 | Advanced Experimental Physics | Semester / 1 | Lecture: 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM M | Park 337 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M | Park 154 | ||||
| Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM F | Park 154 | ||||
| Lecture: 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM F | Park 337 | ||||
| PHYS B399-001 | Senior Seminar II | Semester / 0.5 | Lecture: 2:15 PM- 3:45 PM TH | Park 337 | Dept. staff, TBA |
| PHYS B403-001 | Supervised Research | Semester / 1 | Dept. staff, TBA | ||
| PHYS B403-001 | Supervised Research | Semester / 1 | Dept. staff, TBA | ||
| PHYS B504-001 | Electromagnetic Theory II | Semester / 1 | LEC: Date/Time TBA | Schulz,M. | |
| PHYS B701-001 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-002 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-003 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-004 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-005 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
| PHYS B701-006 | Supervised Work | Semester / 1 | |||
Physics Courses at Haverford
Fall 2011
| COURSE | TITLE | SCHEDULE/UNITS | MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS | LOCATION | INSTRUCTOR(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics H308-001 | Mechanics of Discrete and Continuous Systems | MWF 10:30-11:30 | Kosh E309 | Smith, W. | |
| Physics H326-001 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | MF 1:15-4:00 | Hlls 106 | Smith, W. |
Spring 2011
| COURSE | TITLE | SCHEDULE/UNITS | MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS | LOCATION | INSTRUCTOR(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics H302-001 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics | TTh 8:30-10:00 | Love, P. | ||
| Physics H335-001 | Advanced Topics in Theoretical Physics | TTh 1:00-2:30 | Alexander, S. |
2012-13 Catalog Data
PHYS B101 Introductory Physics I Fall 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, and atomic and nuclear physics. 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. Division II w/Lab and Quant Quantitative Methods (QM) Quantitative Readiness Required (QR) Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B102 Introductory Physics II Spring 2013 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, and atomic and nuclear physics. An effective and usable understanding of algebra and trigonometry is assumed. Division II w/Lab and Quant Quantitative Methods (QM) Quantitative Readiness Required (QR) Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B108 Contemporary Physics Not offered 2012-13 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. Division II with Lab Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B121 Modeling the Physical World Fall 2012 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 conservation laws, symmetries and relativistic space-time, as well as topics in modern physics taken from the following: fundamental forces, nuclear physics, 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 two hours. Co-requisite: MATH 101. Division II w/Lab and Quant Quantitative Methods (QM) Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B122 Classical Mechanics Spring 2013 The lecture material covers Newtonian Mechanics of single particles, systems of particles, rigid bodies, and continuous media with applications, one-dimensional systems including forced oscillators, scattering and orbit problems. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisites: PHYS 121 and MATH 101. Corequisite: MATH 102. Division II w/Lab and Quant Quantitative Methods (QM) Quantitative Readiness Required (QR) Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B131 Focus: How Things Work Not offered 2012-13 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. Division II with Lab Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B133 The Big Bang Not offered 2012-13 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. Division II with Lab Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B134 Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People Not offered 2012-13 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. Division II with Lab Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B142 The Search for Life in the Universe Spring 2013 This course will investigate the biological, chemical, and astrophysical factors believed to be necessary for extraterrestrial life to exist, and perhaps to communicate with us. It also will explore possible homes to such life in both our solar system and the greater Milky Way galaxy. Prerequisites: Completion of QUAN001 course or a satisfactory score on the diagnostic Q-Skills assessment. Division II w/Lab and Quant Quantitative Methods (QM) Quantitative Readiness Required (QR) Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B158 Contemporary Physics Not offered 2012-13 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. Division II: Natural Science PHYS B161 Focus: How Things Work Not offered 2012-13 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. Division II: Natural Science Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B162 Focus: The Universe According to Einstein: A Journey Through Spacetime Not offered 2012-13 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. Division II: Natural Science Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B163 The Big Bang Not offered 2012-13 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. Division II: Natural Science Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B164 Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People Not offered 2012-13 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. Division II: Natural Science Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B172 The Search for Life in the Universe Spring 2013 This course will investigate the biological, chemical, and astrophysical factors believed to be necessary for extraterrestrial life to exist, and perhaps to communicate with us. It also will explore possible homes to such life in both our solar system and the greater Milky Way galaxy. Prerequisites: Completion of QUAN001 course or a satisfactory score on the diagnostic Q-Skills assessment. Division II and Quantitive Quantitative Methods (QM) Quantitative Readiness Required (QR) Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B201 Electromagnetism Fall 2012 The lecture material covers electro- and magneto-statics, electric and magnetic fields, induction, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic radiation. Scalar and vector fields and vector calculus are developed as needed. The laboratory involves passive and active circuits and projects in analog and digital electronics. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 102 or 122. Corequisite: MATH 201. Division II w/Lab and Quant Quantitative Methods (QM) Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B214 An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Spring 2013 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, and the time dependence of quantum states. Recent developments, such as paradoxes calling attention to the counter-intuitive aspects of quantum physics, will be discussed. Additional topics may be included at the discretion of the instructor. The laboratory involves quantum mechanics, solid state physics, and optics experiments. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Prerequisite: MATH 201. Corequisite: MATH 203. Division II w/Lab and Quant Quantitative Methods (QM) Scientific Investigation (SI) PHYS B302 Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Applications Not offered 2012-13 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. PHYS B303 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics Fall 2012 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; 2012-13 at Bryn Mawr. Prerequisite: PHYS 214. Corequisite: PHYS 306. PHYS B305 Advanced Electronics Lab Not offered 2012-13 This laboratory course is a survey of electronic principles and circuits useful to experimental physicists and engineers. Topics include the design and analysis of circuits using transistors, operational amplifiers, feedback and analog-to-digital conversion. Also covered is the use of electronics for automated control and measurement in experiments, and the interfacing of computers and other data acquisition instruments to experiments. Laboratory eight hours a week. Prerequisite: PHYS 215 or Haverford's PHYS 213. PHYS B306 Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences Fall 2012 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. PHYS B308 Advanced Classical Mechanics Not offered 2012-13 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. Prerequisite: PHYS 201 or PHYS 214. Corequisite: PHYS 306. PHYS B309 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory Spring 2013 This course presents electrostatics and magnetostatics, dielectrics, magnetic materials, electrodynamics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, and special relativity. Some examples and applications may come from superconductivity, plasma physics, and radiation theory. Lecture three hours and additional recitation sessions as needed. Alternates between Bryn Mawr and Haverford. Prerequisites: PHYS 201 and 306. PHYS B322 Solid State Physics Not offered 2012-13 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; Prerequisites: PHYS 201 and PHYS 214 and 306. PHYS B324 Optics Spring 2013 This course covers principles of geometrical and physical optics. Topics include electromagnetic waves and their propagation in both isotropic and anisotropic media; interference, diffraction, and Fourier optics; coherence theory; ray optics and image formation; and, as time permits, an introduction to the quantum nature of light. Prerequisites: PHYS 201 and 306. PHYS B325 Advanced Theoretical Physics Not offered 2012-13 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. PHYS B331 Advanced Experimental Physics Spring 2013 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 class. Laboratory eight hours a week. Corequisite: PHYS 214. PHYS B380 Physics Pedagogy Not offered 2012-13 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 or 214. PHYS B390 Independent Study Not offered 2012-13 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. PHYS B398 Senior Seminar I Required for senior Physics majors. Students meet weekly with faculty to discuss recent research findings in physics as well as career paths open to students with a major in Physics. Students are required to attend all colloquia and student research presentations hosted by the Bryn Mawr College Physics department. Prerequisites: Senior Standing. PHYS B399 Senior Seminar II Required for senior Physics majors. Students meet weekly with faculty to discuss recent research findings in physics as well as career paths open to students with a major in Physics. Students are required to attend all colloquia and student research presentations hosted by the Bryn Mawr College Physics department. Prerequisites: Senior Standing. 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. 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. PHYS B503 Electromagnetic Theory I Fall 2012 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. PHYS B504 Electromagnetic Theory II Spring 2013 This course is the second semester of a two semester graduate level sequence on electromagnetic theory. Topics include electromagnetic radiation, multiple fields, scattering and diffraction theory, special relativity, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian descriptions, radiation from point particle motion, Lienard-Wiechert potentials, classical electron theory and radiation reaction. Additional topics may be included at the discretion of the instructor. This course is taught in a seminar format, in which students are responsible for presenting much of the course material in class meetings. Prerequisite: PHYS 503 PHYS B505 Classical Mechanics I Not offered 2012-13 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. PHYS B506 Classical Mechanics II Not offered 2012-13 PHYS B507 Statistical Mechanics I Not offered 2012-13 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. PHYS B701 Supervised Work Fall 2012, Spring 2013Courses at Haverford
Fall 2010
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.
PHYS H326-A01 Advanced Physics Laboratory
Fall 2010
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.
PHYS H302-B01 Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Spring 2011
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.
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
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.
Current Semester Courses: Spring 2012
Physics 102: Introductory Physics II
Webpage for postbac section 1
Moodle page for undergraduate section 2
Physics Introductory Lab
Physics 122: Classical Mechanics
Physics 133/163: The Big Bang
Course Moodle PagePhysics 134/164: Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, and People
Physics 214: An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Course webpage
214 Lab webpage
Physics 302: Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Physics 325: Advanced Theoretical Physics
Physics 331: Advanced Experimental Physics
