2008–2009 Physics Courses
Super Fast, Super Small, Super Cool
Level: Open,Lecture
Semester: Spring
Technological advancements throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first have given us access to realms of nature that are radically different from the everyday world that we inhabit. Specifically, we have learned that when objects approach the speed of light, when they are on the order of the size of an atom, and when temperatures are close to absolute zero, some pretty interesting phenomena arise that are not present in our slow, large, warm everyday lives. Matter and energy behave in ways that blur the line between them and that challenge our understanding. In this course, we will lay down the general physical laws that govern these three realms. We will discuss how they differ from the laws that govern our everyday experiences and how the “super” realms connect to our own (if they do). In group conference, we will use our understanding of the fundamentals to discuss areas of current research and new technological developments. These may include high-temperature superconductivity, nanotechnology, femtosecond research, and other areas that the class wants to explore.
Open to any interested student, with the exception of students who have taken the seminar version of this course or who have taken Physics in the Twentieth Century.
Astonomy
Level: Open
Semester: Year
On the first night, we will look up and see the stars. By the last, we will know what makes them shine, how they came to be, and their ultimate fates. In between, we will survey the universe and humankind’s investigations of it, from ancient navigation to modern cosmology. In addition to the stars themselves, we will learn about solar system objects such as planets, asteroids, moons, and comets; the comparative astronomy of different eras and cultures; the properties, lifetimes, and deaths of galaxies, quasars, and black holes; and theories and evidence concerning the origin, evolution, and fate of the universe. In addition to readings and examination of multimedia material, students will conduct astronomical observation and experiments, at first with an astrolabe, then a simple telescope, and finally with the most powerful telescopes on and around the earth. Emphasis will be placed on modes of scientific communication so that each student will keep a notebook, participate in debates, present posters, write papers, give oral presentations, and participate in the peer review process. Conference projects may be dedicated to critically examining some topic in astronomy, conducting astronomical observation, or investigating the relationships between astronomy and other aspects of society and culture.
Introduction to Mechanics (General Physics Without Calculus)
Level: Open
Semester: Fall
This course covers introductory classical mechanics, including dynamics, kinematics, momentum, energy, and gravity. Students considering careers in architecture or the health sciences, as well as those interested in physics for physics’ sake, should take this course or Classical Mechanics. Emphasis will be placed on scientific skills including problem solving, development of physical intuition, computational skills, scientific communication, use of technology, and development and execution of experiments. Seminars will incorporate discussion, exploratory, and problem-solving activities. In addition, the class will meet weekly to conduct laboratory work. Calculus is not required. This course or equivalent is required to take Introduction to Electromagnetism, Light, and Modern Physics (General Physics Without Calculus) in the spring. An optional course-within-a-course preparing students for the MCAT will be available for premed students and will count as part of their conference work.
Classical Mechanics (with Calculus)
Level: Open
Semester: Fall
This semester-long course covers topics in classical physics including kinematics, dynamics, and associated conservation laws. We begin by discussing the relationship between displacement, velocity, and acceleration. From there we go to why things accelerate (i.e., change their motion) in the first place. We will discuss all kinds of motion—slipping, sliding, spinning, flipping, turning, twisting, and just plain sitting still—conceptually and mathematically. Emphasis will be on mathematical problem solving as well as conceptual understanding. A weekly laboratory session will also be conducted. An optional course-within-a-course preparing students for the MCAT will be available for premed students and will count as part of their conference work.
Open with permission of the instructor. Students must have completed one year of calculus.
Modern Physics
Level: Intermediate
Semester: Fall
This semester-long course covers the major developments that comprise “modern physics”—the break from the classical, Newtonian models covered in the introductory study of mechanics and electromagnetism. Topics to be covered include Einstein’s special theory of relativity, wave-particle duality, Schrödinger’s equation, modern models of the atom, tunneling, nuclear physics and radioactivity, the structure of matter, and—if time permits—an introduction to particle physics. Emphasis will be on mathematical models and problem solving, in addition to conceptual understanding. Seminars will include a mixture of discussion and mathematical problem solving.
Open only to students who have taken one year of general physics.
Introduction to Electromagnetism, Light, and Modern Physics (General Physics Without Calculus)
Level: Intermediate
Semester: Spring
This course covers topics from electromagnetism, optics, special relativity, and quantum mechanics. Emphasis will be placed on scientific skills including problem solving, development of physical intuition, computational skills, scientific communication, use of technology, and development and execution of experiments. Seminars will incorporate discussion, exploratory, and problem-solving activities. In addition, the class will meet weekly to conduct laboratory work. Calculus is not a requirement for this course. An optional course-within-a-course preparing students for the MCAT will be available for premed students and will count as part of their conference work.
Permission of the instructor is required. Students should have had at least one semester of physics (mechanics).
Electromagnetism and Light (with Calculus)
Level: Intermediate
Semester: Spring
This semester-long course covers topics in classical physics. We begin by discussing fields—specifically, the electric field. What causes it? What does it look like? What does it do? We then use our knowledge of electric fields to understand current flow and simple circuits. From there we discuss magnets and magnetic fields. Again, we will cover how magnetic fields are formed, what they look like, and what they do. After talking about electricity and magnetism separately, we will bring them together—electromagnetism—and see how they relate to light. We will talk about light from both a macroscopic and microscopic point of view, as well as optical devices such as cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and the eye. Emphasis will be on mathematical problem solving, as well as conceptual understanding. A weekly laboratory session will also be conducted. An optional course-within-a-course preparing students for the MCAT will be available for premed students and will count as part of their conference work.
Permission of the instructor is required. Students must have completed Classical Mechanics (with Calculus).
Analytical Dynamics
Level: Intermediate
Semester: As needed (conference course)
This course builds on the material in Classical Mechanics. Topics include motion of a particle in three dimensions; Lagrangian mechanics; motion of a rigid body; rotating frames of reference; coupled oscillators and normal modes; and central force motion.
Taught by Mr. Calvin or Ms. Singh. Available as a conference course to qualified students. Please contact the physics faculty for more information. Prerequisites: (1) Calculus and (2) either Introduction to Classical Mechanics or Classical Mechanics (with Calculus).
Electricity and Magnetism
Level: Intermediate
Semester: As needed (conference course)
This course builds on the material in Electromagnetism and Light. Topics include electrostatics and magnetostatics including boundary value problems; Maxwell’s equations; dielectric and magnetic media; wave propagation; and four-vectors.
Taught by Mr. Calvin or Ms. Singh. Available as a conference course to qualified students. Please contact the physics faculty for more information. Prerequisites: (1) Electromagnetism and Light (with Calculus) and (2) Multivariate Calculus.
Quantum Mechanics
Level: Advanced
Semester: As needed (conference course)
Topic include quantum operators, eigenfunctions, and eigenvalues; Dirac notation; angular momentum; the hydrogen atom; and perturbation theories.
Taught by Mr. Calvin or Ms. Singh. Available as a conference course to qualified students. Please contact the physics faculty for more information.Prerequisite: Modern Physics or Quantum Chemistry. Linear Algebra is also recommended.