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Introductory Physics Sequence
Students who wish to do advanced work in physics or engineering
should complete the introductory physics sequence (Physics 106,
110, 120) as early as possible. These courses provide a foundation
in both classical and modern physics. Fundamental understanding
and procedures in analytical physics are stressed throughout. This
sequence is recommended to all students who have an aptitude for
scientific work and who are acquiring a strong background in mathematics,
including an introduction to differential and integral calculus.
Students with a strong high school physics background or a high
score on the Physics AP exam may wish to consider Course
Exemption by Examination, whereby the student can be exempted
from some or all of the courses in the introductory sequence.
Specialty
Courses
Of special interest are the three series of physics courses numbered
160-169, 260-269,
and 360-369. These courses cover special
topics as well as subjects of active research interest within
the Physics Department. The 160 series is designed for non-science
students interested in varying aspects of physical science. These
courses have few prerequisites beyond algebra and trigonometry
and are open only to students who have not taken Physics 106,
110/115, 120/125, or their equivalent. The 260 series of courses
is open to anyone who has completed Physics 120 or 125. The prerequisites
for 360-series courses vary, but generally require physics beyond
Physics 120 or 125.
Combined
Plan Programs
The program for majors provides for entrance into the Combined
Plan Programs (3-2 and 4-2) at Columbia University and the California
Institute of Technology. Students interested in engineering should
consult the College
Catalog and the 3-2 Engineering webpage
for details of these plans.
106.
WAVES.
An introduction
to the physics of waves with examples from optics, acoustics,
and modern physics. Includes one three-hour lab per
week. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in a Calculus
1 course; or permission of instructor.
110.
INTRODUCTORY MECHANICS.
Covers classical mechanics, including kinematics
and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, conservation laws,
and examination of specific force laws. Includes one three-hour
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: a Calculus
1 course or permission of instructor. Must be taken concurrently
with a Calculus
2 course. Some prior physics experience
is recommended.
115.
GENERAL PHYSICS I.
The first of a two-course introduction to physics
designed for life science and premedical students. Topics
include Newton's laws of motion, gravitation, work and energy, conservation
laws. Includes one three-hour
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Calculus
1; a Calculus
2 course (may be taken concurrently); or permission of
instructor. `
120.
INTRODUCTORY ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM.
Introduction to electricity and magnetism, electronic
circuits, electromagnetic radiation. Includes one three-hour
laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Physics 110
or 115 and a Calculus
2 course; or permission of instructor.
125.
GENERAL PHYSICS II.
The second of a two-course introduction to physics
designed for life science and premedical students. Topics
include electrostatics and electromagnetism, electric circuits,
geometrical and physical optics. Includes one three-hour
laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Physics 110
or 115 and a Calculus
2 course; or permission of instructor.
240.
MODERN PHYSICS.
Introduction to the physics of the twentieth century,
emphasizing special relativity and elementary quantum mechanics.
Includes the breakdown of classical concepts in microphysics;
light quanta and matter waves; Schroedinger equation and solutions
in 1 and 3 dimensions; hydrogen atom, exclusion principle, and
the periodic table. Other topics include a selection from atomic,
nuclear, particle, and condensed-matter physics. Prerequisites:
Physics 106 and Physics 110
and Physics 120; or permission of instructor.
250.
THERMAL AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS.
Connects the microscopic properties of the physical
world with its macroscopic properties using classical and quantum
statistics. Topics include classical and quantum ideal gasses,
classical thermodynamics, phase transitions, and kinetic theory.
Prerequisite: Physics 106 and Physics
120; or permission of the instructor.
310.
MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS.
Survey of the elements of advanced mathematical
ideas and techniques typically used in physics. Physical examples
and intuition will be emphasized throughout. Topics covered will
include Div, Grad, and Curl; matrices, tensors, and groups; complex
analysis, Fourier series and integrals; boundary and initial value
problems; and special topics as time permits. Includes one
ninety-minute laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Physics
106 and Physics 120, Math
212 or Math
224 (may be taken concurrently with permission of instructor);
or permission of instructor.
315.
ADVANCED LABORATORY I.
Selected experiments in modern physics. Special
emphasis on research techniques, including literature search,
analysis of data, and preparation of written reports. Prerequisites:
Physics 240; or permission of instructor.
(2 units)
316.
ADVANCED LABORATORY II.
Selected experiments in modern physics. Special
emphasis on research techniques, including literature search,
analysis of data, and preparation of written reports. rerequisites:
Physics 240; or permission of instructor.
(2 units)
320.
ANALYTICAL DYNAMICS.
Motion of particles, systems of particles, and rigid
bodies. conservation laws; coordinate transformations, both stationary
and moving; Hamilton's and Lagrange's equations. Prerequisites:
Physics 106 and Physics 120
and Math
214; or permission of instructor.
330.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS AND WAVES.
Electro- and magneto-statics, Maxwell's equations,
electrodynamics, boundary value problems, radiation. Prerequisite:
Physics 310 and Physics 320;
or permission of instructor.
340.
QUANTUM MECHANICS.
The foundations of the theory of quantum mechanics
with applications to physical systems. Formal development of the
postulates of quantum mechanics, representation of states, angular
momentum, spin, and perturbation theory. Applications include
the harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, and Zeeman effect. Prerequisite:
Physics 240 or Chemistry
305) and Physics 310, or permission of
instructor.
The
160 Series: Designed
for non-science students interested in different aspects of physical
science, the courses numbered 160-169 rarely have prerequisites
beyond algebra and trigonometry and are open only to students
who have not taken Physics 106, 110/115, 120/125, or their equivalent.
Typically only two courses are offered from this series each year.
The Department reserves the right to cancel classes with extremely
small enrollments.
161.
GEEK TOYS.
Exploration of physical laws and
processes through simple and geeky-cool devices and demonstrations,
many of which students will build themselves and keep. The toys
will illuminate topics from across physics, including classical
mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism. Prerequisites:
algebra and trigonometry; or permission of instructor.
163.
ASTRONOMY.
A survey of the solar system, stars and stellar
evolution, galaxies and cosmology. Prerequisite: algebra
or permission of instructor.
164.
LIGHT.
Identical
in all respects to existing Physics 165 except that there is no
lab component. Students attend regularly scheduled lectures
for Physics 165, do the homework and take the 165 exams.
Prerequisites: algebra and trigonometry; or permission
of instructor.
165. LIGHT.
An
introduction to optics and modern physics for both science and
non-science majors. Topics include geometric optics, physical
optics, waves, special relativity, wave-particle duality, atomic
and nuclear physics. Includes one three-hour lab per
week. Prerequisites: algebra and trigonometry; or permission
of instructor.
166.
SPACETIME PHYSICS.
An introduction to the theory of special relativity for both science
and non-science majors. Topics include Einstein’s postulates,
the geometry of relativity, the Lorentz transformations, and the
structure of spacetime. Prerequisites: algebra and trigonometry;
or permission of instructor.
168.
ENERGY CONVERSIONS AND RESOURCES
This course
introduces the physics of energy and energy conversions.
The goal of this course is to provide students with the tools to
recognize and quantify the various energy conversion processes
important to society. Fundamental concepts of conservation
of energy, efficiency, work and heat will be introduced during
the first half of the course. These concepts will provide a
framework for topical information on global energy resources
(renewable and nonrenewable), energy generation systems, and
societal energy demands. Prerequisites: Algebra
or Trigonometry, or permission of instructor. The
260 Series: Designed
for students interested in different aspects of physical science
at a deeper level than those in the 160 series, the courses numbered
260-269 are generally open to anyone who has completed Physics
120 or 125 or their equivalent. Typically only one or two courses
are offered from this series each year. The Department reserves
the right to cancel classes with extremely small enrollments.
261.
SIMULATIONS IN PHYSICS.
An introduction to the numerical solutions of problems in physics.
Applications are drawn from classical dynamics, electrostatics,
magnetostatics, relativistic dynamics, and chaotic systems. Includes
one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Physics
110 or 115; Physics 120
or 125 (may be taken concurrently); or permission
of the instructor.
262.
ELECTRONICS.
Theoretical and experimental electronics fundamental
to modern research. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: Physics 120 or permission
of instructor.
263.
MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL OF INSTRUMENTATION BY COMPUTER.
A laboratory based course covering Windows NT, the
C programming language, the LABVIEW data acquisition language,
the use of D/A and A/D converters, and the GPIB interface standard.
Prerequisite Physics 120 or permission of
the instructor.
264.
HISTORY OF PHYSICS.
This course will explore the interactions of physics
and society through selected studies in the history of classical
and modern physics. Course work will include reading and discussion
of original and interpretive works, research papers, and oral
presentations to the class. Prerequisites: Physics
106 and Physics 120; or permission of the
instructor.
265.
THE SUBSTANCE OF SUBSTANCE.
An introduction to the fundamental constituents of matter and
their interactions. Topics include quarks and leptons; symmetries
and conservations laws; special relativity; the fundamental forces
and their relationship; and the early universe. Prerequisites:
Physics 110 or 115; Physics
120 or 125 (may be taken concurrently);
or permission of the instructor.
267.
ENGINEERING PHYSICS.
An introduction to the field of engineering. Students who have
completed either of the introductory sequences in physics are
well prepared to apply that knowledge to a wide variety of subjects.
Applications covered include static equilibrium, elastic properties
of materials, vibrations, thermodynamics, thermal properties of
matter, fluids, waves and sound, DC circuits, and AC circuits.
Prerequisites: Physics 110 or 115;
Physics 120 or 125 (may
be taken concurrently); or permission of the instructor.
268.
STATES OF MATTER.
An introduction to the physics of solids, liquids, gases, and
other states of matter incorporating contemporary topics such
as superconductivity, superfluidity, liquid crystals, and Bose-Einstein
condensation. Prerequisite: Physics 120
or 125; or permission of the instructor.
295.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS I.
Special topics in physics, selected largely by student interest
and requiring no more than introductory physics courses. Possible
topics include: variational methods, celestial mechanics, chaos,
nonlinear systems. Satisfies a Physics Selective requirement.
The
360 Series: Designed for students interested in advanced
topics in physics, the courses numbered 360-369 have varying prerequisites
but generally require physics beyond Physics 120/125. Typically
only one or two courses are offered from this series each year.
The Department reserves the right to cancel classes with extremely
small enrollments.
360.
OPTICS:
Interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter;
photons and waves; reflection, refraction, and Fermat's principle;
polarization, interference, diffraction, Fourier optics, coherence,
lasers, and holography. Prerequisites: Physics
310 (may be taken concurrently).
361.
COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS.
Many problems in physics can be formulated (i.e.,
written as equations) but not solved analytically. In such cases
computational techniques are often employed to solve the equations
and advance our understanding of the physics. This course provides
an introduction to these techniques and their use. Prerequisites:
Physics 120 and working knowledge of at least
one computer programming language.
362.
COSMOLOGY AND PARTICLE PHYSICS.
Particle physics and cosmology began to become intertwined
around the turn of the century with the discovery of cosmic rays.
This course will explore the fusion of these smallest and largest
length scales. A brief introduction to particle physics and cosmology
will be given followed by a discussion of current topics in this
new field of astroparticle physics. Topics will include cosmic
rays, big bang nucleosynthesis, structure formation, dark matter,
and the cosmological constant. Prerequisite: Physics
240 or permission of instructor.
363.
SOLID STATE PHYSICS.
An introduction to the physics of solids. Topics
include free electrons, crystal structure, lattice vibrations,
energy bands, and the electrical, magnetic, and optical properties
of solids. Prerequisites: Physics 240 and
Physics 310; or permission of instructor.
364.
PLASMA PHYSICS.
An introduction to the physics of plasma, including
charged particle motion in electromagnetic fields, plasma waves,
plasma confinement, and nonlinear effects. These ideas will be
used to understand space and ionospheric phenomena, laser-plasma
interactions, containment of matter and anti-matter, and energy
generation by controlled nuclear fusion. These topics will be
approached through theory, experiment, and computer simulation
with the emphasis being determined by the interests of the class.
Prerequisites: Physics 120 and Physics
320, and Math
212 or Math
224; or permission of instructor.
365.
SUBATOMIC PHYSICS.
Survey of the contemporary status of the quantum
physics of subatomic particles and atomic nuclei. Emphasis is
given to discussing and examining the fundamental constituents
of matter (quarks and leptons) and the fundamental forces of nature
(electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear
force). Topics include the classification and relationships among
particles, properties of nuclei and nuclear interactions (such
as fission and fusion), electroweak and quantum chromodynamic
interactions, and the unification of the fundamental forces of
nature. Applications to and insights derived from astrophysics
and cosmology will also be included. Specific topics covered will
be selected by the instructor. Prerequisites: Physics
310 and Physics 320.
366.
RELATIVITY.
Review of special relativity, with applications
to electromagnetism. Introduction to the fundamentals of general
relativity and gravitation, with applications to cosmology. Topics
include the big bang theory, primordial nucleo-synthesis, the
dark matter problem, gravitational red shift and the expansion
of the universe, stellar evolution, and black holes. Prerequisites:
Physics 310 and Physics 320.
368.
NANOSCIENCE & NANOTECHNOLOGY.
A critical analysis of the literature of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
The course will examine the chemical and physical properties of
quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, metal and semiconductor nanowires,
and biomolecules and other nanometer scale structures useful in
molecular electronics, chemical biology, and in building macroscopic
structures with tailored properties from nanoscale components.
The laboratory component will incorporate instruction on scanning
tunneling microscopy and the synthesis of nanoparticles. Class
will consist of a 1.5 hour lecture and 1.5 hour laboratory per
week. Prerequisite: Physics 240, Chemistry
220, or Chemistry
245; or permission of instructor. 395.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS II.
Special topics in physics, selected largely by student
interest. Prerequisites vary with subject area. Possible topics
include: group theory in physics, applications of quantum mechanics
in atomic, nuclear, and particle physics, introduction to relativistic
quantum mechanics, nonlinear pattern forming systems, hydrodynamic
instabilities, superfluidity and superconductivity, methods of
material science. Satisfies
a Physics Selective requirement.
390.
JUNIOR PHYSICS SEMINAR I.
Students will participate in weekly seminars and
conduct library-based research on topics in physics.
Students
will present one seminar and one written reports on their work.
Completion of this course with a grade of C or better partially
fulfills the comprehensive requirement for graduation with a degree
in physics. Prerequisites:
Physics 240; or permission
of instructor.
(2 units)
391.
JUNIOR PHYSICS SEMINAR II.
Students will participate in weekly
seminars and conduct library-based research on topics in physics.
Students will present one seminar and one written report on their
work. Completion of this course with a grade of C or better partially
fulfills the comprehensive requirement for graduation with a degree
in physics. Prerequisites: Physics 240
and Physics 390; or permission of instructor.
(2 units)
393.
RESEARCH.
Research supervised by a member of the faculty. May be repeated
for credit. Prerequisite: approval of Department.
396.
PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP.
Off-campus participation (up to full time) in the work of a major
laboratory engaged in research and development that involves pure
or applied physics. The student will take part in the ongoing
technical work of the laboratory under joint supervision by a
member of the laboratory’s professional technical staff
and Occidental physics faculty. Normally, formal application to
the laboratory is required, and admission may be competitive.
Prerequisites: approval of Department and supervising instructor,
and of the laboratory.
397.
INDEPENDENT STUDY.
Supervised investigation by properly qualified students. Prerequisites:
permission of supervising instructor and approval of Department.
400.
PHYSICS RESEARCH SEMINAR.
A seminar course in which students and faculty will
make weekly oral reports describing their ongoing research projects.
Prerequisite: A specific, ongoing research project.
499.
HONORS.
Prerequisite: permission of Department.
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