Current Courses

Interdisciplinary 175: First Year Honors Seminar -- Fall 2005

This year the seminar is called "Approaches to Truth," and it will be taught by three professors from three very different disciplines who share a common interest in a question that is at the heart of the university expeerience: How does one come to know the truth? The three professors are a poet, a journalist, and a scientist.

Physics 105: Basic Acoustics of Music -- Summer 2007

This course is an introduction to the acoustics of music using algebra and trigonometry. Basic physical concepts associated with motion, force, and energy are applied to ideal vibrating systems, resonant systems, string waves, and sound waves. Then real world uses of these concepts are explored in different instrument classes, signal processing, room acoustics, etc.

Physics 109: General Physics I -- Fall 2007

A survey of mechanics, sound, and heat that provides a background for advanced work in these fields. The material is developed using a calculus-based approach, and no prior physics knowledge is assumed or required. Recommended for students in pre-engineering and majors in physics. General Physics I is taught using a traditional lecture-lab structure. The lecture periods include in-class activities designed to reinforce the material being presented by the instructor.

Physics 110: General Physics II -- Spring 2008

A survey of electricity, magnetism, and light that provides a background for advanced work in these fields. The material is developed using a calculus-based approach, and prior completion of General Physics I or its equivalent is assumed. Recommended for students in pre-engineering and majors in physics. General Physics II is also taught using a traditional lecture-lab structure. The in-class discussion techniques introduced in General Physics I are also used in this course.

Physics 206: Modern Physics -- Fall 2007

Twentieth and twenty-first century physics. The course begins with a study of special relativity and quantum mechanics, the foundations of modern physics. These theories are then applied to a number of areas such as molecular structure, solid-state physics, and nuclear physics.

Physics 408: Statistical Physics & Thermodynamics -- Fall 2006

Temperature, entropy, and other thermal quantities introduced from microscopic considerations and related to macroscopic thermodynamic variables. Calculation of macroscopic properties of matter from microscopic models.

Physics 417: Electricity and Magnetism -- Fall 2007

An advanced treatment of topics in electricity and magnetism. The material is developed with the aid of advanced vector calculus techniques, and prior completion of Physics 320: Classical Physics is required.

Physics 419: Introductory Quantum Mechanics -- Fall 2005

Development of quantum mechanics principles and application to important physical systems. Prior completion of Physics 320: Classical Physics is required.