Click here for Fall 1999 semester Explanatory Notes from the Physics and Astronomy department

Professors Ruff, Pribram, Acting Chair (1998-1999), Semon, Chair, (on leave, 1998- 1999), and Wollman; Associate Professors Smedley and Lin (on leave, 1998-1999); Assistant Professors Bunn and Kortyna; Mr. Clough

The study of physics, generally regarded as the most fundamental of the sciences, is an important part of a liberal education. Introductory courses in physics and astronomy are designed to give students a broad background in the fundamentals of the discipline, an introduction to the logic and philosophy of science, and insight into the understanding and applications of contemporary physics and astrophysics. Advanced courses provide greater depth and sophistication as the student’s background in physics and mathematics develops. Laboratory investigation, designed to accommodate the student’s particular needs, provides direct experience of the central role experimental research plays in the advancement of science.

A major program can be structured to meet the individual needs of students planning graduate study in physics or engineering, as well as those considering a variety of careers in business, teaching, government, law, or medicine. The requirement for a major is nine courses in physics or astronomy, including the following seven (usually taken in the order given): Physics 108, 222, 211, 231, 301, 308, and 457 or 458 (senior thesis). The additional two courses must include one of the following: Physics s30, s45, or any physics or astronomy course numbered 232 or higher. Physics 107 or s25 may count toward the major requirement if it is taken in sequence with Physics 108. Students planning graduate study in physics or engineering are encouraged to take at least six additional courses numbered 300 or higher. In exceptional cases, a student who otherwise meets the nine-course requirement may petition the department to take a comprehensive examination in lieu of the thesis project.

A student interested in using physics as a basis for an engineering career should inquire about the Bates dual-degree plans with Dartmouth, Rensselaer, Columbia, Washington, or Case (a descriptive brochure is available). By careful planning at registration time, similar combination curricula may sometimes be designed with other engineering institutions.

General Education. The following sets are available: any two 100-level courses in astronomy and physics. The quantitative requirement may be satisfied through any course in astronomy and physics, except Physics 228, or any unit numbered s25 or higher. The following units may serve as options for the third course: Astronomy s21, Physics s23, s25, s30, or s33. A student may request the department to approve a two-course set not currently designated, but must do so before registering for the set.

Astronomy

101. An Introduction to the Large Scale. Although Immanuel Kant proposed the existence of galaxies more than two hundred years ago, most of what we know about the galaxies has been learned in recent decades. Driving this sudden explosion of knowledge are the new technologies of radio, infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray astronomy. This course explores the methods of contemporary astronomical research as they have been applied to the modern discovery of the galaxies. Laboratory exercises introduce techniques of astronomy. Facilities include the Stephens Observatory 0.3-meter telescope, the planetarium, and portable telescopes. Enrollment limited to 16 per section. E. Wollman.

102. The Domain of the Sun. A survey of the solar system. Topics include theories of origin, results of the space program, new and unexpected discoveries about the sun, and developments in the search for extraterrestrial life. Enrollment limited to 16 per section. E. Wollman.

104. The Evolution of Cosmology.As long as there have been natural scientists, there have been efforts to comprehend the size, shape, and internal motions of the universe as a whole. The application of Einstein’s general theory of relativity to these questions has yielded new and unexpected possibilities. This course traces the essential developments in our perception of the universe, with special attention to contemporary models. Enrollment limited to 16 per section. E. Wollman.

110. Lunar and Planetary Science. An introduction to the solar system using the methods of physics and geology. The historical development of our understanding of planetary motion leads to the contemporary view of celestial mechanics essential to exploration by spacecraft. The composition, formation, and age of the solar system are examined, together with the physical processes involved in the development of planetary interiors and surfaces. Basic algebra and geometry are used throughout. Laboratory work emphasizes the principles of remote sensing and exploration technology. Nighttime telescope work is expected. This course is the same as Geology 110. Enrollment limited to 40. G. Clough.

115. Impacts and Mass Extinctions. What happens when a ten-kilometer rock, travelling at forty kilometers per second, hits the earth? As the dinosaurs discovered sixty-six million years ago, it is not a pretty picture. Scientists now believe that such catastrophically violent collisions, apparently common in the past, are inevitable in the future as well. But impacts alone may not explain the mass extinction events that have shaped the history of life on earth; global scale volcanism and climate change are examples of more familiar processes. This course examines the role of impacts in earth history and the heated debate regarding the causes of mass extinctions. Laboratory includes experiments, discussion, and written assignments. Open to first-year students. Not open to students who have received credit for Geology 105 or First Year Seminar 154. Enrollment is limited to 64. This course is the same as Geology 115. J. Creasy and E. Wollman

381. Astrophysics. This course investigates the physics of astronomical phenomena and the instruments and techniques with which these phenomena are studied. Topics, which vary from year to year, include stellar structure and evolution, the interstellar medium, galaxies and galaxy clusters, dark matter, cosmic background radiation, and physical cosmology. Prerequisite(s): Physics 211, 222, and 301. This course is the same as Physics 381. E. Bunn.

Short Term Units

s21. Planetarium Production/Since 1963, the College’s Ladd Planetarium has been a resource for school and civic groups in the Lewiston/Auburn area. In this unit, students conceive, write, and produce planetarium shows for public presentation and educational outreach. Recommended background: one course in astronomy. Enrollment limited to 12. E. Wollman.

Physics

101. Revolutions in Physics: Space and Time. A study of Newton’s theory of motion and Einstein’s theory of relativity. The conceptual revolutions these theories caused in our notions of space and time in the seventeenth and twentieth centuries are examined. Laboratory work is integrated with class work. The course does not assume previous physics courses. There is more emphasis on conceptualization than on computation, but geometry and elementary algebra are used. Enrollment limited to 16 per section. J. Pribram.

102. Revolutions in Physics: Light and Matter. A study of the conceptual revolutions begun by Young in 1802 and Einstein in 1905 concerning light; and by Thomson, Bohr, and deBroglie from 1897 to 1923 concerning atoms. The culmination of these revolutions in the quantum theory and its Copenhagen interpretation is examined for insight into the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and the wave-particle duality of radiation and matter. Laboratory work and the mathematical level are similar to that of Physics 101. Enrollment limited to 16 per section. J. Pribram.

103. Musical Acoustics. An introduction to sound and the acoustics of musical instruments through the study of mechanical vibrations. Concepts such as waves, resonance, standing waves, and Fourier synthesis and analysis are developed and applied to discussions of hearing, scales and harmony, musical instruments, the human voice, and auditorium acoustics. No background in physics or mathematics beyond algebra is assumed. Demonstrations and laboratory exercises are integrated with class work. Recommended background: algebra and trigonometry. Not open to students who have received credit for Physics s24. Enrollment limited to 16 per section. J. Smedley.

104. Physics of Electronic Sound. An analysis of the basic elements of high fidelity sound recording and reproduction, electronic music, and room acoustics. Demonstrations and laboratory exercises are integrated with class work, as in Physics 103. Recommended background: Physics 103. Enrollment limited to 16 per section. J. Smedley.

107. Classical Physics. A calculus-based introduction to Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and geometrical optics. Topics include kinematics and dynamics of motion, applications of Newton’s laws, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, electric and magnetic fields and forces, electric circuits, the laws of reflection and refraction, and the theory of basic optical instruments. Laboratory investigations of these topics are computerized for data acquisition and analysis. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): Mathematics 105. Enrollment is limited to 16 per section in the fall semester and 10 per section in the winter semester. E. Bunn.

108. Modern Physics. This course applies the material covered in Physics 107 to a study of physical optics and modern physics, including the wave-particle duality of light and matter, quantum effects, special relativity, nuclear physics, and elementary particles. Laboratory work includes experiments such as the charge-to- mass ratio for electrons, the photoelectric effect, and electron diffraction. Prerequisite(s): Physics 107. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): Mathematics 106. Enrollment is limited to 10 per section in the fall semester and 16 per section in the winter semester. Staff.

211. Newtonian Mechanics. A rigorous study of Newtonian mechanics. Beginning with Newton’s laws, the concepts of energy, momentum, and angular momentum are developed and applied to gravitational, harmonic, and rigid-body motions. Prerequisite(s): Physics 107. Open to first-year students. G. Ruff.

222. Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves. A detailed study of the basic concepts and fundamental experiments of electromagnetism. The development proceeds historically, culminating with Maxwell’s equations. Topics include the electric and magnetic fields produced by charge and current distributions, forces and torques on such distributions in external fields, properties of dielectrics and magnetic materials, electromagnetic induction, and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite(s): Physics 108. E. Wollman.

228. Caring for Creation: Physics, Religion, and the Environment. This course considers scientific and religious accounts of the origin of the universe, examines the relations between these accounts, and explores the way they shape our deepest attitudes toward the natural world. Topics of discussion include the biblical creation stories, contemporary scientific cosmology, the interplay between these scientific and religious ideas, and the roles they both can play in forming a response to environmental problems. This course is the same as Environmental Studies 228 and Religion 228. Enrollment limited to 20 per section. T. Tracy, J. Smedley.

231. Laboratory Physics I. Students perform selected experiments important in the development of contemporary physics. They also are introduced to the use of computers, electronic instruments, machine tools, and vacuum systems. Prerequisite(s): Physics 108. G. Ruff.

232. Laboratory Physics II. For students with a special interest in experimental research, this course provides an opportunity for open-ended experiments and developmental projects. Prerequisite(s): Physics 231. G. Ruff.

301. Mathematical Methods of Physics. A study of selected mathematical techniques necessary for advanced work in physics and other sciences. The interpretation of functions as vectors in Hilbert space provides a unifying theme for developing Fourier analysis, special functions, methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, and techniques of vector calculus. These methods are applied to selected problems in acoustics, heat flow, electromagnetic fields, and quantum mechanics. Corequisite(s): Mathematics 206. E. Bunn.

308. Introductory Quantum Mechanics. An investigation of the basic principles of quantum mechanics in the Schršdinger representation and the application of these principles to tunneling, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom. Basic theoretical concepts such as Hermitian operators, Ehrenfest’s theorem, commutation relations, and uncertainty principles are developed as the course proceeds. Prerequisite(s): Physics 108 and 301. G. Ruff.

341. Solid State Physics. A study of crystal structures and electronic properties of solids, together with an investigation of some active areas of research. Topics include crystal binding, X-ray diffraction, lattice vibrations, metals, insulators, semiconductors, electronic devices, superconductivity, and magnetism. J. Pribram.

360. Independent Study. This course provides an opportunity, on a tutorial basis, for a student to investigate a selected topic of individual interest. Topics are selected jointly by the student and tutor. Students are limited to one independent study per semester. Staff.

361. Thermodynamics. The theory of equilibrium states is developed in a general way and applied to specific thermodynamic systems. The concepts of classical and quantum statistical mechanics are formulated. Ability to understand partial derivatives is expected. Prerequisite(s): Physics 211. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): Mathematics 206. E. Bunn.

373. Classical and Modern Optics. A general course on light treated as an electromagnetic wave, including the theory and operation of common optical instruments. A significant part of the course is devoted to topics in modern optics, such as the use of lasers and the nonlinear effects produced by intense light sources. Prerequisite(s): Physics 222. Staff.

381. Astrophysics. This course investigates the physics of astronomical phenomena and the instruments and techniques with which these phenomena are studied. Topics, which vary from year to year, include stellar structure and evolution, the interstellar medium, galaxies and galaxy clusters, dark matter, cosmic background radiation, and physical cosmology. Prerequisite(s): Physics 211, 222 and 301. This course is the same as Astronomy 381. E. Bunn.

409. Quantum Theory. A formal development of quantum theory using Dirac notation, including application to the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. The general theory of angular momentum and time-independent perturbation theory are developed and used to derive the fine and hyperfine structures of hydrogen; the Stark, Zeeman, and Paschen-Back effects; and the polarizability and electric dipole moments of simple atoms. Time-dependent perturbation theory is developed and applied to simple radiation problems. Prerequisite(s): Physics 308. J. Pribram.

412. Advanced Classical Mechanics. A development of the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics, together with the ideas of symmetry and invariance and their relation to fundamental conservation laws. Additional topics include kinematics and dynamics in noninertial reference frames, a detailed analysis of rigid-body motion, and the theory of small oscillations and normal modes. Prerequisite(s): Physics 211 and 301. Staff.

422. Electromagnetic Theory. Starting from Maxwell’s equations, this course develops electrostatics from solutions to Poisson’s equation, magnetostatics using the vector potential, electrodynamics with scalar and vector potentials, and properties of electromagnetic waves. Simple radiation problems are discussed, as well as the relativistic formulation of electrodynamics. Prerequisite(s): Physics 222 and 301. E. Bunn.

457. 458. Senior Thesis. An independent study program for students working on a research problem in a field of interest, culminating in the writing of a senior thesis. Students register for Physics 457 in the fall semester and for Physics 458 in the winter semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both Physics 457 and 458. Staff.

Short Term Units

s22. The Exploration of Space. The unit is an intensive introduction to space exploration, emphasizing science and technology; the unit is conducted as multiple parallel short courses. Topics include the mechanical engineering of spacecraft design, the mathematics of space navigation, the political history of space exploration, and the significance of exploration in the human experience. The unit makes extensive use of NASA data, films, and other materials. Recommended background: proficiency in high-school algebra and trigonometry. Open to first-year students. This course is the same as Geology s22. G. Clough

s23. Einstein: The Man and His Ideas. An introduction to the life of Albert Einstein and to his Special Theory of Relativity. The unit begins with a study of Einstein’s life, through biographies and his own writings. Next, his Special Theory of Relativity is developed, and its seemingly bizarre predictions about time, length, and mass are discussed. The experimental verifications of these predictions are then studied. Finally, some of the philosophical implications of the theory are discussed, as well as some of its applications to nuclear weapons and modern theories of the universe. Written permission of the instructor is required. M. Semon.

s25. Alternative Introduction to Physics. The study of physics is a creative and satisfying intellectual adventure shared by a relatively small number of people, most of whom are men. The instructors believe that by taking advantage of the Short Term schedule flexibility, this experience can be made attractive to a more diverse group. Physics s25 is an alternative to Physics 107; it emphasizes student-directed laboratory exploration, classroom discussion, and collaboration. As a complementary activity, visiting middle-school students may participate in laboratory investigations designed by the course participants. Ongoing group discussion of unit activities and procedures is aimed at creating a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Students who are interested in physics but discouraged by negative perceptions of the field are especially encouraged to enroll. Recommended background: Mathematics 105 or high-school calculus. Not open to students who have received credit for Physics 107. Open to first-year students, to whom preference is given. Enrollment limited to 16. H. Lin, M. Semon.

s30. Electronics. A laboratory-oriented study of the basic principles and characteristics of semiconductor devices and their applications in circuits and instruments found in a research laboratory. Both analog and digital systems are included. Prerequisite(s): Physics 108. Enrollment limited to 12. G. Ruff.

s33. Engineering Physics. An investigation of topics in applied physics which are fundamental to the fields of mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. Topics include statics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and electrical networks. The computer is used extensively as a problem-solving tool, and instruction in the use of a computer language is provided. Prerequisite(s): Physics 107 and Mathematics 106. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 20. E. Bunn.

s45. Seminar in Theoretical Physics. An intensive investigation into a contemporary field of physics. Special topics vary from year to year. Areas of investigation have included general relativity, relativistic quantum mechanics, the quantum theory of scattering, and quantum optics. Prerequisite(s): Physics 308. Staff.

s46. Internship in the Natural Sciences. An off-campus participation by qualified students as team members in an experimental program in a research laboratory project. By specific arrangement and departmental approval only. Staff.

s50. Individual Research. Registration in this unit is granted by the department only after the student has submitted a written proposal for a full-time research project to be completed during the Short Term and has secured the sponsorship of a member of the department to direct the study and evaluate results. Students are limited to one individual research unit. Staff.

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