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Physics (PHY)
Kara Beauchamp (chair), Lyle Lichty, Derin Sherman
Major: CSC 140 (Foundations of Computer Science), MAT 120 (Calculus of a Single Variable Part II) or 121 (Calculus of a Single Variable), and 122 (Calculus of Several Variables); PHY 111, 112, 114,
302, 303, 312; and either (A)
four additional course credits in Physics at or above the 200 level, for
a minimum of 13 courses; or (B)
MAT 221 (Linear Algebra),
236 (Differential Equations),
and three additional course credits in Physics at or
above the 300 level, for a minimum of 14 courses. Students planning for
graduate work in Physics should elect option (B) and include PHY
305 and at least two courses selected from PHY 321, 322, and 334. Students planning for graduate work are also strongly encouraged to take MAT 234 (Complex Variables), and CHE 323 and 324 (Physical Chemistry I and II).
Teaching Major: Option (A) and suggested work
in Biology, Chemistry, and Geology.
Students with other majors who intend to ask for certification in
Physics as a second field are required to
complete only MAT 120 (Calculus of a Single Variable Part II) or 121 (Calculus of a Single Variable) and 122 (Calculus of Several Variables), and PHY 111, 112, 114,
302, 303, and 312. In addition to
the foregoing requirements, prospective teachers must also apply for
admission to the Teacher Education Program
(preferably at the start of their sophomore year) and complete a second
major in Secondary Education described under
Education.
Minor: A minimum of five course credits in Physics which
include PHY 111, 112, 114,
303, and at least one other course in Physics at or above
the 300 level.
The Physics curriculum facilitates a wide range of interests from professional to cultural; graduate work in physics, astronomy, geophysics, medicine, meteorology, environmental engineering, business administration, law, health physics, and computer science. B.S.S. candidates and students contemplating an individualized major in the physical sciences are invited to discuss possible curricula with the Department.
Note: PHY 120, 125, 221, 223, and 228 have no formal prerequisites; 101 and 102 ask only reasonable facility in algebra.
101. Introductory Physics I
Non-calculus treatment of elementary physics covering the topics of mechanics, relativity, and waves. Emphasis on problem-solving. Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra including trigonometry. Students who have taken neither physics nor chemistry in high school should consider taking PHY 120 before PHY 101. (Science)
102. Introductory Physics II
Continuation of PHY 101 covering electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY 101 or 111. (Science)
111. General Physics I
Introduction to physics intended for physical science majors. Topics include Newton's laws of motion, concepts of work and energy, rotational motion, and conservation laws. Prerequisite: MAT 120 or 121. (Science)
112. General Physics II
Continuation of PHY 111. Topics include relativity and electricity and magnetism. Prerequisites: PHY 111 and MAT 122. (Science)
114. Laboratory Physics
A laboratory experience designed to complement either of the introductory physics sequences. Techniques of experimental measurement and analysis, with experiments drawn from all areas of introductory physics. Prerequisite: either PHY 102 or 112. (Laboratory Science) (CR)
120. Conceptual Physics
A conceptual presentation of elementary physical principles. Topics may include Newton's theory of motion, the phenomenon of resonance applied to acoustics and electronics, electricity and electronics, Einstein's theories of space and
time, and the ideas of quantum theory. Emphasis on the logical structure of these theories rather than their mathematical content. Intended for non-science majors and students with an interest in physics who do not have a strong scientific background. Alternate years. (Science) SHERMAN
125. Science through Film and Fiction
Scientific topics and issues found in selected novels and feature films are used to investigate the foundations of science and the scientific process. Students will investigate specific scientific concepts and use them as case studies illustrating the historical development of science and the role of science and technology in society. Intended for non-science majors. Alternate years. (Science) SHERMAN
221. Astronomy
Development of the current understanding of the origin, evolution,
and structure of the universe. Physical principles upon which this
understanding is based. Intended for non-science majors. (Science)
BEAUCHAMP or LICHTY
223. Acoustics, Music, and Audio Systems
Application of elementary physics principles to sound waves and vibrations, including the physics of musical instruments, room acoustics, hearing, harmonic analysis, and electronic production of sound. Intended for non-science majors. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) LICHTY
228. Energy and the Environment
Survey
of the problems and prospects of the major energy alternatives likely to
be available in the twenty-first century: fossil-fuel, fission, fusion,
solar, and geothermal. Emphasis on the physical mechanisms and
technologies involved. Intended for non-science majors. Alternate
years. (Science) BEAUCHAMP
255 through 259. Topics in Physics
Study of a selected topic in physics, such as cosmology, special
relativity, light and color, and physics of sports. See Topics Courses. (Science)
280/380. Internship: see Courses 280/380.
290/390. Individual Project: see Courses 290/390.
302. Electronics
Principles of electronics, signal processing, and computer interfacing needed to understand, configure, and troubleshoot
modern electronic and computer-based research equipment. Transducers, operational amplifiers, test equipment, integrated circuits, data transmission, computerized data acquisition, and analog to digital conversion. Prerequisites: PHY 102 or 112, and CSC 140 or knowledge of a programming language. Same course as CSC 302. (Laboratory Science) LICHTY
303. Modern Physics
Topics include thermodynamics, special relativity, photons, deBroglie waves,
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the Schrödinger equation, atomic
and nuclear physics, high-energy particles, and quarks. Prerequisites:
PHY 112 and 114. Alternate years. BEAUCHAMP
305. Waves
Study of physical wave phenomena, especially optical and mechanical waves. Topics include superposition, reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction, polarization phenomena, and the wave equation. Prerequisites: PHY 112 and 114. Alternate years. SHERMAN
312. Advanced Experimental Physics
An in-depth investigation of a physics experiment chosen by the student in consultation with the instructor. Includes design, construction, collection of data, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of the experiment. Prerequisites: PHY 302, 303, and one other 200- or 300-level Physics course. Alternate years. SHERMAN
321. Mechanics
Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian mechanics covering the motion of single particles, rigid bodies, systems of particles, fluid mechanics, and complex analysis. Prerequisites: MAT 221; PHY 112 and 114. Alternate years. SHERMAN
322. Electricity and Magnetism
Electric and magnetic fields and their sources, magnetic and dielectric
materials, and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: PHY 112 and 114. Alternate years. BEAUCHAMP
334. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Development of the Schrödinger wave equation and its solution for the harmonic oscillator and Coulomb potentials. Orbital and spin angular momenta, and applications to simple atomic and molecular systems. Prerequisites: MAT 221; PHY 303, and either PHY 305 or 321. Alternate years. LICHTY
355 through 359. Advanced Topics in Physics
Study of a selected topic in advanced physics, such as general
relativity, thermodynamics, advanced mechanics, chaos, particle physics, or
condensed matter. See Topics Courses.
501. Advanced Laboratory (1/4)
Experiments of an advanced character, permitting the student to work relatively independently. Must be taken over four consecutive terms. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (CR)
511. Extended Research in Physics (1/4)
Reading in depth on a topic of current interest and the pursuit of an experimental or theoretical problem related to the topic. Must be taken over four consecutive terms. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (CR)
512. Reading and Conversation in Physics (1/4)
Reading and discussion of articles or topics of interest in contemporary physics. Course meets once per term for nine terms. (CR)
963. Oak Ridge Science Semester
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