Physics and Astronomy; Pre-Engineering
Professors Amato, Aveni, Holbrow, Malin, Mansfield (Chair)
Associate Professors Balonek, Galvez, Parks
Assistant Professor Buboltz
A student should concentrate in the Department of Physics and Astronomy if he or she is interested in fundamental questions about the nature of matter and the nature of the universe, or in practical questions of engineering, applied physics, or space science. To be successful, a student should also enjoy mathematics and quantitative reasoning. Approximately half of the graduating seniors in this concentration go on to graduate schools in various disciplines, including physics, astronomy and engineering. Approximately 25 percent to on to technical careers and the remainder pursue careers in business and management, often with a technological bent.
The department offers several courses of general interest, not intended for concentrators. These courses are ASTR 101, Solar System Astronomy; ASTR 102, Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe; PHYS 205, Physics of Space-Time; PHYS 307, Physics and Philosophy; and PHYS 111, 112, Fundamental Physics. ASTR 253, Archaeoastronomy also serves particular interests of students concentrating in other departments.
Concentration Program in Physics: The concentration program begins with PHYS 120, 121, and 122, a three-term calculus-level introductory physics course with laboratory. Entering first-year students should take PHYS 120 in the fall term, if possible. Next in the sequence come PHYS 216, Waves and Modern Physics; PHYS 282, Electronics and Instrumentation, which are normally taken concurrently in the spring of the sophomore year. In the junior and senior years, three upper-level physics courses (300- or 400-level) plus PHYS 410, Advanced Topics and Experiments, are taken. ASTR 314 or ASTR 316 may substitute for one of the three courses. PHYS 410 must be taken in the spring of the senior year.
In addition to these courses in Physics, MATH 111, 112, 213, and 314 (or 308, with permission) must be taken as soon as possible, and to enrich the program, a student should choose additional physics and astronomy electives at the 300 and 400 levels. Advanced courses in other science departments are also possible, and may occasionally be substituted for physics offerings with prior approval of the Physics Department chair. Students should become familiar with one high-level computer language. These are the minimum requirements for a concentration in physics.
A student interested in astronomy or astrophysics should enroll in the special program called Astronomy-Physics. This program requires PHYS 120, 121, 122, and 216, as well as ASTR 210, Intermediate Astronomy and Astrophysics; ASTR 212, Astronomical Techniques; either ASTR 314, Astrophysics or ASTR 316, Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy; and two additional astronomy or physics courses at the 300 or 400 level, plus PHYS 410.
To be eligible to graduate with a concentration in any of the programs of this department, a student is expected to achieve a grade of C- or better in each of the courses required for the concentration. There are no exceptions to this policy. The overall concentration GPA must be at least a 2.0.
Minor Concentration Programs in Physics or Astronomy The minor concentration in Physics requires PHYS 120, 121, 122, 216, and one higher level course such as PHYS 282 or one at the 300 level. The minor in Astronomy requires PHYS 120, 121, 122, ASTR 210, 212, and either 314 or 316. A grade of C- or better in all 100- and 200-level courses that count toward the minor concentration is required.
Honors To qualify for graduation with honors, physics and astronomy-physics concentrators must enroll in two additional upper-level physics courses (300- or 400-level) beyond those needed to satisfy the basic concentration requirements. A grade point average of at least B+ must be achieved across the upper-level physics curriculum. One of the two additional courses may be PHYS 310, a spring semester junior year research experience.
High honors are awarded at the discretion of the department, on the basis of grade point average, and, in particular, for outstanding achievement in senior research.
Awards See "Honors and Awards: Physics and Astronomy" in Chapter VI.
Pre-Engineering Studies The department offers two ways to prepare for engineering: major in physics at Colgate and after graduation go to graduate school in engineering, or use one of two Combined Plans available in the department. To allow a student to combine education in the liberal arts with engineering training, Colgate has cooperative agreements with Columbia University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Washington University. A competent student may pursue one of the following options:
The pre-engineering student may be eligible to continue study for a master’s degree (M.S.) which can be completed in as little as one additional year. For students interested in the 3-2 plan, it is imperative to begin the physics and math curriculum in the fall term of the first year. To be eligible for the 3-2 plan, a student must complete all physics concentration courses through PHYS 282 and PHYS 302 (or 402), plus one other 300-level physics course to be chosen in consultation with the pre-engineering adviser.
Prerequisites for admission to engineering schools vary among schools and fields of study; therefore, it is necessary to indicate an interest in pre-engineering to the physics faculty as soon as possible.
Preparation for Graduate School Students intending to pursue graduate studies in physics, astronomy, or engineering should discuss their plans with their concentration advisers as early as possible. PHYS 302, 303, 371, and 372 are especially suitable as preparation for advanced study, and graduate school candidates are expected to enroll in all four courses. In addition, students are encouraged to enroll in as many topical courses as possible, in order to improve preparation for entrance examinations and further study.
Advanced Placement and Transfer Credit Credit for, or placement beyond, PHYS 120, 121, or 122 may be awarded by the department chair upon successful completion of an equivalency exam. Approval of the department chair is required for transfer of credit for physics and astronomy courses from other institutions. In particular, summer courses taken with the expectation of transfer credit must by pre-approved by the department chair well in advance of enrollment. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Topical Departmental Concentrations The department administers the physical science and astrogeophysics concentrations and serves as a home department for students in these programs. The department also contributes two courses to an interdisciplinary program in prehistoric studies: ASTR 253 in the fall, and ASTR 354 in early January and continuing in the spring (field work in Mexico relating to ancient Mesoamerican astronomy and research based on data gathered in the field work).
111 Fundamental Physics I
J. Buboltz
This introductory course emphasizes concepts and principles of mechanics, heat, and sound. The focus is upon building concepts, grasping principles, and learning how consequences of principles and concepts can be quantitatively measured and calculated. Mathematical skills of algebra and simple trigonometry are expected. Lecture and laboratory meetings. Offered in the fall only.
112 Fundamental Physics II
J. Buboltz
A continuation of PHYS 111, this course develops concepts and principles of electricity, magnetism, light, and modern physics. Lecture and laboratory meetings. Prerequisite: PHYS 111. Offered in the spring only.
120 General Physics I
M.E. Parks
An introduction to modern physics. Topics covered include special relativity, relativistic dynamics, particle aspects of radiation, wave aspects of matter, quantum properties of atoms, atomic spectra, nuclear structure and reactions, and elementary particle interactions and classification. This course is required for students planning to concentrate in the physical sciences and pre-engineering. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory meetings. Prerequisites: secondary school physics course, and co-registration in MATH 111. Offered in the fall only.
121 General Physics II
J. Amato
A study of the principles of mechanics involving a more thorough treatment of these topics than PHYS 111. Calculus concepts are used throughout, but manipulative skills are not stressed. This course is required for students planning to concentrate in the physical sciences and pre-engineering. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory meetings. Prerequisites: PHYS 120 (or CHEM 111 with permission), and co-registration in MATH 112, or permission of instructor. Offered in the spring only.
122 General Physics III
V. Mansfield
A study of the principles of electricity, magnetism, and wave phenomena in a more thorough treatment than in PHYS 112. Basic calculus skills are assumed. This course is required for students planning to concentrate in the physical sciences and pre-engineering. Lecture and laboratory meetings. Prerequisites: PHYS 121, and co-registration in MATH 213. Offered in the fall only.
216 Waves and Modern Physics
M.E. Parks
This study of the mathematics of waves and oscillations, including the Fourier series and the Fourier integral, is coupled with an introduction to modern physics (special relativity, wave mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics). Prerequisite: PHYS 122. Offered in the spring only.
282 Electronics and Instrumentation
E. Galvez
An integrated approach to understanding electronic equipment through a study of basic circuit elements individually and as parts of more elaborate systems. Some mathematical analysis is used, but the emphasis is on experimental investigation and physical concepts. Lecture and laboratory meetings. Prerequisite: PHYS 112 or 122. Offered in the spring only.
Prerequisites for 300- and 400-Level Physics Courses: PHYS 120, 121, 122, 216, and a knowledge of calculus equivalent to MATH 314 (or 308) are prerequisites for all 300- and 400-level courses except PHYS 307. If necessary, MATH 314 (or 308) may be in progress. Students who complete PHYS 111, 112 may arrange, in lieu of PHYS 121, 122, a program of independent study to round out their preparations.
302 Mechanics
M.E. Parks
This course is a detailed study, using vector calculus, of important problems in the mechanics of particles and extended bodies including a derivation of Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations and other advanced topics. Offered in the fall only, in alternate years.
303 Electricity and Magnetism
S. Malin
A study of Maxwell’s Equations and their applications to topics in electrostatics and electrodynamics, including electromagnetic waves. Four meetings plus a laboratory each week. Offered in the spring only, in alternate years.
307 Physics and Philosophy
S. Malin
Quantum theory demonstrates that the usual view of physical reality as objects moving in space is merely an appearance; an entirely different view of physical reality emerges from study of the atomic and sub-atomic domains. This different view, its origins, meaning, and implications, are explored. This course does not count toward the physics concentration. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
371 Introductory Quantum Mechanics
S. Malin
An introduction to elementary quantum mechanics and some of its applications to the calculation and explanation of properties of atoms, nuclei, crystals, and radiation. Transition rates, electromagnetic moments, shell structure, band structure, spectroscopic properties, interaction probabilities, and their connection to the macroscopic properties of matter are discussed. Offered in the spring only, in alternate years.
372 Thermodynamics and Statistical
Mechanics
J. Amato
An introduction to the physical concepts underlying the formalism of thermal physics. Emphasis is on the role and meaning of entropy in physical systems and processes. Topics include black body radiation, liquid helium, superconductivity, negative temperature, and the efficient use of energy. Offered in the fall only, in alternate years.
310, 410 Advanced Topics and
Experiments
Staff
An experimental or theoretical research project. Results are written as a formal technical report. Oral presentations are also expected. Open to qualified juniors (PHYS 310) by permission and to seniors (PHYS 410). Juniors begin honors projects by registering for 310 and complete them in 410. Prerequisite: PHYS 282 or ASTR 212. Offered in the spring only.
402 Computational Mechanics
V. Mansfield
Through a variety of analytical and numerical techniques this course studies diverse mechanical systems ranging from stars to wave packets. The numerical analysis involves writing Pascal programs and using Mathcad. For a given set of problems, the underlying physics and the related analytical numerical techniques are developed in class. These ideas are implemented in software to generate a detailed understanding of both the mechanical systems and the underlying solution techniques. Included topics are the numerical integration of sets of ordinary and partial differential equations, shooting methods, roots to nonlinear equations, Fourier Theory, Fast Fourier Transforms, relaxation methods, and three-dimensional graphical displays of solutions. The course has class meetings and a weekly laboratory. Prerequisites: elementary familiarity with programming languages. Offered in the fall only, in alternate years.
404 Physical Optics
E. Galvez
A study of physical optics from the basics to advanced topics, such as optical instrumentation, Fourier optics, laser physics, and holography. The course prepares students for knowledgeable use of optical instruments in fields such as astronomy and teaches modern laser techniques for use in basic and applied research. Four meetings and a laboratory each week. Offered in the fall only, in alternate years.
420 Solid State Physics
J. Amato
Several important properties of matter in its solid form are examined. The ordered, crystalline nature of most solids is used as a starting point for understanding condensed material and as a basis for introducing the band theory of solids. The course investigates thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators. Not offered every year.
421 Basic Nuclear Physics
C. Holbrow
This course surveys the basic properties of atomic nuclei as they are revealed in studies of natural and induced radioactivity, of nuclear effects on atomic spectra, and of nuclear reactions. The different tools for studying nuclei — accelerators, beam transport devices, spectrographs, and detectors — are discussed. The interactions of radiations with matter are examined with particular attention to applications for detectors and radiation safety. The class looks at some applications of nuclear physics to astrophysics, e.g., stellar burning and nucleosynthesis in stars. The liquid drop, shell and rotational models of the nucleus are studied. Not offered every year.
422 Special and General Relativity
S. Malin
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Einstein’s discovery of the Special and General Theories of Relativity revolutionized understanding of space and time. This course studies both theories; the emphasis is on General Relativity, including cosmology and the study of black holes. Not offered every year.
291, 391, 491 Independent Studies
Staff
These courses are especially suitable for qualified students who wish to undertake the study of advanced topics in physics and astronomy. Prerequisite: permission of department chair and prior arrangement with faculty sponsor.
Course Offerings: Astronomy
101 Solar System Astronomy
A. Aveni
This introductory course deals with the large-scale environment in the vicinity of the earth. Properties of the solar system, its origin and the possibility of intelligent life in the universe are discussed. Class, laboratory, and observing sessions. Offered in the fall only.
102 Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
T. Balonek
An introductory course deals with the motions and physical characteristics of the sun, stars, and galaxies, including such modern topics as solar effects upon the earth, stellar explosions, and theories of the origin of the universe. Class, laboratory, and observing sessions. Offered in the spring only.
210 Intermediate Astronomy and
Astrophysics
T. Balonek
This discussion of the fundamental physical principles of astronomy and astrophysics emphasizes topics of current interest such as black holes, cosmology and quasars, stellar structure, and evolution. Opportunities for research projects employing the 16-inch telescope and CCD electronic camera are offered. Prerequisites: MATH 111, 112, and co-registration in PHYS 122. Offered in the fall only, in alternate years.
212 Astronomical Techniques
T. Balonek
This laboratory course introduces students to methods of data acquisition and reduction using the university’s 16-inch telescope, CCD electronic camera, and image processing workstation. Students are instructed in methods of astronomical imaging including detector calibration and atmospheric effects; in fundamentals of photometric reductions, including obtaining a light curve for a selected variable star; and in astronomical spectroscopy and spectral classification. Prerequisites: PHYS 121, MATH 112, an astronomy course, or permission of instructor. Offered in the fall only, in alternate years.
253 Archaeoastronomy
A. Aveni
This interdisciplinary course studies the development of astronomy, calendars, writing, and numeration among early civilizations. Emphasis on cultures of Bronze Age Britain, North American Indians, Maya and Aztec civilizations of Mesoamerica, and the civilization of the Andes. The Extended Study segment in May deals with mapping and surveying techniques that are employed during visits to the archaeological ruins of Mexico or Peru. Open to sophomores, and to juniors and seniors with permission of instructor. This course does not count toward concentration in astronomy. This course is also listed as SOAN 253.
Prerequisites for 300-Level Astronomy Courses: See paragraph governing prerequisites for physics courses above.
314 Astrophysics
V. Mansfield
A mathematical application of the principles of physics to the study of the constitution and physical conditions of planets, stars, nebulae, and the interstellar medium. Computer skills desirable. Offered in the spring only, in alternate years.
316 Galactic and Extragalactic
Astronomy
T. Balonek
Study of the astronomical techniques, methods, and basic data relating to the Milky Way Galaxy and objects located outside our galaxy, such as normal galaxies, radio galaxies, and quasars. Topics include galactic stellar populations, large-scale structure and rotation of the galaxy, the structure and content of other galaxies, galaxy classification, clusters of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, quasars, and the large-scale structure of the universe. The physical processes responsible for the radio, infrared, visual, and x-ray radiation from these objects are studied in detail. Offered in the spring only, in alternate years.
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