Course Descriptions
Physics and Astronomy
PHYS 111 - Contemporary Concepts
This course is specifically designed for the liberal arts student who desires an essentially non-mathematical, yet wholly faithful, acquaintance with the fundamental concepts of contemporary physics. Topics include special relativity, curved space-time and black holes, the Big Bang universe, light, quantum theory, and elementary particles. These are presented so as to demonstrate the power of "pure thought" and scientific creativity at its best. The underlying assumption of the course is that physics approached as a way of thinking can be vitally relevant and challenging to students of all intellectual persuasions. Three lectures per week in fall and spring.
Frequency: Every semester.
PHYS 112 - Cosmos: Perspectives and Reflections
This course seeks to acquaint students with recent advances in cosmology, particle physics, nuclear fusion, semiconductors, and genomics. Most of these topics will be presented by experts from major universities and national laboratories. S/SD/N grading only.
Frequency: Alternate years.
PHYS 113 - Modern Astronomy I
This course discusses topics of current interest in astronomy and the physical concepts that lead to our understanding of the Universe. There are three main sections: the Solar System, Celestial Light and Stars, and Galaxies and the Universe. Lectures include the formation of the sun and planets, properties of stars and stellar remnants (like black holes and supernovae), characteristics of our Milky Way and other galaxies, and the formation and fate of the Universe.
Frequency: Every year.
Prerequisite(s): Basic algebra and trigonometry are recommended.
PHYS 114 - Modern Astronomy II
This survey course is a two-semester sequence (PHYS 113 in the fall semester and PHYS 114 in the spring semester). These courses will cover various topics of interest in astronomy, including: Planets (both within the Solar System and the exploding field of extrasolar planets); the birth life, and death of stars; exotic remnant objects (e.g., white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes); galaxies (including our own Milky Way and external systems); cosmology and the fate of the universe; the "unseen 95%": dark matter and dark energy; astrobiology and the question of life in the universe. The dramatic change between stellar and galactic physical scales will mark the boundary between the material in the courses. These courses are ideal for students who are curious about the nature of the universe and their place within it.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 113 or permission of instructor.
PHYS 120 - Astronomical Techniques
This laboratory course provides active exercises in astronomical measurement techniques, including telescope and other observations of the night sky (as weather permits). The course is ideal for students who desire hands-on observing experience to complement PHYS 113, or as a background for advanced observing projects.
Frequency: Every year.
PHYS 126 - Introductory Physics I
Mechanics, heat and sound, including laboratory experiments and demonstrations. This course does not use calculus, has no prerequisites, and is appropriate for students pursuing pre-med or for students looking to satisfy a science distribution requirement. This course does not count toward the physics major or minor. This course is not appropriate for students who intend to major in physics, chemistry, or biology with the biochemistry emphasis.
Frequency: Fall semester only.
PHYS 127 - Introductory Physics II
Electricity and magnetism, light and optics, including laboratory experiments and demonstrations. This course does not use calculus, and is appropriate for students pursuing pre-med or for students looking to satisfy a distribution requirement. This course is not appropriate for students who intend to major in physics, chemistry, or biology with the biochemistry emphasis.
Frequency: Spring semester only.
PHYS 130 - Science of Renewable Energy
This is a course on the current status of the most promising alternative and renewable energy options from a primarily scientific and technological perspective. Current methods of electricity generation and transportation energy sources will be briefly reviewed (fossil fuels, nuclear fission, and hydroelectric), including discussion of their limitations and environmental consequences. The focus of the course will be on understanding the scientific basis of alternative and renewable energy sources, and their promise and technological challenges for wide scale implementation. Biofuels, wind, photovoltaics, concentrated solar power, hydrogen, nuclear fusion, and geothermal will be considered in depth.
Frequency: Every year.
Cross-Listed as: ENVI 130
PHYS 194 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
PHYS 226 - Principles of Physics I
A study of motion, including Newton's Law of Motion, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, oscillations, waves in elastic media and thermal properties of matter. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 221.
Frequency: Fall semester.
PHYS 227 - Principles of Physics II
A study of electric charge and currents, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and geometrical and physical optics. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 222.
Frequency: Every semester.
PHYS 294 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
PHYS 331 - Modern Physics
This course provides an introductory treatment of the exciting foundations of modern microscopic physics, including special relativity, quantum theory, atomic structure, nuclear structure and elementary particles. The primary goal of the course is to build the solid theoretical foundation in microscopic physics necessary for advanced studies in nearly all science disciplines. In addition to the theoretical treatment of the topics there will be laboratory exercises, which recreate the spirit and excitement of the pioneering experiments. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week.
Frequency: Fall semester.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227.
PHYS 334 - Optics
Principles of optics and wave phenomena, including the fundamental properties of light, geometrical optics, polarization, interference and diffraction. Laboratory includes basic optical experiments and an independent project. Recent independent projects have included: holography, fiber-optics communications, microwave optics and telescope building. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
Frequency: Alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 340 - Digital Electronics
A survey of fundamental ideas and methods used in the design and construction of digital electronic circuits such as computers. Emphasis will be on applying the theoretical aspects of digital design to the actual construction of circuits in the laboratory. Topics to be covered include basic circuit theory, transistor physics, logic families (TTL, CMOS), Boolean logic principles, combinatorial design techniques, sequential logic techniques, memory circuits and timing, and applications to microprocessor and computer design. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
Frequency: Offered alternate spring semesters.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 137 and permission of instructor.
Cross-Listed as: COMP 340
PHYS 348 - Laboratory Instrumentation
This course is an introduction to laboratory methods that are useful in experimental physics and other laboratory-based disciplines, with an emphasis on computer interfacing techniques. Topics will include basic analog electronics, fundamental instrumentation such as analog-digital converters and digital oscilloscopes, and computer interfacing using LabView. Student will design and construct several significant computer interfacing projects throughout the semester. Since this course provides the foundation for advanced experimental work and research, students should take this course in their sophomore or junior year.
Frequency: Spring semester.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227.
PHYS 350 - Energy and Sustainable Design
This course provides an in-depth treatment of the science and engineering the transition to a sustainable, renewable, and carbon-free energy economy. The first part of the course will be a survey of the electric power grid transition to wind, solar, storage and other renewable technologies. The focus of the course will examine carbon-free and sustainable practices and technologies in the built environment including electrification of transportation and heating, distributed energy and energy storage, micro grids, efficiency, water and waste management, and sustainable building design practices. An important theme of the course will be the implications of deep electrification, where the energy economy is based almost exclusively on electrical energy generated by carbon-free and renewable resources. Lab time will be used for local field trips, computer simulations, and laboratory demonstrations/experiments. Three lectures and one two hour lab per week.
Frequency: Alternate fall semesters.
Prerequisite(s): Mathematics preparation though elementary calculus (equivalent to MATH 135)
Cross-Listed as: ENVI 350
PHYS 370 - Computational Physics
This course introduces students to coding and computational methods, focusing on developing computation-based skills that are critical for practicing physicists. Students process experimental data using statistical tools, study the implications of realistic physical models using a toolbox of numerical methods, and visualize information in meaningful formats. The course starts with an introduction to coding (in Python) and a survey of data manipulation tools (e.g., reading, writing, analyzing statistically, etc.). The focus is on skills that help students in labs, research, and anywhere else they need to extract physical insight from data. After the introduction to data analysis, the course transitions into a survey of numerical techniques which facilitate quantitative analysis of theoretical models describing complex physical phenomena, thereby creating a bridge between experimental/observational and theoretical physics. The lab provides hands-on experience in the application of computational skills discussed in lecture to realistic physical models drawn from a wide range of physics subdisciplines. Projects in the lab are implemented using Jupyter notebooks, via the Google Colaboratory environment. Students write documentation in Latex and Markdown. No previous experience with any of these is assumed.
Frequency: Spring semester.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 331
PHYS 394 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
PHYS 440 - Observational Astronomy
This is an upper-level course for physics and astronomy majors that covers techniques of astronomical data acquisition and analysis. The class is divided roughly equally between optical and radio techniques. Students complete observational projects using both the Macalester Observatory and national telescope facilities. Lectures are supplemented by a required 3-hour analysis session that meets once per week.
Frequency: Alternate years, spring semester.
PHYS 443 - Electromagnetic Theory I
This course treats the interactions between electrical charges in free space by developing the concepts of potential, electric and magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. Maxwell's equations are developed and used to derive the properties of plane electromagnetic waves in free space. Special emphasis is placed on boundary value problems and other useful mathematical techniques. Three lectures, 1 one-hour laboratory per week.
Frequency: Fall semester.
PHYS 444 - Electromagnetic Theory II
This course extends the treatment of PHYS 443 to the electromagnetic properties of matter, especially the solid state, and the properties of electromagnetic waves and radiation. The treatment of electromagnetism within the special theory of relativity is also covered. Three lectures, 1 one-hour laboratory per week.
Frequency: Alternate years, spring semester.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 443.
PHYS 460 - Astrophysics
This course covers advanced topics in astrophysics. It includes spectroscopy of stars, the interaction of light and matter in stellar atmospheres and interstellar medium, nucleosynthesis and the interior of stars, the structure of the Milky Way galaxy and the evidence for dark matter, properties and the formation of different types of galaxies, large-scale structure of the Universe, and observational tests of cosmology. Three hours per week.
Frequency: Alternate years, spring semester.
PHYS 461 - Mechanics
The fundamental principles of classical mechanics are discussed and applied to problems of contemporary interest. Topics include: charged particle motion in electromagnetic fields, oscillations and resonance, central force motion including the Kepler problem and Rutherford scattering, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical dynamics, symmetry and conservation laws, non-inertial reference frames, rigid body dynamics and applications, and an introduction to non-linear dynamics. Three lectures, problem discussions, and 1 one-hour laboratory per week.
Frequency: Spring semester.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 370
PHYS 468 - Statistical Mechanics
This course explores the equilibrium and kinetic properties of many-particle systems such as gases, liquids, and solids. The fundamental notions of entropy, temperature, and the Boltzmann relation are rigorously derived from statistical mechanics, and are used to develop other thermodynamic ideas such as chemical potential and free energy. The theory is applied to classical and quantum systems, including photon gases (black-body radiation), Bose-Einstein condensation, fermion systems such as metals and neutron stars, classical ideal gases, vibrations in solids (phonons), chemical reactions, semiconductors, and transport phenomena. Three lectures per week.
Frequency: Spring semester.
PHYS 481 - Quantum Mechanics
The course rigorously covers many fundamental concepts of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, including the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and Pauli exclusion principle, single- and multi-particle stationary states in one, two, and three dimensions, and quantized angular momentum and spin. Schrodinger equation solutions for atomic and nuclear systems are studied, using differential equation, matrix, and perturbation techniques. Three lectures, 1 one-hour laboratory per week.
Frequency: Fall semester.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 370
PHYS 482 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics
This course continues the rigorous study of non-relativistic quantum mechanics started in PHYS 481. Time independent perturbation theory, the variational method, and the WKB approximation are applied to physical systems. Time dependent perturbation theory is developed to investigate emission and absorption of radiation. Entangled states, the EPR paradox, and Bell's theorem are discussed. Three lectures, 1 one-hour laboratory per week.
Frequency: Alternate spring semesters.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 481.
PHYS 488 - Senior Research
Students in the major concentration in physics select a subject for independent investigation and preparation of a senior thesis. Independent reading and experimentation by arrangement. Prerequisites: senior standing and departmental approval of the project prior to registration.
Frequency: Every year.
Prerequisite(s): senior standing and departmental approval of the project prior to registration.
PHYS 489 - Physics Seminar
PHYS 494 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
PHYS 611 - Independent Project
Independent reading and experimentation by arrangement.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): The department chair must approve a written proposal prior to registration and permission of instructor.
PHYS 612 - Independent Project
Independent reading and experimentation by arrangement.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
PHYS 613 - Independent Project
Independent reading and experimentation by arrangement.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
PHYS 614 - Independent Project
Independent reading and experimentation by arrangement.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
PHYS 621 - Internship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Junior and senior students with declared majors in Physics. Special arrangements must be made well in advance of the normal registration period. Departmental approval and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
PHYS 622 - Internship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Junior and senior students with declared majors in Physics. Special arrangements must be made well in advance of the normal registration period. Departmental approval and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
PHYS 623 - Internship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Junior and senior students with declared majors in Physics. Special arrangements must be made well in advance of the normal registration period. Departmental approval and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
PHYS 624 - Internship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Junior and senior students with declared majors in Physics. Special arrangements must be made well in advance of the normal registration period. Departmental approval and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
PHYS 631 - Preceptorship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
PHYS 632 - Preceptorship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
PHYS 633 - Preceptorship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
PHYS 634 - Preceptorship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
PHYS 641 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the seniors honors project.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
PHYS 642 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the seniors honors project.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
PHYS 643 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the seniors honors project.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
PHYS 644 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the seniors honors project.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.