Physics

• Chair: Douglas H. Juers
• Kurt R. Hoffman
• Mark Beck, Chair, Division III
• Kathryn Z. Hadley
• Moira Gresham
• Frederick G. Moore (on Sabbatical, Fall 2012)

Physics courses deal mainly with the laws governing fundamental natural phenomena and the applications of those laws. The major study program can provide a sound basis for students going on to graduate work in physics or engineering and for those planning to teach physics or seeking a background in physics for work in other fields.

A student who enters Whitman without any prior college-level preparation in physics will have to complete 49 credits to fulfill the requirements for the physics major. Courses numbered 300 and above may not be taken P-D-F. Courses completed in the physics major apply to the science and quantitative analysis (selected courses) distribution areas.

The Physics major: A minimum of 31 credits in physics, including Physics 155 or 165, 156 or 166, 245, 246, 255, 256, 325, 339, and two courses selected from (347, 357, or 385). Additional courses to meet credit requirements are to be taken from 300- to 480-level physics offerings, or from BBMB 324 and BBMB 334. In addition, the following mathematics courses are required: 225, 235, 244, and either 300 or 367.

The Physics minor: A minimum of 18 credits in physics to include Physics 155 or 165, 156 or 166, 245, 246, 255, 256, plus two credits in any physics courses numbered from 200-480, or from BBMB 324 and BBMB 334.

The Mathematics-Physics combined major: Mathematics 225, 235, 244, 300, and nine additional credits in mathematics courses numbered above 200; Physics 155 or 165, 156 or 166, 245, 246, 255, 256, 325, 339, and one additional physics course numbered from 300-480, or BBMB 324. Senior assessment consists of the written exam in mathematics, the written exam in physics, and a combined oral exam scheduled by the physics department. Courses completed in this major apply to the science and quantitative analysis (selected courses) distribution areas.

The Physics-Astronomy combined major: Astronomy 177, 178, 179, 310, 320; at least two credits in any of the following: 330, 350, 360, 380, 391, 392 or 490; Physics 155 or 165, 156 or 166, 245, 246, 255, 256, 325, 339, and one additional physics course numbered from 300-480 or BBMB 324; Mathematics 225, 235, and 244. Additional physics courses, Mathematics 167, 300, 367, and 368 are strongly recommended. Courses completed in this major apply to the science and quantitative analysis (selected courses) distribution areas.

The Geology-Physics combined major: Physics 155 or 165, 156 or 166, 245, 246, 255, 256, 325, 339, and one additional physics course numbered from 300-480, or BBMB 324; either Geology 110, 120, or 210; and 227, 343, 310, 346, 350, 420, 470 and a minimum of one credit in 358; Mathematics 225, 235, and 244; Chemistry 125.

The Physics-Environmental Studies combined major: The requirements are fully described in the Environmental Studies section of the catalog. Courses completed in this major apply to the social science, science, and quantitative analysis (selected courses) distribution areas.

Program Planning

A typical program of the required physics courses and mathematics requirements for students taking a physics major with no advanced placement in calculus is as follows:

1.  First year: Physics 155 or 165, Mathematics 125 (seven credits); Physics 156 or 166, Mathematics 126 (seven credits).
2.  Second year: Physics 245, 255, Mathematics 225, 235 (eight credits); Physics 246, 256, Mathematics 244 (eight credits).
3.  Third year: Physics 325, 335, Mathematics 300 (11 credits); Physics 336, 347 (five credits).
4.  Fourth year: Physics 385.

Note that additional physics courses must be taken during the third and fourth years to meet the minimum credit requirement. Every effort will be made to offer courses required for the major and combined majors every year. Upper-level electives will typically be offered in alternate years. Students seriously considering graduate studies in physics or a physics-related field are encouraged to consult with their major adviser to design a course of study that will be best suited to their goals.

Among other electives for the physics major, Mathematics 167 is highly recommended. A year of chemistry also is recommended. Chemistry 345, Mathematics 349, 368, or 467 can be especially useful for physicists.

In the final semester of the senior year the student must pass a senior assessment consisting of a written exam and a one-hour oral exam.

101, 102 Special Topics
3

Course designed for nonscience majors to explore some basic concepts of physics and their applications through readings, discussion, problem-solving, and occasional laboratory activities. Possible course titles include: How Things Work, Light and Color, and Physical Science. The topic for each course will be designated prior to registration for the semester in which the course will be taught. Students with AP or IB credit for physics at Whitman or who have received credit for Whitman’s Physics 155 or higher cannot receive credit for Physics 101 or 102. Any current offerings follow.

101A ST Conceptual Modern Physics
3, x Hadley

The scientific process is used to investigate non-intuitive aspects of nature. Topics addressed will include particle physics, quantum mechanics, special relativity, general relativity and cosmology. The focus is on a fundamental understanding of the concepts involved, and assumes a basic familiarity with algebra. Distribution area: science.

103 Sound and Music
3; not offered 2012-13

Investigating the nature of sound. Topics include vibrations, waves, sound production, sound synthesis, and hearing. Primary emphasis on the study of sound as it relates to music. Intended for nonscience majors including students with little background in mathematics. A typical text is: Backus, The Acoustical Foundations of Music.

105 Energy and the Environment
3; not offered 2012-13

This course examines the physical principles that govern energy transformations. It will focus on the use of energy in the world, specifically its production, transportation, consumption and the implications this use has for the environment. Topics addressed will range from the mechanical to electricity and magnetism and from thermodynamics to atomic/nuclear physics. Energy resources both new and traditional (fuel cells versus oil) will be addressed as well as environmental issues ranging from global warming to the disposal of radioactive waste. This course assumes a basic familiarity with algebra.

115, 116 Contemporary Issues in Physics
1, 1 Staff

This course serves as an introduction to contemporary issues and topics in physics. Through readings and discussions students will explore the activities of modern-day physicists. Although this course is intended for students planning to continue toward a physics or physics-related major, it is an excellent course for students wanting a better understanding of what physics is “all about” and how it is done, as a profession, at the beginning of the 21st century. Corequisites: for Physics 115: Physics 155 or 165; for Physics 116: Physics 156 or 166; or consent of instructor. Physics 115 and 116 each may be taken once for a total of two credits. Physics 115 and 116 each may be taken once for a total of two credits. No examinations. Graded credit/no credit only. Does not fulfill science or quantitative analysis distribution.

135, 136 Introductory Physics Laboratory
1, 1 Staff

A series of experiments to illustrate experimental methods, basic measuring techniques and equipment, and important phenomena. Offered to facilitate awarding of AP credit on the AP Physics C exam and to offer an introductory laboratory experience for students who have taken introductory physics without a laboratory at another institution. No examinations. Graded credit/no credit only. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

155 General Physics I
4, x Staff

This course focuses on classical mechanics: kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, energy and momentum conservation, and waves. Students enrolling in this course also will be required to enroll in an associated laboratory course (Physics 175). Three 50-minute class meetings and two 90-minute laboratory meetings per week. Evaluation based on homework, laboratory reports, and examinations. Pre- or corequisite: Mathematics 125.

156 General Physics II
x, 4 Staff

This course is a continuation of the course Physics 155. Topics studied include electricity and magnetism, circuits, optics, plus brief introductions to more contemporary topics such as special relativity or quantum physics. Students enrolling in Physics 156 also will be required to enroll in an associated laboratory course (Physics 175). Three 50-minute class meetings and two 90-minute laboratory meetings per week. Evaluation based on homework, laboratory reports, and examinations. Prerequisite: Physics 155 or 165. Pre- or corequisite: Mathematics 126.

165 Advanced General Physics I
4; not offered 2012-13

This course focuses on classical mechanics: kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, energy and momentum conservation, and waves. The course covers material similar to that in Physics 155, but at a more advanced level and with more use of calculus. Students enrolling in this course also will be required to enroll in an associated laboratory course (Physics 175). Three 50-minute class meetings and two 90-minute laboratory meetings per week. Evaluation based on homework, laboratory reports, and examinations. Prerequisite: Mathematics 125 and high school physics. Pre- or corequisite: Mathematics 126.

166 Advanced General Physics II
4; not offered 2012-13

This course is a continuation of the course Physics 165. Topics studied include electricity and magnetism, circuits, optics, fluids, plus brief introductions to more contemporary topics such as special relativity or quantum physics. The course covers material similar to that in Physics 156, but at a more advanced level and with more use of calculus. Students enrolling in this course also will be required to enroll in an associated laboratory course (Physics 175). Three 50-minute class meetings and two 90-minute laboratory meetings per week. Evaluation based on homework, laboratory reports, and examinations. Prerequisite: Physics 155 or 165; Mathematics 126. Pre- or corequisite: Mathematics 225.

245 Twentieth Century Physics I
3, x Juers

Topics include thermodynamics, special relativity, nuclear decay and radiation, wave nature of particles, introduction to the Schrodinger Equation: infinite well. Mathematical methods relevant to these areas of inquiry will be discussed: probability theory, differential equations. Prerequisites: Physics 156 or 166; Mathematics 126. Corequisite: Mathematics 225.

246 Waves, Electronics, and Quantum Mechanics
x, 3 Hoffman

The course will explore electronic circuit theory and wave mechanics with a focus on the mathematical methods for solving differential equations. Specific content addressed includes coupled oscillators, damped-driven oscillators, fourier analysis, linear circuit theory, resonance circuits. Specific applications of the results to be explored include atomic, molecular, and particle physics; op-amps and digital circuits. Prerequisites: Physics 245 and Mathematics 225. Corequisite: Mathematics 244.

255 Twentieth Century Physics Laboratory
1, x Juers

Experimental investigations of a variety of phenomena relating to the Physics 245 course. Experimental topics studied include: thermodynamics, nuclear decay and radiation, photoelectric effect and standing waves. Emphasis on experimental technique, problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific writing. No examinations. One three-hour laboratory per week. Pre- or corequisites: Physics 245, 246.

256 Electronics and Waves Laboratory
1, x Hoffman

Experimental investigations of a variety of phenomena relating to the Physics 246 course. The focus of the laboratory will be two-fold. Students will construct and analyze electronic filter and resonance circuits. In addition, students will explore wave phenomena related to coupled oscillators, driven oscillators, and scattering theory. The emphasis will be on experimental technique, problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific writing. No examinations. One three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Physics 255. Corequisite: Physics 246.

318 Computational Physics
3; not offered 2012-13

Methods of solution of physics problems using computational techniques. Problems taken from classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermal physics. Methods include computer modeling, graphical techniques, and simulation. Numerical techniques include those of iteration, relaxation, and the Monte Carlo method. Emphasis on the physical content of solutions and on analyses of their reliability. Lectures, problems, student presentations, and a special project. Prerequisites: Physics 246, some computer programming experience is highly desirable.

325 Electricity and Magnetism
3, x Staff

Electrostatics, electric and magnetic properties of materials, electromagnetic theory. Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, boundary value problems. Includes mathematical methods of wide use in physics. Lectures and problems. Prerequisites: Physics 246 and Mathematics 244.

326 Electricity and Magnetism
3; not offered 2012-13

Electrostatics, electric and magnetic properties of materials, electromagnetic theory. Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, boundary value problems. Includes mathematical methods of wide use in physics. Lectures and problems. Prerequisites: Physics 246 and Mathematics 244.

339 Advanced Laboratory
3, x Beck

Experimental investigations of sophisticated analog and digital circuitry and the fundamental physics underpinning their operation. Students will employ programming tools to automate and enhance aspects of experimental techniques and subsequent analysis of data. Students will design and implement extensions to experiments in classical and modern physics with an emphasis on laboratory technique, technical and scientific writing, and analysis. The course will be a combination of lecture and laboratory activities meeting two days a week. Prerequisite: Physics 256.

347 Classical Mechanics
x, 3 Gresham

Non-inertial coordinate systems, systems of particles, rigid body motion. Lagrangian mechanics, normal modes of vibration, and Hamiltonian mechanics. Includes mathematical methods of wide use in physics. Lectures and problems. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: Physics 246.

348 Optics
3; not offered 2012-13

Modern physical optics including a study of the propagation of light, coherence and interference, diffraction, image formation. Fourier optics, spatial filtering, polarization, the optical activity of solids, the quantum nature of light, lasers, and holography. Lectures and problems. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: Physics 246.

357 Thermal Physics
3, x Staff

Thermodynamics, entropy, thermodynamic potentials, phase changes, chemical reactions, kinetic theory, distributions, phase space, transport phenomena, fluctuations; classical and quantum statistical mechanics, application to solids, radiation, superfluids, lasers, and astrophysics. Lectures, discussion, and problems. Prerequisite: Physics 246.

385 Quantum Mechanics I
x, 4 Beck

This course begins with the quantum description of some two-dimensional systems (photon polarization and spin-1/2 particles) using the formalism of matrix mechanics. The course then moves on to cover two-particle systems, time evolution, and continuous systems (e.g., the harmonic oscillator). Three hours of lecture each week, and three hours of laboratory every other week. Laboratories include single photon interference, and tests of local realism (e.g., Bell inequalities). Prerequisites: Physics 246, 256 and Mathematics 244; Mathematics 300 or 367 are recommended.

386 Quantum Mechanics II
3; not offered 2012-13

Atomic physics and perturbation theory. Also includes other advanced topics, such as quantum information or molecular physics. Three hours of lecture each week. Prerequisite: Physics 385.

451, 452 Advanced Topics in Physics
1-3

Specialized topics in physics such as: spectroscopic techniques, semiconductor physics, laser physics, plasma physics, advanced instrumentation techniques. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

481, 482 Seminar
1, 1 Staff

Oral reports by students on individual reading and research, talks by faculty and visiting physicists, group discussion of readings of general interest. Students submit notes on talks and their own lecture notes. No examinations. One meeting per week. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

483, 484 Independent Study
1-3, 1-3 Staff

Experimental or theoretical research or reading in an area of physics not covered in regular courses, under supervision of a faculty member. Maximum six credits. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

490 Thesis
3, 3 Staff

Preparation of a thesis.

498 Honors Thesis
3, 3 Staff

Designed to further independent research or projects leading to the preparation of an undergraduate thesis or a project report. Required of and limited to senior honors candidates in physics. Prerequisite: admission to honors candidacy.