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Physics
The word physics
originates from the Greek word for nature. Physicists attempt
to understand the basic principles that govern the behavior
of the natural world in which we live. The courses in physics
are designed to serve both students interested in science
as an important part of a general education and those desiring
intensive training in physical science. Students may major
in physics as preparation for further professional training
in physics or engineering, or as excellent background for
careers in other fields such as medicine, law, astronomy,
biology, geology, and secondary-school science teaching. Interested
physics students at Oberlin have opportunities to work closely
with faculty members on research projects during academic
terms, winter terms, and summers.
Advanced
Placement. Students who earn sufficiently high scores
on advanced placement examinations in physics will be given
credit for all or part of Physics 103 and 104 or Physics 110
and 111 according to the following schedule:
Physics
B examination: Students earning a score of 4 will receive
4 hours of credit for Physics 103; students earning a score
of 5 will receive 8 hours of credit for Physics 103 and 104.
Physics
C examination (Mechanics): Students earning a score of 4 or
5 will receive 3 hours of credit for Physics 110.
Physics
C examination (Electricity and Magnetism): Students earning
a score of 5 will receive 4 hours of credit for Physics 111.
Students
earning any credit through these examinations will receive
full QP credit.
High-school
students who might wish to major in physics should take the
calculus-based Physics C courses and examinations, if possible.
Students
who have received advanced placement in either physics or
mathematics and who are considering physics as a possible
major should consult the chair of the Physics Department upon
arrival in Oberlin regarding course selection and major requirements.
Although Physics 103 and 104 are not the normal prerequisites
for Physics 112 and upper-level courses, the Department is
prepared to arrange a transition to these courses for those
who have earned credit through the Physics B examination,
have good backgrounds in mathematics, and are interested in
majoring in physics.
Entry-Level
Course Sequence Suggestions. Students considering a physics
major who qualify for Mathematics 134, 231 or 234 as freshmen
should take those courses and Physics 110, 111. Those without
advanced standing in mathematics should take Mathematics 133,
134 as freshmen and Physics 110, 111 as sophomores; such students
may take the full graduate study preparation program with
the exception of Physics 410 and Physics 411, and be prepared
for graduate work in physics.
Physics
110, 111, and 112 provide training useful to students of any
of the physical sciences or mathematics. Students majoring
in the life and earth sciences are also encouraged to take
these courses if they have the necessary mathematical background.
Physics
103, 104 are primarily for students majoring in the life and
earth sciences. With the permission of the department an exceptional
student who has taken all or part of Physics 103, 104 may
use it as background for further work in physics.
Physics
50-70 are designed for College and Conservatory students whose
primary interests may not lie in the natural sciences but
who wish to have a first hand acquaintance with the techniques
and results of physical science.
Major
Work. A physics major is required to pass Physics 110,
111, 112, 314, 414, and at least three courses chosen from
Physics 310, 311, 312, 410, 411, and 412. Prerequisites for
these courses include Mathematics 133, 134, 231, and 234.
This minimum program is appropriate for students using physics
as preparation for careers in fields such as medicine, law,
business, or secondary-school teaching. (Such students will
also find courses in chemistry, biology, and computer science
to be valuable.) Students who wish to pursue physics as a
career in research or in college or university teaching should
take the graduate study preparation program, which
consists of all the courses listed above (i.e., it includes
all six of Physics 310, 311, 312, 410, 411, and 412). A graduate
of this program could pursue undelayed full-time graduate
study in physics or could enter certain positions in industrial
or governmental laboratories.
Computer
applications are important in all branches of physics. We
urge all physics majors to consult their advisors about obtaining
the appropriate background.
Minor.
The minor in physics consists of Physics 110, 111, 112, and
two courses numbered between 200 and 450. At least three of
these courses must be taken at Oberlin.
Honors.
The honors program is open to outstanding senior-year major
students at the invitation of the department. Students in
this program will normally be expected to complete the graduate
study preparation program of courses described above and must
carry out a special project in experimental or theoretical
physics or astrophysics under the direction of a member of
the department. Honors students write a thesis based on their
work and take comprehensive examinations. The physics major
requirement of Physics 414 may be waived upon request for
an honors student whose project is in experimental physics.
Other
Programs. Students with special interests are encouraged
to include physics courses in an individual major, or to plan
a double major. Those interested in careers in engineering
may take a physics major, or they may consider the Combined
Liberal Arts and Engineering Program described in the introductory
portion of the College of Arts and Sciences section of this
catalog.
Winter
Term. Physics faculty will consider sponsoring student-initiated
experimental or theoretical (reading) projects in areas of
physics or astronomy. Staff members have special interests
in the areas shown below.
Mr.
FitzGerald: physics of sports, investigation of cement
materials. Mr. Goff: condensed matter theory, physics
of sports. Ms. Ijiri: materials science (particularly
magnetic materials). Mr. Scofield: experimental solid
state physics, solar energy (particularly photovoltaics),
electronics. Mr. Stinebring: radio astronomy, pulsars,
cosmology, instrumentation, image processing. Mr. Styer:
relativity for non-scientists, mini-research projects in theoretical
physics.
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Courses
for a General Audience
In
addition to these courses, ASTR 100 may be of interest.
051. Einstein
and Relativity 1 hour
1NS
An
examination of the special and general theories of relativity
and of how these theories have changed our conception of space
and time. Notes: CR/NE grading. Enrollment Limit:
130.
Sem
2 PHYS-051-01 TuTh 10:00-10:50 Mr. Styer MODULE
1
052. The
Strange World of Quantum Mechanics 1 hour
1NS,
QPh
The
behavior of atoms and electrons is governed by rules that
seem bizarre to our eyes because our opinion of what is usual
and what is strange is based on only macroscopic experience.
This course investigates these strange conceptual underpinnings
of quantum mechanics. Notes: Students earning credit
in both PHYS 051 and PHYS 052 may also earn half quantitative
proficiency certification through this course. CR/NE grading.
Enrollment Limit: 125.
Sem
2 PHYS-052-01 TuTh 10:00-10:50 Mr. Styer MODULE
2
054. Musical
Acoustics 3 hours
3NS,
QPh
Next
offered 2002-2003.
055. Principles
of Solar Energy 3 hours
3NS,
QPh
This
course is designed to lay the science foundation for understanding
a variety of topics associated with solar energy, particularly
as it applies to building design. Topics to be discussed include
work and energy, heat and heat storage, temperature, thermodynamics
and the conversion of heat into work, the motion of the earth
around the sun and the seasons, the electromagnetic spectrum,
blackbody radiation, the greenhouse effect, thermal conduction,
thermal insulation, windows and heat gain, electric heat pump,
air-conditioning, fuel cells, DC electrical circuits, solar
cells, and energy storage. Prerequisites: High school
physics and CHEM 101, or consent of instructor. Enrollment
Limit: 24.
Sem
1 PHYS-055-01 TuTh 9:30-10:50 Mr. Scofield
061. The
Physics of Sports 3 hours
3NS,
QPh
This
course is pitched at a general audience proficient in algebra
and possibly exposed to basic trigonometry. (Any trigonometry
used in the course will be introduced as needed.) The main
goal of the course is to learn how to apply some basic physics
to the world of sports. While we will not be concentrating
on equation derivation too much, we will learn how to apply
equations and physics ideas as models for the real world.
Enrollment Limit: 30
Sem
1 PHYS-061-01 TuTh 9:30-10:50 Mr. Goff
065. Nature
of Electronic Materials: Deconstructing Your Computer 3
hours
3NS
Next
offered 2002-2003.
066. Light
and Color 3 hours
3NS
A
survey of topics related to the physics of light and color,
including lenses, photography, vision, color mixing, color
perception, atmospheric effects (e.g., sunsets and halos),
image processing, and holography. Prerequisite: High
school algebra. Enrollment Limit: 24.
Sem
2 PHYS-066-01 TuTh 9:30-10:50 Ms. Keller
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Courses
Primarily for Students Intending to Major in a Science
103. Elementary
Physics I 4 hours
4NS,
QPf
This
course is an algebra/trig-based introduction to classical
mechanics, fluids, waves, and optics, intended primarily for
students in the life or earth sciences, but also accessible
to non-science students having good high-school mathematics
preparation. Topics to be covered include projectile motion,
rotational motion, Newton's laws, gravity, energy, momentum,
collisions, simple harmonic motion, geometric and physical
optics, Archimedes' principle, Pascal's principle, and Bernoulli's
equation. Students will be required to make extensive use
of algebra and trigonometry. Those planning to major in physics
should take PHYS 110 instead. Notes: May not be taken
for credit in addition to PHYS 110. The laboratory is an integral
part of this course and may not be taken alone.
Sem
1 PHYS-103-01 MWF 10:00-10:50 Staff Limit:
60
Laboratories
|
|
PHYS-103-02 |
F 1:30-4:30 |
Ms.
Keller |
Limit:
20 |
|
|
PHYS-103-03 |
M 1:30-4:30 |
Ms.
Keller |
Limit:
20 |
|
|
PHYS-103-04 |
Tu
1:30-4:30 |
Ms.
Keller |
Limit:
20 |
| 104. |
Elementary
Physics II |
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|
4
hours |
4NS,
QPf
An
introduction to electricity and magnetism, special relativity,
and modern physics, including applications to geology, biology,
and medicine. Intended primarily for students in the life
and earth sciences; those planning to major in physics should
take PHYS 111 instead. Prerequisite: PHYS 103 or consent
of instructor. Notes: May not be taken for credit in
addition to PHYS 111. The laboratory is an integral part of
this course and may not be taken alone.
Sem
2 PHYS-104-01 MWF 10:00-10:50 Staff Limit:
60
Laboratories
|
|
PHYS-104-02 |
M 1:30-4:30 |
Ms.
Keller |
Limit:
20 |
|
|
PHYS-104-03 |
Tu
1:30-4:30 |
Ms.
Keller |
Limit:
20 |
|
|
PHYS-104-04 |
F 1:30-4:30 |
Ms.
Keller |
Limit:
20 |
| 110. |
Mechanics
and Relativity |
|
|
3
hours |
3NS,
QPf
An
introductory study of Newtonian mechanics and special relativity,
focusing on conceptual understanding and problem solving.
Topics include point-particle dynamics, conservation principles,
oscillation, systems of particles, rotation; time dilation,
lenght contraction, and the relativity of simultaneity. Corequisite:
MATH 134 or equivalent. Note: May not be taken for
credit in addition to PHYS 103.
Sem
1 PHYS-110-01 MWF 9:00-9:50 Mr. Styer
111. Electricity,
Magnetism, and Thermodynamics 4 hours
4NS,
QPf
This
is the second course in the three-semester calculus-based
introductory sequence. Topics include electric and magnetic
fields, electric and magnetic properties of matter, direct
and alternating current circuits, electromagnetic phenomena,
thermodynamics, and kinetic theory. Corequisite: MATH
231. Prerequisites: PHYS 110. Note: May not
be taken for credit in addition to PHYS 104.
Sem
2 PHYS-111-01 MWF 9:00-9:50 Mr. Stinebring Limit:
60
Laboratories
|
|
PHYS-111-02 |
Tu
1:30-4:30 |
Mr.
Goff |
Limit:
20 |
|
|
PHYS-111-03 |
W 1:30-4:30 |
Mr.
Goff |
Limit:
20 |
|
|
PHYS-111-04 |
Th
1:30-4:30 |
Mr.
Goff |
Limit:
20 |
| 112. |
Modern
Physics |
|
|
|
4
hours |
4NS,
QPf
This
is the last course in the three-semester calculus-based introductory
physics sequence. The course covers waves and topics in modern
(twentieth-century) physics. Topics include relativistic dynamics,
quantum properties of light, wave properties of matter, elementary
wave mechanics, nuclear and particle physics, and statistical
physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 111 and MATH 231.
Sem
1 PHYS-112-01 MWF 11:00-11:50 Mr. Scofield Limit:
45
Laboratories
| PHYS-112-02 |
Tu
1:30-4:30 |
Mr.
Stinebring |
Limit:
15 |
| PHYS-112-03 |
W 1:30-4:30 |
Mr.
Stinebring |
Limit:
15 |
Ms.
Keller
PHYS-112-04 Th
1:30-4:30 Mr. Stinebring Limit: 15
114. Special
Laboratory 1 hour
1NS
This
course is the laboratory portion of PHYS 112. It is open only
to students who require it to satisfy medical school entrance
requirements. Notes: May not be taken for credit in
addition to PHYS 112. CR/NE grading. Consent of instructor
required . Enrollment Limit: 12.
| Sem
1 |
|
PHYS-114-01 |
Tu
1:30-4:30 |
Mr.
Stinebring |
|
|
PHYS-114-02 |
W 1:30-4:30 |
Mr.
Stinebring/Ms. Keller |
|
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PHYS-114-03 |
Th
1:30-4:30 |
Mr.
Stinebring |
| 152. |
Dark
Matter and the Fate of the Universe |
|
2
hours |
2NS
Matter
in the universe makes its presence known through gravitational
effects, particularly on the dynamics of galaxies and clusters
of galaxies. The amount of gravitating matter in the universe
is 30 to 100 times the amount of matter visible through telescopes,
leading to what has been called the dark matter or missing
mass problem. We will explore this forefront problem using
Newtonian dynamics. We will also investigate how the density
of matter and the probable existence of cosmic anti-gravity
affect the eventual fate of the universe. Emphasis will be
placed on the observational underpinnings of cosmology. Prerequisites:
PHYS 110 (or PHYS 103 with consent of instructor). Identical
to ASTR 152.
Sem
2 PHYS-152-01 TuTh 9:30-10:50 Mr. Stinebring MODULE
1
242. Electronics 3
hours
3NS,
QPf
Next
offered 2002-2003.
252. Astrophysics:
Stellar Structure 2 hours
2NS,
QPf
Identical
to ASTRO 252.
Next
offered 2002-2003.
254. Astrophysics:
Cosmology 2 hours
2NS,
QPf
An
introduction to physical cosmology. An observational overview
will include Hubble expansion, microwave background radiation,
and the missing mass problem. The Big Bang model will be developed
in detail, including inflation and the connection with particle
physics. Evidence that the cosmic expansion is accelerating
will be presented, and the implications of this startling
fact will be explored Prerequisites: PHYS 112. Identical
to ASTR 254.
Sem
2 PHYS-254-01 TuTh 9:30-10:50 Mr. Stinebring MODULE
2
310. Classical
Mechanics 4 hours
4NS,
QPf
Newtonian
mechanics of particles and systems: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian
formulations, oscillators, central force motion, rigid body
motion, and special relativity. Some use will be made of computers.
Prerequisites: PHYS 111 and MATH 234.
Sem
2 PHYS-310-01 MWF 11:00-11:50 Mr. Goff
311. Electricity
and Magnetism 4 hours
4NS,
QPf
An
in-depth study of electric and magnetic fields and their effects
on matter. Vector calculus will be used extensively after
a brief review of it. We will learn to solve a variety of
boundary value problems using techniques useful in many areas
of physics. We will explore Maxwell's equations in detail,
culminating in an introduction to electromagnetic radiation.
Practical topics will be interspersed throughout the course.
Prerequisites: PHYS 310 and MATH 234.
Sem
2 PHYS-311-01 MWF 9:00-9:50 Staff
312. Quantum
Mechanics 4 hours
4NS,
QPf
A
rigorous study of the foundations of quantum mechanics, with
applications to one-dimensional systems, angular momentum,
and the hydrogen atom. Stationary-state perturbation theory.
Mathematical solutions to the Schrödinger equation will
be developed. Prerequisites: PHYS 112 and PHYS 310
and MATH 234.
Sem
1 PHYS-312-01 MWF 11:00-11:50 Mr. Goff
314. Intermediate
Laboratory 2 hours
2NS,
QPf
Introduction
to physics laboratory techniques, such as the use of vacuum
systems, optical devices, lock-in amplifiers, cryostats, and
nuclear instrumentation. Each student attends two laboratory
sessions per week and turns in short reports for each experiment
with one longer report at the end of the semester. Prerequisites:
PHYS 112.
Sem
1 PHYS-314-01 TuTh 1:30-4:30 Staff
410. Statistical
Mechanics 4 hours
4NS,
QPf
Thermodynamics,
classical and quantal statistical mechanics, entropy, temperature,
chemical potential, ensembles. Applications include magnetism,
phase transitions, heat capacities of gases and solids, thermal
radiation, ideal fermion and boson gases. Prerequisites:
PHYS 312 or CHEM 339.
Sem
1 PHYS-410-01 MWF 11:00-11:50 Mr. Styer
411. Electrodynamics 4
hours
4NS,
QPf
Next
offered 2002-2003.
412. Applied
Quantum Mechanics 4 hours
4NS,
QPf
The
first half of this course treats atomic physics, including
time-dependent perturbation theory. The second half treats
an advanced topic selected by the students and instructor.
Possible topics include quantal chaos, computer use in quantum
mechanics, relativistic quantum field theory, quantal dissipation,
and experimental tests of quantum mechanics. Prerequisites:
PHYS 312.
Sem
2 PHYS-412-01 MWF 11:00-11:50 Mr. Styer
414. Advanced
Laboratory 2 hours
2NS,
QPf
Each
student attends two laboratory sessions per week and performs,
semi-independently, five to six experiments chosen from the
fields of atomic, nuclear, and elementary particle physics,
condensed matter physics, and optics. Phenomena typically
investigated include the low-temperature resistivity of a
metal, angular correlations between gamma rays emitted by
Co-60, the Compton effect, superconductivity in Y-Ba-Cu-O,
Johnson noise, and the Hall effect in a thin metallic film.
Students must keep an organized laboratory notebook, turn
in short reports describing the key results of each experiment,
and write a longer paper describing one experiment in the
form of a research publication. Prerequisites: PHYS
314.
Sem
2 PHYS-414-01 TuTh 1:30-4:30 Mr. Scofield
451. Special
Problems in Physics 1-5 hours
1-5NS
Special
course work or research projects, for students at all levels
who are prepared to work independently. Note: CR/NE
grading. Consent of instructor required . Projects
sponsored by Mr. Goff, Mr. Scofield, Mr. Stinebring, Mr. Styer.
453. Special
Problems in Physics 1-5 hours
1-5NS
The
same as PHYS 451, but graded on a letter basis. Consent
of instructor required . Projects sponsored by Mr. Goff,
Mr. Scofield, Mr. Stinebring, Mr. Styer.
555. Research 2-6
hours
2-6NS
Projects
for individual investigation. Interested students are encouraged
to speak with faculty members about possible projects. Students
in the Physics Honors program are required to enroll. Consent
of instructor required . Projects sponsored by Mr. Goff,
Mr. Scofield, Mr. Stinebring, Mr. Styer.
995. Private
Reading 1-3 hours
1-3NS
Consent
of instructor required . Projects sponsored by Mr. Goff,
Mr. Scofield, Mr. Stinebring, Mr. Styer.
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