PHYS 101

Principles of Physics I

An introduction to the fundamental ideas of physics. Beginning with kinematics—the quantitative description of motion—the course covers the Newtonian mechanics of point masses, Newton’s theory of universal gravitation, the work-energy principle, and the conservation of energy and momentum. Three lectures and one laboratory per week.

1.25 units, Lecture

PHYS 102

Principles of Physics II

A continuation of Physics 101L, this course covers topics such as elementary thermodynamics, the theory of special relativity, classical wave behavior, and the description of microscopic physical systems via quantum theory. Three lecture periods and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: Physics 101L or 131L.

1.25 units, Lecture

ASTR 103

Stars and Galaxies

This course provides an introduction to current views of the contents, structure, and evolution of the astronomical universe outside our solar system. Topics to be considered include cosmology, stellar evolution, the discovery of neutron stars, the formation of galaxies, the "discovery" of our own galaxy, and the search for black holes. Occasional viewing sessions and other observational exercises will be assigned. Enrollment limited. Offered in alternate years.

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 104

Environmental Physics

A study of the physical properties of the atmosphere, the oceans, and the earth, as well as a discussion of man-made modifications of these media. The relationship between the physics of our environment and the fundamental laws of physics (such as the conservation laws) will be stressed.

1.00 units, Lecture

ASTR 105

The Solar System

This introductory course will focus on building a conceptual and mathematical understanding of Earth's nearest astronomical neighbors: the Sun, planets, asteroids, comets, and other objects that make up our solar system. Topics range from the more familiar astronomical phenomena such as the occurrence of seasons, solar and lunar eclipses, and the motions of the planets in the night sky, to the most recent discoveries made by means of planetary space probes, and to the development of our modern understanding of the origin and evolution of the solar system itself. Occasional outdoor observing sessions will be offered, weather permitting.

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 105

Physics

No Course Description Available.

0.50 units, Independent Study

UBES 106

Energy and Society

No Course Description Available.

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 107

Exploring the unexpected: an introduction to relativity and quantum physics

Exploring the unexpected: an introduction to relativity and quantum physics. Relativity and quantum physics are two of the most significant developments of 20th century physics, and they continue to challenge our common-sense understanding of the world.  This course will examine some of the surprising and counter-intuitive aspects of our modern understanding of physical reality as exemplified by topics such as time dilation, simultaneity, wave-particle duality, and the double-slit experiment.  This course is designed for first-year students intending to major in one of the physical sciences, and is particularly appropriate for students who plan to enroll in introductory physics (Physics 131L) in the spring semester.

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 108

Energy and Society

A study of the energy sources man has used, from the steam engine to the nuclear reactor, and the effects they have had on his life and environment. We will examine the historical development of various energy sources and their technologies, the physical principles underlying these sources, the limitations imposed by pollution and resource exhaustion on the continued growth of energy use, the effect of the development of new energy sources on the quality of life, and the alternatives.

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 111

Frontiers of Physics

A course for non-science majors which will deal with some of the important as well as interesting developments in contemporary physics. Exemplary topics to be considered are gravitational waves and the search for the graviton; quarks and the elementary particles; the status of time reversal in current physical theories; pulsars, quasars, and cosmogony; controlled fusion research. The development will be carried out with a minimum of mathematics and at a pre-calculus level.

1.00 units, Lecture

GEOS 112

Introduction to Earth Science

The course will introduce students to the basic principles of geology, such as rock and mineral identification, the interpretation of the geological record, and the theory of plate tectonics. These principles will allow us to reconstruct the Earth’s history, to interpret sedimentary records in terms of environmental change, and to assess the impact of human activity on the Earth system. Additional topics include volcanoes and igneous rocks, sedimentary environments, the Earth’s climatic history, the formation of mountain ranges and continents, and an introduction to the Earth’s interior. Two one-day field trips focus on the local geology and the various rock types found within the state.

1.25 units, Lecture

PHYS 112

Introductory Geology

An introduction to the fundamental physical and chemical processes which have shaped the earth. Volcanism, sedimentation, the formation of rocks and minerals, and plate tectonics will be emphasized.

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 131

Mechanics and Heat

This course, the first part of a three-term calculus-based introduction to physics, is designed to provide the student with a working knowledge of the language and the analytical tools of Newtonian mechanics and of thermodynamics. Newton’s laws are used to study the motion of individual particles and of systems of particles. The ideas of work, energy, momentum, and impulse are introduced. Newton’s universal law of gravitation and a brief introduction to rigid-body motion round out the exposition of classical mechanics. The remainder of the term is devoted to a presentation of the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics and their applications to the prototypical thermodynamics system, the ideal gas. Three class meetings and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Concurrent Registration in or previous completion of Mathematics 131 with a grade of C- or better.

1.25 units, Lecture

GEOS 204

Earth Systems Science

Over recent centuries humans have evolved as the major agent of environmental change and are altering the global environment at a rate unprecedented in the Earth's history. This course provides the scientific background necessary for knowledgeable discussions on global change and the human impact on the environment. The major processes that affect the geo- and biosphere, as well as connections and feedback loops, will be discussed. The course also explores techniques that enable us to reconstruct short and long-term environmental changes from geological archives. Particular emphasis will be placed on climatic stability on Earth, the effects of global warming, the human threat to biodiversity, and the depletion of the ozone layer. Prerequisite: C- or better in Geological Sciences 112 and Mathematics 107 or higher.

1.25 units, Lecture

PHYS 231

Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves

This second part of the three-term calculus-based introductory sequence is devoted primarily to the study of electromagnetism. The emphasis is on the description of electric and magnetic phenomena in terms of fields. Topics to be covered include electrostatics and magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, and the characterization of energy and momentum in the electromagnetic field. The remainder of the course is taken up with basic properties of waves in general: wave kinematics, standing waves and resonance, interference and diffraction, and the Doppler effect. Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 131L and concurrent registration in or previous completion of either Mathematics 132 or Mathematics 142 with a grade of C- or better.

1.25 units, Lecture

PHYS 232

Optics and Modern Physics

Concluding the three-term calculus-based introductory sequence, this course begins with a brief treatment of physical optics. The remainder of the course is devoted to the treatment of phenomena at the atomic and subatomic levels using the ideas of quantum physics. From the introduction of the photon, the Bohr atom, and de Broglie’s matter waves, we proceed to the unified description provided by Schrodinger’s wave mechanics. This is used to understand basic properties of atoms, beginning with hydrogen, and to describe the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter. As time permits, the course will include an account of the basic ideas of solid state physics and of nuclear physics. Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 231L and either Mathematics 132 or 142, with concurrent registration in Mathematics 231 strongly recommended.

1.25 units, Lecture

PHYS 300

Mathematical Methods of Physics

This course is designed to provide a working background of mathematical tools for use in other upper-level courses and thus should normally be taken in the junior year. Beginning with a discussion of linear algebra, linear operators, and complete sets of functions to provide a unified setting for subsequent topics, we proceed to treat matrices, eigenvalue problems, differential equations, Green’s functions, and the special functions of mathematical physics. Additional topics, such as numerical methods or an introduction to group theory, may be taken up if time permits. Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 231L and Mathematics 231.

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 301

Classical Mechanics

A detailed analytical treatment of Newtonian mechanics. Lagrange’s equations are developed and applied to the analysis of motion governed by several exemplary force laws. The general problem of motion under the influence of central forces is formulated and applied to the motion of the planets and to scattering. We discuss the dynamics of rigid bodies, as well as oscillations in systems of masses coupled by springs. A brief introduction to the chaotic behavior of nonintegrable dynamical systems closes out the course. Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 231 and either Mathematics 231 or Mathematics 234.

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 302

Electrodynamics

A study of the unified description of electromagnetic phenomena provided by Maxwell’s equations in differential form. The scalar and vector potentials, multipole expansions, boundary value problems, propagation of electromagnetic waves, radiation from accelerated charges. Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 231 L and Mathematics 231 (concurrent registration in Mathematics 234 is strongly recommended).

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 304

Statistical Physics

This course pursues the description of large aggregates of particles using the techniques of probability theory. It provides a microscopic analysis, both classical and quantum, of the notions of temperature, thermal equilibrium, heat, and entropy. The partition function is introduced and shown to be a powerful tool for understanding the bulk properties of matter. In recent years, physicists have been applying the methods discussed here to phenomena outside the traditional realm of physics, such as fluctuations of stock prices. Time permitting, we will examine such applications. Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 232L.

1.00 units, Lecture

GEOS 305

Soil Science

After a brief introduction to the soil profile, its nomenclature and classification, the course will concentrate on the processes and factors that influence weathering and soil development. Topics to be covered include: physical and chemical weathering of rocks; the influences of parent material, topography, climate, and time on soil formation; and the relationships between soils and the biosphere. The remainder of the course will be taken up with the application of soils to geological and environmental problems. Two half-day field trips will familiarize students with the various soil types found in Connecticut. Prerequisite: C- or better in Geoscience 112L

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 307

Modern Physics

This course provides a reasonably comprehensive picture of our current understanding of phenomena at the atomic and subatomic levels, using basic ideas of quantum physics. Topics to be covered include the structure of atoms, molecules, solids, and nuclei; the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter; and, time permitting, an introduction to special relativity and particle physics. Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 232L.

1.00 units, Lecture

GEOS 312

Geophysics

A study of the physical properties of the Earth, how they are measured, and how they can be used to explore the interior of the Earth, inaccessible to direct observation. Topics for discussion include the shape of Earth and gravitational potential, seismology, and Earth's thermal, magnetic, and electrical properties. Prerequisites: Physics 131 and Mathematics 132. Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 131 and Math 132

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 312

Geophysics

An investigation of some of the principal physical processes occurring in the earth and its oceans. Topics will include seismology, structure of the core and mantle, geomagnetism, plate tectonics, properties of sea water, and the dynamics of ocean circulation. Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 131 and Math 132

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 313

Quantum Mechanics

A thorough study of the general formalism of quantum mechanics together with some illustrative applications, including the postulates of quantum mechanics; states, observables, and operators; measurements in quantum mechanics; the Dirac notation; simple systems: the square well, the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom; approximation techniques and perturbation theory; and elements of the quantum theory of angular momentum. Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 232L.

1.00 units, Lecture

PHYS 320

Modern Physical Measurements

A series of measurements in a focused area of modern experimental physics, this course is designed to offer an in-depth exposure to and understanding of instruments and techniques employed in current experimental investigations. It also provides experiences pertinent to participation in experimental research typified by Physics 490. The series of experiments to be performed will be determined in advance by the student(s) and the instructor(s). Prerequisite: C- or better in Physics 232L.

1.00 units, Lecture

GEOS 399

Independent Study

No Course Description Available.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study

PHYS 399

Independent Study

Submission of the special form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for enrollment.

1.00 units min / 2.00 units max, Independent Study

PHYS 405

Senior Exercise

This exercise is intended to familiarize the student with a problem of current interest in physics, and to develop his or her ability to gather and interpret the information relevant to the problem. During the fall semester each senior student will meet with an assigned faculty adviser to plan an essay or research project to be completed during the year. Topics may involve any aspects of physics, including its various applications. While students may write on original research they have undertaken, they are not required to do so. This exercise is required for the physics major. Open to senior physics majors. Senior Physics Majors Only.

0.50 units, Independent Study

GEOS 466

Teaching Assistantship

No Course Description Available.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study

PHYS 466

Physics

No Course Description Available.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Lecture

PHYS 490

Research Assistantship

Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study

PHYS 497

Senior Thesis

Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for enrollment in this single-semester thesis.

0.00 units, Independent Study