Courses in the Physics Department of Monmouth College

103G. Astronomy

An introduction to the study of our universe--its structures and their origin and evolution. Topics include the earth, the moon, planets and stars and how they affect our lives. Simple laboratory experiments and telescopic observation are part of the course.
(Four credits.)

130G. Introductory Physics I

Topics in classical mechanics, including kinematics, Newton's laws, work-energy principles, momentum and impulse, and rotational motion. Some differential calculus is used.
Corequisite: Mathematics 151.
(Four credits.)

132G. Introductory Physics II

Continuation of Physics 130. Topics include thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, oscillatory motion, and waves. Differential and integral calculus used freely.
Corequisite: Mathematics 152.
(Four credits.)

134. Introductory Physics III

Continuation of Physics 132. Topics include physical optics, special relativity, and introductory quantum physics.
(Three credits.)

190. Digital Electronics for Computer Science

An introduction to digital circuit design, both combination and sequential, and their application in constructing digital instruments. Includes microprocessor and elementary assembly language. There is a strong laboratory component to this course.
(Also Computer Science 190.)
(Four credits.)

208. Classical Mechanics

An introduction to the study of particles and systems under the action of various types of forces. Includes harmonic oscillator, central force and Lagrangian formulation. This course makes elegant use of mathematical techniques in solving physical problems.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 254 and Physics 132.
(Three credits.)

210. Circuit Analysis

Introduction to the techniques of analyzing resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuits. Topics include Kirchoff's rules, Thevenin's theorem, node-voltage method, mesh-current method, properties of RL, RC, and RLC circuits. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Physics 132.
(Four credits.)

211. Analog Electronics

Topics include high and low pass filters, differentiators, integrators, detailed study of transistor circuits, operational amplifiers, comparators, Schmitt triggers, and oscillator circuits. There is a strong laboratory component to this course. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Physics 132 or consent of the instructor.
(Four credits.)

212. Optics

A study of geometrical and physical optics. Topics include optical instruments, interference, diffraction, dispersion, and topics in modern optics. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 254 and Physics 132 or consent of instructor.
(Four credits.)

250. Special Topics

(One to three credits.)

302. Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics

A study of atomic and molecular structure, integrated with an introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include evidence for the atomic structure of matter, analysis of absorption and emission spectra, properties of the nonrelativistic Schrodinger equation, and its single-particle solutions for various force laws.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 254 and Physics 208.
(Four credits.)

303. Electricity and Magnetism

A detailed introduction to the principles of electrodynamics. Topics include electrostatics and magentostatics, both in vacuum and matter, and the development of Maxwell's equations to study electromagnetic fields.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 254 and Physics 132.
(Three credits.)

312. Quantum Mechanics II

Further development of the mathematical methods of quantum mechanics. Three-dimensional many-body problems are considered in greater detail. Topics include matrix formulation, perturbations, and introductory relativistic quantum mechanics.
Prerequisite: Physics 302.
(Three credits.)

325. Solid-State Physics

An introduction to solid-state physics, including crystal structure and the thermal, dielectric, and magnetic properties of solids. Topics include band theory and semiconductors, phonons, and superconductivity. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Physics 302.
(Four credits.)

350. Science Seminar

An introduction to the literature of the physical sciences providing the student with the opportunity to prepare and present reports. Required of juniors and seniors majoring in chemistry, geology, and physics. Other students are invited to participate. May be repeated up to four credits.
CR/NC. (One credit.)

365. Statistical Physics

An introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Topics include entropy and temperature, Boltzmann distribution, chemical potential and the Gibbs distribution and Fermi and Bose gases. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Physics 134 or consent of instruction.
(Three credits.)

401. Senior Seminar

Special topics in physics.
Prerequisites: Physics 210, 211 or 212, 303, and 325 or 356.
(Three credits.)

420. Independent Study

An individual project in theoretical or experimental physics chosen by the student in consultation with the physics faculty.
Prerequisites: Physics 208, 210, 302, and 303)
(Four credits.)

Thomas Kaeding, Physics Webmaster, tkaeding@monm.edu
Last modified 05 September 1997