PHYS

This course explores the principles of nuclear fusion through the engineering of an inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) nuclear reactor. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills on a diverse range of topics, including vacuum systems, high-voltage electrical systems, computer controls and sensing, radiation safety, and fabrication. The course is inquiry-based and student-centered. As such, students in this course are expected to design and carry out independent research and communicate their findings to the class and public.

This course is the second in a sequence of calculus-based introductory physics classes and is required for the physics major and some other science majors. Fundamental principles of thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism are covered. A weekly laboratory is required.

This course is the first in a sequence of calculus-based introductory physics classes and is required for the physics major and some other science majors. Fundamental principles of mechanics, gravity, and oscillations are covered. A weekly laboratory is required.

This course is designed for any interested student regardless of major, although some majors require the calculus-based PHYS 122 course instead. Fundamental principles of thermodynamics, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics are covered. Although it is assumed that the student brings only a background of high school algebra and geometry, additional mathematical concepts are developed within the course. A weekly laboratory is required.

This course is designed for any interested student regardless of major, although some majors require the calculus-based PHYS 121 course instead. Fundamental principles of mechanics, gravity, and oscillations are covered. Although it is assumed that the student brings only a background of high school algebra and geometry, additional mathematical concepts are developed within the course. A weekly laboratory is required.

A survey of descriptive and physical astronomy, which are given roughly equal emphasis. Descriptive astronomy involves time reckoning, calendars, and the motions of the sun, moon, and planets. Physical astronomy deals with the composition and origin of the planets and solar system, as well as the evolution of stars and galaxies. A weekly laboratory is required.

This course treats the ancient astronomical tradition from its beginnings around 700 BC down to its culmination in the astronomical Renaissance of the sixteenth century. Attention is devoted not only to the emergence of astronomy as a science, but also to the place of astronomy in ancient life, including its use in time-telling, and its affiliations with literature and philosophy. The treatment of ancient technical astronomy is thorough enough to permit the student to apply ancient techniques in practical problems, e.g., in the design of sundials and the prediction of planet positions.

The Physics department strives to provide an environment of scientific inquiry and discovery on the part of both students and faculty. It offers a curriculum of classical and modern physics that prepares students for careers as scientists and citizens.