Major and Minor Requirments
The Physics major provides students with an opportunity to learn and apply physical principles to a wide variety of applications. An understanding of physics is excellent preparation for a diverse array of careers, including engineering, astronomy, and financial modeling. The major requirements are flexible. Each student, with the help of his or her advisor, may select the courses that best suit his or her interests and abilities.
The Physics Major requires 41 credits, which must include:
PHYS 104: Understandings of Physics I *
PHYS 105: Understandings of Physics II *
PHYS 203: Intermediate Physics I
PHYS 204: Intermediate Physics II
PHYS 310: Mathematical Methods in Physical Science OR
PHYS 312: Electronics
PHYS 400 Senior Seminar (1 credit)
PHYS 406 Experimental Physics OR
PHYS 408 Observational Astrophysics
*With consent of the department chair, CHEM 101, 102 may be substituted for PHYS 104, 105.
In addition, physics majors are required to take 16 credits of coursework at the 300 level or higher. With approval of the department chair, up to 8 credits may be selected from an approved list of science courses outside the Physics Department. MATH 112, 113, and 306 also are required.
The physics major elective courses may be selected to accommodate various interests and career objectives. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students may elect to concentrate in any of several different areas.
Students electing to pursue a concentration in astrophysics have regular access to instruments at Yerkes Observatory, one of the premiere astrophysical research observatories in the world. Carthage also owns and maintains a variety of telescopes, CCD cameras, and research equipment, which the student may use. The astrophysics concentration includes PHYS 303, 407, 408, (308 and 405), or (360 and 410).
Students planning to pursue further education in engineering or applied physics should consult a faculty advisor to select course electives appropriate to their intended engineering specialty.
Students intending to pursue advanced degrees in physics should take electives that cover the core material required for admission to graduate school. These include PHYS 303, 308, 310, 360, 405, 410, and 471.
Physics Minor
The physics department offers a minor in physics that consists of either:
PHYS 104, 105, 203, and 204, and two additional courses in physics numbered 300 or higher.
OR
PHYS 203, 204, and three additional courses in physics numbered 300 or higher. Students interested in teaching physics should consult the department chair for suggested courses.
Honors in the Major
Please see page 25 for basic requirements and the department chair for details.
Physics Course Catalog
103 Astronomy, 4credits (Quashnock)
A study of astronomy beginning with its historical roots and leading to our current understanding of the sun and other components of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe. Students study the night sky and methods used by astronomers. Lecture, 3 periods; laboratory, 2 periods. Some evening laboratories are required.
Fall/Spring Term
Prerequisites:
High school algebra.
104 Understanding of Physics I, 4credits (Arion)
This course is an introduction to the approaches used by scientists to study and describe the Universe. Students will develop an understanding of the mechanisms and principles of the Universe through the eyes of Calilio, Newton, and Einstein. Topics will include understanding physical effects, and mechanical, electrical, and atomic phenomena.
Fall Term
Prerequisites:
High school algebra.
105 Understanding of Physics II, 4credits (Quashnock)
This course applies physical principles as used by scientists to understand and describe phenomena in the Universe. Students will study applications of physics to a wide range of real-life situations.
Spring Term
Prerequisites:
PHYS 104 or permission from department chair.
150 Cosmology: The Big Bang, 4credits (Quashnock)
A study of the people and ideas that have shaped our current view and understanding of the cosmos. Topics will include: astronomy of ancient civilizations; the development of the Copernican solar system; the size of the galaxy and the cosmological distance ladder; relativity and black holes; Hubble and the expanding universe; big-bang cosmology and the history of the early universe; exotic particles, funny energy, and the fate of the universe; current and future space science missions; and the search for extra-solar planets and intelligent life.
Fall Term
Prerequisites:
High school algebra.
201 Fundamentals of Physics I, 4credits (Burling)
An introduction to physics for which no prior training in physics or chemistry is required. The study of mechanics, heat, and sound. Lecture, 3 periods; laboratory, 3 periods.
Fall Term
Prerequisites:
High school algebra.
202 Fundamentals of Physics II, 4credits (Schwartz)
A study of electricity and magnetism, light, and atomic physics. Lecture, 3 periods; laboratory, 3 periods.
Spring Term
Prerequisites:
Physics 201.
203 Intermediate Physics I, 4credits (Schwartz)
An introduction to mechanics, heat and sound, requiring the use of calculus. Lecture, 3 periods; laboratory, 3 periods.
Fall Term
Prerequisites:
One course in Calculus or departmental approval.
204 Intermediate Physics II, 4credits (Quashnock)
An introduction to electricity, magnetism, and light and modern physics; requires the use of calculus. Lecture, 3 periods; laboratory, 3 periods.
Spring Term
Prerequisites:
Physics 203.
271 Topics in Physics, 1-4credits (Staff)
A course of variable content on issues not covered in other courses in the department with a focus on issues that are of current interest to the physics community. Term
Prerequisites: Completion of a lab science and mathematics or permission of the instructor.
303 Optics, 4credits (Quashnock)
Addresses optical phenomena across the electromagnetic spectrum. Topics include propagation of light, lenses and mirrors, and optical systems. Optics suitable for IR, Visible, UV, and X-ray regimes will be considered.
Fall Term
Prerequisites:
PHYS 204 or permission by the department chair.
308 Mechanics, 4credits (Schwartz)
A study of particle dynamics in inertial and accelerated reference frames, gravitational potential, motion in a central force field, and an introduction to Lagrangian methods. Lecture, 3 periods.
Fall Term
Prerequisites:
PHYS 204 or both PHYS 202 and MATH 113.
310 Mathematical Methods in Physical Science, 4credits (Quashnock)
Analytical and numerical techniques appropriate to the solution of complex physical problems. Students perform calculations and write computer codes to create numerical models of physical systems. Students conduct projects involving numerical and analytical approaches to solving a problem.
Spring Term
Prerequisites:
Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 204 or departmental approval.
312 Electronics, 4credits (Schwartz)
Study of the principles of operation of thermionic and solid state devices and their functions. Topics from both analog (electronic components, power supplies, amplifiers) and digital (Boolean algebra, logic gages, (de)multiplexers, shift registers) circuits will be covered. Lecture, 3 periods; laboratory, 3 periods.
Spring Term
Prerequisites:
PHYS 202 or 204 or departmental approval.
350 Field Placement, credits (Staff)
Enables the student to explore a possible physics career and to work in an individual, academically-oriented position designed to supplement or complement the student's academic experience. All field placements require faculty supervision and regular meetings between the student and the instructor. 2-8 credits.
Term
Prerequisites:
Permission of instructor.
355 Internship, credits (Staff)
An internship enables students to gain practical experience in physics. Such internships are longer in duration than field placements. All internships require faculty supervision and regular meetings between the student and the instructor. 4-8 credits.
Term
Prerequisites:
Permission of instructor.
360 Thermostatistics, 4credits (Crosby)
A study of the thermodynamic concepts used to describe the macroscopic properties and behavior of systems namely, temperature, internal energy and entropy, and the relationship of these to microscopic behavior of systems as developed through statistical mechanics. Lecture, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods.
Fall Term
Prerequisites:
PHYS 204 or departmental approval.
400 Senior Seminar, 1credits (Arion)
Work on a research topic under the supervision of staff members. Students learn the skills necessary to successfully complete a Senior Thesis in physics. Seminar is required of all senior physics students. Students may not receive credit more than once.
Term
Prerequisites:
Senior standing.
405 Electricity and Magnetism, 4credits (Arion)
The study of the electric and magnetic effects of charges and currents leading to a presentation of Maxwell's equations and including such topics as electrostatic fields, electrostatic and magnetic energy, and potential theory. Lecture, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods.
Term
Prerequisites:
MATH 306 and either PHYS 202 or 204.
406 Experimental Physics, 4credits (Schwartz)
An advanced laboratory course for senior physics majors which builds on the skills and techniques acquired in Physics 306: Introduction to Experimental Physics. Students are expected to draw heavily on all the previous course work in physics and mathematics and to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in those courses in planning and carrying out significant experimental work in physics. Laboratory, six hours scheduled; additional time will be required.
Spring Term
Prerequisites:
Senior standing and successful completion of at least 22 credits in physics.
407 Astrophysics, 4credits (Quashnock)
Covers key elements of the field astrophysics. Topical areas may include stellar evolution, cosmology, planetary science, and the sun.
Fall Term
Prerequisites:
PHYS 204 and 205 or permission by the department chair.
408 Observational Astrophysics, 4credits (Arion)
Covers the observational research used by astrophysicists to study the Universe. Students will conduct observing projects using equipment at Carthage, at the Yerkes Observatory, and at other facilities. Observational techniques will include imaging and image analysis, and other methods as appropriate to student projects. Lecture and laboratory.
Spring Term
Prerequisites:
PHYS 407 or permission by the department chair.
410 Quantum Mechanics, 4credits (Crosby)
A study of the principles of quantum mechanics. Students will apply the Schroedinger theory and operator algebra to the study of such problems as potential wells and barriers, tunneling, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom. Lecture, 3 periods; lab, 3 periods.
Spring Term
Prerequisites:
MATH 306, PHYS 202 or 204.
450 Independent Study, credits (Staff)
A student can conduct independent study in a topic of interest in physics. It is understood that this course will not duplicate any other course regularly offered in the curriculum, and that the student will work in this course as independently as the instructor believes possible. 2 or 4 credits.
Term
Prerequisites:
Permission of the instructor.
471 Topics in Physics, 1-4credits (Staff)
A course of variable content on topics not covered in other courses offered by the department.? Topics include condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, fluid mechanics, relativity, and other advanced topics in physics. Lecture, 3 periods.
Fall/J-Term/Spring/Summer Term
Prerequisites:
Departmental approval.
490 Independent Research, credits (Staff)
An opportunity for students to conduct original research in physics. Suitable topics are those which require substantial library and/or laboratory research, reading, and in-depth study. 2 or 4 credits.
Term
Prerequisites:
Permission of the instructor.