COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PC120: Topics in Physics
Not offered 2009-2010
Experimental or occasional courses taught by visiting professors or permanent faculty. Courses under this rubric will vary year to year. 1 unit.

PC123: Scientific Revolutions: The Copernican Revolution
Block 1 - Hilt
Planetary astronomy from the Greeks to the age of Newton. This course is a blend of history and science, and it explores the role of planetary astronomy in the development of Western thought. Readings from Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and Newton. Astronomical observations and laboratory works. (Satisfies the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) (Meets either the Critical Perspectices: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World or The West in Time requirement.) 1 unit.

PC124: Scientific Revolutions: Relativity
Block 2 - Burns
The course examines the 19th and 20th-century modifications of Newtonian ideas of space, time and interactions. We focus on the concepts and consequences of the theory of relativity: length contraction, time dilations, the relativity of simultaneity, the equivalence of mass and energy, new approaches to gravitation, and black holes. We also explore the impact of relativity outside science. Readings from Einstein, Minkowski, Holton, Kuhn and others. (Meets either the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World of The West in Time requirement.) 1 unit.

PC129: Acoustics
Not offered 2009-2010
Physics of motion, vibrations and waves, with application to hearing, music and architectural acoustics. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit.

PC131: Cultural Astronomy of the Southwest
Block 7 - Hilt
Surveys the history and concepts of Western astronomy as background for other cultural approaches to astronomy. Focuses on archaeoastronomy and ethnoastronomy of native Southwestern peoples. including Ancestral Puebloans as well as narratives, social patterns and belief systems. (Also listed as SW 131). (Meets either the Critical Perspectives: Diverse Cultures and Critiques or Scientific Investigation of the natural world lab or field requirement.) 1 unit.

PC133: Astronomy
Block 1 - Burns, Block 2 - Hilt
Our solar system, our galaxy, the expanding universe of galaxies. Methods for obtaining astronomical data; fundamental properties of planets, stars, interstellar matter and galaxies; their origin and evolution; unusual objects like pulsars, quasars and black holes; life in the universe. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit.

PC135: Meteorology
Not offered 2009-2010
Basic physics principles are introduced and used to study dynamic processes in the atmosphere: atmospheric energy flow, solar radiation, green-house effect, large-scale circulation of the atmosphere, small-scale processes including clouds and storms, weather forecasting, man's impact on weather and climate. Laboratory and field experiments and field trips will be utilized. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit.


PC136: How Things Work
Not offered 2009-2010
A practical introduction to the physics in everyday life. Covers examples from simple experiences like ice skating and drinking through a straw to complicated devices like televisions and microwaves. These are explained using physical principles, logical arguments, schematic diagrams, a lot of demonstrations, and a few equations. Each student dissects and explains a mechanical or electrical device, such as a wind up clock, bicycle, or a vacuum cleaner, using principles and techniques developed in the course. Requires no previous experience with physics. Those with significant previous physics experience will find some repetition, but significant new applications. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit.

PC137: Conceptual Physics
Not offered 2009-2010
A nonmathematical introduction to some of the important concepts in physics such as inertia, gravity, energy, relativity, and quanta. Some examples of phenomena and devices that might be covered include falling and floating bodies, rocket action, tides, waves of many kinds, the behavior of atoms, fission and fusion, lasers, the twin paradox, and black holes. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit.


PC141: Introductory Physics I
Block 1 - Cervantes, Perdue, Block 5 - Burns, Whitten
An introduction to scientific thought and method through a study of the major theories in physics and the phenomena that provoked them from their origins in Greek civilization through the 20th century. The first block: mechanics, heat and relativity; the second block: electricity, magnetism, waves, and quantum physics. (Primarily for students who do not intend to major in the physical sciences). Calculus 1 (MA 126) is recommended. Ideas from calculus will be used in the development of the subject, but formal training in calculus is not required. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit.


PC142: Introductory Physics II
Block 3 - Cervantes, Mondragon, Block 8 - Burns, Mondragon
An introduction to scientific thought and method through a study of the major theories in physics and the phenomena that provoked them from their origins in Greek civilization through the 20th century. The first block: mechanics, heat and relativity; the second block: electricity, magnetism, waves, and quantum physics. (Primarily for students who do not intend to major in the physical sciences). Calculus 1 (MA 126) is recommended. Ideas from calculus will be used in the development of the subject, but formal training in calculus is not required. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) Prerequisite: Physics 141. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit.

PC151: Biophysics: Physics and Living Things
Not offered 2009-2010
How physical principles apply to living things. Some examples of the kinds of topics to be discussed are muscle action, running, jumping, flying, circulation of blood, keeping warm, keeping cool, nerve action, hearing, and seeing. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit.

PC220: Topics in Physics
Not offered 2009-2010
Experimental or occasional courses taught by visiting professors or permanent faculty. Courses under this rubric will vary year to year. 1 unit.

PC224: Spacetime Physics
Not offered 2009-2010
An introductory examination of some of the physics of spacetime. Flat spacetime geometry, momentum and energy, gravity and curved spacetime. Effects of relativity in mechanics, optics and particle physics. More mathematical than 124. Prerequisite: Studies in Humanities Math and Science. 0.5 unit.

PC241: Introductory Classical Physics I
Block 4 - Purdue, Department, Block 6 - Cervantes, DiCenzo
These courses provide an introduction to the theories of classical physics at a mathematical level that involves the use of calculus where appropriate. It is similar in content to 141, 142 except that relativity and quantum physics are not covered and the material is treated with more advanced mathematics. The first block includes the areas of mechanics, waves, thermodynamics and kinetic theory; the second continues with electricity, magnetism and optics. This sequence of courses is designed to meet the needs of students planning to major in the physical sciences or enter an engineering program. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Mathematics 128 or equivalent and Studies in Humanities Physics. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit.

PC242: Introductory Classical Physics II
Block 5 - Cervantes, Mondragon, Block 7- Purdue, Mondragon
These courses provide an introduction to the theories of classical physics at a mathematical level that involves the use of calculus where appropriate. It is similar in content to 141, 142 except that relativity and quantum physics are not covered and the material is treated with more advanced mathematics. The first block includes the areas of mechanics, waves, thermodynamics and kinetic theory; the second continues with electricity, magnetism and optics. This sequence of courses is designed to meet the needs of students planning to major in the physical sciences or enter an engineering program. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Physics 241. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit.

PC251: Introductory Modern Physics
Block 2 - DiCenzo, Mondragon
A continuation of introductory physics using calculus begun in 241 and carried forward in 242. Special relativity and quantum theory are introduced and then used to understand such things as atomic structure, statistical mechanics, and radioactive decay. Experimental exploration of these topics is an especially important component of this course. Prerequisite: Physics 242 or equivalent. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit
.

PC253: Computational Physics
1st Semester Adjunct - Burns
Numerical modeling of physical systems, data acquisition and analysis. The use of data analysis/visualization tools, analytic computation tools, and a general scientific programming language are covered. Students will use topics from regular block courses as the basis for computational projects. Prerequisite: Physics 242. 0.5 unit.

PC261: Electronics I
Block 4 - DiCenzo
The block begins with basic circuit theory and discrete circuit elements. We then go on to a study of analog and digital electronics. The emphasis is on experimental work. Prerequisite: Physics 242 or equivalent. 1 unit
.

PC262: Electronics II
Not offered 2009-2010
The block begins with more analog and digital electronics using integrated circuits. The applications are to physics instrumentation. An introduction to micro-processors may be included. The emphasis is again on experimental work. Prerequisite: Physics 261. 1 unit.


PC270: Readings in Physics
Not offered 2009-2010
Directed readings in selected areas of physics with discussions and writen reports. 1 unit.


PC308: Introductory Geophysics
Block 7 - Anderson (Geology Department)
Applications of physics to the study of Earth structure from crust to core. Seismology, magnetics, gravity and geodesy. Explores history of Earth's formation, current geologic and tectonic prolems, and uniqueness of interpretation issues. Prerequisite: Calc 1 (MA 125 or 126). Introductory Physics (PC 141 or 241), and Geology 260 or consent of instructor. (Also listed as Geology 308.) 1 unit.


PC311: Vector Analysis
Block 8 - DiCenzo
Vector functions, divergence and curl. Green's and Stokes's theorems, and the properties of three-dimensional curves and surfaces. Related topics from linear algebra and differential equations. Prerequisite: Mathematics 203. (Also listed as Mathematics 311.) 1 unit.
.

PC320: Topics in Physics
Not offered 2009-2010
Experimental or occasional courses taught by visiting professors or permanent faculty
Courses offered under this rubric will vary year to year. Prerequisite: Physics 251. 1 unit.


PC341: Mechanics
Block 6 - Purdue
Forces, potentials and motion according to Newton, Lagrange and Hamilton. Conditions for conservation of momentum, energy and angular momentum. Topics such as gravitation, oscillations, chaos, scattering and things that go bump in the night. Prerequisite: 251 and Mathematics 203 or Consent of Instructor. 1 unit.

PC349: Thermal Physics
Block 6 - Whitten
First and second laws of thermodynamics and their applications. Statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, elementary transport processes. Maxwell-Bolzman, Fermi Dirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics and their applications in solid state, nuclear, and molecular physics. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Physics 251 and Mathematics 203. 1 unit
.

PC353: Electromagnetic Theory
Block 3 - Hilt
The theory of electricity and magnetism: electric charges, forces, fields and potentials; electric currents, magnetic forces, fields and potentials. Electromagnetic induction. Maxwell's equations, plane waves in vacuum. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor or Physics 251, 311. 1 unit.

PC354: Electromagnetic Waves and Optics
Block 5 - Hilt
The continuation of 353. Electromagnetic fields in matter: conduction, polarization, magnetization; a brief introduction to condensed matter physics. Plane waves in linear media, boundary conditions, interference, diffraction. Radiation from simple sources, coherence. Prerequisite: Physics 353. 1 unit
.

PC357: Astrophysics
Block 7 - Burns
An introduction to stellar structure and evolution with an emphasis on the physics underlying the observed phenomena.  Topics include the birth, evolution, and death of stars, pulsars, black holes, and white dwarfs. Prerequisite: Physics 251. 1 unit.


PC358: Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology
Not offered 2009-2010
A study of the large-scale structure of the universe and evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present epoch. Topics include expansion of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic background radiation and the formation and evolution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Prerequisite: Physics 251. 1 unit.


PC361: Techniques of Experimental Physics
Block 7 - Cervantes
The design, execution, and analysis of experiments in physics. Data analysis, probability and statistics. One or more laboratory projects to be completed. Prerequisite: Physics 251, 261 or Consent of Instructor. 1 unit.


PC 362: Observational Astronomy
Not offered 2009-2010
The design and execution of observations of astronomical objects. Reduction and analysis of astronomical data. Probability and statistics. Includes original astronomical observations using both the Phipps Observatory and the 0.8-m National Undergraduate Research Observatory telescope at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff AZ. Prerequisite: Physics 251, 261. 1 unit.


PC370: Readings in Physics
Not offered 2009-2010
Directed readings in selected areas of physics with discussions and written reports. 1 unit.

PC391 Investigations in Physics
Independent experimental and/or theoretical practice-research in areas such as nuclear magnetic resonance, geophysics, atomic physics, nonlinear dynamics, and astrophysics. Affiliation with a staff member for work as an apprentice researcher in the area of his or her interest. As many as four units of Investigations may be taken for credit. 1 unit.

PC392 Investigations in Physics
Independent experimental and/or theoretical practice-research in areas such as nuclear magnetic resonance, geophysics, atomic physics, nonlinear dynamics, and astrophysics. Affiliation with a staff member for work as an apprentice researcher in the area of his or her interest. As many as four units of Investigations may be taken for credit. 1 unit.


PC420: Advanced Topics in Physics
General Relativity: Block 5 - Purdue
An advanced course in a topic of current interest in physics. Examples: special and general relativity; quantum mechanics of atoms, molecules, and solids; elementary particle physics, relativistic quantum mechanics. Topics vary from year to year. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. 1 unit.

PC431: Air: Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry
Block 5 - Drossman (EV Department)
Introduction to atmospheric circulation, radiation transfer, thermodynamics and radiation balance as they determine the vertical structure of the atmosphere and regulate the surface temperature. Kinetics, modeling, and reaction systems as they relate to air pollution and ozone chemistry in the stratosphere and troposphere. Course includes a student-designed laboratory/field project related to local air pollution issues. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 212 or Chemistry 108 and Physics 241 or Physics 251. (Also listed as EV 431) 1 unit.


PC441: Quantum Mechanics I
Block 2 - Purdue
General formulation of quantum mechanics: hermitian operators, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, physical content of the wave function, indeterminacy relations and simultaneous observables, angular momentum and spin. Solutions of the Schrodinger equation in one and several dimensions, the hydrogen atom. Prerequisite: Physics 311, 341, Mathematics 220 or Consent of Instructor. 1 unit.

PC442: Quantum Mechanics II
Block 4 - Mondragon
Applications of quantum mechanics. Perturbation theory, scattering theory, and interpretations of quantum mechanics. A short introduction to relativistic quantum theory. Prerequisite: Physics 441. 1 unit.

PC450: Senior Seminar
Block 1 - DiCenzo
A course emphasizing research and presentation of physics. Students will prepare and deliver a series of presentations on a variety of topics, and will learn to research a topic in the physics literature. The presentations will increase in length and complexity throughout the block. The last part of the course will be devoted to preparing a full-length seminar on a suitable topic. This seminar will be presented later in the semester, and a major part of the student's evaluation will be based upon it. Successful completion of this course is required of all physics majors. 1 unit.


PC461: Field Research in Physics
Not offered 2009-2010
The design, execution, and evaluation of field research in physics. Use of instrumentation including computerized data acquisition, construction and testing of equipment for fieldwork, planning a field program and carrying out field research, analyzing and reporting results. PC 461 is a 1/2 unit extended format course, and must be completed prior to PC 462, the 1 unit block course devoted to field research. Prerequisite: Physics 251, 261 or Consent of Instructor must be completed prior to 462. 0.5 unit.

PC462 Field Research in Physics
Not offered 2009-2010
The design, execution, and evaluation of field research in physics. Use of instrumentation including computerized data acquisition, construction and testing of equipment for fieldwork, planning a field program and carrying out field research, analyzing and reporting results. PC 461 is a 1/2 unit extended format course, and must be completed prior to PC 462, the 1 unit block course devoted to field research. Prerequisite: PC 462. 1 unit.


PC491: Advanced Investigations in Physics
Yearlong independent experimental and/or theoretical research in areas such as nuclear magnetic resonance, geophysics, atomic physics, non-linear dynamics, and astrophysics. Affiliation with a staff member for work as an apprentice researcher in an area of the faculty member's interest. Combines an extended format course (one-half unit of credit) working with a faculty member to plan and begin research with a block of intensive work (one unit of credit) resulting in a formal written report and an oral seminar presentation before the Physics Department faculty and students. Prerequisite: Physics 251, 261 1 unit.

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