Allegheny College: Physics Catalogue

Physics is crucial for understanding the principles that govern our physical world. It studies everything in nature from the formation of the universe, galaxies, and black holes to the unusual way living systems behave. Technological breakthroughs with lasers, liquid crystal displays, and magnetic resonance imaging have had impact in communications, information technology, and medicine. These have revolutionized our lives in a manner that would not have been possible without physics. From the space shuttle to studies of global warming, physicists work at the forefront of science and technology.

It is the goal of the physics department to help students develop strong backgrounds in experimental, theoretical, and computational physics and to learn the scientific method of investigation. As problems become increasingly complex, it has become clear that successful approaches often combine knowledge from different areas. Because much of 21st century physics is interdisciplinary, we endeavor to teach students how to integrate what they learn in their physics courses with knowledge in other fields. We seek to foster within each student an enthusiasm for learning and critical reasoning which lasts a lifetime.We also help students appreciate physics as a human endeavor that is intellectually satisfying. We strive to make our students aware of the responsibilities facing scientists in our contemporary society and learn how to effectively communicate their ideas in both oral and in written form.

Our graduates pursue a variety of careers or continue graduate studies in various disciplines. Some of our students choose to apply their major in either elementary or secondary public or private school teaching. Students choosing to pursue teacher preparation and certification in physics should contact the physics department and the Coordinator of Teacher Education Programs.

Beginning Courses in Physics: Students should take Physics 065, Introduction to Physics, if they desire an introduction to physics but do not plan to major in a department in the natural science division. If they plan to major in Physics or be part of the 3/2 Engineering Program, they should begin with Physics 110.

The Major

A major in Physics usually requires a minimum of 63 semester hours, including at least 39 credits in Physics, as well as additional credits in mathematics and other sciences, and leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree. Physics majors are required to have a GPA of at least 2.0 in Physics at graduation. All Physics courses taken at Allegheny on a letter grade basis are included in the calculation, with the exception of repeated courses for which only the most recent grade counts. Only the first Physics course taken at Allegheny (usually 101 or 110) may be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. The following courses are required for the major:

Physics has become rather broad, ranging from interdisciplinary subdisciplines in astrophysics, biophysics and chemical physics, to traditional subdisciplines in condensed matter physics, and optical physics.

In order to provide some focus for the student, each student who declares physics as a major must work with an advisor in the physics department to plan a course of study which may be either a standard physics emphasis or a major with an interdisciplinary emphasis. With the aid of his or her advisor, the student must prepare, for departmental approval, a written description and rationale for the course of study. This description must be submitted by the end of the fourth week of the junior year (typically fall semester). It must include a plan of courses to be taken and how those courses satisfy the student’s goals.

The standard physics emphasis is for those students interested in pursuing a more traditional course of study. These students would consider taking Physics 310, 340, 330 or 350, and 370 or 380. Any physics course at the 400-level would be useful to this emphasis.

Examples of possible interdisciplinary emphases and possible courses beyond the core courses are described below:

Applied Physics: Students interested in applied physics or who plan to go on into engineering disciplines might construct an emphasis that includes both experimental physics courses, Physics 330 and Physics 350 along with Physics 310, 340 or 370. Chemistry 112 and an additional chemistry course should also be considered. Most physics courses at the 400-level would be useful for this emphasis.

Astrophysics: Students interested in physics and astronomy might construct an emphasis that includes Physics 320, Physics 310, 340 or 350, and Physics 380. Courses at the 400-level most useful for this emphasis would be Physics 420 - 429.

Biophysics: Students interested in the relationship between physics and biology might construct an emphasis that includes Physics 330, Physics 350, Physics 360, Physics 380, Chemistry 112 and Biology 220. Courses at the 400-level most useful for this emphasis would be Physics 430 - 439.

Chemical Physics: Students interested in the relationship between physics and chemistry might construct and emphasis that includes Physics 330 or 350, Physics 370, and Physics 380, along with Chemistry 112 and Chemistry 231. Courses at the 400-level most useful for this emphasis would be Physics 440 - 449.

Students are advised that if they are interested in pursuing graduate studies, there may be courses beyond the minimum requirements that they should consider. Such courses might include specific upper level physics courses, as well as additional math, computer science, chemistry, or biology depending on the student’s particular interest.

Cooperative Engineering Program
Students who participate in a cooperative engineering program (3-2 engineering) with a major in Physics are normally required to take 31 semester hours in Physics including Junior Seminar. These students should begin their study of Physics with Physics 110 or Physics 101. In some cases students in cooperative engineering programs may take less Physics credit at Allegheny and additional physics credits while at engineering school. They must also complete an introductory chemistry sequence and one semester of computer science.

The Minor

A minor field program in Physics requires a minimum of 20 credits, eight of which must be taken at Allegheny. This also includes the completion of the three Core Concepts courses, Phys 110, Phys 120, and Phys 210 (or Physics 101, 102 and Phys 210), and other physics courses totaling eight credits, four of which must be at the 300 or 400 level.

The Astronomy Minor

A minor in Astronomy requires a total of at least 22 semester hours. The five core courses are Mathematics 158 or 160; Physics 101 or 110; Physics 129 (Fundamentals of Astronomy with lab); Physics 320 (Astrophysics); and a course from Physics 420-429 (Current Topics in Astrophysics). With permission of the department, Physics 020 (Introductory Astronomy) may substitute for Physics 129. The minor is completed with one of the following courses or pairs of courses: Chemistry 110 and 112; Geology 110; Philosophy 230; Physics 102 or a higher level Physics course.

A descriptive study of the solar system, the stars, and the universe on its largest scales. Topics covered include the phases of the Moon, the seasons, the tides, the historical roots of astronomy, the constellations, telescopes, the Sun, star formation and evolution, compact objects, and the expansion of the universe. The course is designed to give students an appreciation of the beauty and order of the known universe. Use is made of the Wible Planetarium and the Newton Observatory telescopes. Because observations are weather dependent, students in the course must plan to complete an observation during appropriate evening or other hours. One laboratory per week. Students may not receive credit for both Physics 020 and Physics 129.

For students not intending to major in one of the natural sciences and, as such, it requires no prerequisite course in mathematics. A basic understanding of mechanics, thermodynamics, sound, light, and nuclear physics, as well as some historical perspective, is developed. Emphasis is placed on the application of physics to modern problems and technology. One laboratory per week. May not be taken for credit following successful completion of Physics 101 or Physics 111.

A study in the properties of light and its interaction with matter. Specifically designed for the non-scientist, this course covers geometric and physical optics as well as the origins of color. Special attention is given to optical phenomena such as sunsets, rainbows, Aurora Borealis, twinkling of stars, gravitational lenses, etc. Laboratory work is included.

An introductory calculus-based course intended primarily for students majoring in biology, environmental science, and geology with an emphasis on physical concepts and principles from the areas of classical mechanics, thermodynamics and waves. One laboratory/recitation session per week. Students who wish to major in physics after taking this course should consult the physics faculty before deciding which course to take next. Students may not receive credit for both Physics 101 and Physics 111. Corequisite: Mathematics 158, Mathematics 160 or permission of instructor. Offered in sequence with Physics 102.

A continuation of Physics 101 with an emphasis on the concepts of electricity, magnetism, and optics. One laboratory/recitation session per week. Offered in sequence with Physics 101. Students may not receive credit for both Physics 102 and Physics 112. Prerequisite: Physics 101 or permission of instructor.

An introductory, calculus-based course covering fundamental physical concepts from Newtonian mechanics, such as the conservation of energy and momentum. One laboratory and one recitation session per week. Students cannot receive credit for both Physics 110 and Physics 101. Is restricted to first- and second-year students. Co-requisite: Mathematics 160 or equivalent.

An introductory, calculus-based physics course covering fundamental physical concepts from relativity, electricity and magnetism. One laboratory and one recitation session per week. Students cannot receive credit for both Physics 120 and Physics 102. Prerequisite: Physics 110 or permission of instructor. Co-requisite: Mathematics 170 or equivalent.

A study of the Earth and heavenly bodies, their observed characteristics and motions, and the theories that account for them. The course is designed to give the students an understanding of the tools and fundamental physical concepts of astronomy. Topics covered include celestial timekeeping, gravity, orbits, light, the birth and evolution of stars, basic relativity theory, black holes and other compact objects, dark matter, dark energy, and the big bang theory. One laboratory per week. Students may not receive credit for both Physics 020 and Physics 129. Co-requisite: Mathematics 157, 159, or equivalent (placement into 160 is sufficient).

An introductory, calculus-based physics course covering fundamental physical concepts from basic quantum theory and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: Physics 120 or permission of instructor. Co-requisite: FSPhys 201.

An introductory course focusing on the three laws of thermodynamics and the statistical approach to understanding heat and thermal phenomena. Prerequisite: Physics 101 or 110.

A study of numerical simulation that includes learning an operating system (Unix), a programming language (Fortran), and some techniques of numerical analysis to solve problems useful in physics. Part of the course is devoted to learning a general-purpose computational tool (Mathematica). Computer Science 101 or a course in programming is highly recommended prior to taking this course. Prerequisite: Physics 120 (or Physics 102) or permission of the instructor. Credit: Three semester hours.

An introduction to linear algebra, calculus of several variables, and differential equations with special emphasis on applications to linear and non-linear physical systems. Students who have received credit for any two of Mathematics 210, 290 and 320 will not receive credit for Physics 292. Does not count toward optional physics course. Corequisite: Mathematics 170.

A mathematical study of particles and systems of particles using Newton’s laws of motion and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics. Topics include forces, energy, and potential; gravitation and orbits; and momentum and collisions. Prerequisites: Physics 120 (or 102 with permission of the instructor) and Physics 292 or Mathematics 290 (or concurrent registration in Mathematics 290).

A quantitative study of topics including celestial mechanics as described by Kepler’s and Newton’s laws, radiation in astronomy, telescopes, stellar spectra, star formation, the structure and evolution of stars, relativity, and big bang cosmology. Prerequisite: Physics 102 or 120, or permission of instructor. Offered alternate years.

A study emphasizing AC/DC circuits, semiconductor devices, and analog circuits including amplifiers. One laboratory session per week. Prerequisites: Physics 102 or 120 and Mathematics 170. Computer Science 101 is recommended.

A mathematical investigation of static and time-dependent electric and magnetic fields emphasizing vector differential operators. Laplace’s, Poisson’s, and Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisite: Physics 120 (or Physics 102 with the permission of instructor) and Physics 292 or Mathematics 290.

A study of geometrical, physical, and quantum optics. Topics may include the theory and applications of spectroscopy, lasers, fiber optics, and detectors, as well as an analysis of interference, diffraction, and polarization. One laboratory session per week. Prerequisite: Physics 102 or 120.

An introduction to the physical foundations of biological molecules and processes. Topics include the fundamentals of molecular dynamics, transport processes in biological molecules, the physics of biological polymers/membranes, biological energy, membrane excitations, nerve impulses, and signal transduction. Physical methods such as resonance techniques and microscopy and their application to the study of biological molecules are also discussed. Prerequisites: Physics 210 and Chemistry 112, or permission of instructor.

An introductory study of crystalline and amorphous materials including symmetry, crystal-binding, crystal-diffraction, phonons (Einstein- and Debye-models), free electron Fermi gas, Bose-Einstein theory, and superconductivity. Topics of current research interest such as computer simulation of amorphous materials, superlattices, and novel mechanisms of superconductivity are also included. Prerequisite: Physics 102 or Physics 120.

A study of the concepts of quantum mechanics with an emphasis on mathematical analysis. The course begins with an introduction to the Schrodinger equation and the formalism of quantum mechanics. Dirac representation, Hilbert space, and Hermitianoperators are introduced. Quantum mechanical systems are compared with classical systems and discussed with respect to quantum mechanical uncertainty, time development and conservation theorems. Various applications of quantum mechanics are considered. Prerequisites: Physics 230 and Physics 292 or equivalent."

An examination of selected current topics of interest in astrophysics, such as dark matter, dark energy, black hole formation, star cluster dynamics, stellar collisions, the mass of neutrinos, planetary formation, and gravity wave sources. Students contribute to the class through discussion and brief presentations. Group discussion is based on readings from journal articles and monographs. Prerequisites: Physics 102 or 120; and Physics 020, 129, or 320; or permission of instructor. Credit: Two semester hours. Offered alternate years.

An examination of a current topic of interest in biophysics. The course focuses on the molecular structure, energetics and dynamics of biological systems with an emphasis on physical spectroscopic techniques. Students contribute to the class through discussion and brief presentations. Group discussion is based on readings from journal articles and monographs. Prerequisite: Physics 210 or permission of instructor. Credit: Two semester hours.

An examination of a current topic of interest in chemical physics. Students contribute to the class through discussion and brief presentations. Group discussion is based on readings from journal articles and monographs. Some laboratory work may be included. Prerequisite: Physics 210 or permission of instructor. Credit: Two semester hours.

An examination of a current topic of interest in optical science. Students contribute to the class through discussion and brief presentations. Group discussion is based on readings from journal articles and monographs. Some laboratory work may be included. Prerequisite: Physics 210 or permission of instructor. Credit: Two semester hours.

An examination of some theories that have revolutionized our understanding of nature and the universe. Students contribute to the class through discussion and brief presentations. Group discussion is based on readings from journal articles and monographs. Prerequisite: Physics 210 or permission of instructor. Credit: Two semester hours.

An examination of theories and computational algorithms that have revolutionized our understanding of nature and the universe. Students contribute to the class through discussion and brief presentations. Group discussion is based on readings from journal articles and monographs. Prerequisite: Physics 210 or permission of instructor. Credit: Two semester hours.

A seminar in which students, faculty, and guest lecturers make presentations on current topics in physics. The Junior Seminar has three goals: (1) to begin student preparation for the Senior Project, (2) to facilitate student awareness of the impact of physics on society, and (3) to inform the student of other areas of physics research. This is accomplished by becoming familiar with research in the department, giving an oral presentation on some aspect of physics and society, and preparing a written and oral review of research relevant to a prospective senior project. Students are also expected to attend department seminars. Credit: Two semester hours.

To be arranged. Credit: variable.

The first in a sequence of two courses involving experimental and/or theoretical research under the direction of a faculty member. Background information is collected and preliminary work is carried out. Attendance at departmental lectures is required. Credit: Three semester hours.

Completion of the senior research project. Students write reports and discuss their results at an oral presentation given for faculty members. In most cases they also present their findings at regional or national physics meetings and lectures. Taken after successful completion of Physics 600.

Equivalent to the Physics 600-610 sequence and under special circumstances may be taken as an alternate to Physics 600 and 610. Permission of instructor required.

Sophomore Seminar

Investigative Approaches in Phyics

An investigative laboratory course that emphasizes experimental design and analysis, interpretation of data, and written and oral presentation. This course stresses independent and cooperative laboratory work. This course stresses independent and cooperative laboratory work. Writing and speaking in the physical sciences is emphasized through written, oral and poster presentations. Prerequisite: Physics 120 or Physics 102.