Page 196 of Boston College 2006-2007 University Catalog by Boston College University

development, consequences and limitations of the classical principles of physics; similar to PH 212 in pace and content but at a greater depth appropriate for physical science majors. Class size is limited to promote classroom discussion. Topics include fundamentals of electrostatics, simple electrical circuits, magnetism, electromagnetism and electromagnetic oscillations and waves, and selected topics in physical optics. Michael Graf PH 211 Introduction to Physics I (Calculus) (Fall: 4) Prerequisite: MT 100 (May be taken concurrently) Corequisite: PH 213 Satisfies Natural Science Core Requirement PH 203 is the laboratory course to supplement the lecture course material. First semester of a two-semester calculus-based introduction to physics primarily for biology majors and premedical students. The development and application of classical physical principles are covered, and students are introduced to more advanced mathematical techniques to extend these applications. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving to better understand the implications of these principles, as well as to develop analytical skills. Topics include classical mechanics, including Newtons laws, energy, rotational motion, hydrostatics and fluid dynamics, oscillations, waves, and gravitation. Paul Haines PH 212 Introduction to Physics II (Calculus) (Spring: 4) Prerequisite: MT 101 (May be taken concurrently) Corequisite: PH 214 Satisfies Natural Science Core Requirement PH 204 is the laboratory course to supplement the lecture course material. Second semester of a calculus-based introduction to physics primarily for biology majors and premedical students. The development and application of classical physical principles are covered, and students are introduced to more advanced mathematical techniques to extend these applications. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving to better understand the implications of these principles, as well as to develop analytical skills. Topics are electrostatics, electrical circuits, magnetism, electromagnetism and electromagnetic waves, topics in physical optics, and basic concepts of special relativity and quantum physics. Paul Haines PH 301 Vibrations and Waves (Fall: 4) This course is an introduction to the phenomena of vibrations and waves that span most of the areas in physics. The basic subject matter includes the following: mechanical vibrations and waves, free and forced vibrations and resonances, coupled oscillations and normal modes, vibration of continuous systems, propagation of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, phase and group velocity, interference and diffraction. Vidya Madhavan PH 303 Introduction to Modern Physics (Spring: 4) This course is a transition between introductory and advanced physics courses for science majors. The basic subject matter includes the two principal physical theories of the twentieth century relativity and quantum mechanics. Included are the following: the Lorentz transformation, kinematic consequences of relativity, origin of the quantum theory, one-dimensional quantum mechanics, quantum mechanics of a particle in three dimensions, applications to the hydrogen atom and to more complex atoms, molecules, crystals, metals, and semiconductors. Rein A. Uritam PH 399 Advanced Independent Research (Fall/Spring: 6) This course is reserved for physics majors selected as Scholars of the College. Content, requirements, and credits by arrangement with the Chairperson. The Department PH 401 Mechanics (Fall: 4) This course includes the following: classical mechanics at the intermediate level; particle dynamics and oscillations in one dimension; conservative forces and principles; energy, momentum and angular momentum; particle dynamics, orbit theory and stability for central forces; the Kepler problem; Rutherford scattering; accelerating frames of reference; rigid body dynamics; and an introduction to Lagranges equations. Andrzej Herczynski PH 402 Electricity and Magnetism (Spring: 4) This course includes the following: electricity and magnetism at the intermediate level; electrostatics; Laplaces equation; magnetostatics; Maxwells equations; electromagnetic waves; electron theory; dispersion; theory of the dielectric constant and electromagnetic radiation. Zhifeng Ren PH 407 Quantum Physics I (Fall: 3) First of a two-semester sequence providing a comprehensive treatment of the principles and applications of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. This semester focuses on basic principles. Topics covered include: historical development of quantum mechanics; the uncertainty principle; the Schrodinger equation and its solution for simple onedimensional potentials, including constant potentials and the harmonic oscillator; formal presentation of the postulates of quantum mechanics using Dirac notation; commutation relations; basic scattering theory; formulation of Schrodinger equation in three-dimensions, central potentials, orbital angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom; spin angular momentum and the addition of angular momenta. Vidya Madhavan PH 408 Quantum Physics II (Spring: 3) Second semester of the PH 407-408 sequence, focusing on applications. Topics covered include: treatment of the many-particle systems, including effects of spin and symmetry of the wave function; many-electron atoms and the periodic table; basic elements of quantum statistics; approximation techniques, including non-degenerate and degenerate perturbation theory and the variational principle; timedependent perturbation theory and the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter. Rein A. Uritam PH 409 Contemporary Electronics Laboratory (Fall: 2) Lab fee required. This course is an introduction to the methods of contemporary physics research including the following: the use of meters, oscilloscopes, electrometers, photocells, vacuum apparatus, low temperature techniques, control circuitry, the application of microcomputers to measurement, circuit design and construction. George Goldsmith 196 The Boston College Catalog 2006-2007 ARTS AND SCIENCES

[close]