HMC Physics

Astronomy 62

Introduction to Astrophysics

A general survey of modern astrophysics. The course starts with the fundamental physical concepts underlying much of astrophysics, including gravitation and orbital mechanics, and radiative processes (including blackbody radiation, line emission and rudiments of radiative transfer). We then move on to discuss the stellar structure, evolution and death, the physics of compact stars, the interstellar medium and star-formation, and the structure and evolution of the galaxies, galaxy clusters and The Universe. The course meets for three lecture periods each week. The students are evaluated based on their homework and test performace. In addition, each student makes a 15-minute presentation on the topic of his choice; these are spaced throughout the semester and are meant to compliment the material being currently discussed in lecture. This gives the students an opportunity to research at least one topic in considerably more depth than we are able to do in class. Offered jointly with Pomona and Joint Sciences. Prerequisite: Physics 51 or equivalent.

Astronomy 120

Star Formation and the Interstellar Medium

A survey of formation of stars and planets in the universe, the galactic interstellar medium, and the theoretical and observational aspects of understanding the physical state of matter in the galaxy. Topics include formation and detection of extrasolar planets and protostars, radio and infrared diagnostics of star-forming regions and interstellar clouds, optical emission and absorption-line studies of the interstellar medium, and the role of supernovae in evolution of the interstellar medium and star formation.

Astronomy 122

High Energy Astrophysics

This course discusses the physical processes and astrophysical systems that produce high-energy photons and presents a survey of the new ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma-ray observations. Topics include active galactic nuclei, black holes, neutron stars, supernova remnants and cosmic rays. Offered jointly with Pomona and Joint Sciences. Prerequisites: Astronomy 62, Physics 52 or equivalent. Offered alternate years.

Astronomy 123

Stellar Structure and Evolution

A rigorous treatment of stellar atmospheres and radiative transfer. Topics include spectral line formation, stellar energy generation, evolution on and away from the main sequence, and the internal structures of stars and other self-gravitating objects. Offered jointly with Pomona and Joint Sciences. Prerequisites: Astronomy 62, Physics 52 or equivalent. 2 credit hours. Offered alternate years; last taught Spring 2003.

Physics 18

Fundamentals of Mechanics

This course supplements Physics 24 and is intended for students with weak backgrounds in mechanics and applied mathematics.

Physics 22

Physics Laboratory

This course emphasizes the evidence-based approach to understanding the physical world; students design, conduct, and interpret experiments to give quantitative answers to physical questions. Topics are drawn from a broad range of physics subjects, with applications to other technical fields.

Physics 24

Mechanics and Wave Motion

Classical mechanics is introduced beginning with inertial frames and the Galilean transformation, followed by momentum and momentum conservation in collisions, Newton's laws of motion, spring forces, gravitational forces, and friction. Work, kinetic energy and potential energy are defined, and energy conservation is discussed in particle motion and collisions. Rotational motion is treated, including angular momentum, torque, cross-products, and statics. Other topics include rotating frames, pseudoforces, and central-force motion. Simple harmonic and some nonlinear oscillations are discussed, followed by waves on strings, sound, and other types of waves, and wave phenomena such as standing waves, beats, two-slit interference, resonance, and the Doppler effect. Lectures are twice per week, and there are also two recitation sections per week, in groups of about 20 students, all of whom solve new problems at the board nearly every session. This next year we may experiment with introducing team projects, at least in some sections. This may be especially important for students who have already had a fairly strong background in mechanics, but who did not place out of Physics 24.

Physics 24A

Mechanics and Wave Motion

Topics in mechanics and wave motion for students with an advanced background in classical mechanics.

Physics 32

Gravitation

This is a new physics half-course offering intended to provide a physics elective for a limited number of students interested in exploring the topic of gravity more deeply than it is covered in Physics 24. The target audience is students with a strong interest in fundamental physics and the mathematical as well as conceptual underpinnings of gravity and its applications.

The course covers the theory and applications of Newtonian gravitation and an introduction to the ideas of gravitation in general relativity. Topics to be covered include gravitational potentials, orbits and celestial mechanics, tidal forces, atmospheres, Einstein's equivalence principle, black holes and cosmology. Co-requisite is Physics 24 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

Physics 52

Quantum Physics

Beginning with modern atom interferometry experiments, this course moves directly to the Schrödinger equation. After a thorough consideration of solutions in one dimension, the principles of quantum mechanics are examined, including the role of operators, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, superposition, commutators, and uncertainty relations. After discussion of angular momentum and some simple three-dimensional systems, applications of quantum mechanics to atomic and molecular physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, and particle physics are stressed. Each week there are three 50-minute lectures as well as a recitation section in which small groups work on new problems that extend the material under discussion in significant ways. In addition, there is a term paper on an area of interest in quantum mechanics and/or its applications.

Physics 54

Modern Physics Lab

Classical experiments of modern physics, including thermal radiation, Rutherford scattering, barrier penetration of microwaves, gamma radiation interactions using pulse height analysis, the Hall effect, the Cavendish experiment, and a chaotic pendulum. Prerequisites: Physics 52 or concurrently. 1 credit hour.

Physics 80

Energy and the Environment

The course will address the sources and uses of energy in the US and world society, and how the availability and side effects of energy consumption influence the human condition. In particular, the course will examine: world and domestic energy use trends and their relationship to standards of living; per-capita energy use and population trends in under-developed and developed countries; types of energy resources, their geopolitical distributions and expected lifetimes; the technological and scientific basis of energy extraction from various resources, including hydrocarbons, solar, hydro, wind, and nuclear; the associated environmental impacts of such conversion and use; the economic costs associated with each type of energy; and political and safety concerns associated with each resource. This course satisfies a half-course requirement for the physics major and fulfills the Integrative Experience graduation requirement. Prerequisite: open to students who have successfully completed the core courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology and humanities.

Physics 116

Quantum Mechanics

The course takes a modern approach by introducing Dirac notation at the beginning. This is done through discussion of the Stern-Gerlach device and spin 1/2 particles, following the treatment of Townsend, Feynman and Sakurai. The course then proceeds through various nonrelativistic topics, including: general formalism, one-dimensional and three-dimensional problems, angular momentum states, Bell's theorem and its experimental verification, perturbation theory, and identical particles. Applications to atomic and nuclear systems are also discussed.

Physics 134

Optics Laboratory

A laboratory-lecture course on the techniques and theory of classical and modern optics. Topics of study include diffraction, interferometry, Fourier transform spectroscopy, grating spectroscopy, lasers, and coherence of waves. In addition, the course develops the theory of sample variance, nonlinear least-squares fitting, the chisq criterion for goodness of fit, and normalized residuals. The course is more loosely structured than earlier laboratory courses, and seeks to develop skills in experimental design and execution with flexible, multi-part experiments. The available experiments are

Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction
grating spectroscopy of mercury, hydrogen/deuterium, and solar absorption lines
scanning Fabry-Perot interferometry of a He-Ne laser, including the Lamb dip and the Zeeman effect
white light fringes, the He-Ne wavelength, and the refractive index of air are measured with a Michelson interferometer
Fourier transform spectroscopy of the sodium doublet and a pressure-broadened mercury lamp
quantum optics

Physics 154

Fields and Waves

Course covers an eclectic combination of topics in physics of continuous media and fields, mostly from classical physics. The unifying theme connecting these topics in the course is the tools and techniques of differential geometry in describing systems with a large number of degrees of freedom. The course meets twice per week.

Physics 162

Solid State Physics

Currently, this half course focuses on the electronic properties of solids. It starts from the classical Drude model of the electrons in metal, then quickly moves to the quantum free electron model and the band theory in solids. Crystal structure and the concept of the reciprocal lattice are briefly introduced. The scattering of x-rays by a crystal is described to illustrate Bragg diffraction by a periodic structure. With this foundation in place, we are ready to discuss the nearly free electron model and the tight binding model, which are used to describe the valence and core electrons, respectively. By introducing the concept of effective mass the various electrical transport properties of semiconductors are described. In the last third of the period, selected topics in solid-state physics, such as two-dimensional systems, magnetism, and superconductivity, are covered. Prerequisite: Physics 52 and Physics 117 or equivalent. In addition to weekly homework assignments, there is a term paper and an oral presentation on a topic of the student?s interest in the field of solid state physics.

Physics 164

Particle Physics

Topics in high-energy physics including the fundamental interactions, space-time symmetries, isospin, SU(3) and the quark model and the standard model. Each students gives an oral presentation on an aspect of experimental high-energy physics. Prerequisite: Physics 116.

Physics 166

Geophysics

Half-course is a broad review of topics in global geophysics, with an emphasis on the applications of theoretical and experimental physics to problems of the origin, structure and evolution of the Earth and terrestrial planets. Topics covered during the half-semester include seismology (including earthquakes and Earth structure), deformation (including plate tectonics and fluid flow), and gravitational potentials (including isostasy and geoids). The course meets in a two-day-per-week lecture format. Grades in the course are based on performance in homework assignments and a final term paper based on literature research.

Physics 168

Electrodynamics

Half course is a continuation of topics introduced in Physics 151, relating to the topics of electromagnetic radiation and wave propagation. Topics covered include wave propagation in material media, analysis of waveguides and related problems, and radiation by moving charges. The course meets in a two-day-per-week lecture format. Grades in the course are based on performance in homework assignments and a final exam.

Physics 170

Computational Methods in Physics

Learn about methods and tools for solving a variety of problems in mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical physics using Mathematica & COMSOL (no prior experience in either is required).

Physics 172

General Relativity and Cosmology

The principle of equivalence, Riemannian geometry, Einstein's field equations, and the Schwarzschild and cosmological solutions are all developed, along with experimental and observational tests of the theory. Prerequisite: Physics 111 or permission of instructor.

Physics 174

Biophysics

Selected topics in biophysics reflecting active research in the field. Possible topics: imaging techniques, membrane biophysics, sensory transduction, motility. Seminar format. Prerequisite: Biology 52, Physics 51.

Physics 178

Continuum and Fluid Mechanics

This course is an introduction to tensors, continuum mechanics and fluid dynamics. The course will begin with an introduction to tensors, their properties and analysis and their uses in describing continuous media including the ideas of stress and strain. We will then derive equations describing conservation of mass, momentum and energy in elastic media. These equations will be used to analyze linear waves in elastic media (which find application in seismology). We will specialize to the particular case of fluid mechanics, and in particular the Navier-Stokes equation. Finally we will talk about some classical fluid dynamical applications such as waves on the surface of a fluid. Rather than presenting all the material in lectures, the course notes have been published in the form of a book for your reference.

Physics 184

Teaching Internship

An Introduction to K-12 classroom teaching and curriculum development. Internship includes supervision by an appropriate K-12 teacher and a member of the physics department and should result in a report of a laboratory experiment, teaching module, or other education innovation or investigation. Internship includes a minimum of 3 hours per week of classroom participation.

Physics 192

Physics Research

Original experimental or theoretical investigations in physics undertaken in consultation with a faculty member. Projects may be initiated by the student or by a faculty member. Present faculty research areas include astronomy, atomic and nuclear physics, optics, solid-state and low-temperature physics, general relativity, quantum mechanics, particle physics, geophysics, and biophysics.

Physics 194

Physics Clinic

Team projects in applied physics, with corporate or national laboratory affiliation. The team interacts with both a faculty advisor and a liaison from the sponsoring organization to achieve project goals. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.

Physics 196

Physics Colloquium

Oral presentations and discussions of selected topics, including recent developments. Participants include physics majors, faculty members, and visiting speakers. Required for all junior and senior physics majors.

Physics 198

Reading in Physics

Directed reading in selected topics. Open to seniors only.

Astronomy 21

Stars, Planets, Life: Astrobiology

This course aims to acquaint the students with the basic concepts of astrobiology, which is the study of the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. We will focus on two questions: How does life begin and evolve? Is there life outside of Earth and, if so, how can it be detected?

Astronomy 101

Observational Astronomy

A survey of the techniques of observational astronomy, including optical, infrared, and X-ray astronomy. Four to six observational projects including observations using the Claremont College's Brackett and Table Mountain Observatories, plus computer projects analyzing data. Observational techniques used include CCD astrometry and photometry, stellar spectroscopy. In addition to observational techniques, the course will also cover the physics of basic emission mechanisms at the various wavelengths.

Astronomy 121

Cosmology & Extragalactic Astrophysics

Examines the large-scale structures of the universe, and the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present epoch. Topics include alternate cosmologies, dark matter, cosmic background radiation, and formation and evolution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Offered jointly with Pomona and Joint Sciences. Prerequisites: Astronomy 62, Physics 52 or equivalent. Offered alternate years.

Literature 117A

Dickens, Hardy and the Victorian Age

An intensive study of the work and literary development of Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy. Readings drawn from the authors’ works and related critical, biographical, and historical texts. Class travels to England over winter break; travel expenses are the responsibility of the student. (Fall and winter break)

Physics 22

Physics Laboratory

Physics 23

Special Relativity

Einstein’s special theory of relativity is developed from the premises that the laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames and that the speed of light is a constant. The relationship between mass and energy is explored and relativistic collisions analyzed. The families of elementary particles are described.

Physics 31

What’s the Matter?

A first-year elective that aims to foster an appreciation of the insights that material science provides into understanding natural phenomena and current technology. It draws heavily on condensed matter physics, but incorporates substantial amounts of chemistry, materials science, and some electrical engineering.

Physics 51

Electromagnetic Theory & Optics

An introduction to electromagnetism and optics. Maxwell’s equations are discussed in differential and integral form. Maxwell’s equations are then used to develop an introduction to the field of optics. Beyond the presentation of Maxwell’s equations, selected topics include Gauss’s and Stokes’s theorems, the wave equation including the Poynting vector, electromagnetic energy, basic circuits, diffraction, Snell’s law, interference, and the physical origin of the index of refraction. Applications include fusion, circuit elements, motors, diffraction gratings and thin films. Each week there are two 50-minute lectures as well as two 50-minute recitation sections. In the recitation sections material is reviewed, homework is discussed, and small groups work at the blackboard on new problems.

Core Lab 57

Core Lab - What Makes Things Tick?

What Makes Things Tick? (CL57) is a core laboratory course open to students who have completed the first-year chemistry and physics laboratory courses. The course emphasizes experimental design and student exploration of the physical world through extended investigations of fundamental themes. The themes will initially include oscillations, classical optics, and sustainability, with other themes being added over time. Each theme will comprise several experiments, often using common equipment, and will require students to assemble the appropriate apparatus, make suitable measurements, and summarize their findings. Students will explore two themes over the semester, writing two reports summarizing their investigations and analysis.

Core Lab 57

The Science of Cooking

This course is designed as a “hands on” course. In the words of Thomas Dewey, “Learn by doing.” We will discuss what is going on when we prepare food and what goes on after we consume it.

Every day, without a second thought, we pop things into the microwave, toss dinner on the BBQ, heat something up on the stovetop, whip something up with our mixer or run it through our food processor. We heat stuff, we cool stuff and we freeze stuff. We use pots and pans made of cast iron, stainless steel, glass, aluminum and copper. We set temperatures and we set timers. We boil, simmer, braise, caramelize, liquefy, steep, brew and marinate. Did you ever stop to think that there is a method to the madness? Those seemingly abstract concepts of wave mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, solid state physics and even quantum mechanics dictate how tasty and healthy your meal ends up being. But what about nutrition and health...?

Can we bake our cake and eat it too? It’s all about conservation of energy! In this country we spend in excess of $40 billion dollars a year on dieting and another 2.6 billion on gym memberships. Is this all a scam, a hopeless quest? Consider that 68.8% of US adults are either overweight or obese (CDC). Obesity is a contributing factor is deaths due to heart disease, cancer, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes (CDC). Losing as little as 5 to 7 percent of a person’s total body weight lowers blood pressure, improves sugar levels, and lowers diabetes by nearly 60% in those with pre diabetes (CDC). The average size of a bagel in the US more than doubled between 1983 and 2003 (going from 4 inches in diameter and 140 calories to 6 inches in diameter and 350 calories (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute). At the current rate of increase, yearly obesity related healthcare costs are expected to exceed $300 billion dollars by 2018 — up from the reported $147 billion in 2008.

Can we have it all? Can we prepare amazing meals and treats and still retain our health. Take the course and find out!

Physics 111

Theoretical Mechanics

The application of mathematical methods to the study of particles and of systems of particles; Newton, Lagrange, and Hamilton equations of motion; conservation theorems; central force motion, collisions, damped oscillators, rigid-body dynamics, systems with constraints, variational methods. Prerequisites: Physics 23 & 24 and Mathematics 25 & 45 or concurrently.

Physics 117

Statistical Mechanics

Beginning with the equal probability of accessible microstates of an isolated system, the course develops the quantum and classical statistical mechanics and thermodynamics of simple systems of many particles: classical and quantum gases, isolated spins in a magnetic field, photons, and phonons. The laws of thermodynamics are developed from statistical considerations and applied to uniform phases, phase and chemical equilibria, heat engines, refrigerators, and other practical devices. Finally, kinetic theory is applied to a computation of transport properties of gases. Lectures are held in either the 50-minute thrice weekly format or the 70-minute twice weekly format. These are supplemented with a 50-minute recitation section that focuses on student questions and supplementary problems done in groups. In some years students also work in groups on a simulation project, which is presented orally to the class at the end of the semester. Besides providing a foundation in statistical physics, this course aims to develop students' abilities to approximate, to estimate, and to apply broad physical principals to real-world situations.

Physics 133

Electronics Laboratory

An intermediate laboratory in electronics involving the construction and analysis of a variety of analog and digital circuits using resistors, capacitors, diodes, transformers, operational amplifiers, photodiodes, light-emitting diodes, digital logic gates, flip-flops, and clocks. Applications include rectifiers, amplifiers, differentiators and integrators, passive and active filters, oscillators, counting circuits, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion. Unlike other laboratory courses, each student works at a separate laboratory station with all equipment necessary to build and test the various circuits. Prerequisite: Physics 53.

Physics 151

Electromagnetic Fields

Theory of classical electromagnetic fields, with an emphasis on advanced analytical techniques and concepts. The course builds on the introductory material of Physics 51, and emphasizes the solution of Maxwell’s equations in various physical applications by analytical means. The first part of the course deals with electrostatics and the solution of Laplace’s and Poisson’s equations in various coordinate systems and with various boundary conditions. The course proceeds to examine the effect of matter on static fields, and then to pursue static magnetic fields and materials analogously. The final sequence of the course deals with electrodynamics and the fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation. The course meets in a traditional 3-day-per-week format of lectures and recitation/discussions. Grades are based on performance in homework assignments and exams.

Physics 161

Topics in Quantum Theory

Scattering, including the Born approximation and partial wave expansion. Path integrals. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Quantum theory of the electromagnetic field. Prerequisite: Physics 116. 2 credit hours. The course covers Chapters 8, 13, and 14 (the chapters not covered in Physics 116) of A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics. The course is run as a discussion course, in which students read sections of the text before class and via email indicate areas for which there are questions or a need for discussion. The final exam is typically a 2-hour oral exam.

Physics 178A

Materials Science for Energy Conversion and Storage

A seminar course focusing on recent developments in the chemistry, physics, and engineering of photovoltaics, fuel cells, and batteries.

Physics 181

Advanced Laboratory

Experiments are selected from the fields of nuclear, solid-state, and optical physics, utilizing multichannel and time coincidence nuclear instrumentation, an x-ray machine, an optical spectrophotometer, lasers and interferometers, and a pulsed NMR instrument. Prerequisite: Physics 134.

Physics 183

Teaching Internship

An introduction to K-12 classroom teaching and curriculum development. Internship includes supervision by an appropriate K-12 teacher and a member of the physics department and should result in a report of a laboratory experiment, teaching module, or other education innovation or investigation. Internship includes a minimum of 3 hours per week of classroom participation. Prerequisite (or co-requisite): CGU course Education 170G.

Physics 191

Physics Research

Physics 193

Physics Clinic

Physics 195

Physics Colloquium

Physics 197

Readings in Physics

Directed reading in selected topics. Open to seniors only. 1–3 credit hours per semester. Meetings arranged

Writing 1

Introduction to Academic Writing

A seminar devoted to effective writing strategies and conventions that apply across academic disciplines. The course emphasizes clarity, concision, and coherence in sentences, paragraphs, and arguments.