Department of Physics & Astronomy

PHYSICS:

102f ELEMENTS OF PHYSICS I 4
Quantitative discussion of motion and gravitation, illustrated by laboratory experiments. Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is essential. Students planning to major or minor in physics or astrophysics should take Physics 110-111. Physics 102 will fulfill the laboratory science distributional standard.

103s ELEMENTS OF PHYSICS II 4
Continuation of Physics 102. Quantitative discussion of electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics and optics. Prerequisite: 102

110f INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICS AND ELECTRICITY 4
Motion, gravitation and electrical phenomena. Calculus-based course. Prerequisite: Mathematics 119, AP Calculus or the instructor's permission.

111s INTRODUCTION TO MAGNETISM, HEAT, SOUND AND LIGHT 4
Elements of electricity magnetism, thermodynamics and the physics of wave phenomena. Calculus-based course.. Prerequisite: 110

160s GEOLOGY OF THE EARTH AND TERRESRIAL PLANETS 3
An introduction to geology, including the study of common minerals, rocks and fossils. Discussion of the modification of the Earth's surface by geological processes such as volcanism, tectonism, gradation (gravity, win, water and ice) and impact cratering. Consideration of geology of other terrestrial planets and moons. Includes an optional laboratory component. Taken with the lab 160L, this course fulfills the second science requirement.

160Ls INTRODUCTORY GEOLOGY LAB 1
Geology laboratory designed to introduce students to mineral, rock, fossil and meteorite identification. Participants will have direct "hands-on" access to geological specimens. Lab exercises include the geological mapping of the Earth and other terrestrial planets and visits to Georgia geological sites. Physics 160 taken with 160L fulfills the lab science requirement.

210f MODERN PHYSICS 4
One-semester introduction to the fundamentals of optics and modern physics with integrated modern physics laboratory. Many examples and applications drawn from astronomy. Topics include: relativity, wave phenomena, quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics. Course provides a broad base of understanding of modern physics for use in upper-level astronomy and physics courses. Prerequisite: 111.

211s SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING 4
Lab-based course introducing computation and numerical analysis as used in the sciences. Introduction to the fundamentals of the Unix operating system and applications. Computer resources for scientists on the Internet. Students will use and modify existing programs as well as write their own. Semester projects will be build around areas of interest of enrolled students. Prerequisite: 111.

242f ANALOG ELECTRONICS 2
Lab-based overview of analog electronics, including DC and AC circuits, semiconductor devices, operational amplifiers and power supplies. Prerequisite: 111.

243s DIGITAL ELECTRONICS 2
Continuation of Physics 242. Operational amplifiers and linear circuits followed by digital electronics, including number systems, Logic gates and theorems, memories, introduction to microprocessors. Prerequisite: 242.

310f METHODS OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS I 4
Mathematical methods appropriate to classical mechanics and quantum mechanics, with examples and illustrations chosen from both areas. Offered fall 2007 and alternate years. Prerequisite: 111.

312f METHODS OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS II 4
Mathematical methods appropriate to electromagnetic theory and thermal physics with examples and illustrations chosen from those areas. Offered fall 2008 and alternate years. Prerequisite: 111.

321s CLASSICAL MECHANICS 4
Newton's system for describing and predicting motion, the formulations of Lagrange and Hamilton, central forces, oscillations, chaos, rigid bodies, accelerated reference frames, relativity, continua and waves. Offered 2007-2008 and alternate years. Prerequisite: 310.

331s THERMAL PHYSICS 4
Equilibrium thermodynamics, statistical methods, quantum methods in thermal physics, discussion of thermal phenomena such as phase transitions, superconductivity, superfluidity, magnetism and applications in chemistry, engineering and astrophysics. Offered 2008-2009 and alternate years. Prerequisite: 312.

341s ELECTROMAGNETISM 4
Maxwell's equations applied to static and to dynamic situations, production and propagation of electromagnetic radiation; optics and lasers. Prerequisites: 312.

352f OPTICS 4
An introductory course in classical and modern optics. Classical topics include geometrical optics, diffraction, interference and polarization. Modern optics topics will be adapted to the interests of the students and may include topics such as lasers, nonlinear optics, or lidar. Laboratory experiments will be included to enhance the theoretical discussions. Prerequisite: 111.

361s QUANTUM PHYSICS 4
Spin and matrix mechanics. Dirac notation. Schroedinger's equation applied to one-dimensional situations and then to atomic, nuclear and molecular phenomena. Systems of identical particles. Offered 2007-2008 and alternate years. Prerequisite: 210, 310.

400f,s (Astronomy 400) ADVANCED SEMINAR 4
See Astronomy 400 for description.

410f,s SPECIAL STUDY 2-4
Supervised study in specific areas of physics.

490f,s INDEPENDENT STUDY 4-8
Independent research arranged under the supervision of a department member.

120f THE SOLAR SYSTEM 4
A survey of the solar system, including the planets, minor bodies and the sun. An overview of orbital motion, the properties of light and fundamentals of astronomical instrumentation. Includes a laboratory component in which students learn introductory observational methods, including telescope alignment and calibration and visual, photographic and CCD observations of the sun, the moon, planets and stars.

121s GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY 3
A survey of the universe beyond our solar system. Fundamental techniques and discoveries in galactic and extragalactic astronomy. Topics include stellar evolution, structure of the Milky Way, large-scale structure and cosmology. Includes an optional (required for minors and majors) laboratory component in which students learn intermediate observational methods of astronomy. Taken without the 121L, this course fulfills the second science requirement. Prerequisite: 120.

121Ls OBSERVATIONAL TECHNIQUES 1
The observational/laboratory component in which students learn intermediate observational methods of astronomy. Use of computer-controlled telescopes, photographic and electronic (CCD) imaging and photometry. Astronomy 121 taken with 121L fulfills the lab science requirement. Prerequisite: 120L.

150s TOPICS IN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY 4
A semester study of a topic chosen from such areas as planetary astronomy, the search for life in the universe, astrobiology, elementary particles, cosmology, energy and the environment. Possibility for interdisciplinary topics and informal astronomical observations. Satisfies second science requirement. May be repeated for credit when topics change.

300f ASTROPHYSICS 1: RADIATION 4
The application of physics to the study of astronomical radiation. Topics include multiwavelength astronomical telescopes and instruments, stellar and planetary radiation transfer, stellar evolution, the interstellar medium, the intergalactic medium, magnetic fields and cosmology. Prerequisite or corequisite: Physics 111. Offered 2007-2008 and alternate years.

301f ASTROPHYSICS II: DYNAMICS 4
The application of physics to the study of astronomical structures and motions. Topics include dynamics from planetary to galactic scales, distance determination, galaxy evolution, mass distributions, large-scale structure and cosmology. Prerequisite or corequisite: Physics 111. Offered 2008-2009 and alternate years.

400f,s (Physics 400) ADVANCED SEMINAR 4
A capstone experience for astrophysics and physics majors. Topics will include use of online and other research resources, research methods and the ethics of scientific research. Students in the class will report regularly on their research experiences, or - if they are not actively engaged in a research project with a faculty member - on recent advances as reported in the scientific literature. Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to juniors and seniors.

410f,s SPECIAL STUDY 2-4
Supervised study in various specific areas of astronomy.

490f,s INDEPENDENT STUDY 4-8
Independent research is arranged under the supervision of a department member.


	Description of Courses

	PHYSICS: 102f ELEMENTS OF PHYSICS I 4 Quantitative discussion of motion and gravitation, illustrated by laboratory experiments. Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is essential. Students planning to major or minor in physics or astrophysics should take Physics 110-111. Physics 102 will fulfill the laboratory science distributional standard. 103s ELEMENTS OF PHYSICS II 4 Continuation of Physics 102. Quantitative discussion of electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics and optics. Prerequisite: 102 110f INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICS AND ELECTRICITY 4 Motion, gravitation and electrical phenomena. Calculus-based course. Prerequisite: Mathematics 119, AP Calculus or the instructor's permission. 111s INTRODUCTION TO MAGNETISM, HEAT, SOUND AND LIGHT 4 Elements of electricity magnetism, thermodynamics and the physics of wave phenomena. Calculus-based course.. Prerequisite: 110 160s GEOLOGY OF THE EARTH AND TERRESRIAL PLANETS 3 An introduction to geology, including the study of common minerals, rocks and fossils. Discussion of the modification of the Earth's surface by geological processes such as volcanism, tectonism, gradation (gravity, win, water and ice) and impact cratering. Consideration of geology of other terrestrial planets and moons. Includes an optional laboratory component. Taken with the lab 160L, this course fulfills the second science requirement. 160Ls INTRODUCTORY GEOLOGY LAB 1 Geology laboratory designed to introduce students to mineral, rock, fossil and meteorite identification. Participants will have direct "hands-on" access to geological specimens. Lab exercises include the geological mapping of the Earth and other terrestrial planets and visits to Georgia geological sites. Physics 160 taken with 160L fulfills the lab science requirement. 210f MODERN PHYSICS 4 One-semester introduction to the fundamentals of optics and modern physics with integrated modern physics laboratory. Many examples and applications drawn from astronomy. Topics include: relativity, wave phenomena, quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics. Course provides a broad base of understanding of modern physics for use in upper-level astronomy and physics courses. Prerequisite: 111. 211s SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING 4 Lab-based course introducing computation and numerical analysis as used in the sciences. Introduction to the fundamentals of the Unix operating system and applications. Computer resources for scientists on the Internet. Students will use and modify existing programs as well as write their own. Semester projects will be build around areas of interest of enrolled students. Prerequisite: 111. 242f ANALOG ELECTRONICS 2 Lab-based overview of analog electronics, including DC and AC circuits, semiconductor devices, operational amplifiers and power supplies. Prerequisite: 111. 243s DIGITAL ELECTRONICS 2 Continuation of Physics 242. Operational amplifiers and linear circuits followed by digital electronics, including number systems, Logic gates and theorems, memories, introduction to microprocessors. Prerequisite: 242. 310f METHODS OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS I 4 Mathematical methods appropriate to classical mechanics and quantum mechanics, with examples and illustrations chosen from both areas. Offered fall 2007 and alternate years. Prerequisite: 111. 312f METHODS OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS II 4 Mathematical methods appropriate to electromagnetic theory and thermal physics with examples and illustrations chosen from those areas. Offered fall 2008 and alternate years. Prerequisite: 111. 321s CLASSICAL MECHANICS 4 Newton's system for describing and predicting motion, the formulations of Lagrange and Hamilton, central forces, oscillations, chaos, rigid bodies, accelerated reference frames, relativity, continua and waves. Offered 2007-2008 and alternate years. Prerequisite: 310. 331s THERMAL PHYSICS 4 Equilibrium thermodynamics, statistical methods, quantum methods in thermal physics, discussion of thermal phenomena such as phase transitions, superconductivity, superfluidity, magnetism and applications in chemistry, engineering and astrophysics. Offered 2008-2009 and alternate years. Prerequisite: 312. 341s ELECTROMAGNETISM 4 Maxwell's equations applied to static and to dynamic situations, production and propagation of electromagnetic radiation; optics and lasers. Prerequisites: 312. 352f OPTICS 4 An introductory course in classical and modern optics. Classical topics include geometrical optics, diffraction, interference and polarization. Modern optics topics will be adapted to the interests of the students and may include topics such as lasers, nonlinear optics, or lidar. Laboratory experiments will be included to enhance the theoretical discussions. Prerequisite: 111. 361s QUANTUM PHYSICS 4 Spin and matrix mechanics. Dirac notation. Schroedinger's equation applied to one-dimensional situations and then to atomic, nuclear and molecular phenomena. Systems of identical particles. Offered 2007-2008 and alternate years. Prerequisite: 210, 310. 400f,s (Astronomy 400) ADVANCED SEMINAR 4 See Astronomy 400 for description. 410f,s SPECIAL STUDY 2-4 Supervised study in specific areas of physics. 490f,s INDEPENDENT STUDY 4-8 Independent research arranged under the supervision of a department member. ASTRONOMY: 120f THE SOLAR SYSTEM 4 A survey of the solar system, including the planets, minor bodies and the sun. An overview of orbital motion, the properties of light and fundamentals of astronomical instrumentation. Includes a laboratory component in which students learn introductory observational methods, including telescope alignment and calibration and visual, photographic and CCD observations of the sun, the moon, planets and stars. 121s GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY 3 A survey of the universe beyond our solar system. Fundamental techniques and discoveries in galactic and extragalactic astronomy. Topics include stellar evolution, structure of the Milky Way, large-scale structure and cosmology. Includes an optional (required for minors and majors) laboratory component in which students learn intermediate observational methods of astronomy. Taken without the 121L, this course fulfills the second science requirement. Prerequisite: 120. 121Ls OBSERVATIONAL TECHNIQUES 1 The observational/laboratory component in which students learn intermediate observational methods of astronomy. Use of computer-controlled telescopes, photographic and electronic (CCD) imaging and photometry. Astronomy 121 taken with 121L fulfills the lab science requirement. Prerequisite: 120L. 150s TOPICS IN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY 4 A semester study of a topic chosen from such areas as planetary astronomy, the search for life in the universe, astrobiology, elementary particles, cosmology, energy and the environment. Possibility for interdisciplinary topics and informal astronomical observations. Satisfies second science requirement. May be repeated for credit when topics change. 300f ASTROPHYSICS 1: RADIATION 4 The application of physics to the study of astronomical radiation. Topics include multiwavelength astronomical telescopes and instruments, stellar and planetary radiation transfer, stellar evolution, the interstellar medium, the intergalactic medium, magnetic fields and cosmology. Prerequisite or corequisite: Physics 111. Offered 2007-2008 and alternate years. 301f ASTROPHYSICS II: DYNAMICS 4 The application of physics to the study of astronomical structures and motions. Topics include dynamics from planetary to galactic scales, distance determination, galaxy evolution, mass distributions, large-scale structure and cosmology. Prerequisite or corequisite: Physics 111. Offered 2008-2009 and alternate years. 400f,s (Physics 400) ADVANCED SEMINAR 4 A capstone experience for astrophysics and physics majors. Topics will include use of online and other research resources, research methods and the ethics of scientific research. Students in the class will report regularly on their research experiences, or - if they are not actively engaged in a research project with a faculty member - on recent advances as reported in the scientific literature. Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to juniors and seniors. 410f,s SPECIAL STUDY 2-4 Supervised study in various specific areas of astronomy. 490f,s INDEPENDENT STUDY 4-8 Independent research is arranged under the supervision of a department member.




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