Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences and is an important part of a liberal arts education. Introductory courses are designed for students in all majors and provide a fundamental background in physical principles, the observation of natural processes, the logic and nature of science, and the diverse applications of physics. The introductory courses are
General Physics for students who wish to major in physics as part of liberal arts education, including preparation for careers in teaching or business.
Preprofessional Physics courses in physics, chemistry, and mathematics to prepare students for graduate study in physics or research in industry.
Biological Physics includes chemistry and biology courses that can be used to prepare for medical or dental schools or for careers in the biomedical professions.
Materials Science advanced courses in physics and chemistry designed to prepare students for graduate study in the interdisciplinary area of materials science.
Computational Physics advanced courses in physics, computer science, and mathematics designed to prepare students for graduate study in the rapidly growing area of computational science. Technology Assessment interdisciplinary courses to enable students to make physical, economic, and value assessments of technological systems.
Students interested in using physics as the basis for an engineering career should inquire about the 3/2 Engineering Program offering students a five-year option that combines a B.A. from Clark and a B.S. in engineering from Columbia University, Washington University (St. Louis), or Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Courses in the core curriculum include:
| Units | |
|---|---|
| (1) Introductory Physics: | |
| Physics 120 and Physics 121 (or 110/111) | 2 |
| (2) Intermediate level Physics: | |
| Physics 130 and 131 | 2 |
| (3) Calculus: Mathematics 124, 125, 130, and 131 | 4 |
| (4) Laboratory based courses: | |
| Physics 127 or 219 | 1 |
| (5) Upper level courses: | |
| Physics 150, 160, 161, and 171 | 4 |
| (6) Senior project: | |
| Physics 299 or equivalent | 1 |
| Total In Core Curriculum | 14 |
| Additional approved electives | 4 |
| Total in Major Program | 18 |
Students with strong backgrounds in physics and mathematics may replace required courses with appropriate advanced courses with advisor approval. Advanced placement credits may count toward major requirements. Advanced undergraduates may take graduate level courses. Majors must meet with the undergraduate physics advisor prior to registration every semester to plan their course of study and to ensure that all requirements for the major are being satisfied. It is possible to complete all requirements for the major within three years, so that it is not essential to begin the study of physics in the first year.
Information about career opportunities and further information about courses and major requirements can be obtained from the undergraduate physics advisor and other physics faculty members.
The academic requirements are flexible, with emphasis on early student participation in research and informal student evaluation. A distinctive part of each student's course work is Physics 303, a research apprenticeship which introduces students to different research groups beginning in the first year of graduate studies.
M.A. degree students must satisfy the general University residence and course requirements, pass with a grade of B- or better four of the core graduate courses (Physics 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, and 310) and one semester of Physics 303, and pass two oral examinations in the subject matter of the core graduate courses. In contrast to M.A. physics programs at many other universities, M.A. candidates also must complete a thesis based on original research.
Ph.D. degree students must fulfill residence and course requirements, pass the core graduate courses (Physics 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, and 310) with a grade of B or higher, and complete three semesters of Physics 303. The department does not rely on a formal written qualifying examination to evaluate student readiness for the Ph.D. Instead, students must pass four oral examinations that stress qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of the subject matter of the core graduate courses. Students are required to pass an additional graduate course (approved by the graduate student advisor) in a subject that is outside of the area of their dissertation concentration. The course may be in physics, the other sciences, mathematics, computer science, or in another appropriate field. Ph.D. candidates also complete a dissertation based on original research. Students entering with advanced standing and transferable credit are encouraged to demonstrate proficiency in the core graduate courses through oral examinations.
Graduate students in both the M.A. and Ph.D. programs are required to gain supervised teaching experience either as teaching assistants or teaching fellows in the department, or elsewhere if approved by the department. More information about the requirements for the Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in physics is available from the Graduate Student Handbook. Copies are available upon request from the graduate student advisor.
Further information on the research interests of the faculty and research opportunities for graduate students can be found at the department's Web site, http://physics.clarku.edu.
Application forms for admission and financial aid may be requested from the chair of the department. During the academic year, financial support is available in the form of tuition remissions, teaching assistantships and research assistantships. The department considers the financial support of its graduate students an important responsibility.
001 Exploring The Universe/Lecture/Observatory
Concepts and methods of science for non-science majors. Devoted to the
planets, sun, stars, their life cycles, and the galaxies. Involves
physics, chemistry, biology, and geology. Explores theories of the
composition and origin of the solar system, the universe, and life.
Students observe celestial objects including the moon, sun, planets,
meteors, stars, nebulae, and galaxies using telescopes in the University
observatory. Minimal use of mathematics. Satisfies the scientific
perspective requirement in the Program of Liberal Studies. Mr.
Davies/Offered every fall
002 The Planets And Space Exploration/Lecture/Observatory
Can be taken as a first course in astronomy or as a second course after
Astronomy 001. Emphasizes the solar system and past and future projects
for its exploration. Topics include the sun, comets and asteroids,
planetary and satellite surfaces, and planetary interiors and atmospheres.
The principles of rocket flight and the motion of objects in the solar
system are treated qualitatively and with simple algebra. Satisfies the
scientific perspective requirement in the Program of Liberal Studies. Mr.
Davies/Offered every spring
10 Einstein And His Ideas/First-Year Seminar/Discussion,
Laboratory
Introduces space-time concepts associated with relativity, gravitation,
and Einstein's contribution to the development of quantum theory.
Einstein's views on social, political, philosophical issues, and his
influence on contemporary culture are discussed. Competence or background
in mathematics and physics is not assumed. Satisfies the scientific
perspective requirement in the Program of Liberal Studies. Formerly
Physics 100. Mr. Gould/Offered periodically
20 Discovering Physics/Lecture, Laboratory
Emphasizes hands-on experience and the learning of science in a way
similar to how science should be taught to children and how scientists
gain new knowledge. Designed for students interested in education, but is
open to all undergraduates; no special expertise in mathematics and
science is assumed. Topics include wave and particle phenomena with an
emphasis on the properties of light. Several laboratories and group
discussions per week. Satisfies the scientific perspective requirement in
the Program of Liberal Studies. Formerly Physics 102. Mr. Blatt/Offered
every year
110Introductory
Physics Part I/Lecture, Discussion, Laboratory
Introductory level, problem-oriented survey course for science majors and
other students. course Stresses the simplicity and self-consistency of
physical models in explaining a variety of physical phenomena. Topics
include Newtonian mechanics, wave motion, and an introduction to the
thermal properties of matter. Calculus is not required, but elements of
calculus are introduced during the course. Physics 110, with Physics 111,
fulfills the usual entrance requirements for medical and dental schools.
Three lectures per week. One laboratory per fortnight. Satisfies either the formal
analysis requirement or the scientific perspective requirement in the Program of Liberal Studies. Mr. Landee, Mr.
Blatt/Offered every fall
111 Introductory Physics Part II/Lecture, Discussion,
Laboratory
A continuation of Physics 110. Topics include electricity, magnetism,
optics, relativity, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Students who do
not intend to take a second year of physics should enroll in this course
instead of Physics 121. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. The
laboratory is designed to fulfill the usual entrance requirements for
medical and dental schools. This course satisfies the scientific
perspective requirement for the Program of Liberal Studies. Mr. Blatt, Mr.
Landee/Offered every semester
120 Introductory
Physics Part I/Lecture, Discussion, Laboratory
Problem-oriented course intended for science majors that is more in-depth
than Physics 110. Topics include Newtonian mechanics and wave motion.
Course should be taken with Math 124 so the elements of calculus and its
applications to physics can be treated at the same time. Three lectures
and one discussion section per week. One laboratory per fortnight. Corequisite: Mathematics 120 or 124.
Satisfies the formal analysis requirement in the Program of Liberal
Studies. Formerly Physics 110.2. Mr. Agosta, Mr. Kudrolli/Offered every fall
121 Introductory
Physics Part II/Lecture, Discussion, Laboratory
Continuation of Physics 120 which offers a more in-depth introduction to
physics than Physics 111. The topics of electricity, magnetism, light and
optics are discussed. Recommended second semester course for physics,
mathematics, and other science majors who intend to continue with Physics
130. Three lectures and a laboratory every other week. Credit is not given for
both Physics 111 and 121. Satisfies the scientific perspective requirement
of the Program of Liberal Studies. Corequisite: Mathematics 121 or 125.
Formerly Physics 112. Mr. Agosta, Mr. Kudrolli/Offered every spring
127 Computer Simulation Laboratory/Discussion, Laboratory
Introduces methods of computer simulation and its diverse applications.
Course is project-oriented, with students proceeding at their own pace
depending on their background and interests. Projects include planetary
motion, chaotic systems, fractal phenomena, random systems, and thermal
systems. Methods include the numerical solution of differential equations
and Monte Carlo techniques. Course emphasizes structured programming, and
is recommended for prospective science majors as an introduction to
programming rather than Computer Science 101. Two laboratory sections and
two discussion periods per week. Satisfies the scientific perspective
requirement of the Program of Liberal Studies. Prerequisites: Physics 120,
Mathematics 120, or instructor permission. No background in computer
programming is required. Formerly Physics 125. Mr. Gould/Offered every
spring
130 Oscillations, Waves, and Optics/Seminar, Laboratory
The third of a four semester introductory survey of physics. The seminar meets for three hours per week plus an afternoon laboratory. Oscillations and harmonic motion and wave phenomena such as interference, diffraction, standing waves and ray and wave optics are among the topics discussed. Key experiments include studies of mechanical, acoustic, and optical standing waves, resonance in oscillating systems, optical instrumentation, and the measurement of the speed of light. The course prepares students for the study of quantum waves in Physics 131 and satisfies the scientific perspective requirement of the Program of Liberal Studies. Prerequisites: Physics 111 or 121; corequisite: Mathematics 130. Formerly Physics 113. Mr. Landee/Offered every fall
131 Quantum Physics/Seminar, Laboratory
The last in a four semester survey of physics intended to follow Physics
130. After an introduction to relativity theory, the course emphasizes the
experimental basis of atomic and nuclear structure leading to the
development of wave mechanics. The laboratory uses modern research
instrumentation to address contributions by Einstein, Rutherford, Compton,
Moseley, Chadwick, and others. A special section deals with the
technological application of nuclear fission and fusion. Satisfies the
scientific perspective requirement of the Program of Liberal Studies.
Prerequisite: Physics 130; corequisite Mathematics 131. Formerly Physics
114. Mr. Blatt/Offered every spring
140 Energy and the Environment/Lecture, Discussion
The production and utilization of energy plays a central role in
modern civilization, and constitutes an increasing drain on our
natural resources. Undesired byproducts of large-scale energy usage
are becoming more apparent, including local heating of streams and
global warming, pollution of the atmosphere and ocean, and real and
perceived dangers related to the use of advanced technology. The
course will explore these environmental concerns in the context of
the possibilities and limitations set by physical laws, and consider
the extent to which science must be involved in their resolution. The
course is cross listed with ES & P 140. Formerly Physics 130. Mr.
Blatt/Offered periodically
150 Statistical and Thermal Physics/Lecture, Discussion
Introduces the concepts of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and
kinetic theory with the goal of understanding the behavior of macroscopic
systems on the basis of microscopic theory. Topics include probability, entropy
and the second law of thermodynamics, the Boltzmann probability
distribution, heat and work, and the first and second law efficiencies of
simple engines. Prerequisite: Physics 130; corequisite: Mathematics 131.
Formerly Physics 123. Mr. Gould/Offered every fall
160 Classical Mechanics/Lecture, Discussion
Physics 160 and 161 constitute an introduction to the concepts of
classical physics at the intermediate level. Topics include particle and
rigid body dynamics in inertial and noninertial reference frames. The
necessary mathematical methods are introduced and applied. Prerequisites:
Mathematics 131 and Physics 111 or 121. Formerly Physics 161. Mr. Davies,
Mr. Gould/Offered every fall
161 Electricity and Magnetism/Lecture, Discussion
Continuation of Physics 160. Topics include electro- and magnetostatics
and electrodynamics through Maxwell's equations and relativity. Develops
useful mathematical methods. Prerequisite: Physics 160. Formerly Physics
162. Mr. Gould, Mr. Kudrolli/Offered every spring
171 Atomic and Nuclear Physics/Lecture, Discussion
Intermediate level course providing an introduction to quantum mechanics
and its applications to atoms, nuclei, molecules, and solids.
Prerequisites: Physics 131 and Mathematics 131. Formerly Physics 174. Mr.
Agosta, Mr. Landee/Offered every year
201 Classical Dynamics/Lecture, Discussion 202 Electrodynamics/Lecture, Discussion 205 Quantum Mechanics Part I/Lecture 206 Quantum Mechanics Part II/Lecture 209 Statistical Mechanics/Lecture, Discussion 219 Electronics Laboratory/Lecture, Laboratory 227 Advanced Computer Simulation Laboratory 299.1 Directed Readings in Physics 299.2 Special Projects in Physics 299.8 Honors Course 301 Classical Dynamics 302 Classical Electrodynamics 303 Research Apprenticeship 305 Quantum Mechanics Part I/Lecture, Discussion 306 Quantum Mechanics Part II/Lecture, Discussion 309 Statistical Mechanics/Lecture, Discussion 310 Solid State Physics/Lecture, Discussion 317 Solid State Spectroscopy/Seminar 319 Advanced Statistical Mechanics/Lecture, Discussion 320 Advanced Seminar in Physics 325 Research Seminar 390 Colloquium 398 Research
Designed to prepare students for graduate work in physics. Topics include
Hamilton's principle, classical scattering theory, rigid body motion,
canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, and mathematical
methods of physics. Lectures are the same as Physics 301, but the
assignments and evaluation are separate. Prerequisite: Physics 160 and
161. Mr. Davies/Offered every year
Designed to prepare students for graduate work in physics. Topics include
boundary value problems in electrostatics and magnetostatics,
electromagnetic field equations and special relativity, electromagnetic
waves, radiation theory, multipole fields, and mathematical methods of
physics. Lectures are the same as Physics 302, but the assignments and
evaluation are separate. Prerequisite: Physics 161. Mr. Davies/Offered
every year
Physics 205 and 206 constitute a comprehensive introduction to the
concepts of quantum mechanics and their application in physics and
chemistry. Sequence is to prepare students for graduate work. Lectures are
the same as in Physics 305, but the assignments and evaluation are
separate. Prerequisites: Physics 171 and Mathematics 131. Mr.
Davies/Offered every year
Physics 206 is a continuation of Physics 205. Prerequisite: Physics 205.
Mr. Davies/Offered every year
Designed to prepare students for graduate work in physics. The lectures
are the same as in Physics 309, but the assignments and evaluation are
separate. Prerequisites: Physics 150 and 171. Mr. Gould, Mr.
Phillies/Offered every year
Examines principles of modern electrical measurement and control.
Introduces DC and AC circuit theory and use of test instruments such as
multimeters and the oscilloscope. Emphasizes electronic circuit design,
operational amplifiers, and digital circuits. Two lectures and one
laboratory each week. Suitable for intermediate level undergraduates and
graduate students in the sciences. Mr. Agosta/Offered every fall
Similar to Physics 127 but more advanced. Suitable for graduate students
in the sciences or undergraduates who have completed Physics 125.
Prerequisite: Physics 127 or instructor permission. Mr. Gould/Offered
every spring
This capstone covers a selection of topics of current interest in physics.
Offered for variable credit. Staff/Offered periodically
Directed readings in physics in areas not covered in regular courses.
Offered by arrangement and for variable credit. Staff/Offered every
semester
Independent research project in experimental, theoretical, or applied
physics, with the guidance of a faculty advisor. Normally taken in the
senior year to fulfill the senior project requirement. Students may enroll
in Physics 299 more than once. Offered for variable credit. Faculty
advisor permission required. Staff/Offered every semester
Primarily for majors seeking departmental honors in physics. Offered for
variable credit. Prerequisites: Physics 299.1 and advisor permission.
Staff/Offered every semester
Graduate level course in classical mechanics. Topics are similar to
Physics 201, but are treated in greater depth. Mr. Davies/Offered every
fall
Graduate level course in classical electromagnetism. Topics are similar to
Physics 202, but are treated in greater depth. Mr. Davies/Offered every
spring
Research apprentices participate actively in an experimental or
theoretical research group. Ph.D. students enroll in the course for three
semesters with a minimum of one semester in a theoretical group and one
semester in an experimental group. M.A. students take a minimum of one
semester. Staff/Offered every semester
Physics 305 and 306 are a comprehensive introduction to quantum mechanics
and its application in physics and chemistry. Topics include the
foundations of quantum mechanics, symmetries and angular momentum,
particle in a central potential, electron spin, and perturbation theory.
Mr. Davies/Offered every fall
Physics 306 is a continuation of Physics 305. Topics include scattering
theory, interaction of radiation with matter, second quantization,
applications to simple atoms and molecules, and an introduction to
many-body theory. Mr. Davies/Offered every spring
Examines statistical mechanics with applications to physical and chemical
systems. Topics include ensemble theory, the statistical basis of
thermodynamics, quantum statistics, the virial expansion of a classical
gas, ideal Bose and Fermi systems, the renormalization group, and
fluctuations. Mr. Gould, Mr. Phillies/Offered every fall
Examines experimental properties and quantum theory of solids. Topics
include crystal and reciprocal lattice structures, the free electron
theory of metals, electronic band structure and the Fermi surface, lattice
vibrations, and the elementary excitations of solids. Prerequisite:
Physics 305 or permission of instructor. Mr. Landee/Offered every spring
Theoretical and experimental review of the physics of solids observed
using spectroscopic methods. Staff/Offered periodically
Treats the statistical mechanics of interacting systems, including the
theory of critical phenomena and kinetic theory. Other advanced topics of
current research interest are discussed. Prerequisite: Physics 309. Mr.
Gould/Offered periodically
Provides for special coverage of topics in physics of current research
interest. Offered for variable credit. Staff/Offered periodically
Student participation seminar on current research problems. Offered for
variable credit. Staff/Offered periodically
Weekly invited lecturers speak on current research topics. Required for
all graduate students and recommended for undergraduates involved in
research. Not offered for credit. Staff/Offered every semester
Thesis and dissertation preparation. Offered for variable credit. Staff
Updated 10 January 2003.