242 Physics and Astronomy
Requirements for the Minor: The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers academic minors in physics, astronomy, and astrophysics. Students wishing to minor in physics should take either Physics 120, 121, 122, and three other courses in consultation with the Department, or, if a life science student, Physics 110, 111, 200 or 210, and three other courses in consultation with the Department. Students wishing to minor in astronomy should take Physics 120 and 121 or Physics 110 and 111, Astronomy 51 or 100, Astronomy 50 or 105 or Geology 303, and two courses from Astronomy 52, 58, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 290/291/292, Physics 122, 123, and 495. Students wishing to minor in astrophysics should take Astronomy 105 or Geology 303, and five courses selected from Astronomy 100, 200, 210, 220, 230, and 240. Requirements for Secondary School Certification: PSY-246, EDS-500A, 500B, and at least one year of a foreign language. Physics requirements are identical to those of the physics major. All science majors are encouraged to seek certification in more than one science. To become certified in a second science requires a full major in the second science. Those wishing to become certified in general science must include at least two courses each from the areas of biology (Biology 110(102) and 112 (101)), chemistry (Chemistry 101 and 102 or Chemistry 110), and earth science (any geology course or Astronomy 100). Requirements for the Leadership in Medicine Program: Students in the Leadership in Medicine program whose science emphasis is in physics should take the following seven courses: PHY -110, 111 (both already core courses), 122, 123, 200, 210, and one additional 200- or 300-level physics course or 490 or 495. Students with AP credit for 110 (and 111) should take one additional physics elective (and one additional math course) in consultation with their physics advisor. Course Selection Guidelines Placement: Students who score a grade of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement C-exam (mechanics and/or electromagnetics), an A on the physics A-levels, a 5 or above on the Higher Level or a 6 or above on the standard exam of the International Baccalaureate (provided they earn the IB diploma), may be given credit for up to a maximum of two courses (Physics 120 and/or 121). If a student does not earn the IB diploma, they will be given credit only if they pass the higher level exam with a grade of 6 or above. Courses Suitable for Non-Majors: The following courses are designed to fulfill the Science and Technology Common Curriculum requirement (some of these courses have labs and some do not): AST 050, 051, 052, 058, PHY 051, 053, and 054. Life-science students should take PHY 110-111. Engineering and physical-science students should take PHY 120-121. Other courses suitable for selected non-majors include AST 100, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, PHY 122, 123, 200, and 210. Prerequisites: There are no placement test requirements for courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. All courses numbered 100 or above have prerequisites. Please review the course descriptions below to identify the requirements. Astronomy Courses Common Curriculum (CC) Courses Courses numbered in the 050s are designed particularly for non-science majors seeking to satisfy Common Curriculum requirements, and all of these courses carry Common Curriculum credit. These courses may count toward the major in astronomy or the interdepartmental major (see requirements for the astronomy and ID majors, above), but they may not be counted toward the major in physics or toward any other science or engineering major.
Physics and Astronomy 243
AST-050. The Solar System (Spring). An introductory but detailed discussion of the solar system with special emphasis on the application of physics and the measurement of fundamental properties. Topics include the contents of the solar system (earth, moon, sun, planets, asteroids, comets), formation of the solar system, evolutionary processes (cratering, volcanism, tidal effects), extrasolar planetary systems, and possibilities of life on other planets. Labs will be performed in which students learn how to find and observe the planets and measure fundamental properties. No background in mathematics or physics required. CC: SCLB AST-051. Introduction to Astronomy (Fall). A descriptive review of current knowledge in astronomy, including methods of measurement and the applications of physics to astronomy. Topics include stars (structure, formation, and evolution), galaxies, and the universe. Evening laboratory sessions in which students learn how to use cameras and telescopes. No background in mathematics or physics required. CC: SCLB AST-052. Relativity, Black Holes, and Quasars (Not Offered 2013-14 ). A descriptive introduction to Einstein’s theories of Special and General Relativity, with applications to the astrophysical phenomena of black holes and quasars. No background in mathematics or physics required. CC: SET AST-058. Astrobiology: Life in the Universe (Same as BIO-058) (Winter). Does life exist elsewhere in the universe, or are we alone? The emerging science of astrobiology attempts to answer this fundamental question using an interdisciplinary approach rooted in biology and astronomy. This course will examine the current state of our scientific knowledge concerning the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. Topics include: the nature and origin of life on Earth, the possibility of life on Mars and elsewhere in the Solar System, the search for extrasolar planets, the habitability of planets, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. CC: SET Courses for Science and Engineering Majors AST-100. Introduction to Astrophysics (Fall). An introduction to the field of astrophysics, with an emphasis on a scientific understanding of stars and the universe. Topics include stars (structure, formation, and evolution), galaxies (the Milky Way, galaxy types, quasars, and active galaxies), dark matter, and the Big Bang model of the universe. One hour mathematics/computational lab each week. Prerequisites: PHY-110 or PHY-120 or IMP-112. AST-105. Introduction to Planetary Science (Spring). An introduction to the field of planetary science, with an emphasis on a scientific understanding of the Solar System. Topics include information and evolution of the Solar System; physical processes in the Solar System; planetary geology and atmospheres; properties of planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets in the Solar System; extra solar planets. One hour session mathematics/computational each week. Prerequisites: PHY-110 or PHY-120 or IMP-112 or IMP-120. AST-200. Stellar Structure and Evolution (Not Offered 2013-14). An examination of the physical principles governing the structure and evolution of stars. Topics include radiation laws, and the determination of stellar temperature, luminosity, and composition; radiative transfer and the interior structure of stars; nuclear fusion and nucleosynthesis; star clusters and stellar evolution; and stellar remnants (white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes). Prerequisites: PHY-111 or PHY-121 or IMP-113 or IMP-121. AST-210. Galaxies (Winter). A survey of the physical properties, dynamics, and distribution of galaxies. Topics include the content, formation, and evolution of the Milky Way and other galaxies; the large-scale distribution of galaxies; interactions between galaxies; dark matter; active galactic nuclei; and quasars. Prerequisites: PHY-111 or PHY-121 or IMP-113 or IMP-121. AST-220. Cosmology and General Relativity (Not Offered 2013-14). A detailed study of the universe. Topics include an introduction to general relativity; the shape, size, age, and future of the universe; models of the primordial universe, including the Big Bang Theory and the Inflation Theory; the origin of the elements; dark matter; the cosmic background radiation; and the formation of galaxies. Prerequisites: PHY-111 or PHY-121 or IMP-113 or IMP-121, and MTH-115. PHY-122 is recommended.