244 Physics and Astronomy
AST-230. Observational Astronomy (Not Offered 2013-14). A laboratory-based course dealing with modern astronomical techniques. The course work will involve primarily nighttime observations with a 20-inch telescope and computer analysis of the data. Techniques covered include CCD observations, sky subtraction, spectroscopy, and photometry. Student projects may include determination of the distances and ages of star clusters; measurements of the variability of stars and of quasars; measurements of the masses of Jupiter, binary star systems, and galaxies; and determination of orbits of asteroids. Prerequisites: PHY-111 or PHY-121 or IMP-113 or IMP-121 or permission of the instructor (with some telescope experience). AST-240. Radio Astronomy (Fall). A laboratory-based course in the observing methods and the astrophysics learned from astronomical studies at radio wavelengths. Topics include the operation of a radio telescope; important emission mechanisms; star formation regions; interstellar gas; interstellar molecular clouds; radio galaxies; and the cosmic microwave background. Student projects will involve observations with Union’s 2-meter radio telescope and with the 37-meter radio telescope at the Haystack Observatory in Westford, Massachusetts. Prerequisites: PHY-111 or PHY-121 or IMP113 or IMP-121; Recommended: Math-115. Physics Courses Common Curriculum 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. They may not be counted toward the major in physics or toward any other science or engineering major, but may count toward an interdepartmental major (see requirements for IDmajor, above). PHY-051. Seeing the Light: Concepts of Vision (Same as BIO-051) (Not offered 2013-14). An introduction to the biology and physics of vision. Topics include the workings of the eye and brain, the properties of light, and recent advances in the development of robotic vision. Closed to physics and biology majors. No mathematics or science background is required. CC: SCLB PHY-053. Physics and Politics (Same as HST-253) (Not Offered 2013-14). This class will introduce students to some of the most important developments during the twentieth century in modern physics, the theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics, set in a comparative context of the capitalist democratic United States, fascist National Socialist Germany, and communist Soviet Union. Along with an explanation of how the science works, this class will examine how the political, social, and ideological context can influence science and scientists. No background in mathematics or physics required. CC: SET PHY-054. Laser Technology and Modern Optics (Not Offered 2013-14). An introduction to lasers and their applications in today’s technological society. The special properties of laser light, various types of lasers and how they function, and laser applications including holography, medical uses of lasers, communications, and spectroscopy. Laboratory provides hands-on experiences with lasers. Not open to physics majors. No background in mathematics or physics required. CC: SCLB Courses for Science and Engineering Majors Integrated Math/Physics IMP-120, IMP-121 (Winter, Spring). An introductory team-taught, two-term-long sequence of integrated courses, two in mathematics and two in physics, roughly spanning the content of MTH-115, MTH-117, PHY-120 and PHY-121. Designed for engineering students as well as other interested students. Prerequisite: MTH-113, by invitation. PHY-100. First-Year Seminar (Fall). Team-taught course introducing physics at Union. Topics covered may include astronomy, astrophysics, atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, computational physics, laser physics, quantum measurement, nuclear and particle physics, solid-state physics, and statistical physics. Prerequisite: By invitation. CC: SET
Physics and Astronomy 245
PHY-110. Classical and Modern Physics for the Life Sciences 1 (Fall, Spring). An introduction to classical mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics with applications in the life sciences. Three lab hours each week. Prerequisite: Math 102 or 112 or 113 (may be taken concurrently). Students must major in a life science or be admitted by permission of the instructor. PHY-111. Classical and Modern Physics for the Life Sciences 2 (Fall, Winter). An introduction to electromagnetism, optics, and the structure of matter with applications in the life sciences. Three lab hours each week. Prerequisite: PHY-110 or PHY-120 or IMP-112 or IMP-120. PHY-120. Matter in Motion (Fall, Winter, Spring). Calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics; Newtonian dynamics and energetics of a single particle and of systems of particles. Integrated class and lab meets four times each week. Prerequisites: MTH-102 or MTH-112 or MTH113 (may be taken concurrently). CC: SCLB PHY-121. Principles of Electromagnetics (Fall, Winter, Spring). Calculus-based introduction to waves, electro and magneto statics, and electrodynamics through Maxwell’s equations. Integrated class and lab meets four times each week. Prerequisite: PHY-120 or IMP-112 or IMP-120. PHY-122. Relativity, Quantum, and Their Applications (Winter). Calculus-based introduction to the structure of matter, including quantum effects, particle, nuclear, atomic, molecular, and solid state physics, and applications to materials of interest to engineers and scientists. Three lab hours each week. Prerequisite: PHY-121 or IMP-113 or IMP-121. PHY-123. Heat, Light, and Astronomy (Fall). Calculus-based introduction to thermodynamics, geometric and physical optics, and astrophysics. Integrated class and lab meets four times each week. Prerequisite: PHY-121 or IMP-113 or IMP-121. PHY-200. Molecular Biophysics (Not Offered 2013-14). Selected topics in molecular biophysics including an overview of proteins, nucleic acids, viruses and bacteria, with an emphasis on molecular structure and functioning. Experimental techniques used in modern biophysical research included in the course are various optical spectroscopies and microscopies, as well as hydrodynamic methods (sedimentation, diffusion, viscosity, electrophoresis), NMR, and x-ray diffraction. Prerequisites: PHY-111 or PHY-121 or IMP-113 or IMP-121, and some exposure to biology or permission of the instructor. PHY-210. The Physics of Modern Medicine: Applications in Imaging, Surgery and Therapy. (Fall) This course introduces the technologies used in modern medicine and the basic physical principles that underlie them. Topics will include: laser surgery, ultrasound imaging, laparoscopic surgery, diagnostic x-ray imaging, nuclear medicine, computed tomography (CAT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and radiation therapy. Safety issues involved in the use of each technique will be considered in depth, and discussions will include societal implications of the growing use of technology in medicine. Specific medical applications discussed will include (but are not limited to): colon cancer screening, arthroscopic knee surgery, laser eye surgery, dermatological laser surgery, obstetrical ultrasound, cardiovascular ultrasound, mammography, osteoporosis screening, cancer radiation therapy, and applications of PET and MRI brain scans in neuroscience. Prerequisites: PHY-111 or PHY-121 or IMP-113 or IMP-121, or permission of the instructor. PHY-220. Relativity and Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (Spring). A second course in modern physics covering special relativity and an introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include relativistic kinematics, relativistic dynamics, four-vector notation, relativistic collisions, origins of quantum mechanics, Schrodinger’s equation and the development of wave mechanics, applications of wave mechanics in one and three dimensions (step potential, square well, harmonic oscillator), angular momentum operators, the hydrogen atom, Dirac notation and matrix formulation of linear operators, Dirac Delta function, spin angular momentum, measurement theory, and timeindependent perturbation theory. One hour computational lab each week. Prerequisite: PHY-111 or PHY-122. PHY-230. Intermediate Classical Mechanics (Fall). An analytical treatment of classical mechanics. Topics include motion of a particle in one, two, and three dimensions; planetary motion; collision theory; moving coordinate systems; dynamics of rigid bodies; and the Lagrangian form of the equations of motion. One hour computational lab each week. Prerequisites: PHY-110 or PHY-120 or IMP-112 or IMP-120, and MTH-117 (pre- or co-requisite), or permission of the instructor.