Catalog 2019-2020

Physics

Teaching Faculty

Professors Spayde, Tinsley (chair), and Wright 
Assistant Professor J. Gunderson 
Visiting Assistant Professor Schoelz
Laboratory Teaching Staff Steward

Description

Major in Physics

14 courses distributed as follows:

Physics (9)  

  • 1 course from the following:
              PHYS 230 General Physics I (Calculus-based) 
              PHYS 235 General Physics I (Workshop)  
  • 1 course from the following: 
              PHYS 240  General Physics II (Calculus-based)  
              PHYS 245  General Physics II (Workshop)  
  • PHYS 305  Vibrations and Waves 
  • PHYS 315  Modern Physics 
  • PHYS 340   Electronics 
  • PHYS 420  Electrodynamics 
  • PHYS 430  Quantum Mechanics 
  • PHYS 470  Thermal Physics 
  • PHYS 480  Classical Mechanics

Mathematics (3)

  • MATH 130 Calculus I
  • MATH 140 Calculus II
  • MATH 260 Differential Equations

Chemistry (1)

  • CHEM 110 General Chemistry I: Chemical Structure and Properties

Electives (1)

  • CHEM 120 General Chemistry II
  • CSCI 150 Foundations of Computer Science
  • CSCI 285 Scientific Computing
  • EDUC 290 Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
  • MATH 230 Multivariable Calculus
  • MATH 270 Linear Algebra
  • PHYS 450 Directed Research
  • PHYS 490 Topics in Physics

 

Note(s):

PHYS 490 Topics in Physics , MATH 270 Linear Algebra , and CSCI 150 Foundations of Computer Science are useful preparation for graduate study in physics or engineering. All physics majors should do a research project while at  Hendrix. Consult with any physics faculty member about research opportunities.

 

Senior Capstone Experience

 The Senior Capstone Experience for the physics major is a comprehensive examination. Students have two options for the examination. The first option is to take the GRE Physics test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The second option is to take an exam given by the department faculty. The grade for the Senior Capstone Experience is based on student performance on one of these examinations.

Major in Chemical Physics

Minor in Physics

7 courses distributed as follows:

 

  • 1 course from the following: 
              PHYS 230  General Physics I (Calculus-based) 
              PHYS 235  General Physics I (Workshop)
  • 1 course from the following:
              PHYS 240  General Physics II (Calculus-based) 
              PHYS 245  General Physics II (Workshop) 
  • PHYS 305  Vibrations and Waves
  • PHYS 315  Modern Physics 
  • MATH 130  Calculus I 
  • MATH 140  Calculus II 
  • MATH 260  Differential Equations

 

Program Course Listings

The courses for this program are organized into the following categories:

Physics Courses

PHYS 100

Top:Astronomy Under CostaRica Skies

Introduces students to the tools of physics. A topic is selected as the focus of the course which allows students to analyze phenomena, model their behavior, and solve problems: Alternative Energy, Physics in Movies and Television, and the Physics of Superheroes. Specific content may vary by course section subtitles but all sections repeat core concepts. Only one section may be counted for course credit.

Natural Science Inquiry NS
PHYS 160

Astronomy

A study of the structure and evolution of the universe. Topics include how astronomers observe and interpret phenomena, models of the solar system, life cycle of stars, and current models of the universe.

Natural Science Inquiry NS
PHYS 170

Introductory Earth Science

A study of earth science including topics such as tectonics, interior structure of the Earth, rocks and rock cycles, oceanography, meteorology, and Earth-Sun interactions. The physical principles associated with earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, hurricanes, and tornadoes are explored.

Natural Science Inquiry NS
PHYS 171

Introductory Earth Science (w/Lab)

A study of earth science including topics such as tectonics, interior structure of the Earth, rocks and rock cycles, oceanography, meteorology, and Earth-Sun Interactions. The physical principles associated with earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, hurricanes, and tornadoes are explored. The laboratory component covers the detection techniques and analysis of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
PHYS GP1

General Physics I Lab

Required laboratory experience for students taking PHYS 210 or PHYS 230. Lab exercises will focus on laboratory techniques, and topics from the General Physics I classes including kinematics, forces, conservation of energy and momentum, and waves. Prerequisite: Co-requisite PHYS 210 or PHYS 230

Co-requisite PHYS 210 or PHYS 230
PHYS GP2

General Physics II Lab

Required laboratory experience for students taking PHYS 220 or PHYS 240. Lab exercises will focus on laboratory techniques, and topics from the General Physics II classes including electric charge, Coulomb force, circuts, magnetic fields, and optics. Prerequisite: Co-requisite PHYS 220 or PHYS 240

Co-requisite PHYS 220 or PHYS 240
PHYS 230

Gen Physics I (Calc-based w/Lab)

Mechanics, heat, and waves. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: Co-requisite MATH 130 and PHYS GP1

Co-requisite MATH 130 and PHYS GP1
Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
Quantitative Studies QS
PHYS 235

General Physics I (Workshop)

An introduction to the scientific process as it pertains to the physical world with an emphasis on the topics of mechanics (Newtonian, quantum, and statistical), waves, and heat. This course is taught in a hands-on, discovery-based style with lab, computer, and course work integrated into each class meeting. The course meets three times a week for two hours at a time and does not have a separate lab section. Prerequisite: Co-requisite MATH 130

Co-requisite MATH 130
Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
Quantitative Studies QS
PHYS 240

Gen Physics II (Calc-based w/Lab)

Electricity, magnetism, and optics. Laboratory course. Prerequisites: PHYS 210, or PHYS 230, or PHYS 235, and MATH 130. Co-requisite: PHYS GP2

PHYS 210, or PHYS 230, or PHYS 235, and MATH 130. Co-requisite: PHYS GP2
Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
Quantitative Studies QS
PHYS 245

General Physics II (Workshop)

An introduction to the scientific process as it pertains to the physical world with an emphasis on the topics of electricity, magnetism, and optics. This course is taught in a hands-on, discovery-based style with lab, computer, and course work integrated into each class meeting. The course meets three times a week for two hours at a time and does not have a separate lab section. Prerequisite: PHYS 210, or PHYS 230, or PHYS 235, and MATH 130

PHYS 210, or PHYS 230, or PHYS 235, and MATH 130
Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
Quantitative Studies QS
PHYS 305

Vibrations and Waves

Mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Fourier analysis and vector calculus. Prerequisite: PHYS 220, or PHYS 240, or PHYS 245. Co-requisite MATH 260

PHYS 220, or PHYS 240, or PHYS 245. Co-requisite MATH 260
Natural Science Inquiry NS
Quantitative Studies QS
PHYS 315

Modern Physics (w/Lab)

Phenomenological basis of atomic and subatomic physics. Laboratory course. Cross-listed as CHEM 410 Advanced Physical Chemistry. Prerequisite: PHYS 220, or PHYS 240, or PHYS 245. Co-requisite: MATH 260

PHYS 220, or PHYS 240, or PHYS 245. Co-requisite: MATH 260
Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
Quantitative Studies QS
Writing Level 2 W2
PHYS 340

Electronics (w/Lab)

Analog circuits, digital circuits, and semiconductor devices. Prerequisite: PHYS 240, or PHYS 245, or PHYS 220 plus consent of instructor

PHYS 240, or PHYS 245, or PHYS 220 plus consent of instructor
PHYS 420

Electrodynamics

Electrostatics, electromagnetic fields, currents, and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisite: PHYS 305.

PHYS 305.
PHYS 430

Quantum Mechanics

Mathematical formalism of quantum theory. The Schrodinger equation and operator algebra. Bound state solutions and angular momentum. Prerequisite: PHYS 305 and either PHYS 315 or CHEM 310

PHYS 305 and either PHYS 315 or CHEM 310
PHYS 450

Directed Research

Independent research in physics conducted in conjunction with a specific faculty member. Research topics selected on an individual basis. Results of the research are typically presented at a national scientific meeting in the spring, and a final research report is written.

Undergraduate Research UR
PHYS 470

Thermal Physics

The laws of thermodynamics, classical and quantum distribution functions, and an introduction to statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: MATH 140 and PHYS 220, PHYS 240, or PHYS 245

MATH 140 and PHYS 220, PHYS 240, or PHYS 245
PHYS 480

Classical Mechanics

Central force problem, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms, and special relativity. Prerequisite: PHYS 305

PHYS 305
PHYS 490

Physics: Special Topics

A topics course studying the properties, evolution and origin of the universe based on Einstein’s theory of gravity, and cosmology. Topics may include curved space-time, black holes and worm holes, the big bang, multiple universes, and the particle physics of the early universe. No prior knowledge of general relativity is necessary. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught.

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