• ASTR 110: Introduction to Astronomy & Lab

    An introduction to current astronomy with an emphasis on how we know what we know. Topics include the solar system; the life cycles of stars; pulsars, quasars, and black holes; and the history and future fate of the universe. No mathematics background beyond high school algebra and trigonometry is assumed. 6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024, Winter 2025 · Ryan Terrien, Andreia Carrillo

  • ASTR 113: Observational Astronomy

    Theory and practice of basic techniques in observational and laboratory astronomy. Certain problems involve the use of the 16-inch and 8-inch telescopes. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): ASTR 100 – Argument and Inquiry or ASTR 110 – Introduction to Astronomy & Lab or ASTR 127 – Topics in Modern Astrophysics or ASTR 232 – Astrophysics I or ASTR 233 – Astrophysics II or PHYS 228 – Atomic & Nuclear Physics & Lab or PHYS 232 – Astrophysics I or PHYS 233 – Astrophysics II with a grade of C- or better.

     3 credits; S/CR/NC; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024, Spring 2025 · Seth Kimbrell

  • PHYS 123: What Physicists Do

    A program of five lectures by invited speakers that is intended to give students some perspective on the kinds of work done by people with a physics background. Visitors from industry, government, business, and research and educational institutions will discuss their work and work-related experiences. The abstracts for the talks can be found at https://www.carleton.edu/physics-astronomy/phys-123-speaker-series/.

     Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 6 credit Introductory Physics (131-165) course or Two 3 credit Introductory Physics (131-165) courses with a grade of C- or better.

     1 credit; S/CR/NC; No Exploration; offered Spring 2025 · Marty Baylor

  • PHYS 131: Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab

    A traditional introduction to classical mechanics using the Newtonian worldview. The kinematics and dynamics of some simple systems are investigated using Newton’s laws, vector analysis, and the conservation laws of momentum and energy. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed or in the process of completing any of the following course(s): MATH 101 – Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111 – Introduction to Calculus or equivalents or greater or has received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or has received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or has received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or equivalent AND has NOT taken PHYS 142 – Matter and Interactions and Lab, PHYS 143 – Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab, PHYS 144 – Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab or PHYS 145 – Mechanics and Waves and Lab.

     3 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Seth Kimbrell, Chris West

  • PHYS 142: Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity with Problem Solving and Lab

    This course begins with an introduction to classical mechanics using the Newtonian worldview. Descriptions of motion and change in motion of some simple systems at human speeds are investigated using Newton’s laws, vector analysis, and the conservation laws of momentum and energy. The course moves beyond the Newtonian framework to consider a relativistic framework where time and space are intertwined and explores the motion of objects whose speeds approach the speed of light. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work.  This section of introductory physics with problem solving is periodically offered for students who wish to further develop their general analytical and critical thinking skills. The smaller section will have additional class meetings for problem solving and review. PHYS 142 is appropriate for students who would like to have more scheduled time to work with a faculty member on developing their scientific reasoning skills and understanding of the foundations of physics.  

     Prerequisites:

    Student has completed completed any of the following course(s): MATH 101 – Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111 – Introduction to Calculus or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP Exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or has received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or equivalents AND has NOT taken PHYS 131 – Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab , PHYS 144 – Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab, PHYS 145 – Mechanics and Waves and Lab or PHYS 151 – Introduction to Physics: Relativity and Particles and Lab. PHYS 142 and PHYS 143 are equivalent courses, if you have taken one you cannot register for the other.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Chris West

  • PHYS 143: Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab

    This course begins with an introduction to classical mechanics using the Newtonian worldview. Descriptions of motion and change in motion of some simple systems at human speeds are investigated using Newton’s laws, vector analysis, and the conservation laws of momentum and energy. The course moves beyond the Newtonian framework to consider a relativistic framework where time and space are intertwined and explores the motion of objects whose speeds approach the speed of light. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed completed any of the following course(s): MATH 101 – Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111 – Introduction to Calculus or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP Exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or has received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or equivalents AND has NOT taken PHYS 131 – Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab , PHYS 144 – Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab, PHYS 145 – Mechanics and Waves and Lab or PHYS 151 – Introduction to Physics: Relativity and Particles and Lab. PHYS 142 and PHYS 143 are equivalent courses, if you have taken one you cannot register for the other.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Seth Kimbrell

  • PHYS 144: Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab

    This course begins by reviewing Newtonian mechanics, with applications of vector analysis and the concepts of momentum and energy to large-scale gravitational phenomena in the universe. The course moves beyond the Newtonian framework to consider a relativistic framework where time and space are intertwined and explores the motion of objects whose speeds approach the speed of light. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed completed any of the following course(s): MATH 120 – Calculus 2 or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or equivalent AND has NOT taken PHYS 131 – Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab , PHYS 142 – Matter and Interactions and Lab, PHYS 143 – Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab, PHYS 145 – Mechanics and Waves and Lab or PHYS 151 – Introduction to Physics: Relativity and Particles and Lab

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Barry Costanzi, Andreia Carrillo

  • PHYS 145: Mechanics and Waves and Lab

    This course begins with the study of the motion of objects on the human scale using Newton’s laws. The course provides the foundation for the study of conservation of energy and momentum, waves, and fluids. Biologic, medical, chemical, nuclear, and geologic applications may be considered. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed completed any of the following course(s): MATH 101 – Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111 – Introduction to Calculus or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or equivalent AND has NOT taken PHYS 131 – Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab, PHYS 142 – Matter and Interactions and Lab, PHYS 143 – Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab or PHYS 144 – Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Jonathan Trevathan

  • PHYS 151: Introduction to Physics: Relativity and Particles and Lab

    An introduction to principles of physics in the realm of the very small and very fast. The course provides an introduction to special relativity where time and space are intertwined and explores the motion of objects whose speeds approach the speed of light. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed or in the process of completing any of the following course(s): MATH 101 – Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111 – Introduction to Calculus or greater or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or equivalent AND PHYS 131 – Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab AND has NOT taken PHYS 142 – Matter and Interactions and Lab or PHYS 143 – Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab or PHYS 144 – Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab.

     3 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Chris West

  • PHYS 152: Introduction to Physics: Environmental Physics and Lab

    An introduction to principles of physics and their application to the environment. Topics include energy and its flows, engines, energy efficiency, energy usage and conservation in vehicles and buildings, the atmosphere, and climate change. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. Weekly laboratory work or field trips. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed or is in the process of completing any of the following course(s): MATH 101 – Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111 – Introduction to Calculus or greater or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam AND PHYS 131 – Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab OR has completed PHYS 142 – Matter and Interactions and Lab, PHYS 143 – Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab, PHYS 144 – Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab or PHYS 145 – Mechanics and Waves and Lab with grade of C- or better.

     3 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Seth Kimbrell

  • PHYS 165: Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics and Lab

    A study of the principles of electricity, magnetism, and optics with an emphasis on real-world applications to areas such as electronics, medicine, or materials science. Topics include electric and magnetic fields, electric potentials, DC and AC circuits and geometric and wave optics. Designed for science majors who want additional background in physics. Comfort with algebra and the integration and differentiation of elementary functions is assumed. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 131 – Introduction to Physics: Newtonian Mechanics and Lab, PHYS 142 – Matter and Interactions and Lab, PHYS 143 – Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab, PHYS 144 – Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab or PHYS 145 – Mechanics and Waves and Lab with a grade of C- or better AND MATH 101 – Calculus and Problem Solving or MATH 111– Introduction to Calculus or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam or equivalent.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Jonathan Trevathan

  • PHYS 228: Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab

    An introduction to quantum mechanics and select applications that explore physics in the realm of the very small world or atoms and nuclei. Topics include wave-like and particle-like behavior of both light and matter, behavior of particles in confined spaces, material properties of solids, radioactive decay, and experimental techniques and instrumentation for exploring these optical, atomic, and nuclear processes. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): Math 120 – Calculus 2 or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or equivalent AND the student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 142 – Matter and Interactions and Lab, PHYS 143 – Physical Systems or PHYS 144 Astrophysical Systems or PHYS 151 – Introduction to Physics: Relativity and Particles and Lab with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Barry Costanzi, Jay Tasson

  • PHYS 231: Analytical and Computational Mechanics

    An analytical and computational treatment of classical mechanics and dynamics. We start from a reconsideration of complicated Newtonian problems and also develop the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism of classical mechanics. A variety of systems, including some whose equations of motion cannot be solved analytically, will be explored. Possible examples include harmonic oscillators, central-force problems, chaotic dynamics, astrophysical systems, and medieval siege engines. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 131 – Introduction to Physics, PHYS 142 – Matter and Interactions and Lab, PHYS 143 – Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab or PHYS 144 – Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab with a grade of C- or better AND has completed or in the process of completing MATH 210 – Calculus 3 or MATH 211 – Introduction to Multivariable Calculus or greater with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Chris West

  • ASTR 232: Astrophysics I

    A study of stellar structure and evolution with an emphasis on the physical principles underlying the observed phenomena. Topics include the birth, evolution, and death of stars, pulsars, black holes, and white dwarfs. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 228 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab or PHYS 231 – Analytical and Computational Mechanics with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • PHYS 232: Astrophysics I

    A study of stellar structure and evolution with an emphasis on the physical principles underlying the observed phenomena. Topics include the birth, evolution, and death of stars, pulsars, black holes, and white dwarfs. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 228 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab or PHYS 231 – Analytical and Computational Mechanics with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • PHYS 233: Astrophysics II

    A study of galactic and extragalactic astronomy with an emphasis on the physical principles underlying the observed phenomena. Topics include the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy and other galaxies, the interstellar medium, quasars and active galaxies, clusters and superclusters, and cosmology. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 228 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab or PHYS 231 – Analytical and Computational Mechanics with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Andreia Carrillo

  • ASTR 233: Astrophysics II

    A study of galactic and extragalactic astronomy with an emphasis on the physical principles underlying the observed phenomena. Topics include the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy and other galaxies, the interstellar medium, quasars and active galaxies, clusters and superclusters, and cosmology. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 228 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab or PHYS 231 – Analytical and Computational Mechanics with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Andreia Carrillo

  • PHYS 234: Computer Simulations in Complex Physical Systems

    The development of techniques to study complex physical systems from a probabilistic and numerical standpoint, focused on cellular automata models. Subject material is applicable to all the sciences and mathematics. Some topics considered are random walks, percolation clusters, avalanches, traffic flow, the spread of forest fires and diseases, and a brief introduction to Bayesian statistics. No computer programming skills are assumed. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 131 – Newtonian Mechanics & Lab or PHYS 142 – Matter and Interactions and Lab or PHYS 143 – Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab or PHYS 144 – Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Jay Tasson

  • PHYS 235: Electricity and Magnetism and Lab

    Electric and magnetic fields in free space, and their interactions with charges and currents. Topics include electric fields and magnetic fields of various charge and current distributions, induction, DC and AC circuits and Maxwell’s equations. Weekly laboratory work explores course content in more practical detail. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 165 – Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics and Lab or PHYS 228 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab or PHYS 231 – Analytical and Computational Mechanics AND MATH 210 – Calculus 3 or MATH 211 – Introduction to Multivariable Calculus or greater with grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Seth Kimbrell

  • PHYS 251: Theory and Applications of Remote Sensing

    Remote sensing – interpreting information about physical systems at a distance using the electromagnetic spectrum – enables scientists to monitor climate change, detect material resources, track urban develoment, or map the surface of other planets, among a host of other applications. This course will explore key satellite remote sensing methods, such as visible and thermal imagery, visible through mid-infrared spectroscopy, radar, gamma ray and neutron spectroscopy, and laser altimetry, introducing both the physical theory and practical data analysis techniques. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100 level PHYS course including PHYS 142, 143, 144, 145, 151, 152 or 165 or ASTR 110 – Introduction to Astronomy & Lab or ENTS 120 – Introduction Geospatial Analysis & Lab or GEOL 110 – Introduction to Geology & Lab AND MATH 120 – Calculus 2 or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • ASTR 294: Directed Research in Astronomy

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation.

     1 – 6 credit; No Exploration; not offered 2024–2025

  • PHYS 294: Directed Research in Physics

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation.

     1 – 6 credit; S/CR/NC; No Exploration; offered Fall 2024 · Jay Tasson

  • PHYS 311: Nonlinear Optoelectronic Dynamics

    The course will start from basic electromagnetism and model the dynamics of laser light interfering via modulated optoelectronics, including feedback with time-delays. Techniques from non-linear time-series data analysis will be used to characterize the various different kinds of dynamics. Basic concepts of information theory, network dynamics, and machine learning based on reservoir computing will be introduced. There will be significant hands-on work, with an exploration of applications to signal processing, optical communication, and random number generation. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 228 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab or equivalent AND PHYS 235 – Electricity and Magnetism and Lab with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration; not offered 2024–2025

  • PHYS 312: Astronomical Detection and Measurement

    A study of astronomical detection and measurement across the electromagnetic spectrum, encompassing both the underlying physical principles and their application. Building on a foundation of radiometry, optics, and measurement statistics, this course will explore the design and function of modern electromagnetic measurement systems. Possible topics include high-dispersion spectroscopy, spatial interferometry, and the analysis of sensitivity and noise in electromagnetic detection for coherent and incoherent detectors. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 228 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Ryan Terrien

  • PHYS 333: Survey of Particle and Nuclear Physics

    A detailed survey of selected topics in particle and nuclear physics. Particle physics topics might include the Standard Model interactions and mediators, Feynman diagrams, symmetries and tests of conservation laws, Dirac equation and possibly QED Feynman rules. Nuclear physics topics might include the Liquid Drop, Fermi Gas, and Shell models of the nucleus, discussion of radiation, energy deposition in media, and discussion of quantum chromodynamics. Fluency in multi-variable calculus is expected. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 235 – Electricity and Magnetism & Lab with a grade of C- or better AND has completed or is in the process of completing PHYS 335 – Quantum Mechanics with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration; not offered 2024–2025

  • PHYS 335: Quantum Mechanics

    An examination of the structure of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and how this theory differs from those of classical physics. Topics include the mathematics of Hilbert space, the postulates of quantum mechanics, the motion of a particle in one dimension (including the free particle and the simple harmonic oscillator), the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and spin. Multidimensional applications will include the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom. Approximation techniques and applications will be presented. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 228 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics & Lab AND PHYS 231 – Analytical & Computational Mechanics AND MATH 134 – Linear Algebra with Applications or MATH 232 – Linear Algebra with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Jay Tasson

  • PHYS 341: Waves

    The analysis of wave phenomena, including normal mode expansions, the wave equation and boundary value problems, and interference, diffraction, dispersion, and polarization. Applications are made to mechanical, sound, water and electromagnetic waves with particular emphasis on both the unifying principles across all wave phenomena, as well as the nuances of particular types of waves. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 231 – Analytical & Computational Mechanics AND PHYS 235 – Electricity and Magnetism & Lab AND MATH 134 – Linear Algebra with Applications or MATH 232 – Linear Algebra or Equivalents with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Barry Costanzi

  • PHYS 342: Contemporary Experimental Physics and Lab

    A study of experimental techniques and apparatus basic to the measurements which underlie and validate contemporary theories in physics. Topics include electrical measurements, data analysis and statistics, optical and laser techniques, particle detectors, and time coincidence techniques. Applications are made to experiments such as magnetic resonance, Mossbauer and nuclear spectroscopy and laser optics. Class time is devoted to studying the measurement techniques and considering phenomenological models of the effects observed in the laboratory. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 228 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab or Equivalent AND PHYS 235 – Electricity and Magnetism and Lab AND either PHYS 335 – Quantum Mechanics or PHYS 346 – Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Ryan Terrien, Marty Baylor

  • PHYS 343: Electronics and Lab

    A study of the electrical circuits and electronics underlying modern physics instrumentation. Includes an introduction to microprocessor and microcomputer design. Approximately equal emphasis on analog and digital electronics. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 235 – Electricity & Magnetism & Lab with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • PHYS 344: Classical and Quantum Optics

    A junior/senior level course in classical and quantum optics. Includes the phenomena of interference, diffraction and coherence and quantum optical applications, such as unique statistical states of light or the operation of a laser. Modern applications of these areas are studied through such topics as fiber optics telecommunication, optical data storage, or manipulation of atoms by light. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 235 – Electricity and Magnetism & Lab AND MATH 134 – Linear Algebra with Applications or MATH 232 – Linear Algebra or Equivalents with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Marty Baylor

  • PHYS 345: Advanced Optics

    This is a laboratory course that will serve as a follow-up to Physics 344, Classical and Quantum Optics. Students will conduct a number of experiments pertaining to optical phenomena. The experiments will display effects pertaining to classical, quantum, and non-linear optics. The lab will take place once a week for four hours each session. 2 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Marty Baylor

  • PHYS 346: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

    The fundamentals of classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Topics include the laws of thermodynamics; heat engines and refrigerators; the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; the various canonical distributions; the statistical concepts of temperature and entropy; Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein distributions with applications to black-body radiation, phonons, and electrons in solids; the Ising model; and an introduction to critical phenomena. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 228 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Chris West

  • PHYS 347: General Relativity

    Einstein’s theory of general relativity is developed from basic physical principles. Also presented is the mathematics of curved space time. Astrophysical applications of general relativity, including spherically symmetric objects, black holes, cosmology and the creation and detection of gravitational waves are given. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed all of the following course(s): PHYS 231 – Analytical and Computational Mechanics and PHYS 235 – Electricity & Magnetism & Lab with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Jay Tasson

  • PHYS 352: Advanced Electricity and Magnetism

    The course introduces techniques for applying electromagnetic theory to charge and current distributions beyond what is covered in prior Electricity and Magnetism courses. Additional topics include applications to Maxwell's equations, radiation, and relativity. Recommended preparation: MATH 341.

     Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 235 – Electricity & Magnetism & Lab with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Chris West

  • PHYS 354: Solid State Physics

    An introduction to the physics of solids. Particular attention is paid to the properties exhibited by atoms and molecules because of their association and regular periodic arrangement in crystals. Topics include crystal structure and diffraction, the reciprocal lattice, phonons and lattice vibrations, thermal properties, free-electron theory and band structure. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 335 – Quantum Mechanics or PHYS 346 – Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • PHYS 355: Topics in Advanced Classical Mechanics

    Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods including central force motion, coupled harmonic oscillators, and the study of continuous systems. Additional subjects may include fluid dynamics, classical field theory or other specialized topics. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 231 – Analytical and Computational Mechanics with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • ASTR 394: Directed Research in Astronomy

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation.

     1 – 6 credit; S/CR/NC; No Exploration; offered Fall 2024 · Ryan Terrien

  • PHYS 394: Directed Research in Physics

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation.

     1 – 6 credit; S/CR/NC; No Exploration; offered Fall 2024 · Arjendu Pattanayak, Melissa Eblen-Zayas, Jay Tasson, Barry Costanzi, Marty Baylor

  • PHYS 400: Integrative Exercise

    An extensive study of a specific topic in physics, culminating in a 60-minute presentation during winter or spring term and a 7500 word paper. Students may arrange to complete the bulk of their work during winter or spring term (Physics 400, 6 credits), or divide their effort between terms (PHYS 400, winter, 3 credits; PHYS 400, spring, 3 credits).

     Prerequisites:

    Student is a Physics major and has senior priority.

     S/NC; offered Winter 2025, Spring 2025 · Barry Costanzi, Marty Baylor, Ryan Terrien, Andreia Carrillo, Jay Tasson, Chris West