In this course, the concepts and methods of modern physics are applied in the study of different fields, such as atomic physics, molecular structure, solid state physics, nuclear physics and particle physics. Student participation is an integral part of the course. While the emphasis is on the conceptual understanding of modern physics, some mathematical methods are introduced. Students will be required to build and test their own designs. A number of major design projects will be completed by the end of the semester.
Astronomy is offered to students who have completed the required courses in physics.
This course presents a descriptive overview of modern astronomy, as well as a quantitative coverage of some topics. The topics include constellations, motion of the sun, moon and planets, birth of cosmological models, birth of astrophysics, spectroscopy, radiation, telescopes, evolution of the universe, interstellar matter, galaxies and cosmic evolution. This course covers some of the advanced material in the areas of classical mechanics, and electricity and magnetism. Topics in mechanics may include Lagrangian and Hamiltonian theory, non-inertial frames, rotational motion, and rigid bodies. Topics in electricity and magnetism may include electromagnetic waves, Maxwell's equations, magnetic materials, vector potential, Laplace's equation and electrostatics.