Topics include a continuation in the mathematical formulation of quantum mechanics, angular momentum, perturbation theory, identical particles and spin, collision theory and the semi-classical treatment of radiation. This course is recommended for students anticipating graduate study in physics. An in depth course in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Topics include simple thermodynamics systems, work, heat and the first law of thermodynamics, ideal gases, the second law of thermodynamics, entropy, enthalpy, Helmhotz and Gibbs functions TdS equations, heat capacity, partition function, equipartition of energy, statistical distribution of molecular speeds, thermal properties of solids, higher order phase transitions, chemical equilibrium, Thomson effect, Bose-Einstein statistics, Nuclear Magnetism, and the third law of thermodynamics. PH 494 Directed Studies 1-3 cr Directed research under the supervision of a faculty member.
Topics generally coincide with the research interest of the supervising faculty member.
Areas of directed research may include atomic collisions, atom trapping, experimental general relativity, experimental molecular spectroscopy, and experimental particle physics. Permission of the Physics department chair. The Senior Thesis will be reviewed by a committee of Honors Physics Faculty. Upon approval by the committee the Senior Honors candidate will present the Senior Thesis at the Honors Student Colloquium. This course may be repeated once for credit.