Physics and Astronomy Course Descriptions

2018-19 Undergraduate Course Catalog

Undergraduate Program Director: Prof. Ron Ransome

Contents

The department offers several general introductory sequences, as well as some nontechnical courses listed in the following section.

271-272, 273 Honors Physics with 275-276 Classical Physics Lab is for honors students and well-prepared physics majors. It uses calculus as a pre- or corequisite.

123-124, 227-228 Analytical Physics with 229-230 Analytical Physics Lab is for engineering students and physics majors. It uses calculus as a pre- or corequisite. Engineering students who need extra help or who have nontraditional backgrounds should ask the Engineering Dean's office for permission to take 115-116 Extended Analytical Physics instead of 123-124.

There are three introductory sequences for majors in the biological sciences (including premedical curricula), computer science, chemistry, and other sciences, as well as for students who desire an elementary but thorough introduction to physics. All three cover basically the same material, but utilize different teaching techniques and require different levels of mathematical preparation. 203-204 General Physics with 205-206 General Physics Laboratory require calculus as a pre- or corequisite, and use a lecture/recitation format. 201-202 Extended General Physics is intended for students who need extra help or who have nontraditional backgrounds. Recitations are replaced by cooperative learning workshops, and a laboratory is integrated into the course. 193-194 Physics for the Sciences uses only algebra and trigonometry. Recitations are replaced by cooperative learning workshops, and a laboratory is integrated into the course.

161 Elements of Physics is a one-term noncalculus course intended primarily for pharmacy students, but also suitable for well-prepared liberal arts majors.

Courses that are suitable for nonscientists, requiring only high-school algebra, include 106 Concepts of Physics for Humanities and Social Science Students, 109, 110 Astronomy and Cosmology, and 140 The Greenhouse Effect.

If there is any doubt about which sequence to take, an adviser in the physics department should be consulted. If a course is taken in one of these sequences, credit cannot also be given for a course (in another sequence) that covers substantially similar topics. Students who wish to switch from one sequence to another should consult a departmental adviser, as should students who change their major or who have advanced standing.

These courses have no prerequisites in physics or mathematics: 106, 109, 110, 140. Most are relatively non-mathematical. Physics 106 discusses fundamental concepts of physics from a historical, sociological and religious point of view. Physics 109 and 110 are descriptive courses designed for nonscientists, requiring only minimal high school mathematics. Either may be taken without taking the other. Physics 140 is concerned with the scientific aspects of global warming. It is intended for liberal arts majors and is closed to natural science majors.

The Department offers a major in physics and a major in astrophysics. Requirements for the latter are described on a separate page. For the major in physics, there are four options available. In all physics major Options, at least 15 credits of physics courses at the 300-level or higher that are applied towards the major must be completed at Rutgers New Brunswick.

The Professional Option is a thorough introduction to the subject for all those who expect to make physics an important component of their career. It may lead to careers in research, technical development, or education in physics or related fields. It provides suitable preparation for graduate study in physics.

The Applied Option is intended for students who wish to work in industry without graduate study. The required courses give a breadth of knowledge in technical fields rather than specialized preparation for graduate school.

The General Option is for students who have an interest in physics but do not expect to become physicists or to do graduate work in physics. It is suitable preparation for careers in education, medicine, law, and business, and is particularly appropriate in an interdisciplinary course of study. A well-balanced sequence of courses should be chosen in consultation with an adviser in the department.

The Planetary Physics Option is is for students who wish to pursue a career in physics applied to the study of Earth and other planets. Students will receive a firm foundation in physics. They will receive a broad exposure to planetary physics by taking a course in each of the three fields of concentration: geophysics, atmospheric physics and ocean physics and will take three courses in their area of concentration.

In addition the department offers a five-year program in cooperation with the College of Engineering, leading to a degree in engineering and a degree in physics.

Prospective majors should consult an adviser in the physics department before choosing their courses.

Required courses and suggested curricula for honors students and other well-prepared students:

First year: 01:750:271-272, 275-276; 01:640:151-152.

Second year: 01:750:273, 326, 327, 381-382, 351; 01:640:251, 244.

Third year: 01:750:361, 385-386, 387 or 388; 01:640:423 or 421.

Fourth year: At least three courses out of 01:750:305, 406, 417, 418, 441, 442, 443, 444, 451, 464. At least one of those three courses must be taken from 305, 417, 418.

An alternate curriculum is available for students who did not begin with the Honors Physics sequence:

First year: 01:750:123-124; 01:640:151-152.

Second year: 01:750:227-228, 229-230, 381-382; 01:640:251, 244.

Third year: 01:750:361, 385-386, 326, 327, 351.

Fourth year: 01:750:387 or 388, 01:640:423 or 421, and at least three courses out of 01:750:305, 406, 417, 418, 441, 442, 443, 444, 451, 464. At least one of those three courses must be taken from 305, 417, 418.

Students who took 01:750:203-204 (or 201-202) as their introductory physics sequence should consult a departmental adviser to plan an appropriate curriculum for the professional physics major.

Introductory physics sequence: 01:750:123, 124, 227, 228, 229, 230 or 01:750:271, 272, 273, 275, 276

Calculus: 01:640:CALC1, CALC2, CALC3, CALC4

Computing: 01:198:107 or 01:198:111 or 14:440:127

Physics: 01:750:323, 324, 326, 327, 305, 351, 361

Senior Lab: 01:750:389 or 14:332:467

Seven credits consisting of courses in chemistry or engineering chosen in consultation with a departmental adviser to form a coherent concentration in a physics-related applied area.

Six credits in natural science electives chosen in consultation with a departmental adviser to form a coherent concentration in a physics-related applied area. With the approval of the department, three of these credits may be for a departmental sponsored outside internship.

A grade-point average of at least a C in the courses applied toward the major is required for graduation in the applied option.

Introductory courses: 01:750:203-204 (or any other equivalent sequence) and laboratory 205-206 (or 229-230 or 275-276). Two terms of any calculus sequence.

Advanced courses: Six advanced physics courses including 01:750:323, 324, 326, 327, and two additional 300- or 400-level physics courses (except 490-level). It is recommended, but not required, that these two courses be chosen from the following list: 301, 305, 313, 341, 342, 397.

Electives: 18 additional credits with grades of C or better in natural science or mathematics chosen in consultation with a departmental adviser to form a coherent sequence.

At least a C average in the physics and mathematics courses is required for admission, retention, and graduation in the general option. Four of the six advanced physics courses must be taken at Rutgers- New Brunswick.

Introductory physics sequence: 01:750:123, 124, 227, 228, 229, 230 or 01:750:271, 272, 273, 275, 276

Calculus: 01:640:CALC1, CALC2, CALC3, CALC4

Computing: 01:198:107 or 01:198:111 or 14:440:127

Physics: 01:750:323, 324, 326, 327, 351, (305 or 342)

Planetary Physics: 01:460:442, 11:628:451, 11:670:323

Nine credits in a field of concentration (geophysics, atmospheric physics or ocean physics) chosen in consultation with an advisor in the field of concentration

A grade-point average of at least a C in the courses applied toward the major is required for graduation in the applied option.

This is a dual degree program, providing a B.A. or B.S. in physics and a B.S. in an engineering major.

In addition to the courses taken in one of the four-year engineering programs, the following courses are required for the B.A. in physics: 01:750:385-386, 361, either 351 or 305, one advanced lab (387 or 389 or 343), and any three additional 300- or 400-level physics courses, excluding the 490-level. Students who desire a B.S. in physics should consult a departmental adviser.

The student must also satisfy the graduation requirements of the School of Arts and Sciences and complete a minor in a subject other than a natural science. All courses used for the B.A. degree may also be used for the engineering B.S. degree, where appropriate, without taking replacement credits.

The chairperson of the department will invite physics majors who have shown considerable ability by the end of their junior year to participate in the departmental honors program. Candidates for honors either (1) take 01:750:495 and 496, write a thesis and conduct a seminar on a project undertaken in the senior year, or (2) take two Physics and Astronomy graduate courses. Honors are awarded on the basis of the excellence of the honors project (if applicable), general performance in physics courses, and recommendations of the faculty.

The department offers two minors-- one in physics and one in astronomy.

The following courses are required for the physics minor:

01:750:203-204 (or any other equivalent physics sequence)

01:750:205-206 (or 229-230 or 275-276)

Twelve credits of any 300- or 400-level physics courses. Recommended courses include 01:750:301, 305, 313, 323-324, 341, 342, 397.

The grade-point average for all courses applied toward the minor must be at least 2.0. No more than one D may be applied toward the minor. Three of the four advanced physics elective courses must be taken at Rutgers- New Brunswick.

The following courses are required for the astronomy minor:

01:750:203-204 (or any other equivalent physics sequence)

01:750:205-206 (or 229-230 or 275-276)

01:750:341, 342, and two astronomy lab courses (see this important note about the labs)

The grade-point average for all courses applied toward the minor must be at least 2.0. No more than one D may be applied toward the minor. Three of the four 300-level courses must be taken at Rutgers- New Brunswick. Physics majors or minors who also wish to minor in astronomy must complete 01:750:341, 342, and the two astro labs. These courses may not also be used to satisfy requirements for the major or minor in physics.

Many of the courses listed below have home pages on the Web. Links to these pages can be found at http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/homes-ugcourses.shtml.

01:750:106. CONCEPTS OF PHYSICS FOR HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE STUDENTS (3)

Not for credit towards physics major or minor.

01:750:109,110. ASTRONOMY AND COSMOLOGY (3,3)

No prerequisite. For nonscience majors. May not be taken for major credit. Courses are independent and may be taken in either order or concurrently.

01:750:115-116. EXTENDED ANALYTICAL PHYSICS I (3,3)

Lec. 2 hrs., workshop 3 hrs. Corequisites: 01:640:112 or 115 (first term), 01:640:CALC1 (second term). Sequence 01:750:115-116 is equivalent to 01:750:123-124, if both 01:750:115 and 116 are taken. Intended for engineering students who need extra help in preparing for 01:750:227-228.

01:750:120. RESEARCH METHODS IN X-RAY ASTROPHYSICS (3)

Prerequisite: 01:640:112 or higher or placement.

Course to have a substantial online component.

01:750:123-124. ANALYTICAL PHYSICS I (2,2)

Lec. 1 hr., rec. 1 hr. Corequisite: 01:640:151-152. Primarily for engineering and physics majors. This course should be followed by 01:750:227-228 (or 204 if changing major).

01:750:140. THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT (3)

For nonscience majors; may not be taken for major credit in science and engineering. Credit not given for both this course and 01:160:140, 01:450:140, or 01:556:140.

01:750:161. ELEMENTS OF PHYSICS (4)

Lec. 3 hrs., workshop/lab 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 01:640:112 or 115. Primarily for pharmacy students, but suitable for well-prepared liberal arts majors.

01:750:193-194. PHYSICS FOR THE SCIENCES (4,4)

Lec. 2 hrs., workshop 1.5 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 01:640:112 or 115 or equivalent.

01:750:201-202. EXTENDED GENERAL PHYSICS (5,5)

Two 80-min. lecs., one 80-min. workshop, lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 01:640:112 or 115 (first term); Corequisite: 01:640:CALC1 (second term); or permission of instructor. Sequence 01:750:201-202 is an integrated program equivalent to 01:750:203-204 and 205-206. Intended for science, science teaching, and pre-health profession majors with a nontraditional background or who would benefit from additional support.

01:750:203-204. GENERAL PHYSICS (3,3)

Lec. 2 hrs., rec. 1 hr. Corequisites: 01:750:205-206 and any calculus course. Primarily for students in scientific curricula other than physics.

01:750:205-206. GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY (1,1)

Corequisites: 01:750:203-204.

01:750:227. ANALYTICAL PHYSICS IIA (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:123-124 or 271; 01:640:CALC2. Students should also enroll in 01:750:229 lab. Primarily for engineering and physics majors.

01:750:228. ANALYTICAL PHYSICS IIB (3)

Prerequisite: 01:750:227 or 272 or 204. Students should also enroll in 01:750:230 lab. Primarily for engineering and physics majors.

01:750:229-230. ANALYTICAL PHYSICS II LABORATORY (1,1)

Corequisites: 01:750:227 and 228.

01:750:271-272. HONORS PHYSICS I,II (3,3)

Prerequisite: Enrollment in an honors program or permission of the department.

Prerequisite: 01:640:CALC1 (for 271); 01:640:CALC2 (for 272).

01:750:273. HONORS PHYSICS III (3)

Prerequisite: 01:750:272 or permission of the department and 01:640:CALC2.

01:750:275-276. CLASSICAL PHYSICS LABORATORY (1,1)

Prerequisite: Enrollment in an honors program or permission of the department.

For physics majors and honors students.

01:750:301. PHYSICS OF SOUND (3)

Prerequisites: Two terms of introductory physics and two terms of calculus.

Primarily for science majors.

01:750:305. MODERN OPTICS (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:227-228 or 272-273 or permission of instructor; 01:640:CALC3.

01:750:313. MODERN PHYSICS (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:204 or 228; 01:640:CALC2.

01:750:323. ADVANCED GENERAL PHYSICS I (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:203-204 or permission of instructor; two terms of calculus.

01:750:324. ADVANCED GENERAL PHYSICS II (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:203-204 or permission of instructor; two terms of calculus.

01:750:326. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER-BASED EXPERIMENTATION AND PHYSICS COMPUTING (4)

Prerequisites: 01:750:203-204, 205-206; or equivalent.

01:750:327. MODERN INSTRUMENTATION (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:203-204 and 205-206, or equivalent. Required for physics majors, but also suitable for psychology, biological sciences, and other physical science majors.

01:750:341,342. PRINCIPLES OF ASTROPHYSICS (3,3)

Prerequisites: Two terms of introductory physics and two terms of calculus. Credit not given for both this course and 01:105:341,342.

01:750:343. OBSERVATIONAL RADIO ASTRONOMY (3)

Lec. 1.5 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 01:750:341,342 or permission of instructor. Lab schedule will vary through the semester. Credit not given for both this course and 01:105:343.

01:750:344. OBSERVATIONAL OPTICAL ASTRONOMY (3)

Lec. 1.5 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 01:750:341,342 or permission of instructor. Students must have nighttime hours free for observing. Credit not given for both this course and 01:105:344.

01:750:351. THERMAL PHYSICS (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:227 or 272 or permission of the instructor; 01:640:CALC3.

01:750:361. QUANTUM MECHANICS AND ATOMIC PHYSICS (3)

Prerequisites: 01:640:CALC4; 01:750:228 or 273 or permission of instructor.

01:750:368. JUNIOR SEMINAR (1)

For physics majors only.

01:750:381-382. MECHANICS (3,3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:124 or 203 or 271; Corequisite: 01:640:CALC3 or permission of instructor. A theoretical course, primarily for physics majors.

01:750:385-386. ELECTROMAGNETISM (3,3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:227 or 272 or 324 or permission of instructor; 01:640:CALC3.

01:750:387-388. EXPERIMENTAL MODERN PHYSICS (3,3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:326, 327; corequisite: 361 or 313 or permission of instructor. Credit not given for both 01:750:387 and 389.

01:750:389. EXPERIMENTAL APPLIED PHYSICS (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:326, 327; corequisite: 361 or 313 or permission of instructor. Credit not given for both 01:750:387 and 389.

01:750:397. PHYSICS OF MODERN DEVICES (3)

Prerequisites: Two terms of introductory physics and a course in calculus.

01:750:406. INTRODUCTORY SOLID STATE PHYSICS (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:361 and 386, or permission of instructor.

01:750:417. INTERMEDIATE QUANTUM MECHANICS (3)

Prerequisite: 01:750:361.

01:750:418. NUCLEI AND PARTICLES (3)

Prerequisite: 01:750:361.

01:750:431. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY FOR PHYSICISTS (3)

Prerequisite: Proficiency in Calculus and Linear Algebra.

01:750:441. STARS AND STAR FORMATION (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:361, 385-386. Credit not given for both this course and 01:105:441.

01:750:442. HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS AND RADIATIVE PROCESSES (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:361, 385-386. Credit not given for both this course and 01:105:442.

01:750:443. GALAXIES AND THE MILKY WAY (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:381-382, 385-386. Credit not given for both this course and 01:105:443.

01:750:444. INTRODUCTION TO COSMOLOGY (3)

Prerequisites: 01:750:361, 385-386. Credit not given for both this course and 01:105:444.

01:750:451. PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY (3)

Two 80-min. lecs., one 55-min. rec. Credit not given for both this course and 11:628:451 or 16:712:501. Prerequisite: 01:750:204.

01:750:464. MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS (3)

Prerequisites: 01:640:423 or equivalent.

01:750:487,488. SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS (3,3)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

01:750:491,492. RESEARCH IN PHYSICS (BA,BA)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

01:750:493,494. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PHYSICS (1-4,1-4)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

01:750:495,496. HONORS IN PHYSICS (1-4,1-4)

Prerequisite: Invitation of chairperson.

Prerequisite: Invitation of chairperson. Credit not given for both this course and 01:105:497,498.

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Last updated June 30, 2019.