Course Descriptions

AST 100. Introduction to Astronomy (4) (GEN. ED. #6)
Astronomy is a detective game: since we can’t visit, touch or sample even the nearest stars, our only means to understand the Universe is to observe its light and radiation from afar, and analyze it using creativity, inspiration, and the laws of physics.  This course is a qualitative (i.e. non-mathematical) and inquiry-based exploration of how our observations of the Universe have led to our understanding of it, from the motion of the stars across our sky to the Big Bang and beyond.  Topics include the methods and history of scientific discovery, the basic laws of physics, our solar system, the life and death of stars, galaxies, and a brief history of the Universe.  Three hours lecture plus three hours lab.
Course Web Site:  http://blogs.goucher.edu/bsugerman/courses/ast-110

AST 110G. Spanish/Astronomy in Granada (8)
SP 130G(GEN. ED. #6 and #3 with SP 130G) 
A regularly scheduled course in the spring semester at Goucher in combination with a three-week intensive course in Spain during the month of May. This course encourages interdisciplinary study of the sciences and Spanish in a city known for its multiethnic environment and astronomical observations, such as IRAM (www.iram.es). Credits will be distributed as follows: four credits in spring (1.0 for SP 130G and 3.0 for AST 110G); four credits in the summer (3.0 for SP 130G and 1.0 for AST 110G).  Prerequisites: Spanish 120.
Course Web Site: http://blogs.goucher.edu/bsugerman/courses/ast-110g

AST 110G. Spanish/Astronomy in Granada (8)
SP 238G (GEN. ED. #6 and #3 with SP 238G) 
This course will encourage agreat deal of interdisciplinary study among students by studying science and Spanish in a Spanish city known for its astronomical observations and multi-ethnic environment. Students will be required to take an advanced-level Spanish course at the Centro de Lenguas Modernas in Granada and write three assigned papers. Credits will be distributed as follows: four credits in spring (1.0 for SP 238G and 3.0 for AST 110G); four credits in the summer (3.0 for SP 238G and 1.0 for AST 110G).  Prerequisites: SP 130, SP 130C, SP 130V with minimum grade of C- or pacement.
Course Web Site: http://blogs.goucher.edu/bsugerman/courses/ast-110g/

AST 210. Intermediate Astronomy (3)
As amazingly vast as space and time are, it is even more amazing that we have been able to understand them using only observations of light and basic laws of physics. This intermediate-level course is for the dedicated enthusiast seeking to continue Ast 110, or physics students seeking a rigorous introduction, with an emphasis on how our observations have been translated into physical understanding. Topics include an introduction to the physics of astronomy; how we have unveiled the nature of stars; the composition and evolution of galaxies; the cosmological distance ladder; and observational cosmology. Three hours lecture. Prerequisites: AST 110 or permission of instructor. High school calculus or MA 117 recommended.
Course Web Site: http://blogs.goucher.edu/bsugerman/courses/ast-210/

AST 310. Astrophysics (3)
A quantitative exploration of the Universe, emphasizing how the fusion of classical and modern physics is used to explain and elucidate the phenomena presented in previous courses. Topics include the interaction of light and matter; stellar structure and evolution including supernovae and compact objects; detailed processes in the interstellar medium; the structure and evolution of galaxies including star-forming regions, active-galactic nuclei, and dark matter; and large-scale structure.  Three hours lecture. Prerequisites: AST 210 and PHY 220
Course Web Site: http://blogs.goucher.edu/bsugerman/courses/ast-310/

AST 330.Relativity and Cosmology (3) (Cross-listed with PHY 330)
An in-depth exploration of the theories of Special and General Relativity.  Topics will include relativistic mechanics, dynamics and radiative processes; tensor algebra, the general relativistic field equations, and their application to spacetime, including black holes; and applications of general relativity to understand theoretical and observational cosmology, i.e. the history (and future) of the Universe.   Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: AST 210 and PHY 220
Course Web Site: http://blogs.goucher.edu/bsugerman/courses/ast-330/

AST 395. Independent Work in Astronomy (1.5-4) (GEN. ED. #7)
Independent theoretical and laboratory work carried out under the supervision of a member of the department. May be one or two semesters. Prerequisites: Major or minor in physics or astronomy, and/or permission of instructor.

PHY 115. Principles of Physics I (4) (GEN. ED. #6)
A non-calculus-based course using the new and untraditional method of interactive physics. Lecture and laboratory are combined and taught using an interactive method employing computers and guided inquiry through hands-on experiments. The method is designed to increase problem-solving and analytical thinking skills and to guide students toward a coherent and logical approach to an understanding of the world. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, fluids, kinematics and dynamics of linear and angular motions, universal gravitation, conservation of energy and momentum, elasticity and simple harmonic motion. Recommended with PHY 116 for students majoring in the life sciences. Six hours integrated lecture/laboratory. Prerequisite: Three years of high school mathematics.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys115/PHY115syllabus2010.pdf

PHY 116. Principles of Physics II (4) (GEN. ED. #6)
Second semester of a non-calculus based course sequence designed for students majoring in the life sciences or non-science students interested in physics. Topics include mechanical and electromagnetic waves, acoustics, resonance, nature of light and color, geometrical and physical optics, electricity and magnetism, DC and AC circuits. Six hours integrated lecture/laboratory.  Prerequisite: PHY 115.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys116/PHY116syllabus2011.pdf

PHY 125. General Physics I (4) (GEN. ED. #6)
A calculus-based course using the new and untraditional method of interactive physics. Lecture and laboratory are combined and taught using an interactive method employing computers and guided inquiry through hands-on experiments. The method is designed to increase problem-solving and analytical thinking skills and to guide students toward a coherent and logical approach to an understanding of the world. Topics include kinematics and dynamics of motion, oscillatory motion, and fluids. Six hours integrated lecture/laboratory. Prerequisite: MA 170 or permission of the instructor.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys125/125syl.htm

PHY 126. General Physics II (4) (GEN. ED. #6)
A continuation of PHY 125. Topics include wave motion, electricity and magnetism, physical and geometrical optics. Prerequisite: PHY 125 and MA 180, or permission of the instructor.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys126/126syl.html

PHY 220. Modern Physics (4) (GEN. ED. #6 and #7 with PHY 280)
An introductory course in non-classical physics for students who have completed calculus-based general physics. It is intended to introduce students to the frontiers of physics in a simple, comprehensible manner through discussions, problem solving, interactive computer simulations and additional readings. Topics include: basic ideas of quantum mechanics with experiments that revolutionized our understanding of nature, and lead to the development of new fields such as atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear and elementary particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology. Prerequisite: PHY 126. Corequisite: PHY 230.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys220/220syl-10.htm

PHY 230. Intermediate Physics Lab (2) (GEN. ED. #6 with PHY 220)
Exploration of modern scientific methods. Measurement of several classical and modern physics constants. Experiments include: making superconducting samples and measuring TC and JC, e/m, Millikan Oil Drop, Photo-electric Effect, Davisson-Germer, Speed of Light, Franck-Hertz, Hall Effect, and Atomic Force Microscope measurements. Three hours laboratory. Corequisite: PHY 220.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys230/syllabus-Fall2010.pdf

PHY 250. Energy, Physics and the Environment  (3) (GEN. ED. #11)
Introductory course  in environmental physics that emphasizes the physical principles behind the production, transport and  conversion of energy.  The laws of thermodynamics and classical mechanics are applied to natural ecosystems and energy resources such as fossil fuels, nuclear energy, hydropower, wind, solar power etc.  These resources are analyzed in terms of the societal and environmental impacts of the associated technologies. Prerequisite: PHY 115 or PHY 125 or permission of the instructor.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys250/250syl.htm

PHY 280. Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences (4) (GEN. ED. #5) (GEN. ED. #7 with PHY 220)
A comprehensive problem solving oriented course designed for students in physics, chemistry, and 3-2 engineering programs. Various mathematical methods as applied to the relevant problems in the physical sciences are discussed. Topics: series, complex analysis, partial differentiation, vector analysis, calculus of variation, tensors, differential equations, special functions, integral transforms. Three hours lecture and one hour computer laboratory, utilizing the symbolic/numerical/graphical package Maple. Prerequisite: PHY 126. Corequisite: M222 or permission of instructor.
Course Web Site:
http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys280/280syl-11.pdf

PHY 290. Internship in Physics (3-4)
Internships in research laboratories in universities and industry. Arranged on the basis of the individual interest of the student. Graded Pass/No Pass only. Prerequisites: PHY 126, and appropriate upper-level courses.
Department.

PHY 300. Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics (3)
A calculus-based course in which the basic concepts of thermodynamics are introduced from the microscopic point of view. Methods of statistical physics are used to define entropy and temperature, heat and work, ideal gas behavior. Applications to chemical reactions, Fermi and Bose systems in condensed matter physics and phase transformations are discussed. Prerequisite: PHY 220 or permission instructor.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys300/PHY300_2010syllabus.pdf

PHY 301. Intermediate Electro-magnetic Theory (3)
Intermediate level discussion of Maxwell's Equations and their applications: electro-statics and dynamics, magnetic fields and magnetic effects, and electro-magnetic waves, both in vacuum and in materials. Pre-requisite PHY280.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys301/PHY301_2011syllabus.pdf

PHY 310. Electronics/Instrumentation (3)
An introduction to principles of electronic instrumentation and methods that would enable students to choose appropriate instruments for a measurement and control. Topics include: DC & AC circuits, diodes, transistors, operationla amplifers, waveform shaping, gates, flip-flops, instrumentation, detection techniques and data acquisition. Three hours integrated lecture/laboratory.
Prerequisites: Phy 220, and PHY 230
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys310/phy310_10syllabus.pdf

PHY 330. Special Topics in Contemporary Physics (3)
Topics courses in physics are offered to extend knowledge beyond foundation courses and to introduce students to more advanced topics in physics and their applications to many different areas of science and technology. Topics are determined by student interest and needs. Topics include but are not limited to: Introduction to Materials Science and Nano-composites (Bakhshai), Condensed Matter Physics (Dukan), Atomic and Molecular Physics (Pichler), Laser Physics (Pichler), Relativity and Cosmology (Sugerman). Depending on a particular topic, course will have three hour lecture, laboratory and/or seminar format.  Students may take this course for credit more than once.  Prerequisite: PHY. 220 or permission of the department. Additional courses as appropriate for the particular topic will be specified by the department.
General Relativity Course Web Site: http://blogs.goucher.edu/bsugerman/courses/phy-330/

PHY 340. Classical Mechanics (3)
This course presents kinematics and dynamics of particles using Newtonian, Langrangian and Hamiltonian techniques. Topics include central force motion, oscillations and normal mode analysis, non-linear dynamics, rotating rigid bodies and motion in non-inertial reference frames. Prerequisite: PHY 280 or permission of instructor.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys340/340syl-11.htm

PHY 350. Quantum Mechanics (3)
The study of quantum mechanics and its applications occupies a central position in the physical sciences, forming the basis for an understanding of atomic, molecular, nuclear, particle and condensed matter physics. The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics and includes following topics: formal development of the postulates of quantum theory, representation of states, quantum mechanics in one and three dimensions, angular momentum, spin and perturbation theory.  Prerequisite: MA221 and PHY220; Corequisite: PHY 340, or permission of the instructor.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys350/350syl-12.htm

PHY 395. Independent Work in Physics (1.5-4) (GEN. ED. #7)
Independent theoretical and laboratory work carried out under the supervision of a member of the department. May be one or two semesters. Prerequisites: Minor in physics and/or permission of instructor.
Course Web Site: www.goucher.edu/physics/phys395/phys395.html

PHY 542. Principles of Physics I (4)
Newtonian mechanics, kinematics of linear and angular motion, universal gravity, conservation of energy and momentum, simple harmonic motion, statics and dynamics of fluid motion, thermodynamics.Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory.
Course Web Site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/PHYS542/PHY542syllabus_2010.pdf

PHY543. Principles of Physics II (4)
Continuation of PHY543. Waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves, the nature of light and color, geometrical and physical optics. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: PHY542.
Course web site: http://meyerhoff.goucher.edu/physics/phys543/PHY543syllabus_2011.pdf

Physics Courses Offered at the Johns Hopkins University
The following courses are offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Johns Hopkins University:
PHY 171.209 Wave Phenomena with Biological Applications(4)
PHY 171.303 Theory of Quantum Mechanics-I (4)
PHY 171.304 Theory of Quantum Mechanics-II (4)
PHY 171.310 Biological Physics (3)
PHY 171.313 Introduction to Stellar Physics (3)
PHY 171.314 Introduction to Galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei (3)
PHY 171.408 Introduction to Experimental Particle Physics(3)