Physics

This course introduces the foundations of classical mechanics based on the principle of least action with emphasis on symmetries and conservation laws as well as special relativity with emphasis on relativistic kinematics. In particular the following is included: the Lagrange formalism, the principle of least action, Euler Lagrange's equations; conservation laws and generalized coordinates; introduction to the Hamilton formalism; constraints and Lagrange multipliers; general treatment of the two-body problem and Kepler's laws; Lorentz transformations; and four-vectors and relativistic kinematics.

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director or Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. The internship may be taken during one or more terms but the units cannot exceed a total of 12.0 for the year.

The course gives a brief introduction to all fields of astronomy. Overview of general fundamental concepts. The night sky and its motion. Astronomical instruments and observation techniques. The sun and the planetary system, exoplanets. The distances to the stars and their motion. The structure and evolution of stars. The space between the stars. The Milky Way and other galaxies. Theories of the origin and development of the universe.
 

This course examines the observational aspect of astronomy (including constellations and planets), the physics of our solar system, and our own Sun, stars and their evolution, galaxies, blackholes, and cosmology.

This course introduces calculus techniques to the study of the range of principles and applications presented. Topics include: fluids such as water and air pressure, breathing, hydraulics, flight (pressure in fluids, buoyancy, fluid flow, viscosity, surface tension); electricity and magnetism such as electrical devices, lightning, household electricity and electrical safety, electric motors, power generation and transmission, Earth’s magnetic field, particle accelerators, communications (electric charge and field, conductors and insulators, electric potential, capacitance, resistance, electric circuits, magnetic field, Faraday’s law of induction, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves); Quantum and atomic physics such as spectroscopy, lasers (photon, blackbody radiation, matter waves, quantization in atoms, interaction of light with matter, x-rays); and nuclear physics and radiation such as: nuclear energy, radiation safety, formation of atoms in stars, carbon dating (the atomic nucleus, radioactive decay, half-life, ionizing radiation, nuclear fission and fusion).

This course explores whether the chemical and biological evolutions on the Earth could be a universal phenomenon in the galaxy. From an astronomical point of view the course examines the evolution of cosmic matter up to heavy elements, which are essential ingredients for forming biological creatures.  

Topics include: modern search techniques, their limitations, and potential search technologies of the future; the formation of terrestrial planets as distinguished from Jovian; how orbits of the exo-planets are analyzed for evidence that they may be solar terrestrial planets; the evolutionary path of Earth over the last 4.6 billion years; the Goldilocks problem of atmospheric evolution; birth and growth of civilization; parameterization of human ignorance by Drake's equation; Gaia, and Ohn-Saeng Myung; interstellar communication; terraformation of Mars; heavens and hells. 

This is an independent research course with research arranged between the student and faculty member. The specific research topics vary each term and are described on a special project form for each student. A substantial paper is required. The number of units varies with the student’s project, contact hours, and method of assessment, as defined on the student’s special study project form.

This course examines the physics of the Universe from scales ranging from our Solar System and extrasolar planets to the origin and fate of the Universe. It covers astronomical techniques, history of astronomy across cultures, beginnings of the Universe, formation and evolution of galaxies, origin of life on Earth and search for life elsewhere, stellar structure and evolution, planet formation, black holes, and compact objects.

Thie course builds upon Physics 1, continuing to introduce basic concepts in Physics to students majoring in natural science or engineering. The course begins with topics in electromagnetics such as Coulomb's Law, electric fields and potentials. Later topics include circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves. Finally, optics, relativity and basic concepts of modern physics will be introduced.

This course focuses on Maxwell's Laws and provides a solid, modern introduction to classical electrodynamics. Emphasis is on understanding these foundations. There are applications, but they do not take center stage. Once students have understood the theory in its modern formulation, insights can be expanded both in the direction of fundamentals of quantum field theory and in the direction of practical applications to be derived from Maxwell’s laws in their conventional formulation. After completing this course students are able to: describe the principles of the theory of classical electromagnetism and understand its practical applications and start examining the fundamentals of quantum field theory. During the entire course, available class hours are devoted to teacher instruction, problem solving, and student presentations, in which students take turns to explain various aspects of the material. There are graded homework assignments (computational work) designed to reach an adequate level of quantitative ability. After midterms students choose a topic for an individual paper. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the ability to fully understand a fundamental issue in, or an application of, electrodynamics. Finally, there is a written exam, the purpose of which is to demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the essentials of the theory of electrodynamics. As a prerequisite students must have taken Calculus and Intro to Wave Phenomena in Nature.