Physics

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. 

This course offers a study of the fundamental concepts of electromagnetism and optics. Topics include: electric field; electric potential; conductors; electric current; magnetic field; electromagnetic induction; alternating current; Maxwell's equations; reflection and refraction of light; mirrors, diopters, and lenses; optical instruments.

An understanding of physics is critical to address fundamental questions about our world and to innovate next generation technologies. This course presents an overview of the core physics concepts underlying many modern technologies. No prior physics knowledge is required. Students do not need calculus or advanced math for this course, but they should be comfortable, for example, adding fractions, using scientific notation, and with algebraic manipulation. Topics include energy and thermodynamics, gravity and relativity, waves, light, and optics, and quantum mechanics.
 

The projects, in addition to illustrating particular aspects of physics, represent tasks that might well be expected of physics graduates in the real world of research, technology, and commerce. Students seek to attain a goal agreed with the project supervisor by deploying all the skills and physical background they have accumulated. Feedback is offered by supervisors at each stage of the work.