Spring 2020 Physics and Astronomy Courses

ASTR 1 Exploration of the Solar System

Professor Brian Chaboyer

Professor Chaboyer Introduces A1


Astronomy 1 is an introduction to the solar system and planets which orbit other stars. The course is geared towards a non-science student who has little or no background in astronomy. This is primarily a descriptive course, but math (at the level of high school algebra, including the use of logarithms) will be used, particularly in the labs.  Astronomy 1 has four virtual (computer based) labs which you will do with a lab partner, and satisfies the SLA distributive.  You will view lectures from the summer 2019 version of this course, and be placed in small groups to discuss the lecture quizzes.  Canvas discussions and virtual office hours (conducted via Zoom videoconferencing) will supplement the lectures and readings.  Assessment will be based on four lab reports, lecture quizzes, weekly tests and a final project.

Course Catalog

PHYS 1 Understanding the Universe: From Atoms to the Big Bang, with Laboratory

Professor Marcelo Gleiser

A historical examination of the evolution of physical theories of natural phenomena, from Greek antiquity through the present. Designed for non-science majors, the course will consider the cultural and historical contexts in which science has developed. Physics 1 includes labs and has SLA credit.

Course Catalog

PHYS 2 Understanding the Universe: From Atoms to the Big Bang

Professor Marcelo Gleiser

 

A historical examination of the evolution of physical theories of natural phenomena, from Greek antiquity through the present. Designed for non-science majors, the course will consider the cultural and historical contexts in which science has developed. Physics 2 doesnt include labs and has a SCI credit. 

Course Catalog

PHYS 4 General Physics II

Professor Yorke Brown

Physics is the scientific study of the fundamental nature of the material universe. It is the most basic of the sciences and the foundation of our understanding of the natural world. Physics 4 is a continuation of the introduction to the field of physics begun in Physics 3.

During the course we will study the theory of electricity and magnetism, the practical fields of circuits and optics, and some fundamentals of modern physics. Modern physics includes the special theory of relativity and some basic elements of the quantum theory. Throughout the course, I will emphasize fundamental concepts, the use of mathematics in describing physical phenomena, and the development of skill in rigorous thinking and problem solving.

Class meetings will be held via Zoom during the scheduled block (the 12 hour), but these meetings will be recorded so that students will have access to them at any time after the meeting. Office hours, both for the professor and the teaching assistants will be held via Zoom at various scheduled times so as to be as accessible as possible.

The lab component will be based on the use of computer simulations. Lab sections will meet by Zoom on a scheduled basis so that students can have immediate access to teaching assistants, but students may also work on the simulation activities at their convenience. Students will be expected to develop persistent lab partner relationships.

General course communication will be conducted via the course Canvas page, and all assignments will be submitted electronically.

Course Catalog

PHYS 14 Introductory Physics II

Professors Robert Caldwell and Kevin Wright

Professor Caldwell introduces P14


Physics 14 is the second half of our main introductory physics sequence.
It is about electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetic waves.  It is
about circuits, and relativity. It is about figuring out how nature
works, at the most basic level.

The course pre-reqs are Physics 13 and Math 8. You will view lectures
from the Winter 2017 version of the course. The class sections are
assigned to the 10 and 11-blocks. However, since all lectures are
pre-recorded, you can watch them whenever suits your schedule. Virtual
office hours with the instructor and teaching assistants will supplement
the lectures. You will engage with the material through lab-like
activities. Assessment is through WebAssign homeworks, written
assignments, labs, and several tests. However, the online iteration of
the course will be evaluated on a Credit/ No Credit basis. We expect all
students to earn “Credit”!

Through lectures, homeworks, and lab-like activities you will develop an
understanding of electromagnetism. You will gain preparation for
subsequent courses — whether quantum mechanics or engineering — but more
importantly, insight into how stuff works.

 

Course Catalog

P 7.07 Nanotech and Society

Professor Martin Wybourne

ASTR 15 Stars and the Milky Way

Professor Elisabeth Newton

Professor Newton Introduces Astr 15

 

Astronomy 15 is an introduction to the physical phenomena of our Milky Way galaxy. We will examine the physical processes that govern the stars, planets, black holes, and other objects in our galaxy, and we will learn about how scientists work to understand these processes. This will be firmly rooted in the basic underlying principles of physics and mathematics. The course is a mixture of lectures, which will be pre-recorded and available on Canvas, and group work, which will be conducted through Zoom videoconferencing (preferably) or through written chat rooms. Assessment will be comprised of weekly problem sets, discussions and summaries of current astrophysical research, exams, and an extensive term project.

 
PHYS 16 Introductory Physics II, Honors Section

Professor Yi-Hsin Liu

Professor Liu Introduces P16


Physics 16 is the second half of the honor-track introductory physics. In this class, you will learn about electric fields, magnetic fields, and the basic circuit components. We will look into the connection between electricity, magnetism, and the light wave. Electromagnetism is not only important for modern technology but it also inspired the discovery of Einstein’s special relativity. The lecture will be delivered in-live using the Zoom videoconference at the 10 time-block.  The recorded Zoom session will be made available on Canvas. We anticipate having in-class discussions and interaction, as usual. Students will also work on interesting Virtual Labs with the help of TA. 

Course Catalog

PHYS 19 Relativistic and Quantum Physics

Professor Devin Walker

PHYS 40 Quantum Physics of Matter

Professor Roberto Onofrio

The main aim of this course is to guide students through a journey into quantum
phenomena, with two main goals. For students who do not want to pursue
a major in physics, this will complete their basic knowledge of modern
physics, in historical terms from 1926 (year of the introduction of
the Schroedinger equation) until today (basically until the discovery
of the Higgs particle). This will allow them to understand the basics
of most of modern technology, some historical and philosophical
implications of modern physics, some consequences in cosmology and
astrophysics. More in general, will help students to make responsible
decisions as citizens of a society in which knowledge of modern
physics is essential for the survival of the Planet. For students
interested to major in physics, this course will provide the grounds
for future in-depth study either in quantum mechanics and quantum
field theory in themselves (as in the course sequence of PHYS 50, 90,
103, 107), and in quantum phenomena  at large (as in courses like PHYS
72, 73, 75, 92, 113, 116).

Course Catalog

PHYS 50 Introductory Quantum Mechanics

Professor Miles Blencowe

I will be posting pre-recorded lectures and using the regular scheduled class hours for Zoom class-office hours for group discussions on material presented in the posted lectures, questions about posted problem sets, etc.  The Zoom class hour discussions will also be recorded and posted. Students will also be able to request one-on-one Zoom office hours. Course requirements will consist of problem sets—due weekly; there will be no exams.

Course Catalog

PHYS 103 Advanced Quantum Mechanics

Professor Lorenza Viola

Physics 103 is a graduate-level core course that serves a twofold purpose: (i) to continue the exploration of fundamental concepts and methods of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, as undertaken in earlier courses (Physics 90 is a prereq for the course); and (ii) to complement such exploration with excursions into topics typically not covered elsewhere. Topics to be covered will include both standard subjects such as continuous and discrete symmetries; permutation symmetry and basics of second quantization; and various perturbative techniques for time-dependent quantum phenomena — as well as subjects closer to current areas of research, such as quantum measurement theory and open quantum system dynamics. The course will be based on synchronous class meetings and office hours (through Zoom videoconferencing), with lecture recordings being also made asynchronously available on Canvas. Assessment will be based on a combination of biweekly homeworks and exams.

 

PHYS 104 Statistical Mechanics I

Professor Roberto Onofrio

This is the first module of statistical mechanics at the graduate
level, mainly centered on equilibrium statistical mechanics of
non-interacting systems. I will start with a review of concepts of
pure thermodynamics, which will allow us to appreciate later on the
difference between the thermodynamical and the statistical approaches
to the study of many-body systems. Then we will analyze equilibrium
statistical mechanics of noninteracting systems in various statistical
ensembles. Although this seems highly idealized, in this context we
will able to discuss a broad and interdisciplinary variety of physical
systems, from electrons in metals and neutrons in high-density stars
to superfluid liquid helium. In the spirit of a graduate school of
physics and astronomy, I will try to emphasize as much as possible
astrophysical applications of statistical mechanics, including an
analysis of the thermodynamics of the primordial Universe.

Course Catalog

PHYS 115 Magnetohydrodynamics

Professor Barrett Rogers

PHYS 116 Quantum Information Science

Professor James Whitfield

Welcome to Physics 116: Quantum Information Science at Dartmouth College. This course is a graduate-level introduction to modern research areas in quantum information science. The goals are twofold: (1) to understand quantum information and technology including entanglement, quantum computing and quantum measurements and (2) to prepare students for industrial and academic QIS research environments. This course was originally conceived with a heavy emphasis on technology. Thus, the COVID upheaval has not presented any major changes to our original course map. The major difference now is that the synchronous portion of our class will occur via Zoom.   The notes and code used in class will be made available and all sessions will be recorded.  Students unable to attend are still able to obtain access to the content, as long as they have an Internet connection. The assessment will be based on three tests, three homeworks, and a term-project with two interim assessments.

Course Catalog

ASTR 118 Observational Cosmology

Professor Jedidah Isler

Astronomy 118 is a graduate level course on Observational Cosmology, geared towards students that have prior experience with basic astronomical principles. Students can expect to gain insight on core astrophysical observations that undergird our current understanding of concordance cosmology, including the use of Type Ia supernovae in confirming the expansion of the Universe and the last scattering surface of the cosmic microwave background, etc. Students will also hone their ability to interpret and present scientific concepts in both technical and informal settings. As we are in an incredibly challenging time as a class, an institution, a nation and a planet with respect to COVID-19, I will be emphasizing a student-centered ethic of compassion and care to help us navigate these uncertain times; even as we pursue a shared understanding of the course material. Furthermore, we will aim for synchronous, group-centered learning with short, alternating blocks of lectures and Q&A, along with weekly opportunities for students to present concepts relevant to the class. All class sessions will be recorded and uploaded to the course Canvas site, along with any relevant slides, so that if any student is not able to attend a given synchronous learning experience, they are still able to obtain access to the content, as long as they have an Internet connection. Assessment will be based on weekly group presentations, individual homework assignments and a final project and presentation.

Course Catalog