Physics
Note: This page contains all of the regular courses taught by this department. Not all courses are offered every year. Check the searchable schedule to see which courses are being offered in the upcoming semester.
PHYS 101 Rocket Science
Credit: 0.5 QR
"Rocket science" may be proverbial as a complex subject impossible for the ordinary person to understand, but in fact its essential principles are entirely accessible to any Kenyon student. Our course explores the basic concepts of rocket propulsion and spaceflight, including Newton's laws of motion, ballistics, aerodynamics, the physics and chemistry of rocket motors, orbital mechanics and beyond. Simple algebra, numerical calculations, and data analysis help us apply the principles to real situations. We also delve into the history of astronautics, from the visionary speculations of Tsiolkovsky and Goddard to the missiles and space vehicles of today. Finally, we take a look at some of the developments in technology and space exploration that may lie just around the corner. In addition to the regular class meeting, there will be several evening and weekend lab sessions, during which we will design, build, test and fly model rockets powered by commercial solid-fuel engines. The course has no prerequisite except a willingness to build upon high school science and mathematics.
Instructor: Schumacher, B.
PHYS 102 Good Nukes, Bad Nukes
Credit: 0.5 QR
Nuclear power produces needed energy, but nuclear waste threatens our future. Nuclear weapons make us strong, but dirty bombs make us vulnerable. Nuclear medicine can cure us, but nuclear radiation can kill us. Radio-carbon dating tells us about the past, but challenges our religious faith. "Good Nukes, Bad Nukes" is designed to give each student the scientific knowledge necessary to understand and participate in public discussions of nuclear issues. The concepts include classification of nuclei, the types of energy (radiation) released in nuclear reactions, the interactions of that radiation with matter, including human health effects, and the design of nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. Hands-on demonstrations and experiments will explore radioactive decay, anti-matter, transmutation of atoms, nuclear detectors, and interactions of radiation with matter. We will apply the core concepts to understanding contemporary issues such as: electric power generation using nuclear energy, including its environmental effects; advances in nuclear medicine; the challenges of preventing nuclear weapons proliferation; the threat of "dirty bombs"; and dating the Creation. We will also cover the history of the Manhattan Project and the use of nuclear weapons that brought an end to World War II. The course will offer a field trip to at least one significant nuclear site in Ohio. This course is designed to be accessible to any Kenyon student, so there are no prerequisites.
PHYS 103 Creating with Gadgets
Credit: 0.25
In this course, students will learn to use motors, relays, microcontrollers, and electronic components to design and build computer-controlled devices, small robots, and interactive gizmos increasingly employed in projects by artists, designers, and scientists. The primary tool will be the Arduino open source microcontroller environment. Developed for use by designers, artists, and hobbyists, the Arduino environment provides a wide array of options for implementing automation and interaction between a physical device and its environment. It is used in applications ranging from interactive installation art to smart home technologies and hardware control in scientific applications. The course will combine laboratory exercises, homework assignments, individual and group project work, and a culminating public presentation. There are no prerequisites.
Instructor: Turner
PHYS 104 Einstein
Credit: 0.5 QR
A hundred years ago, Albert Einstein helped to launch a far-reaching revolution in physics. His relativity theories are justly famous; but he also made amazing discoveries about quantum mechanics and the statistical properties of matter and radiation. This course will focus on Einstein's life, his scientific contributions, and his role in the creation of modern physics. We will find that his insights are significant, not just for microscopic particles or distant galaxies, but for the phenomena of everyday life. Lectures, discussions, and readings (including Einstein's own works) will be supplemented by laboratory experiments (at times to be arranged). The course will have some mathematical content--simple algebra and geometry--but should be accessible to any Kenyon student. No prerequisites.
PHYS 105 Frontiers of Gravity and Astrophysics
Credit: 0.5 QR
Gravity is at once the most familiar and most mysterious of the basic forces of nature. It shapes the formation, structure and motion of stars, galaxies and the cosmos itself. Also, because gravity affects everything, it enables us to investigate parts of the universe that are otherwise invisible to us. This course, accessible to all students, will explore the role of gravity in three vibrant areas of contemporary astrophysics: the search for planets beyond our solar system, the discovery of giant black holes in the nuclei of galaxies, and the evidence for dark matter and dark energy in our universe. In addition to the scheduled lecture/discussion meetings, students will be required to meet a few times during the semester for evening laboratories. No prerequisites.
PHYS 106 Astronomy: Planets and Moons
Credit: 0.5
This course, designed primarily for non-science majors, gives an introduction to the modern understanding of the solar system, including planets, moons, and smaller bodies (asteroids, comets, meteorites). Topics include planetary interiors, surface modification processes, planetary atmospheres, and the evolution of the solar system. Students will also attend evening laboratory sessions utilizing a variety of methods for exploring space-science topics, including telescopic observations, computer simulations, and laboratory exercises. No prerequisites.
PHYS 107 Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies
Credit: 0.5 QR
Accessible to all students, this course surveys current knowledge of the physical nature of stars and galaxies. Topics include the sun and other stars, the evolution of stars, interstellar matter, the end products of stellar evolution (including pulsars and black holes), the organization of stellar systems such as clusters and galaxies, and the large-scale structure of the universe itself. Evening laboratory sessions will include telescopic observation, laboratory investigations of light and spectra, and computer modeling and simulation exercises. No prerequisites.
PHYS 108 Geology
Credit: 0.5
As an introduction to the geosciences designed for all students, this course surveys a wide range of physical geology topics. Our initial coverage of minerals and rocks, the basic building blocks of the world around us, includes discussions of the environments in which they form and the major processes operating in these environments. Hands-on exercises are designed to aid in the identification of these basic components of the Earth and to teach students how to recognize clues to their formation. Students will use this knowledge in a series of self-guided on-campus "field trips." Our coverage of plate tectonics includes discussions of the major evidence in support of this grand unifying theory of geology, including seismicity and earthquakes, volcanism and plutonic activity, orogenesis and structural geology, and geomagnetism and paleogeographic reconstruction. We will establish these ideas in a global context and apply them to the geologic history of the North American continent. Requirements include laboratory exercises, on-campus field trips, at least one off-campus field trip, and small group projects. No prerequisites.
PHYS 109 Origins
Credit: 0.5
Around us we see a vast, expanding universe of galaxies. The galaxies are composed of stars around some of which orbit planets. At least one of these planets in the universe is inhabited by an astoundingly complex set of living things. Where did all this come from? This course presents an overview of the formation and evolution of the universe, the solar system, planet Earth, and life on our planet. Lectures and readings will be supplemented by astronomical observations, computer simulations, and laboratory experiments (at times to be arranged.) The course has no prerequisites and is accessible to any Kenyon student.
PHYS 110 First-Year Seminar in Physics
Credit: 0.25 QR
The goal of this seminar is to explore a specific topic in physics that is of current significance as well as challenging to first-year students. Generally, the topics will vary from year to year; and in the past, the seminar has explored topics such as material science, nanoscience, astrophysics, particle physics, biological physics, and gravitation. In addition to introducing the fundamental physics related to these topics, the course will expose students to recent developments, as the topics are often closely related to the research area of faculty teaching the seminar. The seminar meets one evening a week for lectures, discussions, laboratory experiments, and computer exercises. It is open only to first-year students who are concurrently enrolled in or have placed out of PHYS 140 (Classical Physics). It fulfills the concurrent laboratory requirement of PHYS 140 and serves as a solid preparation for PHYS 146 (Introduction to Experimental Physics II). Offered every fall semester.
PHYS 130 General Physics I
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course is the first course in a one-year introductory physics sequence. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, work and energy, wave phenomena, fluids, and thermodynamics. When possible, examples will relate to life-science contexts. The course will be taught using a combination of lectures, in-class exercises, homework assignments, and examinations. A knowledge of calculus is not required. Prerequisites: high-school algebra and trigonometry. Co-requisite: PHYS 141. Offered every fall semester.
PHYS 135 General Physics II
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course focuses on a wide variety of physics topics relevant to students in the life sciences. Topics include electricity and magnetism, geometrical and physical optics, atomic physics, X-rays, radioactivity, and nuclear physics. When possible, examples will relate to life-science contexts. The course will be taught using a combination of lectures, in-class exercises, homework assignments, and examinations. Prerequisites: PHYS 130. Co-requisite: PHYS 146. Offered every spring semester.
PHYS 140 Classical Physics
Credit: 0.5 QR
This lecture course is the first in a three-semester, calculus-based introduction to physics. Topics include the kinematics and dynamics of particles and solid objects, work and energy, linear and angular momentum, and gravitational, electrostatic, and magnetic forces. PHYS 140, 145, and 240 are recommended for students who may major in physics, and are also appropriate for students majoring in other sciences and mathematics. The course will be taught using a combination of lectures, in-class exercises, homework assignments, and examinations. Co-requisite: PHYS 110 (first-year students) or PHYS 141 (upperclass students) and pre-req/co-req MATH 111 or equivalent (or permission of Physics Department chair). While calculus is a co-requisite, we will develop the necessary mathematical tools in our lectures as well. PHYS 140 is open only to first- and second-year students. Offered every fall semester.
PHYS 141 Introduction to Experimental Physics I
Credit: 0.25 QR
This laboratory course meets one afternoon each week and is organized around weekly experiments that demonstrate the phenomena of classical mechanics, including projectile motion, rotation, electrical circuits and fields, and conservation of energy and momentum. Lectures cover the theory and instrumentation required to understand each experiment. Experimental techniques emphasize computerized acquisition and analysis of video images to study motion. Students are introduced to computer-assisted graphical and statistical analysis of data as well as the analysis of experimental uncertainty. Co-requisite: PHYS 130 or 140. Offered every fall semester.
PHYS 145 Modern Physics
Credit: 0.5 QR
This lecture course is a continuation of the calculus-based introduction to physics, PHYS 140, and focuses on the physics of the twentieth century. Topics include geometrical and wave optics, special relativity, photons, photon-electron interactions, elementary quantum theory (including wave-particle duality, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and the time-independent Schrodinger equation), atomic physics, solid-state physics, nuclear physics, and elementary particles. PHYS 145 is recommended for students who may major in physics, and is also appropriate for students majoring in other sciences or mathematics. The course will be taught using a combination of lectures, in-class exercises, homework assignments, and examinations. Prerequisite: PHYS 140 and MATH 111 (or permission of the instructor). Co-requisite: PHYS 146 and MATH 112 taken concurrently (or permission of the Physics Department chair). Open only to first- and second-year students. Offered every spring semester.
PHYS 146 Introduction to Experimental Physics
Credit: 0.25 QR
This laboratory course is a co-requisite for all students enrolled in PHYS 135 or 145. The course meets one afternoon each week and is organized around weekly experiments demonstrating the phenomena of waves, optics, x-rays, and atomic and nuclear physics. Lectures cover the theory and instrumentation required to understand each experiment. Experimental techniques include the use of lasers, x-ray diffraction and fluorescence, optical spectroscopy, and nuclear counting and spectroscopy. Students are introduced to computer-assisted graphical and statistical analysis of data, as well as the analysis of experimental uncertainty. Prerequisite: PHYS 110 or 141. Co-requisite: PHYS 135 or 145. Offered every spring semester.
PHYS 210 Intermediate Seminar in Physics
Credit: 0.25
See the course description for PHYS 110. This course will cover the same material but in greater depth, using physics learned in previous courses. This course will meet once each week for a combination of lectures, discussion of assigned readings, small group problem-solving sessions, demonstrations, and experimental work.
PHYS 218 Dynamical Systems in Scientific Computing
Credit: 0.5 QR
The advent of widespread computing power has led to a revolution in our understanding of the natural world. Using computer models, scientists in all disciplines have been able to explore systems that are mathematically intractable. Surprising commonalities among systems have been discovered that have led to new ways of classifying phenomena and to a strong interdisciplinary perspective. In this class, students will get hands-on experience in numerical exploration using new techniques applied to many areas of science. Students will write programs to solve ordinary differential equations and to model electrical circuits, orbital motion, and chemical reaction rates. In every case, students will implement these techniques in a programming language and build their programming skills.
PHYS 219 Complex Systems in Scientific Computing
Credit: 0.5 QR
The underlying laws governing nature are usually fairly simple, yet the phenomena of nature are often extremely complex. How can this happen? In this course we discuss several definitions of "complexity" and use computers to explore how simple rules can give rise to complex behavior. We will construct cellular automata and related models to simulate a variety of systems: the growth of random fractals, the spread of forest fires, magnetic materials near phase transitions, the statistics of avalanches, the movements of flocks of birds, and even the formation of traffic jams. A number of common ideas and characteristics will emerge from these explorations. Since the computer is our primary tool, some knowledge of computer programming will be required.
PHYS 240 Fields and Spacetime
Credit: 0.5 QR
This lecture course is the third semester of the calculus-based introductory sequence in physics, which begins with PHYS 140 and PHYS 145. Topics covered include electric charge, electric and magnetic fields, electrostatic potentials, Ampere's law, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations in integral form, electromagnetic waves, the postulates of the special theory of relativity, relativistic kinematics and dynamics, and the connections between special relativity and electromagnetism. This course may be an appropriate first course for particularly strong students with advanced placement in physics; such students must be interviewed by and obtain permission from the chair of the Physics Department. Prerequisites: PHYS 140 and 110 (or 141) or equivalent. Co-requisite: PHYS 241 and MATH 213 or equivalent (or permission of the department chair). Offered every fall semester.
PHYS 241 Fields and Spacetime Laboratory
Credit: 0.25 QR
This lecture and laboratory course is required for all students enrolled in PHYS 240. The course is organized around experiments demonstrating various phenomena associated with electric and magnetic fields. Lectures cover the theory and instrumentation required to understand each experiment. Laboratory work emphasizes computerized acquisition and analysis of data, the use of a wide variety of modern instrumentation, and the analysis of experimental uncertainty. Prerequisite: PHYS 140 and 110 or 141 or equivalent. Co-requisite: PHYS 240. Offered every fall semester.
PHYS 245 Oscillations and Waves
Credit: 0.5 QR
The topics of oscillations and waves serve to unify many subfields of physics. This course begins with a discussion of damped and undamped, free and driven, and mechanical and electrical oscillations. Oscillations of coupled bodies and normal modes of oscillations are studied along with the techniques of Fourier analysis and synthesis. We then consider waves and wave equations in continuous and discontinuous media, both bounded and unbounded. The course may also treat properties of the special mathematical functions that are the solutions to wave equations in non-Cartesian coordinate systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 240 or equivalent. Offered every spring semester.
PHYS 270 Introduction to Computational Physics
Credit: 0.5 QR
As modern computers become more capable, a new mode of investigation is emerging in all science disciplines: the use of the computer to model the natural world and solving the model equations numerically rather than analytically. Thus, computational physics is assuming a co-equal status with theoretical and experimental physics as a way to explore physical systems. This course will introduce the student to the methods of computational physics, numerical integration, numerical solutions of differential equations, Monte Carlo techniques, and others. Students will learn to implement these techniques in the computer language C, a widely used high-level programming language in computational physics. In addition, the course will expand students' capabilities in using a symbolic algebra program (
PHYS 340 Classical Mechanics
Credit: 0.5 QR
This lecture course begins by revisiting most of the Newtonian mechanics learned in introductory physics courses but with added mathematical sophistication. A major part of the course will be spent in understanding an alternate description to that of the Newtonian picture: the Lagrange-Hamilton formulation. The course will also cover the topics of motion in a central field, classical scattering theory, motion in non-inertial reference frames, and dynamics of rigid body rotations. Prerequisites: PHYS 245 and MATH 213. Offered every other year.
PHYS 345 Astrophysics and Particles
Credit: 0.5 QR
From particle accelerators to galaxies and stars to the big bang, high-energy particle physics and astrophysics address the sciences most fundamental questions. This course will cover topics of contemporary relevance from the combined fields of cosmology, astronomy, phenomenological particle physics, relativity and field theory. Topics might include the big bang, cosmic inflation, the standard model of particle physics, an introduction to general relativity, stellar structure and galactic evolution. Prerequisites: PHYS 350 or permission of the instructor.
Instructor: Staff
PHYS 350 Electricity and Magnetism
Credit: 0.5 QR
In this course we develop further the basic concepts of electricity and magnetism previously discussed in Fields and Spacetime (PHYS 240) and introduce mathematical techniques for analyzing and calculating static fields from source distributions. These techniques include vector calculus, Laplace's equation, the method of images, separation of variables, and multipole expansions. We will then revisit Maxwell's equations and consider the physics of time-dependent fields and the origin of electromagnetic radiation. Other topics to be discussed include the electric and magnetic properties of matter. This course provides a solid introduction to electrodynamics and is a must for students who plan to study physics in graduate school. Prerequisites: PHYS 245 and MATH 213. Offered every other year.
PHYS 355 Optics
Credit: 0.5 QR
The course begins with a discussion of the wave nature of light. The remainder of the course is concerned with the study of electromagnetic waves and their interactions with lenses, apertures of various configurations, and matter. Subjects include the properties of waves, reflection, refraction, interference, and Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, along with Fourier optics and coherence theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 245 and PHYS 350 or permission of the instructor. Offered every other year.
PHYS 360 Quantum Mechanics
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course presents an introduction to theoretical quantum mechanics. Topics to be covered include wave mechanics, the Schrodinger equation, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, and spin. Prerequisites: PHYS 245 and MATH 213. Offered every other year.
PHYS 365 Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course covers applications of quantum mechanics to atomic, nuclear, and molecular systems. Topics to be covered include atomic and molecular spectra, the Zeeman effect, nuclear structure and reactions, cosmic rays, scattering, and perturbation theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 360. Offered every other year.
PHYS 370 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Credit: 0.5 QR
This introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics focuses on how microscopic physical processes give rise to macroscopic phenomena; that is, how, when averaged, the dynamics of atoms and molecules can explain the large-scale behavior of solids, liquids, and gases. We extend the concept of conservation of energy to include thermal energy, or heat, and develop the concept of entropy for use in determining equilibrium states. We then apply these concepts to a wide variety of physical systems, from steam engines to superfluids. Prerequisite: PHYS 245 and MATH 213. Offered every other year.
PHYS 375 Condensed Matter Physics
Credit: 0.5 QR
Modern field theories may find their inspiration in the quest for understanding the most fundamental forces of the universe, but they find crucial tests and fruitful applications when used to describe the properties of the materials that make up our everyday world. In fact, these theories have made great strides in allowing scientists to create new materials with properties that have revolutionized technology and our daily lives. This course will include: crystal structure as the fundamental building block of most solid materials; how crystal lattice periodicity creates electronic band structure; the electron-hole pair as the fundamental excitation of the "sea" of electrons; and Bose-Einstein condensation as a model for superfluidity and superconductivity. Additional topics will be selected from the renormalization group theory of continuous phase transitions, the interaction of light with matter, magnetic materials, and nano-structures. There will be a limited number of labs, at times to be arranged, on topics such as crystal growth, X-ray diffraction as a probe of crystal structure, specific heat of metals at low temperature, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Prerequisite: PHYS 245 and MATH 213. Offered every other year.
PHYS 380 Introduction to Electronics
Credit: 0.25 QR
This course will build upon the foundation developed in PHYS 240 and 241 for measuring and analyzing electrical signals in DC and AC circuits, introducing you to many of the tools and techniques of modern electronics. Familiarity with this array of practical tools will prepare you well for engaging in undergraduate research opportunities as well as laboratory work in graduate school or industry settings. You will learn to use oscilloscopes, meters, LabVIEW, and various other tools to design and characterize simple analog and digital electronic circuits. The project-based approach used in this and associated courses (PHYS 381, PHYS 382) fosters independence and creativity, while the hands-on nature of the labs and projects will help you build practical experimental skills including schematic and spec sheet reading, soldering, interfacing circuits with measurement or control instruments, and trouble-shooting problems with components, wiring, and measurement devices. In each of these three courses, you will practice documenting your work thoroughly, by tracking your work in your lab notebook with written records, diagrams, schematics, data tables, graphs, and program listings. You will also engage in directed analysis of the theoretical operation of components and circuits through lab notebook explanations, worksheets, and occasional problem sets, and in each course you may be asked to research and present to the class a related application of the principles you learn during your investigations. This course is required as part of the one unit of upper-level experimental physics coursework to complete the major in physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 240 and PHYS 241. Offered every spring semester.
PHYS 381 Projects in Electronics 1
Credit: 0.25 QR
In this course, you will explore circuit design and analysis for active and passive analog element circuits, from the physics of the components (semiconductor diodes, transistors) to the behavior of multi-stage circuits. Experiments will include voltage source and current source power supplies, transistors, gain and isolation amplifier designs, and frequency-sensitive feedback networks. Prerequisite: PHYS 380 (may be taken concurrently). Offered every other year in the spring semester.
PHYS 382 Projects in Electronics 2
Credit: 0.25 QR
In this course, you will investigate the operation of integrated circuit chips (ICs), the fundamental building blocks of electronic devices, from personal computers, cell phones, and iPods to sophisticated control systems in use across the spectrum of research and industry today. Experiments will touch on applications such as counting, timing, multiplexing, analog-to-digital conversion, and instrument control. Prerequisite: PHYS 380 (may be taken concurrently). Offered every other year in the spring semester.
PHYS 385 Advanced Experimental Physics 1
Credit: 0.25 QR
This course is an introduction to upper-level experimental physics that will prepare you for work in original research in physics and for work in industry applications of physics. You will acquire skills in experimental design, observation, material preparation and handling, and equipment calibration and operation. The experiments will be selected to introduce you to concepts, techniques, and equipment useful in understanding physical phenomena across a wide range of physics subdisciplines, with the two-fold goal of providing you with a broad overview of several branches of experimental physics and preparing you to undertake any of the experiments found in the successor courses, PHYS 386 and 387. Prerequisites: PHYS 241and PHYS 245. Offered every year in the fall semester.
PHYS 386 Advanced Experimental Physics 2
Credit: 0.25 QR
In this course you will explore fundamental physical interactions between light and matter, such as Compton scattering, Rayleigh and Mie scattering, and matter-antimatter annihilation, while also learning to use common nuclear and optical detection and analysis techniques. Prerequisite: PHYS 385 (may be taken concurrently). Offered every other year in the fall semester.
PHYS 387 Advanced Experimental Physics 3
Credit: 0.25 QR
In this course you will probe the structure of solids using X-ray crystallography and atomic force microscopy, study the physical properties of semiconductors, and use the manipulation of magnetic fields to examine the resonant absorption of energy in atoms and nuclei. Prerequisite: PHYS 385 (may be taken concurrently). Offered every other year in the fall semester.
PHYS 493 Individual Study
Credit: 0.13-0.5
Individual studies may involve various types of inquiry: reading, problem solving, experimentation, computation, etc. To enroll in individual study, a student must identify a physics faculty member willing to guide the course and work with that professor to develop a description. The description should include: topics and content areas, learning goals, prior coursework qualifying the student to pursue the study, resources to be used (e.g., specific texts, instrumentation), a list of assignments and the weight of each in the final grade, and a detailed schedule of meetings and assignments. The student must submit this description to the Physics Department chair. In the case of a small-group individual study, a single description may be submitted, and all students must follow that plan. The amount of work in an individual study should approximate the work typically required in other physics courses of similar types at similar levels, adjusted for the amount of credit to be awarded. Ordinarily, individual study courses in physics are designed for .25 unit of credit. Individual study courses should supplement, not replace, courses regularly offered by the department. Only in unusual circumstances will the department approve an individual study in which the content substantially overlaps that of a regularly offered course. Students contemplating individual study should plan well in advance, preferably the semester before the proposed project.