p h y s i c s
Courses are listed according to level and degree of specialization. General interest courses have no prerequisites and may be used to satisfy College of Arts and Sciences distribution requirements in science. Introductory physics courses are basic first-year physics lecture courses; the corresponding labs are listed under "Introductory Physics Laboratories." Advanced physics and astronomy courses require one year of introductory physics and may be used to satisfy degree requirements for physics majors.
General Interest Courses
PHY 1001 College: An Introduction 1 QH
Intended for freshmen in the College of Arts and Sciences. Seeks to introduce freshmen to the liberal arts in general, as well as to familiarize them with their major; help them develop the academic skills necessary to succeed (e.g. analytical ability and critical thinking); provide grounding in the culture and values of the University community; and help them develop interpersonal skills--in short, to familiarize students with all skills needed to become a successful university student.PHY 1111 Introduction to Astronomy 1 4 QH
Offers the nonscience student an introduction to modern astronomical ideas. Includes such topics as introduction to the cosmos; tools of the astronomer (atoms, the nature of light and radiation, telescopes, space astronomy); the earth in space; our solar system (origin and future of the solar system, the planets and other bodies, the latest from spacecraft flights, the sun as our bridge to the stars); the question of life in the universe. (Core Category II)PHY 1121 Introduction to Science 1 4 QH
Provides for nonscience majors an interdisciplinary treatment of the basic ideas of the natural sciences. Discusses concepts such as energy, gravity, and the atom, followed by a consideration of the ways in which atoms combine to form the substances that compose matter. (Core Category II)PHY 1132 From Flashlights to Fusion: Energy and the Environment 4 QH
Provides nonscience students with a practical knowledge of our present use of the earth's energy resources and the environmental consequences. Topics include solar energy, nuclear energy, global warming, oil politics, pollution, and electric cars. This course draws upon multimedia presentations, a tour of MIT's fusion reactor, and WEB-based sources. No knowledge of physics is assumed. (Core Category VI)Introductory Physics Courses
PHY 1191 Physics for BSET 1 4 QH
Focuses on units and scientific notation, force, Newton's first law, static equilibrium, Newton's second law, momentum, work, kinetic energy, potential energy. Prereq. MTH 1191, which may be taken concurrently; BSET majors only.PHY 1192 Physics for BSET 2 4 QH
Focuses on power, rotational motion, Pascal's law, hydrostatic pressure, molecular mass, ideal gas law, first and second laws of thermodynamics, simple harmonic motion, wave motion, sound, and light. Prereq. PHY 1191; MTH 1192, which may be taken concurrently; BSET majors only.PHY 1193 Physics for BSET 3 4 QH
Focuses on electrostatics, circuit elements, direct current circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic waves, atomic and nuclear physics. Prereq. PHY 1192; BSET majors only.PHY 1201 Physics for the Life Sciences 1 4 QH
Focuses on vector addition of force, principles of static, Newton's second law, kinetic and potential energy. To take the lab for this course, register for PHY 1501 concurrently. (Core Category II)PHY 1202 Physics for the Life Sciences 2 4 QH
Focuses on wave motion, sound, light, optics, static electricity, DC circuits, magnetism. To take the lab for this course, register for PHY 1502 concurrently. (Core Category II) Prereq. PHY 1201.PHY 1203 Physics for the Life Sciences 3 4 QH
Focuses on temperature, gas laws, pressure, static properties of fluids, fluid flow, properties of liquids (surface tension and osmotic pressure), properties of solids, thermal physics, Coulomb's law, and atomic and nuclear physics. Prereq. PHY 1201.PHY 1205 Physics for the Health Sciences 5 QH
An integrated lecture and laboratory course for Cardiopulmonary Sciences students. Focuses on two subjects: (1) fluids, including pressure, Archimedes' principle, Pascal's principle, Bernoulli's equation, viscosity, and Poiseuille's equation, with applications to body composition and to the circulatory and pulmonary systems; and (2) electricity, including electrostatics, DC and AC circuits, with applications to the electrophysiology of muscles and nerves. The laboratory experiments are closely integrated with the lecture material. Prereq. PHY 1201 or equivalent.PHY 1221 Physics for Science and Engineering Students 1 4 QH
The first quarter of a four-quarter sequence intended primarily for science and engineering students, covers mechanics, kinematics, dynamics, Newton's laws, work, energy, linear momentum, collisions, and rotations. Prereq. MTH 1123 or equivalent, which may be taken concurrently.PHY 1222 Physics for Science and Engineering Students 2 4 QH
Continues PHY 1221. Focuses on rotation equilibrium, angular momentum, harmonic motion, fluid mechanics, wave motion, sound, and optics. Prereq. PHY 1221 and MTH 1124 or equivalent, which may be taken concurrently.PHY 1223 Physics for Science and Engineering Students 3 4 QH
Focuses on electricity, electric fields, electric potential, Ohm's law, simple circuits, magnetic fields, Faraday's law and induction, and Maxwell's equations. Prereq. PHY 1222 and MTH 1125 or equivalent, which may be taken concurrently.PHY 1224 Physics for Science and Engineering Students 4 4 QH
Focuses on physical optics, special relativity, photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and quantum mechanics (including the uncertainty principle, the Schroedinger equation, wave functions, the hydrogen atom, solids, nuclear and atomic physics). Prereq. PHY 1221, PHY 1222, and PHY 1223 or equivalent.Introductory Physics Laboratories
PHY 1196 Physics BSET Laboratory 1 1 QH
Covers experiments from various physics topics covered in PHY 1191. Lab fee. Prereq. PHY 1191 concurrently; BSET majors only.PHY 1197 Physics BSET Laboratory 2 1 QH
Covers experiments from various physics topics covered in PHY 1192. Lab fee. Prereq. PHY 1196; PHY 1192 concurrently; BSET majors only.PHY 1198 Physics BSET Laboratory 3 1 QH
Covers experiments from PHY 1193. Lab fee. Prereq. PHY 1193 concurrently; BSET majors only.PHY 1501 Physics Laboratory for the Life Sciences 1 1 QH
Accompanies PHY 1201. Prereq. PHY 1201 concurrently.PHY 1502 Physics Laboratory for the Life Sciences 2 1 QH
Accompanies PHY 1202. Prereq. PHY 1501; PHY 1202 or PHY 1203 concurrently.PHY 1521 Physics Laboratory for Science and Engineering Students 1 1 QH
The first of a two-quarter lab sequence in which the student performs experiments from various fields of physics. Prereq. PHY 1221 concurrently.PHY 1522 Physics Laboratory for Science and Engineering Students 2 1 QH
Continues PHY 1521. Prereq. PHY 1521; PHY 1222 concurrently.PHY 1523 Physics Laboratory for Science Majors 3 1 QH
Focuses on lab experiments related to topics covered in PHY 1223. Prereq. PHY 1522; PHY 1223 concurrently.Advanced Physics and Astronomy Courses
PHY 1300 Physics with Computers 4 QH
Introduces using computer software to solve scientific problems. Uses spreadsheet programs and MATLAB to discuss examples such as motion damped by friction, resonance phenomena, simulation of exponential decay processes, period doubling, and chaos. Prereq. PHY 1223 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.PHY 1302 Electric and Magnetic Fields 4 QH
Focuses on the basic concepts of electric and magnetic fields, including electric and magnetic fields in free space and materials; Maxwell's equations in integral form. Prereq. PHY 1223 or equivalent.PHY 1303 Modern Physics 4 QH
Reviews experiments demonstrating the atomic nature of matter, the properties of the electron, the nuclear atom, the wave-particle duality, spin, and the properties of elementary particles. Discusses, mostly on a phenomenological level, such subjects as atomic and nuclear structure, properties of the solid state, and elementary particles. Introduces the spatial theory of relativity. Prereq. PHY 1223 or equivalent.PHY 1304 Mathematical Physics 4 QH
Reviews linear algebra and vector calculus, special functions and partial differential equations of physics, potential theory, functions of a complex variable. Prereq. MTH 1244 and PHY 1223; MTH 1246 concurrently.PHY 1305 Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory 4 QH
Focuses on first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy and equilibrium, thermodynamic potentials, elementary kinetic theory, statistical mechanics and the statistical interpretation of entropy. Prereq. PHY 1224 or PHY 1303, and MTH 1244.PHY 1401 Classical Mechanics 4 QH
Covers advanced topics in classical mechanics, including vector kinematics, harmonic oscillator and resonance, generalized coordinates, Lagrange's equations, central forces and the Kepler problem, rigid body motion. Prereq. PHY 1301 and MTH 1245.PHY 1402 Electricity and Magnetism 1 4 QH
Covers Maxwell's equations and their experimental basis, electrostatics and magnetostatics, the electromagnetic field in empty space, electromagnetic waves. Prereq. PHY 1302 and PHY 1304 or equivalent.PHY 1403 Electricity and Magnetism 2 4 QH
Continues PHY 1402. Focuses on energy and momentum in the electromagnetic field, electrodynamics, the interaction of matter and the field, radiation. Prereq. PHY 1402 or equivalent.PHY 1404 Wave Motion and Optics 4 QH
Focuses on harmonic and coupled oscillators, wave equation; geometrical and physical optics; interference, diffraction, optics of solids, amplification of light; and lasers. Prereq. PHY 1302.PHY 1411 Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology 4 QH
Introduces the student to current ideas in astrophysics and cosmology, with emphasis on recent advances in this field. Focuses on tools of the astronomer (gamma-, X-, UV-, optical-, infrared-, radio-telescopes, spectroscopes, spacecrafts, and so on); solar system; stellar properties (site luminosity); stellar spectra; Hertzsprung-Russell diagram; stellar energy sources (gravitational, nuclear); evolution of stars (birth, main sequence, red giants, white dwarfs, planetary nebulae, supernovae, neutron stars and pulsars, black holes and gravitational collapse); methods of interstellar and intergalactic distance measurement; our Milky Way galaxy; extragalactic objects (galaxies, clusters of galaxies, radio galaxies, quasars); cosmology (Olber's paradox, recession of galaxies, big bang theory, cosmic background radiation, formation of galaxies, the future of the universe). Prereq. Three quarters of elementary physics.PHY 1413 Introduction to Nuclear Physics 4 QH
Focuses on nuclear structure, nuclear masses, radioactivity, nuclear radiation, interaction of radiation and matter, detectors, fission, nuclear forces, elementary particles. Prereq. PHY 1303.PHY 1414 Introduction to Solid State Physics 4 QH
Offers a semiclassical treatment of the thermal, magnetic, and electrical properties of crystalline solids. Examines X-ray diffraction and the reciprocal lattice, elasticity and lattice vibrations, specific heat, properties of insulators, magnetism in insulators and metals, and introduction to the band theory of metals. Prereq. CHM 1383 or PHY 1303; and PHY 1305 or equivalent.PHY 1415 Quantum Mechanics 1 4 QH
Focuses on observation of macroscopic and microscopic bodies, the uncertainty principle, wave-particle duality, probability amplitudes, Schrodinger wave theory, and one-dimensional problems. Prereq. CHM 1383 or PHY 1303; and PHY 1304 or equivalent.PHY 1416 Quantum Mechanics 2 4 QH
Continues PHY 1415. Covers discrete and continuous states, Schrodinger equation in three dimensions, angular momentum, general theory of quantum mechanics, applications. Prereq. PHY 1415.PHY 1421 Biological Physics 1 4 QH
Examines the physical principles of bioelectricity. Covers the anatomical and physiological basis of signal propagation in nerve and muscle cells, the active properties of cell membranes, electrophysiological models of charge and ion transport across membranes, action potential propagation in excitable tissues, the behavior of bioelectric and biomagnetic fields in and around the volume conductors formed by the body, and the theoretical foundations of electrocardiology and electroencephalography. Prereq. PHY 1302, PHY 1304 or equivalent, and BIO 1355 or permission of instructor.PHY 1423 Medical Physics 4 QH
Introduces the physical principles and basic mathematical methods underlying the various modalities of medical imaging. These include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission tomography (SPECT), and ultrasound. Covers nuclear physics and the interaction of radiation with biological matter with application to radiation therapy. Prereq. PHY 1302, PHY 1304 or equivalent, and BIO 1421 or permission of instructor.PHY 1451 Medical Imaging 4 QH
Part 1 of a seminar series conducted by expert practitioners from Boston-area hospitals. Examines the clinical applications of medical imaging methods (CT, MRI, and PET). Includes site visits to local hospitals and medical instrumentation companies. Prereq. PHY 1423.PHY 1452 Radiation Therapy 4 QH
Part 2 of a seminar series conducted by expert practitioners from Boston-area hospitals. Examines the clinical applications of radiation therapy. Prereq. PHY 1423.PHY 1453 Applications of Lasers in Medicine 4 QH
Part 3 of a seminar series conducted by expert practitioners from Boston-area hospitals. Examines the clinical applications of lasers and optical techniques. Prereq. PHY 1404 and PHY 1423.PHY 1551 Electronics for Scientists 1 4 QH
With PHY 1552, forms a two-quarter sequence covering electronic techniques for experimental research in many different fields of science. Focuses on principles of semiconductor devices; analog techniques (amplification, feedback, integration); digital techniques (counting, multiplexing, logic); design of electronic subsystems (analog-to-digital converters, phase-sensitive detectors, data-logging systems); understanding specifications of commercial electronic equipment. In lab examples, makes use of up-to-date integrated and discrete devices such as are currently used in the electronic industry.PHY 1552 Electronics for Scientists 2 4 QH
Continues PHY 1551. Prereq. PHY 1551.PHY 1555 Wave Laboratory 4 QH
Offers a general treatment of the problems of mechanical and electromagnetic radiation as wave phenomena. Focuses on the differential wave equation and its application to selected topics; interference and diffraction theory from the standpoint of the Huygens-Fresnel and Kirchhoff formulations; selected experiments in acoustics, optics, and microwaves illustrate these problems. Prereq. PHY 1224 or PHY 1302.PHY 1557 Advanced Physics Laboratory 4 QH
Presents special projects in modern experimental physics, including electronic instrumentation used in measuring physical quantities and use of microprocessors. Prereq. PHY 1551 and PHY 1552.PHY 1561 Project Laboratory 4 QH
Allows students to select and carry out individual projects involving instrumentation and computation. Involves the development of some aspect of instrumentation and/or computation in an ongoing research project and the preparation of a final report. The student is supervised by the project leader and the course instructor. (Although the course carries 4 QH credit, it is taken in successive winter and spring quarters.) Prereq. Permission of instructor.PHY 1711 Introduction to Astronomy 1 (Honors) 4 QH
Honors equivalent of PHY 1111.PHY 1721 Physics 1 4 QH
Honors equivalent of PHY 1221.PHY 1722 Physics 2 4 QH
Honors equivalent of PHY 1222.PHY 1723 Physics 3 4 QH
Honors equivalent of PHY 1223.PHY 1724 Physics 4 4 QH
Honors equivalent of PHY 1224.PHY 1885, PHY 1886, PHY 1887 4 QH each
Junior/Senior Honors Project For details, contact the honors office.PHY 1888, 1889 Experiential Education Directed Study 4 QH
Draws upon the student's approved experiential activity and integrates it with study in the academic major. Restricted to those students who are using it to fulfill their experiential education requirement.
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