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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
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
skillsin short, to familiarize students with all skills needed to become a
successful university student.
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PHY 1021
Interactive Learning Session (ILS) for PHY 1221
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0 QH |
Emphasizes problem solving in PHY1221, with examples. Techniques are described,
and assigned problems are worked in small groups. Must be taken with PHY1221. A
single grade is given for PHY1021 and PHY1221.
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PHY 1022
Interactive Learning Session (ILS) for PHY 1222
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0 QH |
Emphasizes problem solving in PHY1222, with examples. Techniques are described,
and assigned problems are worked in small groups. Must be taken with PHY1222. A
single grade is given for PHY1022 and PHY1222.
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PHY 1023
Interactive Learning Session (ILS) for PHY 1223
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0 QH |
Emphasizes problem solving in PHY1223, with examples. Techniques are described,
and assigned problems are worked in small groups. Must be taken with PHY1223. A
single grade is given for PHY1023 and PHY1223.
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PHY 1111
Introduction to Astronomy 1
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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)
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)
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PHY 1132
From Flashlights to Fusion: Energy and the Environment
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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
Introductory Physics Courses
Focuses on units and scientific notation, force, Newton's first law, static
equilibrium, Newton's second law, momentum, work, kinetic energy, potential
energy. Prereq. MTH1191, which may be taken concurrently; BSET majors only.
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. PHY1191; MTH1192, which
may be taken concurrently; BSET majors only.
Focuses on electrostatics, circuit elements, direct current circuits,
magnetism, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic waves, atomic and nuclear
physics. Prereq. PHY1192; BSET majors only.
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PHY 1201
Physics for the Life Sciences 1
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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
PHY1501 concurrently. (Core Category II)
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PHY 1202
Physics for the Life Sciences 2
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4 QH |
Focuses on wave motion, sound, light, optics, static electricity, DC circuits,
magnetism. To take the lab for this course, register for PHY1502 concurrently.
(Core Category II) Prereq. PHY1201.
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PHY 1203
Physics for the Life Sciences 3
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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. PHY1201.
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PHY 1205
Physics for the Health Sciences
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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. PHY1201 or equivalent.
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PHY 1221
Physics for Science and Engineering Students 1
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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. MTH1123 or
equivalent, which may be taken concurrently.
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PHY 1222
Physics for Science and Engineering Students 2
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4 QH |
Continues PHY1221. Focuses on rotation equilibrium, angular momentum, harmonic
motion, fluid mechanics, wave motion, sound, and optics. Prereq. PHY1221 and
MTH1124 or equivalent, which may be taken concurrently.
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PHY 1223
Physics for Science and Engineering Students 3
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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. PHY1222 and MTH1125 or equivalent, which may be taken
concurrently.
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PHY 1224
Physics for Science and Engineering Students 4
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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. PHY1221, PHY1222, and PHY1223 or equivalent.
Introductory Physics Laboratories
Introductory Physics Laboratories
Covers experiments from various physics topics covered in PHY1191. Prereq.
PHY1191 concurrently; BSET majors only.
Covers experiments from various physics topics covered in PHY1192. Prereq.
PHY1196; PHY1192 concurrently; BSET majors only.
Covers experiments from PHY1193. Prereq. PHY1193 concurrently; BSET majors
only.
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PHY 1501
Physics Laboratory for the Life Sciences 1
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1 QH |
Accompanies PHY1201. Prereq. PHY1201 concurrently.
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PHY 1502
Physics Laboratory for the Life Sciences 2
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1 QH |
Accompanies PHY1202. Prereq. PHY1501; PHY1202 or PHY1203 concurrently.
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PHY 1503
Physics Laboratory for the Life Sciences 3
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1 QH |
Accompanies PHY1203. Prereq. PHY1502; PHY1203 concurrently.
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PHY 1521
Physics Laboratory for Science and Engineering Students 1
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1 QH |
The first of a two-quarter lab sequence in which the student performs
experiments from various fields of physics. Prereq. PHY1221 concurrently.
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PHY 1522
Physics Laboratory for Science and Engineering Students 2
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1 QH |
Continues PHY1521. Prereq. PHY1521; PHY1222
concurrently.
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PHY 1523
Physics Laboratory for Science Majors 3
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1 QH |
Focuses on lab experiments related to topics covered in PHY1223. Prereq.
PHY1522; PHY1223 concurrently.
Advanced Physics and Astronomy Courses
Advanced Physics and Astronomy Courses
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. PHY1223 or equivalent, or permission of
instructor.
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PHY 1302
Electric and Magnetic Fields
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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. PHY1223 or equivalent.
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. PHY1223 or equivalent.
Reviews linear algebra and vector calculus, special functions and partial
differential equations of physics, potential theory, functions of a complex
variable. Prereq. MTH1244 and PHY1223; MTH1246 concurrently.
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PHY 1305
Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
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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. PHY1224 or PHY1303, and
MTH1244.
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.
PHY1301 and MTH1245.
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PHY 1402
Electricity and Magnetism 1
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4 QH |
Covers Maxwell's equations and their experimental basis, electrostatics and
magnetostatics, the electromagnetic field in empty space, electromagnetic
waves. Prereq. PHY1302 and PHY1304 or equivalent.
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PHY 1403
Electricity and Magnetism 2
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4 QH |
Continues PHY1402. Focuses on energy and momentum in the electromagnetic field,
electrodynamics, the interaction of matter and the field, radiation. Prereq.
PHY1402 or equivalent.
Focuses on harmonic and coupled oscillators, wave equation; geometrical and
physical optics; interference, diffraction, optics of solids, amplification of
light; and lasers. Prereq. PHY1302.
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PHY 1411
Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology
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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.
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PHY 1413
Introduction to Nuclear Physics
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4 QH |
Focuses on nuclear structure, nuclear masses, radioactivity, nuclear radiation,
interaction of radiation and matter, detectors, fission, nuclear forces,
elementary particles. Prereq. PHY1303.
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PHY 1414
Introduction to Solid State Physics
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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. CHM1383 or PHY1303; and PHY1305 or equivalent.
Focuses on observation of macroscopic and microscopic bodies, the uncertainty
principle, wave-particle duality, probability amplitudes, Schrodinger wave
theory, and one-dimensional problems. Prereq. CHM1383 or PHY1303; and PHY1304
or equivalent.
Continues PHY1415. Covers discrete and continuous states, Schrodinger equation
in three dimensions, angular momentum, general theory of quantum mechanics,
applications. Prereq. PHY1415.
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. PHY1302, PHY1304 or
equivalent, and BIO1355 or permission of instructor.
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. PHY1302, PHY1304 or equivalent, and
BIO1421 or permission of instructor.
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. PHY1423.
Part 2 of a seminar series conducted by expert practitioners from Boston-area
hospitals. Examines the clinical applications of radiation therapy. Prereq.
PHY1423.
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PHY 1453
Applications of Lasers in Medicine
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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. PHY1404 and PHY1423.
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PHY 1551
Electronics for Scientists 1
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4 QH |
With PHY1552, 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.
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PHY 1552
Electronics for Scientists 2
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4 QH |
Continues PHY1551. Prereq. PHY1551.
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. PHY1224 or PHY1302.
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PHY 1557
Advanced Physics Laboratory
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4 QH |
Presents special projects in modern experimental physics, including electronic
instrumentation used in measuring physical quantities and use of
microprocessors. Prereq. PHY1551 and PHY1552.
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.
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PHY 1711
Introduction to Astronomy (Honors)
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4 QH |
Honors equivalent of PHY1111.
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PHY 1771
Honors Interactive Learning Session (ILS) for PHY 1221
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0 QH |
Honors equivalent of PHY1021. Must be taken with PHY1221. A single grade is
given for PHY1771 and PHY1221.
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PHY 1772
Honors Interactive Learning Session (ILS) for PHY 1222
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0 QH |
Honors equivalent of PHY1022. Must be taken with PHY1222. A single grade is
given for PHY1772 and PHY1222.
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PHY 1773
Honors Interactive Learning Session (ILS) for PHY 1223
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0 QH |
Honors equivalent of PHY1023. Must be taken with PHY1223. A single grade is
given for PHY1773 and PHY1223.
Junior/Senior Honors Project
For details, contact the honors office.
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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