I teach a range of courses in the Physics Department. In the last five years I've taught:
- Physics 101 Einstein's Century
- Physics 107 Principles and Applications of Mechanics
- Physics 108 Principles and Applications of Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
- Physics 216 Mathematics for the Sciences II
- Physics 302 Quantum Mechanics
- Physics 310 Experimental Physics
- Physics 320 Advanced Topics in Physics
In the Fall semester of 2014/15 I will be teaching Physics 107 (see below). In the Spring of 2015, I will teach Physics 310 (see below) and Physics 320 (see below).
PHYSICS 107 Principles and Applications of Mechanics
Lectures: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday @ 9:50 - Room 104 Science Center.
Lab Sections: Monday (1:30), Tuesday (12:30), Wednesday (2:15) & Thursday (1:30).
Prerequisites: Calculus at the level of Math 115. This course satisfies the Natural Science, Mathematical Modeling, and Science Lab distribution requirements.
Newtonian mechanics governs the motion of objects ranging from biological cells to galaxies. The fundamental principles of mechanics allow us to begin to analyze and understand the physical world. In this introductory calculus-based course, we will systematically study the laws underlying how and why objects move, and develop analysis techniques for applying these laws to everyday situations. Broadly applicable problem-solving skills will be developed and stressed. Topics include forces, energy, momentum, rotations, gravity, and waves, and a wide range of applications. Laboratories focus on hands-on approaches to these topics.
PHYSICS 310 Experimental Physics
Meetings: Spring semester - to be determined.
Prerequisites: Physics 202
Modern experimental physics draws on a wide range of laboratory skills, design strategies, and analysis techniques. The experimentalist approaches each measurement with an array of tools, from the effective use of sophisticated instrumentation and the construction of home-built equipment to the evaluation of experimental uncertainties. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to experimental physics as it is carried out in research settings. An introduction to laboratory electronics is followed by a sequence of experiments that illustrate the use of electronic, mechanical, and optical instruments to investigate fundamental physical phenomena in nuclear, atomic, molecular, and condensed matter systems. Scientific writing skills and oral presentation skills receive focused attention. An emphasis on independent work is gradually developed throughout the semester.
PHYSICS 320 Advanced Topics in Physics
Meetings: Spring semester - to be determined.
Prerequisites: Physics 207 and Physics 302
This course covers advanced extensions of the topics encountered elsewhere in the physics curriculum. Normally included are elements of advanced quantum mechanics (perturbation theory, interaction of atoms with radiation, entanglement) and classical mechanics (Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, rotating frames of reference, rigid-body rotations), with additional possible topics from electrodynamics and statistical mechanics. This course is highly recommended for students considering graduate work in physics or related disciplines.