An introduction to the physics of sound, specifically relating to the production and perception of music. Topics include simple vibrating systems; waves and wave propagation; resonance; understanding intervals, scales, and tuning; sound intensity and measurement; sound spectra; how various musical instruments and the human voice work. Students expected to have some familiarity with basic musical concepts such as scales and intervals. Students with musical experience who have not taken the music placement test, nor registered for any music ensemble or lesson as listed in the prerequisites, may e-mail ktopp@bowdoin.edu with a quick description of their musical background. Not open to students who have credit for or are concurrently taking any physics course numbered 1100 or higher.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Fall Semester

How much can we do to reduce the disruptions of the Earth’s physical, ecological, and social systems caused by global climate change? How much climate change itself can we avoid? A lot depends on the physical processes that govern the extraction, transmission, storage, and use of available energy. Introduces the physics of solar, wind, nuclear, and hydroelectric power and discusses the physical constraints on their efficiency, productivity, and safety. Reviews current technology and quantitatively analyzes the effectiveness of different strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Not open to students with credit for Physics 1140. This course originates in Physics and Astronomy and is crosslisted with: Environmental Studies. (Same as: ENVS 1083)

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester

The big problems of the world are enormously complex and pose daunting challenges for current and future generations. Climate change, pollution, energy, and nuclear power are only a few of the increasingly critical issues. A leader--whether a president or a teacher, in Congress or in the media, in business or as a voter--needs to understand not only the science and technology that underlie the problems and possible solutions, but also how science defines and pursues a problem, engages in debate, and communicates with the public. In addition to lectures, classes structured as discussions and small working groups.

Climate science. Quantum Physics. Bioengineering. Rocket science. Who can understand it? Anyone with high school mathematics (geometry and algebra) can start. Getting started in physics requires an ability to mathematically describe real world objects and experiences. Prepares students for additional work in physical science and engineering by focused practice in quantitative description, interpretation, and calculation. Includes hands-on measurements, some introductory computer programming, and many questions about the physics all around us. Registration for this course is by placement only. To ensure proper placement, students must have taken the physics placement examination prior to registering for Physics 1093. This course originates in Physics and Astronomy and is crosslisted with: Chemistry. (Same as: CHEM 1093)

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

An introduction to the conservation laws, forces, and interactions that govern the dynamics of particles and systems. Shows how a small set of fundamental principles and interactions allow us to model a wide variety of physical situations, using both classical and modern concepts. A prime goal of the course is to have the participants learn to actively connect the concepts with the modeling process. Three hours of laboratory work per week. To ensure proper placement, students are expected to have taken the physics placement examination prior to registering for Physics 1130.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Spring Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Spring Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

An introduction to the interactions of matter and radiation. Topics include the classical and quantum physics of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter, quantum properties of atoms, and atomic and nuclear spectra. Laboratory work (three hours per week) includes an introduction to the use of electronic instrumentation.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Spring Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Spring Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

Energy is both a physical phenomenon and a key driver of human production and consumption. This course develops basic concepts in physics of energy (conservation of energy, conversion from one form to another, increasing entropy, etc.) and economic issues (role of energy in production functions; extraction, storage, and transmission; industrial structure and protectionism; etc.). The course explores these concepts using different forms of energy (fossil fuels of different kinds, solar, hydropower, wind, nuclear, and others). A large focus is on the environmental aspects of energy use: science and economics of risks and effects outside of energy markets, per se. In light of these environmental effects, we also consider the science and economics of different government policies. This course originates in Economics and is crosslisted with Environmental Studies and Physics. (Same as: ECON 1181, ENVS 2118)

Terms offered: 2025 Spring Semester

A quantitative introduction to astronomy with emphasis on stars and the structures they form, from binaries to galaxies. Topics include the night sky, the solar system, stellar structure and evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and the expansion of the universe. Several nighttime observing sessions required. Does not satisfy pre-med or other science departments’ requirements for a second course in physics.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Spring Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

The basic phenomena of the electromagnetic interaction are introduced. The basic relations are then specialized for a more detailed study of linear circuit theory. Laboratory work stresses the fundamentals of electronic instrumentation and measurement with basic circuit components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors. Three hours of laboratory work per week.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

An introduction to two cornerstones of twentieth-century physics, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. The introduction to wave mechanics includes solutions to the time-independent Schrödinger equation in one and three dimensions with applications. Topics in relativity include the Galilean and Einsteinian principles of relativity, the “paradoxes” of special relativity, Lorentz transformations, space-time invariants, and the relativistic dynamics of particles. Not open to students who have credit for or are concurrently taking Physics 3140 or 3500.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

Develops a framework capable of predicting the properties of systems with many particles. This framework, combined with simple atomic and molecular models, leads to an understanding of such concepts as entropy, temperature, and chemical potential. Some probability theory is developed as a mathematical tool.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

Examines the physics of materials from an engineering viewpoint, with attention to the concepts of stress, strain, shear, torsion, bending moments, deformation of materials, and other applications of physics to real materials, with an emphasis on their structural properties. Also covers recent advances, such as applying these physics concepts to ultra-small materials in nano-machines. Intended for physics majors and architecture students with an interest in civil or mechanical engineering or applied materials science.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

A brief introduction to the physics of semiconductors and semiconductor devices, culminating in an understanding of the structure of integrated circuits. Topics include a description of currently available integrated circuits for analog and digital applications and their use in modern electronic instrumentation. Weekly laboratory exercises with integrated circuits.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

An introduction to the motion and propagation of sound waves. Covers selected topics related to normal modes of sound waves in enclosed spaces, noise, acoustical measurements, the ear and hearing, phase relationships between sound waves, and many others, providing a technical understanding of our aural experiences.

Terms offered: 2022 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

Solid state physics describes the microscopic origin of the thermal, mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties of solids. Examines trends in the behavior of materials and evaluates the success of classical and semi-classical solid state models in explaining these trends and in predicting material properties. Applications include solid state lasers, semiconductor devices, and superconductivity. Intended for physics, chemistry, or earth and oceanographic science majors with an interest in materials physics or electrical engineering.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester

An introduction to the physics of subatomic systems, with a particular emphasis on the standard model of elementary particles and their interactions. Basic concepts in quantum mechanics and special relativity are introduced as needed.

Terms offered: 2023 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

A laboratory-based introduction to the principles of physical optics and their application to imaging in the life and physical sciences. Students will learn methods of analysis to understand wave propagation, interference, diffraction, and polarization. Topics include the physics of lasers, microscopes, telescopes, spectroscopy, and other examples derived from student interest. Weekly laboratory exercises culminate in final projects.

Terms offered: 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester

Introduces the applications of physics pertinent to accident reconstruction and analyzes three complex cases that were criminal prosecutions. Instructor analyzes the first case to show how the physics is applied, the second is done in tandem with students, and the third is mostly analyzed by the students,using what they have learned. The report on this third case serves as the final project for the course. While Physics 1130 is the only prerequisite for the course, familiarity with vectors and matrices, or a desire to learn how to use them, is necessary.

Terms offered: 2022 Fall Semester

A quantitative introduction to the physics of stars and their evolution. Explores how physical forces, ranging from microscopic forces on nuclear scales to the macroscopic forces of gravitation, conspire to govern the structure and evolution of stars. Discusses the stellar lifecycle, starting with star formation in interstellar media and ending with remnants of stellar evolution, namely white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.

Terms offered: 2025 Fall Semester

A quantitative discussion that introduces the topics of galaxies and cosmology. The focus is on galaxy types, morphology, and evolution as well as cosmological models and large-scale structure formation. Students will learn to explain concepts and processes and practice methods of solving astrophysical problems. Assignments involve studying current methods and technologies.

Terms offered: 2022 Fall Semester; 2024 Spring Semester

An introduction to the physics of black holes and observational approaches for their detection. We will discuss different populations of astrophysical black holes together with their origin in the universe and will explore how these populations can be observed by different means. The course will include theoretical background, computer simulations, and analysis of data from both Earth-based and satellite telescopes. Several nighttime observing sessions are required.

Terms offered: 2025 Spring Semester

A mathematically rigorous analysis of the motions of the atmosphere and oceans on a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Covers fluid dynamics in inertial and rotating reference frames, as well as global and local energy balance, applied to the coupled ocean-atmosphere system. This course originates in Physics and Astronomy and is crosslisted with: Environmental Studies; Earth & Oceanographic Science. (Same as: ENVS 2253, EOS 2810)

Terms offered: 2023 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

Seminar exploring recent results from research in all fields of physics. Focuses on discussion of papers in the scientific literature. Grading is Credit/D/Fail. One-half credit.

Mathematics is the language of physics. Similar mathematical techniques occur in different areas of physics. A physical situation may first be expressed in mathematical terms, usually in the form of a differential or integral equation. After the formal mathematical solution is obtained, the physical conditions determine the physically viable result. Examples are drawn from heat flow, gravitational fields, and electrostatic fields.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

Intended to provide advanced students with experience in the design, execution, and analysis of laboratory experiments. Projects in optical holography, nuclear physics, cryogenics, and materials physics are developed by the students.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

An introduction to the use of computers to solve problems in physics. Problems are drawn from several different branches of physics, including mechanics, hydrodynamics, electromagnetism, and astrophysics. Numerical methods discussed include the solving of linear algebra and eigenvalue problems, ordinary and partial differential equations, and Monte Carlo techniques. Basic knowledge of a programming language is expected.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

Intended to provide advanced students with skills and experience in observational astrophysics, including the design, execution, and analysis of observations with both optical and non-optical telescopes. Observational techniques will range from those employing on-campus telescopes to the analysis of modern satellite data. Several nighttime observing sessions are required.

Terms offered: 2024 Fall Semester

A thorough review of particle dynamics, followed by the development of Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations and their applications to rigid body motion and the oscillations of coupled systems.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester

A mathematically rigorous treatment of Maxwell's equations and techniques for their solution. Develops and employs mathematical tools such as scalar and vector potentials, Green functions, and multipole expansions to explore the properties of electric and magnetic fields, including electromagnetic waves and radiation.

Terms offered: 2023 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

A mathematically rigorous development of quantum mechanics, emphasizing the vector space structure of the theory through the use of Dirac bracket notation. Linear algebra developed as needed.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

An introduction to the theory of relativistic quantum fields, which are the foundational entities of the standard model of elementary particle physics. Topics will include: Lagrangian formulation of the classical mechanics of particles and fields, Noether's theorem relating symmetries to conservation laws, the quantization of bosonic and fermionic fields, the role of abelian and nonabelian gauge symmetries in determining the form of interactions among elementary particles, the use of Feynman diagrams to compute elementary processes, the spontaneous breaking of symmetry, and the Higgs mechanism.

Terms offered: 2022 Fall Semester

First discusses special relativity, introducing the concept of four-dimensional space-time. Then develops the mathematical tools to describe space-time curvature, leading to the formulation of Einstein’s equations of general relativity. Finishes by studying some of the most important astrophysical consequences of general relativity, including black holes, neutron stars, and gravitational radiation.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2024 Fall Semester

A rigorous treatment of the earth’s climate, based on physical principles. Topics include climate feedbacks, sensitivity to perturbations, and the connections between climate and radiative transfer, atmospheric composition, and large-scale circulation of the oceans and atmospheres. Anthropogenic climate change also studied. This course originates in Physics and Astronomy and is crosslisted with: Environmental Studies; Earth & Oceanographic Science. (Same as: ENVS 3957, EOS 3050)