Physics and Astronomy
Learning Goals
- Demonstrate the ability to use basic mathematical tools (algebra, basic differential and/or integral calculus, trigonometry, geometry) to describe physical situations, whether experimental or theoretical (all sub-1100 courses focus on this).
- Explore the relationship between physical theory and experiment through mathematical descriptions and instrument-based verification.
- Improve understanding of physical law through the ability to solve increasingly complex problems in physics with more complex mathematical tools (multivariate calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and more complex math tools).
- Use sophisticated instrumentation and computation to explore physical phenomena.
- Improve understanding of uncertainty and its key role in defining how we know what we know.
- Expand theoretical, computational, and experimental toolkit through 3000-level methods curriculum.
Options for Majoring and Minoring in the Department
Students may elect to major in physics and astronomy, the chemical physics interdisciplinary major, the physics and education interdisciplinary major, or to coordinate a major in physics and astronomy with digital and computational studies, education, or environmental studies. Students pursuing interdisciplinary or coordinate majors may not normally elect a second major. Non-majors may elect to minor in physics and astronomy.
Thomas Baumgarte, Department Chair
Emily C. Green, Department Coordinator
Professors: Mark O. Battle, Thomas Baumgarte, Madeleine E. Msall, Stephen G. Naculich, Dale A. Syphers
Assistant Professor: Felicia McBride‡
Senior Lecturer: Karen Topp
Laboratory Instructors: Kenneth Dennison, Dana Peirce, Mileidy Varela-Madera
Physics Major
The major requires nine courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Mathematics through 1700, or placement above 1700 | 1 | |
| PHYS 1130 | Introductory Physics I (or placement above 1130) | 1 |
| PHYS 1140 | Introductory Physics II | 1 |
| PHYS 2130 | Electric Fields and Circuits | 1 |
| PHYS 2140 | Quantum Physics and Relativity | 1 |
| PHYS 2150 | Statistical Physics | 1 |
| Select one of the following advanced methods courses: | 1 | |
| Methods of Theoretical Physics | ||
| Methods of Experimental Physics | ||
| Methods of Computational Physics | ||
| Methods of Observational Astrophysics | ||
| Select two additional approved courses higher than 1140. a | 2 | |
Students pursuing honors are expected to take MATH 1800 Multivariate Calculus (or have a placement above MATH 1800 Multivariate Calculus), PHYS 1130 Introductory Physics I (or placement above PHYS 1130 Introductory Physics I), PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics II, PHYS 2130 Electric Fields and Circuits, PHYS 2140 Quantum Physics and Relativity, PHYS 2150 Statistical Physics, PHYS 3000 Methods of Theoretical Physics, PHYS 4050, and four additional courses above PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics II, three of which must be above PHYS 3000 Methods of Theoretical Physics and one of which can be the second semester of honors, PHYS 4051.
- a
Physics Minor
The minor consists of at least four physics courses (completed at Bowdoin) numbered 1130 or higher, one of which must be PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics II.
Interdisciplinary Major
The department participates in the interdisciplinary major programs of chemical physics and physics and education. See the Interdisciplinary Majors.
Additional Information and Department Policies
- Students must earn a grade of C- or above in any prerequisite physics course. Up to two courses with a grade of D are allowed to be counted toward the major.
- Courses that count toward the major or minor must be taken for regular letter grades (not Credit/D/Fail).
- Majors must complete at least five physics courses at Bowdoin.
- Students interested in applying coursework taken at another college or university to the major or minor should consult the department.
- Up to two independent studies, including honors projects, may count towards the elective requirements of the major and one independent study may count toward the minor.
- Students pursuing honors should consult with faculty about available projects and plan for two semesters of honors research (PHYS 4050 and PHYS 4051).
- Majors and minors may double-count an unlimited number of courses with another department or program.
- The major program depends to some extent on the student’s goals, which should be discussed with the department. Those who intend to do graduate work in physics or an allied field should plan to do an honors project.
- Students considering a program in engineering should consult the Special Areas of Study.
- A major with an interest in an interdisciplinary area—such as geophysics, biophysics, or oceanography—should choose appropriate courses in related departments.
- Secondary school teaching requires a broad base in science courses, as well as the necessary courses for teacher certification. Students who know they want to do this should consider the physics and education interdisciplinary major.
- For a career in industrial management, some courses in economics and government should be included.
Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate (AP/IB):
- Students who receive a minimum score of four on the Physics 1 AP exam are exempt from taking PHYS 1130 Introductory Physics I, and do not need to take an additional course to replace it. No AP credit is awarded for the Physics 1 AP exam.
- Students who receive a minimum score of four on the Physics C: Mechanics AP exam, or a minimum score of six on the Physics without Optics IB exam, are eligible to receive one credit toward the major, are exempt from taking PHYS 1130 Introductory Physics I, and are placed in PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics II. To earn the credit, a minimum grade of C- (not taken Credit/D/Fail) must be received in PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics II by the end of their junior year or no credit is awarded. Students who receive a minimum score of six on the Physics with Optics IB exam are eligible to receive one credit toward the major and have the option of being placed in either PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics II or PHYS 2130 Electric Fields and Circuits. To receive the credit, the student must earn a minimum grade of C- (not taken Credit/D/Fail) in the course in which they choose to be placed, and are strongly encouraged to complete the required course by the end of their junior year or prior.
- Minors meeting either of the criteria above are exempt from taking PHYS 1130 Introductory Physics I, but must take at least four Bowdoin physics courses.
- No credit is awarded for the Physics 2 or Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism AP exams.
- In order to receive credit for AP/IB work, students must have their scores officially reported to the Office of the Registrar by the end of their sophomore year at Bowdoin.
Interdisciplinary Majors
The department of physics and astronomy participates in an interdisciplinary major, chemical physics, with the department of chemistry as well as an interdisciplinary major, physics and education, with the department of education. See the Interdisciplinary Majors section for more information. In addition, students are able to declare a coordinate major between physics and digital and computational studies, education, or environmental studies as well.
The departments of physics and earth and oceanographic science have identified major/minor pathways for students interested in majoring in physics with an earth and oceanographic science application (physics major/earth and oceanographic science minor) and for students interested in majoring in earth and oceanographic science with a physics application (earth and oceanographic science major/physics minor).
Students pursuing the physics major/earth and oceanographic science minor with interests in the solid earth discipline would be best served by selecting:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introducing Earth | ||
| Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change | ||
| Select two of the following: | ||
EOS 2125 Field Studies in Structural Geology | ||
| Plate Tectonics | ||
| Geomechanics and Numerical Modeling | ||
| Mountains to Trenches: Petrology and Process | ||
EOS 3115 Research in Mineral Science | ||
Those with interests in the surface earth discipline should select:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
EOS 1305 Environmental Geology and Hydrology | ||
| Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Geomorphology: Form and Process at the Earth's Surface | ||
Those with interests in the oceanography discipline should choose:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Oceanography | ||
| Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change | ||
| Select two of the following: | ||
| Marine Biogeochemistry | ||
| Poles Apart: Exploration of Earth’s High Latitudes | ||
| Equatorial Oceanography | ||
| Satellite Remote Sensing of the Ocean | ||
| Ocean and Climate | ||
| Research in Oceanography: Topics in Paleoceanography | ||
Physics and 3-2 Engineering
Please consult the Special Areas of Study section for additional information. Students planning to pursue one of the 3-2 engineering options and graduating with a physics degree must take:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 1140 | Introductory Physics II | 1 |
| PHYS 2130 | Electric Fields and Circuits | 1 |
| PHYS 2150 | Statistical Physics | 1 |
| PHYS 3000 | Methods of Theoretical Physics | 1 |
| or MATH 2208 | Ordinary Differential Equations | |
| CHEM 1102 | Introductory Chemistry II | 1 |
| or CHEM 1109 | General Chemistry | |
| MATH 1800 or higher | ||
| CSCI 1101 | Introduction to Computer Science | 1 |
Other courses are expected by the partnering engineering institution and students should contact the advisor in Bowdoin's Department of Physics and Astronomy for more information.
Information for Incoming Students
Physics has a placement test to help determine which entry-level course in the physics sequence is the appropriate starting point for each student.
Topical physics courses, which many students choose out of general interest in physics or to satisfy college distribution requirements, do not require a placement exam. PHYS 1510 Introductory Astronomy is open to all students interested in the ideas of physics and their impact on our built and natural world.
PHYS 1130 Introductory Physics I and PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics II, both offered every semester, provide students with physics tools that support their future work in STEM majors and career fields. PHYS 1093 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning in the Physical Sciences can help prepare students for the pace and intensity of these introductory courses.
Students cannot enroll in PHYS 1093 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning in the Physical Sciences or PHYS 1130 Introductory Physics I without taking the placement test. If a student has not completed the on-line physics placement test prior to arriving on campus, they should contact the department to complete the placement exam as soon as possible to be able to register for introductory physics at Bowdoin. The only introductory students who are exempt from the placement exam are students who submit qualifying official scores on AP (4 or 5) or IB (6 or 7) exams to the Bowdoin Registrar and those who transfer college credits in physics to Bowdoin. Please e-mail Emily Green if you have questions about placement or testing.
The three entry point options to the introductory physics sequence are:
PHYS 1093 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning in the Physical Sciences develops applied mathematical and physical reasoning skills. This course focuses on improving independent problem-solving skills and STEM literacy with individualized support. Students learn how to build upon and apply quantitative skills that they already have to problem solving for the physical sciences. This course works very well in conjunction with another introductory STEM course in the first college semester, including CHEM 1091 Introductory Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning I or CHEM 1101 Introductory Chemistry I. It satisfies the Mathematical, Computational and Statistical Reasoning (MCSR) distribution requirement. There is no math prerequisite for enrollment in this class.
PHYS 1130 Introductory Physics I is the first semester of a two-part, calculus-based physics sequence. This course in Newtonian Mechanics with laboratory. It is required for all physics, biochemistry, chemistry, and chemical physics majors, and for pre-medical, pre-health, and pre-dental students. This course can satisfy either the Mathematical, Computational and Statistical Reasoning (MCSR) distribution requirement or the Inquiry in the Natural Sciences (INS) distribution requirement. Mathematics prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in or previous credit for MATH 1600 Differential Calculus, or placement in MATH 1700 Integral Calculus or above.
PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics II is the second semester of calculus-based physics with laboratory that covers many applications of modern physics. It is required for all physics, chemistry, and chemical physics majors, and for pre-medical, pre-health, and pre-dental students. This course can satisfy either the Mathematical, Computational and Statistical Reasoning (MCSR) distribution requirement or the Inquiry in the Natural Sciences (INS) distribution requirement. Students with qualifying scores on advanced placement exams can be placed in PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics II without taking the departmental placement exams. All others must take the placement exam. Mathematics prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in or previous credit for MATH 1700 Integral Calculus or MATH 1750 Intermediate Integral Calculus, or placement in MATH 1800 Multivariate Calculus or above.
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
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)