Introductory Physics Courses
for Fall, 2000

The picture at the left shows "nematic" bubbles in a liquid crystal; the distribution of galaxies in the universe should have similar features following the "big bang!" See /research/he_theory/
The courses below are on the "basic list" to satisfy divisional perspectives requirements in Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Phy 101: Major Concepts of Physics (3)

Do physicists really predict the future? Learn about Isaac Newton and his laws of motion and gravity. Why is conservation of energy a big deal? Learn why your car's windshield has frost when the temperature is above freezing.
An what's new? what's a quark? and why is the current search for 'dark matter' exciting?
Contact: Prof. Nahmin Horwitz. Uses high school algebra (just so you'll know). There is an optional, 1-credit laboratory (PHY 111); a sequence with PHY 102.

Phy 105: Science for the 21st Century (4)

What is science, and what isn't science? How does one distinguish the hype from the real inventions? Science is a dynamic subject, changing over time.
Improve your understandng of the behavior of light and matter to apply to today's and tomorrow's technology. Lasers, CD's, liquid crystals, and nuclear weapons.
Contact: Prof. Alan Middleton. A laboratory/writing-intensive course; a sequence for Arts & Sciences when taken with PHY 106 (either order.)

Ast 101: Our Corner of the Universe (4)

Learn about the origin of the solar system, about liquid planets with no place to stand, about cataclysmic collisions which nearly wiped out life on Earth, and more!
Navigate the night sky - constellations, eclipses, shooting stars - by naked eye, telescope, and photo.
Contact: Prof. Carl Rosenzweig. Lab credit included. AST 104 will be offered in the Spring.

Phy 307: Science and Computers (3)

Newton's laws for the motion of molecules, planets, and white dwarf stars -- but a computer will be doing the calculations. Chaos, fractals, and neural nets.
Although not a programming course, you will learn a little about C and JAVA, as well as about advanced tools such as Mathematica.
Contact: Prof. Simon Catterall. No previous physics required, but Calc I (Mat 285 or Mat 295) is a co-requisite. PHY 308 continues the sequence.

Phy 515: Cellular Biophysics (3)

An evolution based, reductionist approach to the fundamentals that underlie the biology of cells with particular emphasis on the theory required to design and analyze experiments.
Electrical, imaging, rheometric, calorimetric, spectroscopic and computer techniques.
Contact: Prof. Kenneth Foster. Prerequisites: PHY212, MAT 286 or 296 (Calc II) or equivalent.

The Physics Minor and Major

If you really enjoy physics, you might want to consider a physics minor or major. The physics department has small class sizes for required courses. There are many opportunities for close interaction with faculty, including physics research. The programs for majors and minors are designed for students who will pursue all sorts of careers, including journalism, teaching, law, business administration, information science, and (of course) science and engineering.

Minors and majors need to take calculus-based introductory physics (Phy 211/212/361); a smallclass option (Phy 215/216/361) is available. After that you'll need 9 extra physics credit hours (for a minor) and 22 more (for a B.A.); the 300-level courses listed above can be used to satisfy some of these requirements, as well as additional courses with more stringent prerequisites. Students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science may find that some of their required engineering courses count towards a physics minor.

Prof. Peter Saulson, undergraduate physics program director (263-4 Physics Bldg., 4435994, undergra@physics.syr.edu) can help you set up your physics minor or major program.