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Physics

Laura Van Wormer (1993), Chair, Associate Professor of Physics
B.S., University of Toledo;
M.S., Ph.D., University of Notre Dame

Academic Interest: I am involved with the physics education research community, specifically in cooperation and collaboration with our education department.  We are responding to the national need for teachers, both pre-service and in-service, who are confident in their knowledge of physics and who are using techniques proven to be effective by education research.

Mark Taylor (2001), Associate Professor of Physics
B.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
Ph.D., Brandeis University

Academic Interest: My research interests are in the area of soft condensed matter physics, a cross-disciplinary field that links physics with chemistry, biology, and materials science.  I use both analytic theory and computer simulation methods to study the microscopic structure and thermodynamic properties of complex fluid systems such as polymers, liquid crystals, and biological macromolecules.  My current research is on conformational properties and structural phase transitions (i.e., collapse and freezing or "folding") for single polymer chains.

Lawrence C. Becker (1963), Professor Emeritus of Physics
B.A., Carleton College;
B.D., Yale Divinity School;
M.S., Ph.D., Yale University

Department web address:

http://home.hiram.edu/www/physics/

Introduction

The physics major is intended for students interested in the connection between basic physics principles and how the universe works. It provides them with a solid foundation for careers in business and education and for research and development positions in industry and government. It also prepares them for graduate work in physics or engineering, as well as being unusual and attractive preparation for medical school or law school. The courses taken toward the major in physics have a strong component in basic physics while in addition the upper level courses explore various core areas and specialties within physics. Emphasis in the department is placed on learning physics and its applications through critical thinking, problem solving, and laboratory experience. Students are encouraged to do independent study and research in areas of their interest. Sometimes advanced courses may be offered, depending on faculty and student interests and student needs. These courses may include topics such as mathematical and computational methods of physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, and solid state physics. Students interested in majoring in physics should consult with a member of the Department of Physics as early as possible to ensure the proper sequence of courses.  Check out our web page at http://home.hiram.edu/www/physics

Requirements for Majors

Physics 208 Introductory Electronics;

Physics 213 & 214 Fundamentals of Physics I & II;

Physics 250 Use of Test and Measurement Equipment;

Physics 320 Fundamentals of Modern Physics;

Physics 330 Mechanics

Four from among the following:

Physics 335 Thermal Physics;

Physics 340 Advanced Laboratory;

Physics 350 Quantum Physics;

Physics 360 Electromagnetic Theory;

Chemistry 350 Physical Chemistry I

The physics capstone requirement is a one credit hour senior seminar (Physics 480) which includes a 30 minute public presentation on the student's senior research project. 

Required correlative courses:

Math 198, 199 and 200 Calculus I, II & III;

Math 218 Linear Algebra;

Math 243 Differential Equations;

Computer Science 170 or 171, and 172

A typical schedule for a physics major might be as shown:

Requirements for Minors

Physics 208 Introductory Electronics;

Physics 213 & 214 Fundamentals of Physics I& II;

Physics 320 Fundamentals of Modern Physics;

Two courses which must be selected from the other physics major courses.  

Math 198, 199 & 200 are required

It is strongly recommended that Math 218 and 243 be taken as a correlative to the minor.

Requirements for Honors

Honors in physics are awarded on the basis of Hiram College’s departmental honors requirements (overall GPA of at least 2.8, departmental GPA – physics courses only -- of 3.6, and the sum of these being at least 6.8) plus submission of an acceptable written thesis based on the senior seminar project.

Special Opportunities

Physics faculty have research interests in statistical mechanics, condensed matter physics, nuclear astrophysics and physics education and welcome student involvement. The physics department has research-quality equipment and facilities available for student projects and research including: lasers, oscilloscopes, and multichannel analyzers; radiation-detection equipment of all types; a neutron flux tank; low temperature Dewars; an ultra-high vacuum chamber; X-ray facilities; a holography lab and darkroom. In addition, complete machine shop and electronic facilities make it possible to modify and construct equipment. Computers are available for equipment interfacing and data-acquisition. The department also has a computational physics laboratory that includes several high-end Unix workstations and a beowulf cluster for numerically intensive computing.

Departmental Offerings

113 Principles of Physics I SM                                                             4 hours

An introduction to the basic concepts of physics including mechanics, wave motion, temperature, heat, and thermodynamics. The course is designed for the person with no physics background; however, the ability to use algebra and trigonometry is assumed. Students who have had a rigorous secondary school physics course and have met the calculus prerequisite should take Physics 213. Prerequisite: secondary school algebra and trigonometry.  Taught every fall 12 week.

114 Principles of Physics II SM                                                           4 hours

A continuation of Physics 113. Topics included are electrical, magnetic, and optical phenomena with emphasis on their use in modern technology followed by a qualitative and quantitative coverage of unique developments in the 20th century. These developments include Einstein’s special theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear behavior and structure, and elementary particle theory. Laboratory work includes study of simple electrical circuits, measurement of electron charge and mass, and investigation of radioactivity. Prerequisite: Physics 113 or 213. Taught every spring 12 week.

202 Introduction to Astronomy SM                                                     4 hours

An introduction to modern astronomy focusing on astronomical measurements, stellar life cycles, galaxies and cosmology.  Particular emphasis will be placed on how we use observational data to understand the universe and how our knowledge is inevitably limited by measurement uncertainties.  Laboratory work will include a combination of bench-top experiments and astronomical data acquisition and analysis from a simulated remote telescope. Regular observation of both day and night skies will be expected.  The course will provide the framework to understand the workings of science and the nature of scientific law.

208 Introductory Electronics                                                              4 hours

An introduction to the principles of electronics and the uses of electronic components. The laboratory will investigate the fundamentals of linear and digital circuits while using basic laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes, waveform generators, and digital multimeters. Topics will include basic circuit theory, passive devices, junction and field effect transistors, operational amplifiers, digital logic, integrated circuit chips, and optical solid-state devices. This course is designed for physics and chemistry majors and entails a considerable amount of problem solving. While not required, a familiarity with calculus would be helpful. Also listed as Chemistry 208.  Prerequisite: Physics 114 or 214 or permission.  Taught spring  3 week, alternate years.

210 Aviation Weather                                                                          4 hours

 This course deals with the physics of aerodynamics and meteorology regarding how an aircraft’s ability to fly is influenced by atmospheric conditions.  Aircraft aerodynamics (weight, life, thrust, drag, Bernoulli’s Principle) will be interwoven with weather phenomenon influencing aircraft performance (air pressure, temperature, lapse rate, wind shear, density altitude fronts) to combine into a fascinating study in physics.  The Coriolis force and the earth’s weather patterns will be studied along with high and low pressure systems, turbulence, microburst, troughs, temperature inversions, the jet stream, and global warning.  How to read weather NWS (National Weather Service) charts and satellite images will be studied as weather trends and forecasting is introduced.  This course includes a field trip to a weather related facility such as the FSS or NWS Doppler-Radar Station at Cleveland Hopkins Airport.  Taught in the weekend college.

213 Fundamentals of Physics I SM                                                      4 hours

Fundamental concepts of physics with emphasis on acquiring analytical skill in the solution of problems. Fundamental principles and experimental laws of mechanics, wave motion, sound, heat, and thermodynamics will be covered. This course is for students, concentrating in science, who desire a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of physics. Prerequisites: Physics 113 or secondary school physics, Mathematics 198 (Mathematics 198 may be taken concurrently). Taught every fall 12 week.

214 Fundamentals of Physics II SM                                                    4 hours

A continuation of Physics 213. Fundamental principles and experimental laws of electricity, magnetism, optics, and basic quantum physics will be covered. Prerequisites: Physics 213 and Mathematics 199 (Mathematics 199 may be taken concurrently). Taught every spring 12 week.

250 Use of Test and Measurement Equipment                                     1 hour

An introduction to a range of equipment used for performing tests and measurements. In this course, students will learn the capability of, and gain experience using, such instruments as a data-logging digital multimeter, a digital oscilloscope, a function generator, a counter-timer, a frequency standard, and a pulse generator. They will also be introduced to the use of transducers (devices which turn real-world conditions such as force, pressure, temperature, position, etc. into electrical signals) and how these devices can be interfaced with a computer. The course will include the building of some very simple circuits and cover basic soldering techniques, cable making and testing, and computer interfacing protocol.  Taught every spring 12 week.

280 Seminar                                                                                   1 - 4 hours

281 Independent Study                                                                  1 - 4 hours

298 Internship Program: Field Experience                                   1 - 4 hours

320 Fundamentals of Modern Physics                                                 4 hours

An experimental and theoretical development of fundamental concepts of modern physics, including the special theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, atomic and nuclear structure, and elementary particles. The laboratory part of this course includes some of the classic experiments that stymied the "old physics" and demanded the invention of a "new physics".  Prerequisites: Physics 214 and Mathematics 200 (Mathematics 200 may be taken concurrently). Taught every fall 12 week.

330 Mechanics                                                                                     3 hours

A course intended to develop an understanding of the principles of mechanics introduced in Physics 213-214 and to treat specific problems important in physics and engineering. The topics to be covered will include particle motion in one, two, and three dimensions; the motion of systems of particles; oscillatory motion, normal modes, and waves; gravitation and planetary motion; noninertial frames of reference; rigid body rotation; and the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics. Prerequisite: Physics 320.  Taught fall 3 week, alternate years.

335 Thermal Physics                                                                           4 hours

Thermal or statistical physics provides the link between the microscopic world of atoms and molecules and the macroscopic world of everyday objects.  This subject tackles such foundational issues as 1) the origin of irreversible processes from the time symmetric fundamental laws of physics and 2) the emergence of simple thermodynamic behavior in systems comprised of a large number of particles governed by an underlying chaotic dynamics.  We will address these issues by examining the microscopic origins of the laws of thermodynamics.  This course will cover the fundamentals of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and elementary transport theory.  Since computer simulations play an important role in contemporary statistical mechanics research, we will also study the Monte Carlo method and students will carry out a computational project to investigate a magnetic, liquid, polymer, or other many-body system. Prerequisite: Physics 320.  Taught spring 12 week, alternate years.

340 Advanced Laboratory                                                                   4 hours

An upper level course in experimental physics which includes experiments in the areas of atomic physics, optics, nuclear physics, and solid state physics. Prerequisite: Physics 320 (Physics 350 is recommended).  Taught fall 3 week, alternate years.

345 Basic Nuclear Processes                                                               4 hours

A theoretical and experimental treatment of the structure and behavior of the atomic nucleus including nuclear models which predict alpha, beta, and gamma emission, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Prerequisite: Physics 320.  Taught on request.

350 Quantum Physics                                                                          4 hours

A theoretical course in quantum mechanics which significantly develops the basic concepts introduced by Physics 320. Topics covered will include:  A review of wave mechanics; fundamental postulates, state space, Dirac notation, operators, and eigenvectors; commutation relations, observables, and time evolution; three-dimensional systems and angular momentum; spin and identical particles; perturbation theory and other approximation methods; measurement theory and “quantum reality.”  Prerequisites:  Physics 320 and Mathematics 218 (Math 243 is recommended).  Taught spring 12 week, alternate years.

360 Electromagnetic Theory                                                               4 hours

A theoretical course in classical electromagnetic theory. The course is intended to develop an understanding of electromagnetic theory that was introduced in Physics 214 and to study specific problems in the classical theory concerning charged objects. The topics covered will include a review of vector calculus, electrostatics, electrical potentials, magnetostatics, electrodynamics, and an introduction to electromagnetic waves. Prerequisites: Physics 320. Taught spring 12 week, alternate years.

375 Solid State Physics                                                                       4 hours

This course will provide an introduction to the concepts and methods of solid state physics.  The general area of condensed matter physics is quite broad and the range of applications is huge, especially in the areas of materials and electronics.  Our studies will focus on the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties of crystalline solids.  These topics require a number of different theoretical approaches the most important of which will be statistical and quantum mechanics.  Prerequisite: Physics 320 (Physics 335 and 350 recommended). Taught on request.

381 Special Topics                                                                         1 – 4 hours

400 Selected Topics in Theoretical Physics                                        3 hours

A course designed for students planning to enter a Ph.D. physics graduate program. This course may be taken as many as three times providing that a different area of theoretical physics is covered each time. Possible areas include: mathematical methods of physics; computational physics; advanced topics in analytical mechanics, quantum mechanics or statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: Physics 320, Mathematics 243, and permission. Taught on request.

480 Senior Seminar                                                                               1 hour

Students determine a research topic in which they are interested and have it approved by the physics faculty early in their senior year.  The senior seminar may be based on research done during an off-campus summer research experience or on work done at Hiram.  Though original research is preferred, a library research project using primary sources is acceptable.  This course will involve close collaboration with a faculty member.  Successful fulfillment of this requirement will include a 30 minute public presentation on the research project, including background information and a survey of the relevant literature, and a one to two page abstract including a bibliography. An optional written thesis is required for departmental honors.

481 Independent Seminar                                                             1 - 4 hours

498

Internship                                                                                       1 - 4 hours

Additional Information