An introduction to modern theories of the universe and its evolution. Topics include naked eye observation, the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Emphasis will be placed on the scientific method and how we understand the universe in terms of basic physical principles.
A semester-long study of topics in Physics. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar's webpage for descriptions and applicability to graduation requirements.
An introduction to classical mechanics and thermodynamics. In this course students study the concepts and techniques required to measure, describe and predict the motion of particles and extended objects. Topics include kinematics of linear motion, forces and Newtons laws, gravitation, momentum, work, energy, rotational motion, angular momentum, torque, oscillations, temperature, heat, and thermal energy. A laboratory (PHYS 221Y) is associated with this course.
This accompanying laboratory course introduces students to experimental and computational techniques used to study mechanical systems. Emphasis is given to setting up and using computational models based on fundamental physics principles and on collecting, analyzing, and presenting data gathered using basic laboratory equipment. Topics covered include: basic programming in Python, numerical integration of equations of motion, visualization of computational models, and plotting and interpretation of data using spreadsheets.
An introduction to electricity, magnetism, and optics. In this course students study the concepts and techniques required to understand interactions between charged particles as well as light as an electromagnetic wave. Topics include electric force, electric field, electric potential, capacitance, electric current, circuits, magnetic field, inductance, Faradays law, electromagnetic waves, sound waves, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction and polarization. A laboratory (PHYS 222Y) is associated with this course.
This accompanying laboratory course teaches students experimental and computational techniques used to study electricity and magnetism, continuing to develop lab and programming skills introduced in PHYS 221Y. Emphasis is given to setting up and using computational models based on fundamental physics principles and on collecting, analyzing, and presenting data gathered using basic laboratory equipment. Topics include visualizing electric and magnetic fields, the motion of charged particles, calculating electric potentials and fields using superposition, basic circuits, induction, and elementary optics.
A survey of the major developments in physics of the 20th century, as well as an introduction to more sophisticated mathematical and laboratory techniques. Topics include special relativity, the quantum nature of light, the wave nature of particles, the Schrdinger equation, atomic physics, molecules, statistical physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, particle physics and cosmology. A laboratory (PHYS 223Y) is associated with this course.
In this accompanying laboratory course, students improve their research skills and techniques by conducting experiments in small groups; these typically include several introductory electronics projects, two classic experiments that expose students to fundamental discoveries of the early 20th century, and a few advanced optics experiments. Students also further improve and sharpen their computational skills gained in Introductory Physics I and II by recording, analyzing, and interpreting their data in shared Google Colab or Jupyter notebooks. They improve their written communication skills by adding clear lab notes to their data analyses and by writing a publication style research paper about one of the experiments they conduct. Lastly, students meet with members of the Office for Career Development to help them start thinking about their professional development, internships, and possible career paths after graduation.
This course explores how the insights of physics and mathematics have illuminated the complex phenomena of the cell. Students study the use of the quantitative and predictive models to describe biological systems, and discuss the experimental methods that provide the quantitative data required to create and test these methods. The course is structured around a series of case studies involving some of the key players in molecular and cell biology.
A semester-long study of topics in Physics. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar's webpage for descriptions and applicability to graduation requirements.
A study of classical mechanics developed by Newton and reformulated by Lagrange and Hamilton. Topics include vector kinematics and dynamics in Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical form, two-body problem, oscillations, Lagrangian mechanics, non-inertial reference frames, coupled oscillation, rigid body motion.
A study of systems with a large number of particles through the methods of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Topics include the laws of thermodynamics, temperature, heat, thermal equilibrium, equipartition theorem, ideal gas, simple two state systems, entropy, heat engines, free energies, phase transformations, kinetic theory, partition functions, quantum statistics, degenerate Fermi gases, Bose-Einstein condensates, and blackbody radiation.
A study of electromagnetism using vector calculus. Topics include static electric and magnetic fields in vacuum and matter, electrodynamics, Maxwells equations, and electromagnetic waves. Mathematical techniques using vector calculus, and other techniques such as solving boundary value partial differential equations will be discussed.
A mathematical development of quantum theory. The first part of the course focuses on solving the Schrodinger equation in one, two and three dimensions. Further topics include the theory of angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, identical particles and quantum statistics, and time-independent perturbation theory.
This course is the first in a 3-course sequence on Materials Science and introduces students to the basics-the structure of materials. Students will learn how the underlying structure of a material determines its properties, its potential applications, and its performance within those applications. In particular, they will learn about the differences between amorphous materials (glasses, polymers) and crystals (ideal crystals, crystals with defects, liquid crystals). This course is taught in a flipped-classroom format. Instead of using a standard textbook, students will watch online lectures provided by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before coming to class. Class time will be used to solidify the material through in-class discussions and practice problems. This class meets with members of Structure and Properties of Materials and Devices II and III.
This course is the second in our two-course sequence on Materials Science and introduces students to the underlying quantum mechanical and electromagnetic description of materials. These powerful physical theories are used to understand and describe the origins of the electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of materials. Students will learn how everyday devices can be designed to take advantage of these properties. Applications include diodes, transistors, photodetectors, solar cells, displays, LEDs, lasers, optical fibers, photonic devices, magnetic data storage, motors, transformers, and spintronics. This course is taught in a flipped-classroom format. Instead of using a standard textbook, students will watch online lectures provided by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before coming to class. Class time will be used to solidify the material through in-class discussions and practice problems. This class meets jointly with Structure and Properties of Materials and Devices I.
An introduction to General Relativity and Cosmology. Students study how the effects of gravity arise from the fact that we live in a curved spacetime. Topics include black holes, gravitational waves, and the structure and evolution of the Universe.
In this course, students study geometrical optics (ray optics, reflection, refraction, and matrix optics), wave optics (the complex wave function, the paraxial wave equation and its solutions, lasers, nterference, holography), and Gaussian optics (Gaussian laser beams and the complex q-parameter). Basic knowledge of how to work with matrices is encouraged but not required.
This course engages the student in the qualitative analysis of nonlinear dynamical equations, including their features (e.g., the existence and stability of fixed points and limit cycles, dynamical bifurcations, and chaotic behavior), as well as the study of nonlinear maps and fractals. Mathematical and computational concepts will be gradually introduced and emphasis will be given to specific examples drawn from a range of natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering, which facilitate the understanding of dynamical systems theory and emphasize its relevance in practical applications. Time permitting, additional topics at the forefront dynamical systems research will be discussed, such as the study of pattern forming systems, the emergence of spatiotemporal complexity in high-dimensional systems, and spontaneous self-organization.
In this course, students study advanced topics in optics. Topics may vary, but typically include Fourier optics, polarization, and the basics of quantum optics/quantum information, and will typically be centered around two important experiments. Basic knowledge of how to work with matrices is encouraged but not required.
Research experience in ongoing state-of-the-art research projects in the physics department. Sophomores and juniors can sign up for this 1-semester hour course. Work requirement is about 3 hours/week. May be repeated up to four times for credit before the senior year.
In this course students will develop skills related to finding, reading, and understanding physics literature and communicating physics concepts in writing, as a poster, and orally. Students will also develop and write their senior research proposal and present it at the end of the class.
This course focuses on advanced data analysis methods used for conducting research in physics. Coursework will consist of worksheets, where students learn concepts by carrying out computational exercises and simulations in the python programming language, alternating with projects where students analyze real data and communicate their results in written reports. Topics covered may include error distributions, Bayesian parameter estimation, Markov Chains, Monte Carlo techniques, and machine learning.
In this course, students gain hands-on experimental research skills by carrying out independent projects. Topics for the course vary, and will be selected by the instructor.
A semester-long study of topics in Physics. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar's webpage for descriptions and applicability to graduation requirements.
A semester-long study of topics in Physics. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar's webpage for descriptions and applicability to graduation requirements.
This course focuses on an active research field in physics. The course offering typically alternates between Cosmology in odd years and Optics in even years, but other special topics may be offered on occasion.
Individual programs of independent study of topics selected in consultation with faculty. This includes, but is not limited to, additional course work or independent research projects.
Required Senior Year Experience for all resident Physics majors. In the accompanying lab course, students design and carry out individual research projects under the mentorship of a departmental faculty member. During weekly meetings, students attend seminar talks, discuss research methods, engage in peer mentoring, and practice scientific communication skills. A significant amount of class time will be spent writing and peer-reviewing senior theses. The course culminates in a progress report that is given as a formal oral presentation.
In this accompanying laboratory course, students design and carry out individual research projects under the mentorship of a departmental faculty member. Students learn experimental and computational skills that can be applied to careers in physics or STEM-related fields, including the design of an experimental apparatus and/or experiment; data taking and analysis using Python or similar software; the correct way of archiving data; and how to draft and stick to realistic timelines. Students enrolled in PHYS 495 are required to concurrently enroll in PHYS 495Y.
Required Senior Year Experience for all resident Physics majors. Students continue individual research projects begun in Fall semester in PHYS 495. The course culminates in a written senior thesis and a formal oral presentation.
In this accompanying laboratory course, students design and carry out individual research projects under the mentorship of a departmental faculty member. Students learn experimental and computational skills that can be applied to careers in physics or STEM-related fields, including the design of an experimental apparatus and/or experiment; data taking and analysis using Python or similar software; the correct way of archiving data; and how to draft and stick to realistic timelines. Students enrolled in PHYS 496 are required to concurrently enroll in PHYS 496Y.
Willamette University
Collins Science Center
900 State Street
Salem
Oregon
97301
U.S.A.