James N. Heyman

Assistant Professor of Physics, Macalester College, St. Paul MN 55105 

Phone: 651/696-6369 Fax: 651/696-6122 email: heyman@macalester.edu
 

Courses: Fall '05

Schedule

Courses: Sp.  '06

Publications 

Research.

Personal

Up to PHYSICS HOMPAGE

 

Courses: Fall '05

Physics 331.    Modern Physics.  This course provides an introductory treatment of the exciting foundations of modern microscopic physics, including special relativity, quantum theory, atomic structure, nuclear structure and elementary particles. The primary goal of the course is to build the solid theoretical foundation in microscopic physics  necessary for advanced studies in nearly all science disciplines.  Minimum prerequisites: Physics 227. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits)

Courses: Spring '06

Physics 334: Optics. Have you ever wanted to measure the speed of light? Find out how a laser works? Study telescopes, microscopes and other optical instruments? Microwave optics? Work with fiber optics? Make a Hologram? Count photons? Principles of optics and wave phenomena, including the fundamental properties of light, geometrical optics, polarization, interference and diffraction, lasers and optical communication. Laboratory includes basic optical experiments and an independent lab project. Some recent independent projects have included holography, fiber-optics communications, microwave optics, and building a telescope. Prerequisites: Physics 27 or consent of the instructor. Three lectures, and one three-hour laboratory per week. Spring semester. (4 credits.)

Physics 494.    Condensed Matter Physics.   Solids occur as crystals, amorphous materials, and nanostructures.  They function as metals, insulators and semiconductors, and form the basis of nearly all electronic, optical and magnetic technology.  This course is an introduction to the physics of solids.  Topics will include classical and quantum free-electron theory of metals, the band theory of crystalline solids, the physics of semiconductors, and recent developments in nanostructures such as nanoclusters, quantum dots and quantum wires.  Condensed Matter Physics is the largest sub-field in Physics, and is the field with the most technological applications.  It is closely related to Materials Science Engineering and Electrical Engineering. CMP or Solid-State Physics is regularly taught as an undergraduate course at most universities.  Come see what the excitement is about!

Prerequisite: Modern Physics (PHYS-331) or Physical Chemistry (CHEM-311) or permission of the instructor.
Offered:  Spring Semester, 2006 (4 Credits).   Time:  TBA