Class Schedules

Electricity and magnetism, light and optics, including laboratory experiments and demonstrations.  This course does not use calculus, and is appropriate for students pursuing pre-med or for students looking to satisfy a distribution requirement.  This course is not appropriate for students who intend to major in physics, chemistry, or biology with the biochemistry emphasis. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 126 or PHYS 226.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Electricity and magnetism, light and optics, including laboratory experiments and demonstrations.  This course does not use calculus, and is appropriate for students pursuing pre-med or for students looking to satisfy a distribution requirement.  This course is not appropriate for students who intend to major in physics, chemistry, or biology with the biochemistry emphasis. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 126 or PHYS 226.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Electricity and magnetism, light and optics, including laboratory experiments and demonstrations.  This course does not use calculus, and is appropriate for students pursuing pre-med or for students looking to satisfy a distribution requirement.  This course is not appropriate for students who intend to major in physics, chemistry, or biology with the biochemistry emphasis. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 126 or PHYS 226.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

A study of electric charge and currents, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and geometrical and physical optics. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 222. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 226 and MATH 137 (MATH 137 may also be taken concurrently).

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

A study of electric charge and currents, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and geometrical and physical optics. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 222. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 226 and MATH 137 (MATH 137 may also be taken concurrently).

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

A study of electric charge and currents, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and geometrical and physical optics. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 222. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 226 and MATH 137 (MATH 137 may also be taken concurrently).

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course is an introduction to laboratory methods that are useful in experimental physics and other laboratory-based disciplines, with an emphasis on computer interfacing techniques. Topics will include basic analog electronics, fundamental instrumentation such as analog-digital converters and digital oscilloscopes, and computer interfacing using LabView. Student will design and construct several significant computer interfacing projects throughout the semester. Since this course provides the foundation for advanced experimental work and research, students should take this course in their sophomore or junior year. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q1

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course is an introduction to laboratory methods that are useful in experimental physics and other laboratory-based disciplines, with an emphasis on computer interfacing techniques. Topics will include basic analog electronics, fundamental instrumentation such as analog-digital converters and digital oscilloscopes, and computer interfacing using LabView. Student will design and construct several significant computer interfacing projects throughout the semester. Since this course provides the foundation for advanced experimental work and research, students should take this course in their sophomore or junior year. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course is an introduction to laboratory methods that are useful in experimental physics and other laboratory-based disciplines, with an emphasis on computer interfacing techniques. Topics will include basic analog electronics, fundamental instrumentation such as analog-digital converters and digital oscilloscopes, and computer interfacing using LabView. Student will design and construct several significant computer interfacing projects throughout the semester. Since this course provides the foundation for advanced experimental work and research, students should take this course in their sophomore or junior year. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course extends the treatment of PHYS 443 to the electromagnetic properties of matter, especially the solid state, and the properties of electromagnetic waves and radiation. The treatment of electromagnetism within the special theory of relativity is also covered. Three lectures, 1 one-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 443.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course extends the treatment of PHYS 443 to the electromagnetic properties of matter, especially the solid state, and the properties of electromagnetic waves and radiation. The treatment of electromagnetism within the special theory of relativity is also covered. Three lectures, 1 one-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 443.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course covers advanced topics in astrophysics. It includes spectroscopy of stars, the interaction of light and matter in stellar atmospheres and interstellar medium, nucleosynthesis and the interior of stars, the structure of the Milky Way galaxy and the evidence for dark matter, properties and the formation of different types of galaxies, large-scale structure of the Universe, and observational tests of cosmology. Three hours per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 113 and PHYS 331, or consent of the instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

The fundamental principles of classical mechanics are discussed and applied to problems of contemporary interest. Topics include: charged particle motion in electromagnetic fields, oscillations and resonance, central force motion including the Kepler problem and Rutherford scattering, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical dynamics, symmetry and conservation laws, non-inertial reference frames, rigid body dynamics and applications, and an introduction to non-linear dynamics. Three lectures, problem discussions, and 1 one-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227 and MATH 312 .

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

The fundamental principles of classical mechanics are discussed and applied to problems of contemporary interest. Topics include: charged particle motion in electromagnetic fields, oscillations and resonance, central force motion including the Kepler problem and Rutherford scattering, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical dynamics, symmetry and conservation laws, non-inertial reference frames, rigid body dynamics and applications, and an introduction to non-linear dynamics. Three lectures, problem discussions, and 1 one-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227 and MATH 312 .

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course explores the equilibrium and kinetic properties of many-particle systems such as gases, liquids, and solids. The fundamental notions of entropy, temperature, and the Boltzmann relation are rigorously derived from statistical mechanics, and are used to develop other thermodynamic ideas such as chemical potential and free energy. The theory is applied to classical and quantum systems, including photon gases (black-body radiation), Bose-Einstein condensation, fermion systems such as metals and neutron stars, classical ideal gases, vibrations in solids (phonons), chemical reactions, semiconductors, and transport phenomena.  Three lectures per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 331 and MATH 237.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Macalester leads the newly-formed MACRO consortium, a small collection of Midwest liberal arts colleges that operates a sophisticated optical observing facility at the Winer Observatory in Arizona. Members of this class will collect and use data from the new telescope to gain a detailed understanding of the system, to test software, and to design and modify curricular materials in support of other classes. This is an exceptional training experience for students seeking to pursue advanced study in astronomy and astrophysics. Prerequisite: PHYS 440.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

This is an upper division course in relativity. It will prepare prospective graduate students, but should also appeal to majors interested in relativity who may not get another formal look. Beginning with a fast review/introduction to special relativity from modern physics and SR (Einstein) units, the bulk of the course will then address: Spacetime coordinates, inertial frames, clock synchronization, spacetime diagrams, coordinate times, proper time, the spacetime interval, the metric equation, Lorentz transformations, boosts, Lorentz contractions, "paradoxes" and their resolution, 4-vectors, and energy. Connections between conserved quantities, Lorentz and Poincare symmetry groups/invariance will be discussed. The course will conclude with an introduction to general relativity, tensors, Einstein's field equations, and Christoffel symbols, with applications to simple examples. Specific solutions to Einstein's field equations will be explored if time permits. Prerequisite: PHYS 331 (Modern Physics)

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Mechanics, heat and sound, including laboratory experiments and demonstrations. This course does not use calculus, has no prerequisites, and is appropriate for students pursuing pre-med or for students looking to satisfy a science distribution requirement.  This course does not count toward the physics major or minor.  This course is not appropriate for students who intend to major in physics, chemistry, or biology with the biochemistry emphasis.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q1

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Mechanics, heat and sound, including laboratory experiments and demonstrations. This course does not use calculus, has no prerequisites, and is appropriate for students pursuing pre-med or for students looking to satisfy a science distribution requirement.  This course does not count toward the physics major or minor.  This course is not appropriate for students who intend to major in physics, chemistry, or biology with the biochemistry emphasis.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Mechanics, heat and sound, including laboratory experiments and demonstrations. This course does not use calculus, has no prerequisites, and is appropriate for students pursuing pre-med or for students looking to satisfy a science distribution requirement.  This course does not count toward the physics major or minor.  This course is not appropriate for students who intend to major in physics, chemistry, or biology with the biochemistry emphasis.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This is a course on the current status of the most promising alternative and renewable energy options from a primarily scientific and technological perspective. Current methods of electricity generation and transportation energy sources will be briefly reviewed (fossil fuels, nuclear fission, and hydroelectric), including discussion of their limitations and environmental consequences. The focus of the course will be on understanding the scientific basis of alternative and renewable energy sources, and their promise and technological challenges for wide scale implementation. Biofuels, wind, photovoltaics, concentrated solar power, hydrogen, nuclear fusion, and geothermal will be considered in depth.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q2

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Astronomers have confirmed the existence of over 5,300 exoplanets and nearly 4,000 planetary systems. These systems are light-years away, and our studies are limited to what we can observe with a telescope. Luckily, our solar system is rich with diverse objects, from rocky planets like our own Earth to gas giants with many moons to icy comets with ion tails. Understanding our own planetary system can show us what is possible in those further away. In this course, we will study the properties of solar system objects and their origins with an eye towards how these objects can help us learn more about extrasolar planetary systems. We will discuss the physical laws that govern our solar system and the results of recent planetary missions to investigate its objects more closely. In lab, we will explore observational techniques and analyze data, including observations acquired with Macalester’s robotic observatory in Arizona (the Robert L. Mutel Telescope, operated by the MACRO Consortium). This quantitative course will use mathematics at the introductory calculus level; high-school physics and calculus are recommended. Assignments will include problem sets, short papers, and a research paper.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
Quantitative Thinking Q1

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

A study of motion, including Newton's Law of Motion, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, oscillations, waves in elastic media and thermal properties of matter. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 221. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent or previous registration in MATH 135 or MATH 137; or a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement AB or BC Calculus exam.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q1

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

A study of motion, including Newton's Law of Motion, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, oscillations, waves in elastic media and thermal properties of matter. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 221. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent or previous registration in MATH 135 or MATH 137; or a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement AB or BC Calculus exam.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

A study of motion, including Newton's Law of Motion, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, oscillations, waves in elastic media and thermal properties of matter. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 221. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent or previous registration in MATH 135 or MATH 137; or a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement AB or BC Calculus exam.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

A study of motion, including Newton's Law of Motion, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, oscillations, waves in elastic media and thermal properties of matter. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 221. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent or previous registration in MATH 135 or MATH 137; or a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement AB or BC Calculus exam.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

A study of electric charge and currents, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and geometrical and physical optics. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 222. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 226 and MATH 137 (MATH 137 may also be taken concurrently).

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

A study of electric charge and currents, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and geometrical and physical optics. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 222. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 226 and MATH 137 (MATH 137 may also be taken concurrently).

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. In addition to the theoretical treatment of the topics there will be laboratory exercises, which recreate the spirit and excitement of the pioneering experiments. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q2

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. In addition to the theoretical treatment of the topics there will be laboratory exercises, which recreate the spirit and excitement of the pioneering experiments. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. In addition to the theoretical treatment of the topics there will be laboratory exercises, which recreate the spirit and excitement of the pioneering experiments. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course treats the interactions between electrical charges in free space by developing the concepts of potential, electric and magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. Maxwell's equations are developed and used to derive the properties of plane electromagnetic waves in free space. Special emphasis is placed on boundary value problems and other useful mathematical techniques. Three lectures, 1 one-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227 and MATH 237 .

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course treats the interactions between electrical charges in free space by developing the concepts of potential, electric and magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. Maxwell's equations are developed and used to derive the properties of plane electromagnetic waves in free space. Special emphasis is placed on boundary value problems and other useful mathematical techniques. Three lectures, 1 one-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227 and MATH 237 .

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

The course rigorously covers many fundamental concepts of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, including the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and Pauli exclusion principle, single- and multi-particle stationary states in one, two, and three dimensions, and quantized angular momentum and spin. Schrodinger equation solutions for atomic and nuclear systems are studied, using differential equation, matrix, and perturbation techniques. Three lectures, 1 one-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 331 and MATH 312 .

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q1

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

The course rigorously covers many fundamental concepts of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, including the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and Pauli exclusion principle, single- and multi-particle stationary states in one, two, and three dimensions, and quantized angular momentum and spin. Schrodinger equation solutions for atomic and nuclear systems are studied, using differential equation, matrix, and perturbation techniques. Three lectures, 1 one-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 331 and MATH 312 .

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials