School of Science and Engineering: Physics and Astronomy
2008-2009 Academic Year
676
physics (363, 374, 423, 465). It should be noted that some of the upper-level
physics courses have certain mathematics prerequisites.
The student who intends to continue graduate work in physics should complete at
least 32 credits in physics including general physics, 363, 374, 423, 447, 465.
Students are encouraged to undertake a research project and write a senior honors
thesis under the supervision of a physics faculty member. The student should also
take Mathematics 347 or its equivalent. Other recommended mathematics courses
include 305, 309, 406, 421, and 430. Courses in scientific computing, e.g.,
Mathematics 331 are also recommended.
COURSES FOR NON-SCIENTISTS
PHYS 101 Great Ideas in Science (4)
Prof. McGuire. Basic principles of science and their relevance to our world. The
universe, Newtonian mechanics, energy conservation, symmetry in nature, order
and disorder, electricity, quantum mechanics, atoms and molecules, DNA,
computer technology, and ethical issues. Laboratory.
PHYS 201 The Omega Point Theory: Integrating Science and Religion (3)
Prof. Tipler. The future evolution and final state of the universe in modern
cosmology. The Mind-as-Computer-Program idea and the Turing Test of
personhood. The universe as a computer simulation. Why is there something
rather than nothing? What is "free will" and is it consistent with physics?
Resurrection vs. soul immortality in religious eschatology. Heaven, Hell, and
Purgatory as a "virtual reality" in the computers of the far future. Why the most
fundamental laws of physics require the Final State of the universe--Omega
Point--to be omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and transcendent to space and
time. A personal God and individual immortality as implications of reductionist
scientific materialism.
PHYS 304 Approaches to the Scientific Revolution (3)
Prof. Purrington, Prof. Tipler. The origins of quantitative science in the
"Newtonian Revolution" have been the subject of much recent scholarship. The
course examines a variety of often conflicting insights about this crucial period
and its heritage in contemporary science, without assuming that consensus is any
longer possible. Sources and techniques from history of science, biography,
sociology of science, and cultural studies of science are employed. Case studies
from Isaac Newton's work provide the context for the development of the
multiple points of view.
COURSES FOR PRE-MEDICAL STUDENTS
PHYS 121 Introductory Physics I (4)
Staff. A non-calculus course in classical physics stressing the fundamental
physical laws. Newtonian mechanics, thermal phenomena, electricity and
magnetism, and classical waves normally are treated in 121. A weekly laboratory