Undergraduate Program

Fall Term Schedule, Physics

Fall 2024

Number	Title	Instructor	Time
PHYS 000-01 Physics Colloquia – TRF 3:25PM - 6:05PM
No description Location Bausch & Lomb Room 109 (TRF 3:25PM - 6:05PM)
PHYS 000-02 Physics Colloquia – MW 3:25PM - 6:05PM
No description Location Bausch & Lomb Room 106 (MW 3:25PM - 6:05PM)
PHYS 047-01 Culture of Research in Science Arie Bodek 7:00PM - 7:00PM
No description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
PHYS 100-01 Nature Physical World Katarina Nichols MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM
This is an introductory course designed especially for students in the humanities and other non-scientific fields who are interested in learning something about the physical world. Topics include the scale of the universe from galaxies to atoms and quarks; the fundamental forces of nature, motion and relativity, energy, electromagnetism and its everyday applications, the structure of matter, atoms, light and quantum mechanics.There are no prerequisites, no background knowledge is required and the material will be presented with very little mathematics. Substantial use will be made of demonstrations. Location Meliora Room 205 (MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM)
PHYS 113-01 General Physics I Sheth Nyibule TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM
First semester of a two-course sequence intended for students in the life sciences and others desiring a working knowledge of basic physics. Newtonian particle mechanics, including Newton's laws and their applications to straight-line and circular motions, energy; linear momentum, angular momentum; and harmonic motion; sound, wave properties, and fluid dynamics. Calculus used as needed. In addition to Two 75-minute lectures, One three-hour laboratory every other week and one workshop per week is required. Laboratory and workshop registration is done at the time of the course registration. Students should register for the PHYS 081 lab. This course is offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer Session I (A-6). Location Hoyt Hall Room 104 (TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)
PHYS 114-01 General Physics II Machiel Blok TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
Second course of a two-semester sequence suitable for students in the life science. Electricity and magnetism, optics, electromagnetic waves; modern physics (introduction to relativity, quantum physics, etc.). In addition to the Two 75-minute lectures each week, One workshop/recitation each week and One approximately three-hour laboratory every other week is required. Laboratory and workshop registration is done at the time of the course registration. Students should register for the PHYS 084 lab. Prerequisites: PHYS 113; MATH 143 or MATH 162 (MATH 162 may be taken concurrently). This course is offered in both the Spring, Summer Session II (B-6).For Questions Email: Lysa Wade - lwade3@ur.rochester.edu Location Bausch & Lomb Room 106 (TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)
PHYS 122-01 Electricity & Magnetism Petros Tzeferacos MWF 11:50AM - 12:40PM
Second semester of a three-course sequence for students planning to major in physics, other physical sciences and engineering. Coulomb's Law through Maxwell's equations; electrostatics, electrical potential; capacitors; electric fields in matter; current and circuits; magnetostatics; magnetic fields in matter; induction, A.C. circuits; electromagnetic waves. In addition to Two 75-minutes lectures each week, One workshop each week and One three-hour laboratory every other week is required. The Laboratories and workshop registration is at the time of the course registration. Offered Fall, Summer Session II (B-6). Location Hoyt Hall Room 104 (MWF 11:50AM - 12:40PM)
PHYS 122P-01 Electricity & Magnetism Self Paced Aran Garcia-Bellido 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Second semester of a three-course sequence for students planning to major in physics, other physical sciences and engineering. Coulomb's Law through Maxwell's equations; electrostatics, electrical potential; capacitors; electric fields in matter; current and circuits; magnetostatics; magnetic fields in matter; induction, A.C. circuits; electromagnetic waves. The lectures and demonstrations are video-taped and put on Blackboard for student access. Workshop attendance is strongly recommended. One three-hour laboratory every other week is required. The Laboratories and workshop registration is at the time of the course registration. Offered Fall. Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
PHYS 141-01 Mechanics (Honors) Frank Wolfs TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
First semester of a three-course honors sequence, recommended for prospective departmental concentrators and other science or engineering students with interest in physics and mathematics. Topics studied are similar to those in PHY 121, but are covered in greater depth. These include symmetries, vectors, coordinate and velocity transformations, motion in one and two dimensions, Newton's Laws, work and energy, conservation of energy and momentum, special relativity, systems of particles, gravity and Kepler's laws, rotations, oscillations, molecular theory and thermodynamics. In addition to Two 75-minute lectures each week, One recitation each week and One three-hour laboratory every other week is required. The laboratory and recitation registration is at the same time as the course registration. *Recommended if completed high school / AP physics and calculus. Location Hoyt Hall Room 104 (TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)
PHYS 142-01 Electricity & Magnetism (Honors) Segev BenZvi TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
Third semester of a three-course honors sequence (PHY 141, 143, 142), recommended for prospective departmental concentrators and other science or engineering students with a strong interest in physics and mathematics. Topics are the same as those of PHY 122 but in greater depth. These topics include Coulomb's Law through Maxwell's equations; electrostatics, electrical potential; capacitors; electric fields in matter; current and circuits; magnetostatics; magnet fields in matter; induction; A.C. circuits; waves.In addition to Two 75-minute lectures each week, One workshop each week and One three-hour laboratory every other week is required. The laboratories and workshop registration is at the same time as the course registration. Location Hoyt Hall Room 104 (TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)
PHYS 182-01 Elec & Magnetism Lab Arie Bodek 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Laboratory experiments in electricity and magnetism: Coulomb's Law; electric fields; measurement of the absolute voltage and capacitance, electricity and magnetism of the electron; superconductivity; and electric circuits. This Laboratory uses the P/F University grading system. Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
PHYS 184-01 E/M and Modern Physics Lab Arie Bodek 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Laboratory experiments in electricity, magnetism, and modern physics: Coulomb's Law; electric fields; electricity and magnetism ratio of the electron, superconductivity;, electric circuits; geometrical optics and imaging; the wave nature of light; and the spectrum of atomic hydrogen. This Laboratory uses the P/F University grading system. Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
PHYS 217-01 Advanced Electricity & Magnetism I Pierre Gourdain TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM
Review of vector calculus; electrostatic field and potential; boundary value problems solved with orthogonal functions; the multiple expansion and dielectrics; the magnetic field and vector potential. Location Bausch & Lomb Room 109 (TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)
PHYS 231-01 Gravitational & General Relativity Eric Blackman TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
A thorough introduction to Special and General Relativity with some applications to astrophysics & cosmology. The course focuses on the connection between space-time geometry and physics and how this connection leads to the generalization of Newtonian gravity to Einstein’s gravity. The begins with discussion of geometry and space-time distances, progresses to the study of Special Relativity, which deviates from Newtonian predictions for matter moving at high speeds, and then proceeds to discuss General Relativity which further deviates from Newtonian predictions at strong gravity. This will include discussion of the equivalence principle, some basic differential geometry, exploration of some metrics (the solutions to the Einstein field equation) for simple but non-Euclidean geometries. We will discuss the spherically-symmetric (Schwarzschild) solution and the basic physics of orbits around black holes. Applications to astrophysics and cosmology may include a subset of the following: the connection of black holes & accretion disks; gravitational waves, gravitational lensing; homogeneous & isotropic (Roberts-Walker) metric solution in cosmology. Prerequisites: PHY 143 or 123, and MTH 171-174 or 161-165 and MTH 281 (MTH 281 may be taken concurrently); ASTR 111 or ASTR 142, PHY 235 strongly recommended. Location Meliora Room 224 (TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)
PHYS 235W-01 Classical Mechanics I Christopher Marshall MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
Mathematical introduction; review of elementary mechanics; central force problems; conservation theorems and applications; Fourier and Green's functions; variational calculus and Lagrangian multipliers; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of mechanics is introduced and applied; oscillations; normal mode theory; rigid body dynamics. The course is designed to satisfy part of the upper-level writing requirement. Pre-Requisites: PHYS 121 or PHYS 141 AND MTH 281 (M281 may be taken concurrently) Location Bausch & Lomb Room 106 (MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)
PHYS 243W-01 Advanced Experimental Techniques I Nicholas Bigelow TR 2:00PM - 4:40PM
Students work in pairs and each team is expected to perform three or four experiments from a variety of available setups such as Berry's phase with light, Universal chaos, lifetime of cosmic ray muons, optical pumping, electron diffraction's, etc. This is a hands-on laboratory with most experiments under computer control. This course can be used towards satisfying part of the upper-level writing requirement. Location Bausch & Lomb Room 171 (TR 2:00PM - 4:40PM)
PHYS 254-1 Nuclear & Particle Physics Aran Garcia-Bellido MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM
This course is designed for physics majors interested in nuclear and particle physics. The course introduces the Standard Model of particle physics. The unification of electromagnetic and weak interactions is discussed. Higgs mechanism of electroweak symmetry is introduced. Finally, the fundamental interactions of elementary particles and their constituents are reviewed, with emphasis on issues pertaining to the conservation of quantum numbers and symmetries observed in high-energy collisions. (cross-listed with PHYS 440). Location Morey Room 525 (MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)
PHYS 255-1 Intro Fluid Dynamics Adam Sefkow MWF 9:00AM - 9:50AM
Fluid properties; fluid statics; kinematics of moving fluids; the Bernoulli equation and applications; control volume analysis differential analysis of fluid flow; inviscid flow, plane potential flow; viscous flow, the Navier-Stokes equation; dimensional analysis, similitude; empirical analysis of pipe flows; flow over immersed bodies, boundaries layers, lift and drag. (cross-listed with ME225). Location Dewey Room 2162 (MWF 9:00AM - 9:50AM)
PHYS 262-1 Electromagnetic Theory Andrew Berger TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
Continuation of PHY 261. Vector analysis; microscopic and macroscopic forms of Maxwell's equations; energy flow in electromagnetic fields; dipole radiation from Lorentz atoms; partially polarized radiation; spectral linebroadening; dispersion; reflection and transmission; crystal optics; electro-optics; introduction to quantum optics (same as OPT 262). Location Gavett Hall Room 310 (TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)
PHYS 386V-01 Full Time Visiting Student – 7:00PM - 7:00PM
No description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
PHYS 390A-01 Supervised Teaching-PAS Department – 7:00PM - 7:00PM
This course is designed for an experienced undergraduate planning to be a Workshop Leader, Laboratory or Recitation Teaching Intern (TI), Students spend the semester teaching one workshop, laboratory or recitation section during the Fall/Spring semester introductory physics courses. This course may be taken more than once. Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
PHYS 395-01 Independent Research – 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Independent research project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed thru the instructions for online independent study registration. Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Number	Title	Instructor	Time
Monday and Wednesday
PHYS 100-01 Nature Physical World Katarina Nichols
This is an introductory course designed especially for students in the humanities and other non-scientific fields who are interested in learning something about the physical world. Topics include the scale of the universe from galaxies to atoms and quarks; the fundamental forces of nature, motion and relativity, energy, electromagnetism and its everyday applications, the structure of matter, atoms, light and quantum mechanics.There are no prerequisites, no background knowledge is required and the material will be presented with very little mathematics. Substantial use will be made of demonstrations.
PHYS 235W-01 Classical Mechanics I Christopher Marshall
Mathematical introduction; review of elementary mechanics; central force problems; conservation theorems and applications; Fourier and Green's functions; variational calculus and Lagrangian multipliers; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of mechanics is introduced and applied; oscillations; normal mode theory; rigid body dynamics. The course is designed to satisfy part of the upper-level writing requirement. Pre-Requisites: PHYS 121 or PHYS 141 AND MTH 281 (M281 may be taken concurrently)
PHYS 254-1 Nuclear & Particle Physics Aran Garcia-Bellido
This course is designed for physics majors interested in nuclear and particle physics. The course introduces the Standard Model of particle physics. The unification of electromagnetic and weak interactions is discussed. Higgs mechanism of electroweak symmetry is introduced. Finally, the fundamental interactions of elementary particles and their constituents are reviewed, with emphasis on issues pertaining to the conservation of quantum numbers and symmetries observed in high-energy collisions. (cross-listed with PHYS 440).
PHYS 000-02 Physics Colloquia –
No description
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
PHYS 255-1 Intro Fluid Dynamics Adam Sefkow
Fluid properties; fluid statics; kinematics of moving fluids; the Bernoulli equation and applications; control volume analysis differential analysis of fluid flow; inviscid flow, plane potential flow; viscous flow, the Navier-Stokes equation; dimensional analysis, similitude; empirical analysis of pipe flows; flow over immersed bodies, boundaries layers, lift and drag. (cross-listed with ME225).
PHYS 122-01 Electricity & Magnetism Petros Tzeferacos
Second semester of a three-course sequence for students planning to major in physics, other physical sciences and engineering. Coulomb's Law through Maxwell's equations; electrostatics, electrical potential; capacitors; electric fields in matter; current and circuits; magnetostatics; magnetic fields in matter; induction, A.C. circuits; electromagnetic waves. In addition to Two 75-minutes lectures each week, One workshop each week and One three-hour laboratory every other week is required. The Laboratories and workshop registration is at the time of the course registration. Offered Fall, Summer Session II (B-6).
Tuesday
Tuesday and Thursday
PHYS 114-01 General Physics II Machiel Blok
Second course of a two-semester sequence suitable for students in the life science. Electricity and magnetism, optics, electromagnetic waves; modern physics (introduction to relativity, quantum physics, etc.). In addition to the Two 75-minute lectures each week, One workshop/recitation each week and One approximately three-hour laboratory every other week is required. Laboratory and workshop registration is done at the time of the course registration. Students should register for the PHYS 084 lab. Prerequisites: PHYS 113; MATH 143 or MATH 162 (MATH 162 may be taken concurrently). This course is offered in both the Spring, Summer Session II (B-6).For Questions Email: Lysa Wade - lwade3@ur.rochester.edu
PHYS 141-01 Mechanics (Honors) Frank Wolfs
First semester of a three-course honors sequence, recommended for prospective departmental concentrators and other science or engineering students with interest in physics and mathematics. Topics studied are similar to those in PHY 121, but are covered in greater depth. These include symmetries, vectors, coordinate and velocity transformations, motion in one and two dimensions, Newton's Laws, work and energy, conservation of energy and momentum, special relativity, systems of particles, gravity and Kepler's laws, rotations, oscillations, molecular theory and thermodynamics. In addition to Two 75-minute lectures each week, One recitation each week and One three-hour laboratory every other week is required. The laboratory and recitation registration is at the same time as the course registration. *Recommended if completed high school / AP physics and calculus.
PHYS 262-1 Electromagnetic Theory Andrew Berger
Continuation of PHY 261. Vector analysis; microscopic and macroscopic forms of Maxwell's equations; energy flow in electromagnetic fields; dipole radiation from Lorentz atoms; partially polarized radiation; spectral linebroadening; dispersion; reflection and transmission; crystal optics; electro-optics; introduction to quantum optics (same as OPT 262).
PHYS 142-01 Electricity & Magnetism (Honors) Segev BenZvi
Third semester of a three-course honors sequence (PHY 141, 143, 142), recommended for prospective departmental concentrators and other science or engineering students with a strong interest in physics and mathematics. Topics are the same as those of PHY 122 but in greater depth. These topics include Coulomb's Law through Maxwell's equations; electrostatics, electrical potential; capacitors; electric fields in matter; current and circuits; magnetostatics; magnet fields in matter; induction; A.C. circuits; waves.In addition to Two 75-minute lectures each week, One workshop each week and One three-hour laboratory every other week is required. The laboratories and workshop registration is at the same time as the course registration.
PHYS 231-01 Gravitational & General Relativity Eric Blackman
A thorough introduction to Special and General Relativity with some applications to astrophysics & cosmology. The course focuses on the connection between space-time geometry and physics and how this connection leads to the generalization of Newtonian gravity to Einstein’s gravity. The begins with discussion of geometry and space-time distances, progresses to the study of Special Relativity, which deviates from Newtonian predictions for matter moving at high speeds, and then proceeds to discuss General Relativity which further deviates from Newtonian predictions at strong gravity. This will include discussion of the equivalence principle, some basic differential geometry, exploration of some metrics (the solutions to the Einstein field equation) for simple but non-Euclidean geometries. We will discuss the spherically-symmetric (Schwarzschild) solution and the basic physics of orbits around black holes. Applications to astrophysics and cosmology may include a subset of the following: the connection of black holes & accretion disks; gravitational waves, gravitational lensing; homogeneous & isotropic (Roberts-Walker) metric solution in cosmology. Prerequisites: PHY 143 or 123, and MTH 171-174 or 161-165 and MTH 281 (MTH 281 may be taken concurrently); ASTR 111 or ASTR 142, PHY 235 strongly recommended.
PHYS 113-01 General Physics I Sheth Nyibule
First semester of a two-course sequence intended for students in the life sciences and others desiring a working knowledge of basic physics. Newtonian particle mechanics, including Newton's laws and their applications to straight-line and circular motions, energy; linear momentum, angular momentum; and harmonic motion; sound, wave properties, and fluid dynamics. Calculus used as needed. In addition to Two 75-minute lectures, One three-hour laboratory every other week and one workshop per week is required. Laboratory and workshop registration is done at the time of the course registration. Students should register for the PHYS 081 lab. This course is offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer Session I (A-6).
PHYS 217-01 Advanced Electricity & Magnetism I Pierre Gourdain
Review of vector calculus; electrostatic field and potential; boundary value problems solved with orthogonal functions; the multiple expansion and dielectrics; the magnetic field and vector potential.
PHYS 243W-01 Advanced Experimental Techniques I Nicholas Bigelow
Students work in pairs and each team is expected to perform three or four experiments from a variety of available setups such as Berry's phase with light, Universal chaos, lifetime of cosmic ray muons, optical pumping, electron diffraction's, etc. This is a hands-on laboratory with most experiments under computer control. This course can be used towards satisfying part of the upper-level writing requirement.
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
PHYS 000-01 Physics Colloquia –
No description
Wednesday
Friday