ASTR C 1234x Astronomy-Physics-Geology, The Universal Timekeeper: An Introduction to Scientific Habits of Mind

Introduction to ideas and models of thought in the physical sciences, adopting as its theme the use of the atom as an imperturbable clock. Lectures develop basic physical ideas behind the structure of the atom and its nucleus and then explore such diverse applications as measuring the age of the Shroud of Turin, determining the diets of ancient civilizations, unraveling the evolution of the universe, and charting the history of earth´s climate.
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for ASTR C1235 is ASTR C1234. Working knowledge of high school algebra. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

ASTR C 1403x Earth, Moon, and Planets (lecture)

The overall architecture of the solar system. Motions of the celestial sphere. Time and the calendar. Life in the solar system and beyond. Students may not receive credit for both ASTR BC1753 and ASTR C1403.
Prerequisites: Open to any student offering astronomy in partial fulfillment of the science requirement - some sections satisfy QUA requirement. Recommended preparation: A working knowledge of high school algebra. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

ASTR C 1404y Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology

Distances to, and fundamental properties of, nearby stars; nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution; novas and supernovas; galaxies; the structure of the universe and theories concerning its origin, evolution, and ultimate fate. Professor Applegate's sections do not qualify for QUA. Students may not receive credit for both ASTR BC1754 and ASTR C1404.
Prerequisites: Open to any student offering astronomy in partial fulfillment of the science requirement. Recommended preparation: A working knowledge of high school algebra. Professor Applegate's sections do not qualify for QUA. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

ASTR C 1420x Galaxies and Cosmology

The content, structure, and possible evolution of galaxies. The '21-centimeter line': the song of interstellar hydrogen. Distribution mass, seen and unseen, in galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Distribution of clusters over the sky. Quasars and the nuclei of galaxies. The origin of the universe, and the present controversy over its eventual fate.
Prerequisites: Working knowledge of high school algebra. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

ASTR BC 1753x Life in the Universe

Introduction to astronomy, taught at Barnard, intended primarily for non-science majors. Includes discovery of new planets, the search for life, gravitation and planetary orbits, the physics of the Earth and its atmosphere, and the exploration of the solar system. Students may not receive credit for both ASTR BC1753 and ASTR C1403. - M. Putnam
Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: Working knowledge of high school algebra. Corequisites: Suggested parallel laboratory course: ASTR C1903. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

ASTR BC 1754y Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology

Examines the properties of stars, star formation, stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis, the Milky Way and other galaxies, and the cosmological origin and evolution of the universe. Students may not receive credit for both ASTR BC 1754 and ASTR C1404.

ASTR C 1836y Stars and Atoms

Study of the life cycles of stars, from their birth in cold gas clouds to their final throes in supernova explosions. The turn-of-the-century revolution in physics: x-rays, radioactivity, the nuclear atom, and the quantum theory. Energy production by nuclear fission and fusion, and its consequences.
Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: A working knowledge of high school algebra.
3 points

ASTR C 1903x Earth, Moon, and Planets Laboratory

This laboratory is for the lecture courses ASTR BC1753 or ASTR C1403. The lecture course must be taken concurrently.
Corequisites: ASTR BC1753 or ASTR C1403.
1 point

ASTR C 1904y Astronomy Lab II

This laboratory is for the lecture courses ASTR BC1754 and ASTR C1404. A lecture course must be taken concurrently.
Corequisites: ASTR BC1754 or ASTR C1404.
1 point

ASTR C 2001x Introduction to Astrophysics I

The first term of a two-term, calculus-based introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. Topics include the physics of stellar interiors, stellar atmospheres and spectral classifications, stellar energy generation and nucleosynthesis, supernovae, neutron stars, white dwarfs, interacting binary stars.
Prerequisites: A working knowledge of calculus. Corequisites: A course in calculus-based general physics.
3 points

ASTR C 2002y Introduction to Astrophysics II

Continuation of ASTR C2001. These two courses constitute a full year of calculus-based introduction to astrophysics. Topics include the structure of our galaxy, the interstellar medium, star clusters, properties of external galaxies, clusters of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, cosmology.
Prerequisites: A working knowledge of calculus. Corequisites: A course in calculus-based general physics.
3 points

ASTR C 2900x Frontiers of Astrophysics Research

Several members of the faculty will each offer a brief series of talks providing context for a current research topic in the field and will then present recent results of their ongoing research. Opportunities for future student research collaboration will be offered.
3 points Grading is Pass/Fail.

ASTR C 3101x Modern Stellar Astrophysics II

The physics of stellar structure, stellar atmospheres, nucleosynthesis, stellar evolution, interacting binary stars, white dwarfs, and neutron stars.
Prerequisites: One year of calculus-based general physics.
3 points

ASTR C 3102y Planetary Dynamics

Planets and planetary dynamics, detecting extrasolar systems, characteristics of extrasolar planets, astrobiology.
3 points

ASTR C 3103x or y The Galaxy and the Interstellar Medium
3 points

ASTR C 3105y Extrasolar Planets and Astrobiology

The emerging field of extrasolar planets and astrobiology will be covered at a quantitative level, with a major emphasis on astrophysical phenomenae and techniques. The subject will be introduced through an investigation of current planetary formation theories and approaches to planet detection, including what we currently know about extrasolar planets and detailed reference to state-of-the-art studies. An astronomer's view of the origin of life and extreme biology will be developed and applied to questions of cosmo-chemistry, observable life-signatures, habitable zones and other astrophysical constraints on the development of organisms.
Prerequisites: One year of calculus-based physics.
3 points

ASTR C 3273x High Energy Astrophysics
Prerequisites: One year of calculus-based general physics. Physics majors could take this course with no previous astronomy background.
3 points

ASTR C 3601x General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology

Introduction to general relativity, Einstein's geometrical theory of gravity. Topics include special relativity, tensor calculus, the Einstein field equations, the Friedmann equations and cosmology, black holes, gravitational lenses and mirages, gravitational radiation, and black hole evaporation.
Prerequisites: One year of calculus-based general physics. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

ASTR C 3602y Physical Cosmology and Extragalactic Astronomy

The standard hot big bang cosmological model and other modern observational results that test it. Topics include the Friedmann equations, the standard model of particle Physics, the age of the universe, primordial nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background, the extragalactic distance scale, and modern observations.
Prerequisites: One year of calculus-based general physics. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

ASTR C 3646y Observational Astronomy

Introduction to the basic techniques used in obtaining and analyzing astronomical data. Focus on 'ground-based' methods at optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths. Regular use of the telescope facilities atop the roof of the Pupin Labs and at Harriman Observatory. The radio-astronomy portion consists mostly of computer labs, In research projects, students also work on the analysis of data obtained at National Observatories.
3 points

ASTR C 3997x-C3998y Independent Research

Variety of research projects conducted under the supervision of members of the faculty. Observational, theoretical, and experimental work in galactic and extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. The topic and scope of the work must be arranged with a faculty member in advance: a written paper describing the results of the project will be required at its completion. (A two semester project can be designed so that the grade YC is given after the first term.) Senior majors in Astronomy or Astrophysics wishing to do a Senior Thesis should make arrangements in May of their junior year and sign up for a total of 6 points over their final two semesters. Both a substantial written document and an oral presentation of thesis results will be required.
3 points

PHYS C 1001y Physics for Poets

Introduction to physics with emphasis on quantum phenomena, relativity, and models of the atom and its nucleus. Offered in Spring 2011 only.
Prerequisites: No previous background in physics is expected; high school algebra is required. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS C 1002y Physics for Poets

Introduction to physics with emphasis on quantum phenomena, relativity, and models of the atom and its nucleus.
Prerequisites: No previous background in physics is expected; high school algebra is required. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA). Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

PHYS V 1201x General Physics I

Mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics.
Prerequisites: This course will use elementary concepts from calculus. Students should therefore have had some high school calculus, or be concurrently enrolled in MATH V1101. Corequisites: Taken with accompanying lab PHYS V1291-V1292, the sequence PHYS V1201-C1202 satisfies requirements for medical school. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS V 1202y General Physics II

Electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics.
Prerequisites: This couse will use elementary concepts from calculus. Students should therefore have had some high school calculus, or be cuncurrently enrolled in MATH V1101. Corequisites: Taken with accompanying lab PHYS V1291-2, the sequence PHYS V1201-2 satisfies requirements for medical school. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS C 1291x General Physics I Laboratory
Corequisites: Laboratory to accompany PHYS V1201-2, PHYS V1301-2, or PHYS V1001-2.
1 point

PHYS C 1292y General Physics II Laboratory
Prerequisites: Laboratory to accompany V1201-2, V1301-2, or V1001-2.
1 point

PHYS C 1401x Introduction to Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Fundamental laws of mechanics, kinematics and dynamics, work and energy, rotational dynamics, oscillations, gravitation, fluids, temperature and heat, gas laws, the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
Corequisites: MATH V1101 or MATH V1105, or the equivalent. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS C 1402y Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics

Electric fields, direct currents, magnetic fields, alternating currents, electromagnetic waves, polarization, geometical optics, interference, and diffraction.
Prerequisites: PHYS C1401, or the equivalent. Corequisites: MATH V1102 or V1106, or the equivalent. Lab Required. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS V 1900y Seminar in Contemporary Physics and Astronomy

Lectures on current areas of research with discussions of motivation, techniques, and results, as well as difficulties and unsolved problems. Each student submits a written report on one field of active research.

PHYS BC 2001x Physics I: Mechanics

Fundamental laws of mechanics. Kinematics, Newton's laws, work and energy, conservation laws, collisions, rotational motion, oscillations, gravitation.
Corequisites: Calculus I or the equivalent. Lab Required. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
4.5 points

PHYS BC 2002y Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism

Charge, electric field, and potential. Gauss's law. Circuits: capacitors and resistors. Magnetism and electromagnetism. Induction and inductance. Alternating currents. Maxwell's equations.
Prerequisites: Physics BC2001 or the equivalent. Corequisites: Calculus II. Lab Required. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
4.5 points

PHYS C 2801x General Physics

Mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, and light.
Prerequisites: Advanced placement in mathematics or some knowledge of differential and integral calculus and permission of the departmental representative. (A special placement meeting is held during Orientation Week.) Recitation Section Required. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
4 points

PHYS C 2802y General Physics

Mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, and light.
Prerequisites: Advanced placement in mathematics or some knowledge of differential and integral calculus and permission of the departmental representative. (A special placement meeting is held during Orientation week.) Recitation Section Required. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
4 points

PHYS BC 3001x Physics III: Classical Waves & Optics

Nonlinear pendula, transverse vibrations-elastic strings, longitudinal sound waves, seismic waves, electromagnetic oscillations & light, rainbows, haloes, the Green Flash; polarization phenomena - Haidinger's Brush, Brewster's angle, double refraction, optical activity; gravity & capillary waves; interference, diffraction, lenses & mirrors.
Prerequisites: Physics BC2002 or the equivalent. Corequisites: Calculus III. Lab Required. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
5 points

PHYS W 3003x Mechanics

Newtonian mechanics. Oscillations and resonance. Conservative forces and potential energy. Central forces. Non-inertial frames of reference. Rigid body motion. Introduction to Lagrangian mechanics. Coupled oscillators and normal modes.
Prerequisites: General physics and integral calculus. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS BC 3006y Quantum Physics

Wave-particle duality and the Uncertainty Principle. The Schrodinger equation. Basic principles of the quantum theory. Energy levels in one-dimensional potential wells. The harmonic oscillator, photons, and phonons. Reflection and transmission by one-dimensional potential barriers. Applications to atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics. - R. Mukherjee
Prerequisites: BC3001 or C2601 or the equivalent.
3 points

PHYS W 3007y Electricity and Magnetism

Electrostatics and magnetostatics. Laplace's equation and boundary-value problems. Multipole expansion. Dielectric and magnetic materials. Faraday's law. AC circuits. Maxwell's equations. Lorentz covariance and special relativity.
Prerequisites: BC2002 or the equivalent, and differential and integral calculus. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS W 3008x Electromagnetic Waves and Optics

Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic potentials. The wave equation. Propagation of plane waves. Reflection and refraction. Geometrical optics. Transmission lines, wave guides, and resonant cavities. Radiation. Interference of waves. Diffraction.
Prerequisites: W3007. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS BC 3082x Advanced Physics Laboratory

Barnard College physics laboratory has available a variety of experiments meant to complement 3000-level lecture courses. Each experiment requires substantial preparation, as well as written and oral presentations. Elementary particle experiments: detectors, cosmic ray triggers, muon lifetime.
1.5 points

PHYS W 3083y Electronics Laboratory

Experiments in solid state electronics, with introductory lectures.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor required. Registration is limited to the capacity of the laboratory. Corequisites: W3003 or W3007.
2 points

PHYS BC 3086y Quantum Physics Laboratory

Experiments illustrating phenomenological aspects of the early quantum theory: (i) Hydrogenic Spectra: Balmer Series & Bohr-Sommerfeld Model; (ii) Photoelectric Effect: Millikan's Determination of h/e; (iii) Franck-Hertz Experiment; and (iv) Electron Diffraction Phenomena. Substantial preparation required, including written and oral presentations, as well as an interest in developing the knack and intuition of an experimental physicist. This course is best taken concurrently with PHYS BC3006 Quantum Physics.

PHYS BC 3088x Advanced Electromagnetism Laboratory

Classical electromagnetic wave phenomena via Maxwell's equations, including: (i) Michaelson and Fabry-Perot Interferometry, as well as a thin-film interference and elementary dispersion theory; (ii) Fraunhofer Diffraction (and a bit of Fresnel); (iii) Wireless Telegraphy I: AM Radio Receivers; and (iv) Wireless Telegraphy II: AM Transmitters. Last two labs pay homage to relevant scientific developments in the period 1875-1925, from the discovery of Hertzian waves to the Golden Age of Radio. Complements PHYS W3008 Electromagnetic Waves and Optics.
General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS BC 3900x-BC3900y Supervised Individual Research

For specially selected students, the opportunity to do a research problem in contemporary physics under the supervision of a faculty member. Each year several juniors are chosen in the spring to carry out such a project beginning in the autumn term. A detailed report on the research is presented by the student when the project is complete.
Prerequisites: Permission of the departmental representative required. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
1-5 points. 1-5 points per term.

PHYS G 4003y Advanced Mechanics

Lagrange's formulation of mechanics. The calculus of variations and the action principle. Hamilton's formulation of mechanics. Applications to rigid body motion and normal modes.
Prerequisites: W3003. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS G 4021x Quantum Mechanics

Formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of state vectors and linear operators. Three dimensional spherically symmetric potentials. The theory of angular momentum and spin. Identical particles and the exclusion principle. Methods of approximation. Multi-electron atoms.
Prerequisites: W3003, W3007, BC3006. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

PHYS G 4022y Quantum Mechanics II
3 points

PHYS G 4023x Thermal and Statistical Physics

Thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics. Energy and entropy. Classical and quantum statistics. Ideal and real gases. Black-body radiation. Chemical equilibrium. Phase transitions. Ferromagnetism.
Prerequisites: BC3006. General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points