Catalog

Academics > Catalog > 2007-2008 > Courses of Instruction > PHAS

Physics and Astronomy

The study of physics, generally regarded as the most fundamental of the sciences, is an important part of a liberal education. Introductory courses in physics and astronomy are designed to give a student a broad background in the fundamentals of the discipline, an introduction to the logic and philosophy of science, and insight into the understanding and applications of contemporary physics and astrophysics. Advanced courses provide greater depth and sophistication as the student's background in physics and mathematics develops. Laboratory investigation, designed to accommodate each student's particular needs, provides direct experience of the central role that experimental research plays in the advancement of science. More information on physics and astronomy can be found on the Web site (www.bates.edu/PHYS.xml).

Major Requirements

The major in physics can be structured to meet the individual needs of students planning graduate study in physics or engineering, as well as those considering careers in business, teaching, government, law, or medicine. The requirement for a major is ten courses in physics, including the following eight, usually taken in this order: Physics 108 (or First-Year Seminar 274), 222, 211, 231, 301, 308, 409 or 412 or 422, and 457 or 458. The additional two courses must include one of the following: Physics s30, s32, or s36, or any physics course numbered 300 or higher. Physics 107, s25 or First-Year Seminar 314 may count toward the major requirement if taken prior to Physics 108. Only one semester of senior thesis may count toward satisfying the minimum ten-course requirement. To learn physics effectively, it is important that courses be taken in the recommended order and, if at all possible, with the recommended background. Nevertheless, prerequisites and corequisites can be waived in appropriate circumstances, especially in cases of incoming students with strong backgrounds. Students considering graduate study in physics or engineering should take Physics 409 and 422 as well as other courses numbered 300 or higher. In exceptional cases, a student who otherwise meets the ten-course requirement may petition the department to take a comprehensive examination in lieu of the senior thesis project.

Pass/Fail Grading Option

Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the major.

Engineering

A student interested in using physics as a basis for an engineering career should inquire about the Bates dual-degree plans with Dartmouth, Rensselaer, Columbia, Washington University in St. Louis, or Case Western Reserve (see page 26 or consult the Web page, http://abacus.bates.edu/Faculty/Physics/engineer.html). By careful planning at registration time, similar combination curricula may sometimes be designed with other engineering institutions. Students participating in a dual-degree program declare a major in engineering.

General Education Information for the Classes of 2008, 2009, and 2010

Department-designated general education sets must include at least one course or unit having a full laboratory component. Introductory laboratory courses and units which may be used as part of a set are Physics 103, 104, 107 (or s25 or First-Year Seminar 314), 108 (or First-Year Seminar 274), Astronomy 101, and Astronomy/Geology 110. Introductory non-laboratory courses and units which may be used as part of a set are Physics 102, 105, 106, and s26, Astronomy 104 and s23, and Astronomy/Geology 115. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or A-Level credit may satisfy the set requirement when combined with any of the laboratory courses listed above or may satisfy the third course requirement. A student may request that the department approve a two-course set not currently designated prior to enrolling in the courses. Introductory courses that may be used only as third courses are Interdisciplinary Studies 228, Chemistry/Physics s28, and First-Year Seminar 340. The quantitative requirement may be satisfied through any course or unit listed below except Interdisciplinary Studies 228.

Astronomy

Courses

ASTR 101. The Milky Way Galaxy.

Not until the first half of the twentieth century did astronomers arrive at a reliable understanding of the enormity and overall structure of the Milky Way Galaxy. In more recent decades, observations of electromagnetic radiation across the spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays have revealed galactic features and phenomena that were not even imagined a century ago. This course explores the history of the discovery of our galaxy, from the invention of the telescope to the modern era of Earth-orbiting observatories. Enrollment limited to 64. Normally offered every year. [L] [Q] [S] E. Wollman.
Concentrations