Academics Physics & Astronomy

Physics is the science that tries to uncover the fundamental constituents of, and laws governing, the material world. It asks, in short: what’s out there, how does it act and how does it work? The physics curriculum largely follows the chronological development of the science in history: we begin by studying the forces through which familiar terrestrial objects interact, then slowly expand our understanding of the world by applying basic principles to the big (e.g., in astronomy) and the small (e.g., atoms). New categories of phenomena such as electricity, magnetism, heat and light are painstakingly incorporated into a growing body of mathematical laws and physical mechanisms that represents an ever-deeper understanding of the basic types of physical existents, their actions and interactions and the myriad phenomena to which they give rise.

Although the various physics courses at Marlboro have unique goals and intended audiences, there is a common thread: each course is designed to allow students to understand and learn to practice the methods of science. These methods include designing experiments to ask pointed questions of nature, building up mathematical skills to help interpret the answers and developing a critical and logical outlook to help one consistently integrate one’s discoveries into a coherent whole. Courses at the introductory level stress the historical and empirical origins of basic physics concepts, so students learn to appreciate physics (and science in general) as a way of knowing. More advanced courses for students doing Plan work in physics (and/or intending to pursue physics in graduate school) focus instead on developing the problem-solving and experimental skills used by practicing physicists. But across the board the curriculum is designed to encourage students to learn to think like a scientist (whether they intend to become one or not).

My doctoral research involved trying to understand the dense interiors of neutron stars by extrapolating from what is known about the nuclei of ordinary atoms. During graduate school, I also developed a deep interest in the history and philosophy of physics (and science in general), with a special focus on the foundations and interpretation of quantum mechanics. This includes such topics as: Einstein’s reservations about quantum theory, Bell’s Theorem and the de Broglie-Bohm pilot wave theory. Plan level work at Marlboro, however, is by no means restricted to these topics.

Areas of Interest for Plan-level Work:

• History and philosophy of physics
• Quantum theory
• Quantum mechanics
• Atomic theory of matter
• Astronomy

Starting Points (Basic and Introductory Courses)

GENERAL PHYSICS I (NSC223)
The first semester of a two semester introductory course in physics, this is an algebra-based approach that involves some laboratory work, suitable for students considering a plan in physics, science students or non-science students who want a physics foundation. Topics include vector algebra, kinematics, dynamics of single and many-particle systems, gravitation, energy, momentum, conservation laws and circular and rigid body motion. Prerequisite: Mathematical proficiency through but not necessarily including calculus
Introductory | Credits: 4

GENERAL PHYSICS II (NSC262)
Second half of the year-long introductory physics sequence. Two great pre-20th-century physics theories (Newtonian gravitation and the atomic theory of matter) serve as integrating themes for topics including rotational dynamics, astronomy, thermodynamics and the structure of the atom. Prerequisite: General Physics I     Introductory | Credits: 4

Pursuing Interests (Intermediate and Thematic Courses)

SPECIAL RELATIVITY (NSC437)
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was the first of two major revolutions in 20th-century physics. It radically altered the way physicists think about space, time, and related concepts like velocity and simultaneity. Yet unlike the other revolutionary 20th-century theory (quantum mechanics), special relativity can be understood completely with only a little math: geometry and algebra. This introduction to Einstein’s famous theory will thus be accessible and useful for those intending to do more advanced work in the sciences, and for those working in other areas but wanting to broaden their intellectual horizons and find out what Einstein did that was so special. Prerequisite: General Physics I or permission of instructor     Multi-Level | Credits: 2

ACOUSTICS (NSC33)
The physics of sound and music. The topics and level of the course will depend on the interests and abilities of the students. Possible subjects include waves, tuning, electronic music, instrument design, room resonances and frequency analysis. Prerequisite: None    Introductory | Credits: 3

THE SEARCH FOR SCIENTIFIC METHOD (CDS523)
A historical study of the scientific method, analyzing both the methodology used by practicing scientists and the questions about that methodology which have been raised by philosophers. Topics include: the roles of deduction and induction, the formation and evaluation of theories and the ontological status of theoretical entities. Discussion of these issues will emerge from reading on Plato’s cosmology, Aristotle’s biology, the Copernican revolution in astronomy, the development of the atomic theory of matter and Darwin’s theory of evolution. Prerequisite: One previous science course, one previous philosophy course, or permission of instructor     Intermediate | Credits: 4

QUANTUM PHYSICS: CONCEPTS AND CONTROVERSIES (NSC502)
This non-mathematical introduction to quantum physics will survey the historical development of the theory and explore its scope and implications. Specific topics will include: experimental evidence for wave-particle duality, the structure of the atom, Schroedinger’s cat and the Einstein-Bohr debates, Bohm’s hidden-variable theory and Bell’s Theorem and non-locality. Assignments will consist of weekly readings and several papers. Prerequisite: None     Introductory | Credits: 4

CIRCUITS AND OPTICS (NSC573)
A combination lab-theory course covering DC, AC and digital circuits as well as geometrical and wave optics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor     Intermediate | Credits: 4

ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM (NSC427)
A sophomore-level introduction to the physics of electric and magnetic phenomena. Topics include electrostatic forces, electric and magnetic fields, induction, Maxwell’s equations and some DC circuits. Prerequisite: General Physics I and II and Advanced Calculus (may be taken concurrently)     Intermediate | Credits: 4

EXPERIMENTS IN PHYSICS (NSC558)
Advanced lab course for students on Plan in physics, astronomy or a related field. Students will choose several of the following experiments to perform: weighing the earth (by measuring Newton’s gravitational constant “G”), measuring the speed of light “c,” investigating the emission spectrum of a near-blackbody radiation source and using it to determine Planck’s constant “h,” exploring the chaotic dynamics of a driven pendulum and investigating the diffraction and interference of light. Each lab will culminate with a lab report (written, preferably, using LaTeX; see NSC 534, Writing Math). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor     Intermediate | Credits: 3

MODERN PHYSICS (NSC470)
Sophomore-level introduction to quantum mechanics, with applications to atomic, nuclear, particle and astro-physics as well as quantum statistical mechanics. Specific topics include wave-particle duality, the Schroedinger equation, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom and multi-particle systems. Prerequisite: General Physics I & II or equivalent     Intermediate | Credits: 4

ASTROPHYSICS (NSC600)
An introduction to modern astronomy and astrophysics, including some recent research topics. Appropriate for students who already have a good foundation in physics. Topics will include stellar structure and evolution, galaxy structure and evolution and the structure of the universe and cosmology.     Advanced | Credits: 4

Good Foundation for Plan

Students contemplating a Plan in physics are encouraged to pursue their own interests after developing an appropriate foundation in standard coursework. Physics and astronomy students are also encouraged to develop breadth by exploring the other natural sciences, taking courses in the philosophy and history of science, and working to become clear and efficient writers—in addition to studying the arts, humanities and social sciences. All students graduating with physics or astronomy as their primary degree field must have passed (at C- or better) at least one course from each of the four broad areas of study.

Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences, is today essentially one branch of physics; therefore, in addition to spending lots of time in the observatory on cold nights, astronomy students should take the standard physics curriculum, replacing some of the more advanced physics coursework with relevant tutorials in astronomy and astrophysics. In particular, prospective astronomy students should take General Physics I and II during their first year.

In addition to a foundation in Physics, Plan students should expect to take at least some of the following: Electricity and Magnetism, Experiments in Physics, Modern Physics and Astrophysics.

Sample Tutorial Topics

• Observatory Operation: Imaging
• The AC Grid and Wind Turbine integration
• Topics in the History of Physics
• Wind Energy Explained
• Scientific Revolutions
• Circuits & Optics
• Electricity & Magnetism II
• History of Astrophysics and Cosmology
• Optics
• Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics