This course is the entry point for students interested in exploring physics as a possible major or as a foundation for other sciences. It presents, at an introductory level, two fundamental developments at the heart of contemporary physics: quantum physics and Einstein’s theories of relativity. Relativity profoundly alters our understanding of the nature of space and time; quantum physics revolutionizes our knowledge of the world at the smallest scales. We will introduce and develop the core principles of these two theories, and explore their implications and practical consequences. No prior experience with physics is required.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 18

Prerequisites: Open to First-Year and Sophomore students. Juniors and Seniors by permission of the instructor. Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. Pre/co-requisite - MATH 115 or permission of the instructor. 

Instructor: Wetter, Belisle

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

Notes:

Many of the grand challenges facing the modern world have an underlying scientific and technological component. What basic physics should all future leaders know? And what science should all citizens understand? Stressing conceptual understanding and critical reasoning, this course aims to give students the physics background and habits of mind that will help them make informed decisions and cogent arguments on matters of public concern. Topics include: the physics of energy, climate change, the threat of nuclear materials and weapons, space exploration, and driverless cars and other emerging technologies. We will make use of basic high school level mathematics in our work. Not to be counted toward the major or to fulfill the entrance requirement for medical school.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement.

Instructor: Staff

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes:

This course is a systematic introduction to Newtonian mechanics, which governs the motion of objects ranging from biological cells to galaxies. Primary concepts such as mass, force, energy, and momentum are introduced and discussed in depth. We will place emphasis on the conceptual framework and on using fundamental principles to analyze the everyday world. Topics include: Newton's Laws, conservation of energy, conservation of momentum, rotations, waves, and fluids. Concepts from calculus will be developed and used as needed. This course is taught in studio-style, which blends lecture with group problem solving and hands-on experimental activities. Students with a strong background in mathematics or previous experience in physics should consider PHYS 107.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 24

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. Prerequisite or Co-requisite - calculus at the level of MATH 115. Not open to students who have taken PHYS 107.

Instructor: Staff

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall

Notes: In some cases this course can be used in place of PHYS 107 for the Physics major.

This continuation of classical physics concentrates on the fundamental forces of electricity and magnetism. The electric and magnetic forces are entirely responsible for the structures and interactions of atoms and molecules, the properties of all solids, and the structure and function of biological material. Our technological society is largely dependent on the myriad applications of the physics of electricity and magnetism, e.g., motors and generators, communications systems, and the architecture of computers. After developing quantitative descriptions of electricity and magnetism, we explore the relations between them, leading us to an understanding of light as an electromagnetic phenomenon. The course will consider both ray-optics and wave-optics descriptions of light. This course is taught in studio-style, which blends lecture with group problem solving and hands-on experimental activities.

This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - PHYS 106.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 24

Prerequisites: PHYS 104 or PHYS 107, and calculus at the level of MATH 115. This course does not normally fulfill Physics major requirements.

Instructor: Staff

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall

Notes:

This is a required co-requisite laboratory for PHYS 106.

Units: 0

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: PHYS 104 or PHYS 107, and calculus at the level of MATH 115. This course does not normally fulfill Physics major requirements.

Instructor:

Notes:

Newtonian mechanics governs the motion of objects ranging from biological cells to galaxies. The fundamental principles of mechanics allow us to begin to analyze and understand the physical world. In this introductory calculus-based course, we will systematically study the laws underlying how and why objects move, and develop analysis techniques for applying these laws to everyday situations. Broadly applicable problem-solving skills will be developed and stressed. Topics include forces, energy, momentum, rotations, gravity, and waves, and a wide range of applications. This course is taught in studio-style, which blends lecture with group problem solving and hands-on experimental activities.

This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - PHYS 107L.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 24

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. Calculus at the level of MATH 115. Not open to students who have taken PHYS 104.

Instructor: McAskill, Addison

Distribution Requirements: LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

Notes:

This is a required co-requisite laboratory for PHYS 107.

Units: 0

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. Calculus at the level of MATH 115. Not open to students who have taken PHYS 104.

Instructor: McAskill, Addison

Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

Notes:

The electromagnetic force, one of the fundamental interactions in nature, is responsible for a remarkably wide range of phenomena and technologies, from the structures of atoms and molecules to the transmission of nerve impulses and the characteristics of integrated circuits. This introductory course begins with the study of Coulomb's law of electrostatics and progresses through investigations of electric fields, electric potential energy, magnetic fields, and Faraday's law of magnetic induction. The course culminates in the study of light, where the deep connections between electricity and magnetism are highlighted. Interference effects caused by the electromagnetic wave nature of light are introduced.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 24

Prerequisites: PHYS 107 (or PHYS 104 with permission of the instructor) and calculus at the level of MATH 116, or MATH 120, or permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have taken PHYS 106.

Instructor: Lewis

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

Notes:

When studying macroscopic systems consisting of enormous number of individual particles, new physics concepts, such as temperature, pressure, heat, and entropy, become essential. In this course, we will explore these concepts in the context of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. These topics will be paired with computational modeling, including the introduction of basic numerical methods used across the sciences. No prior programming experience is required. This new course will be offered for the first time in Fall 2023, and replaces PHYS120H and PHYS205H.

This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - PHYS 205L.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: PHYS 107 or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Teich

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes:

This is a required co-requisite laboratory for PHYS 205.

Units: 0

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: PHYS 107 or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Teich

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes:

Newtonian mechanics is revisited using more sophisticated mathematical tools such as differential equations, linear algebra, and Fourier analysis. Topics include driven and coupled oscillators, central forces, and conservation laws. Particular attention is paid to wave phenomena and how the mathematics that describes mechanical waves can be extended to the realms of electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: PHYS 108 and MATH 215, or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: J. Battat

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes:

This course builds on the foundations of electricity and magnetism developed in PHYS 108. After a review of the basics of electrostatics and magnetostatics, a more mathematically rich description of electromagnetic phenomena is developed. The vector operators div, grad, and curl are used to re-express the integral formulations of PHYS 108 (e.g., Gauss’ Law, Ampere’s Law, Faraday’s Law); the necessary mathematics is presented in parallel with the physics. This treatment culminates in the differential forms of Maxwell’s equations, which then lead to the electromagnetic wave equation. Properties of electromagnetic waves, including polarization and energy and momentum transport, are introduced.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: PHYS 108 and MATH 205.

Instructor: Lewis

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes:

Through hands-on exploration, students will learn about analog and digital electronics, optical systems, and foundational techniques in the modern physics laboratory. A framework for data analysis will be developed, with a focus on model-data comparison, model selection and statistical inference. This course helps prepare students for independent research and internships in physics and related fields.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 10

Crosslisted Courses: ENGR 210

Prerequisites: PHYS 108.

Instructor: Belisle, Hall

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory

Degree Requirements: DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRDL); DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRF)

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

Notes:

For students interested in current best practices in active learning and inclusive teaching, this course provides a unique experience to learn, teach, and change the physics curriculum at Wellesley. Students will read and discuss current literature in physics education, gain practice in supporting inclusive group work, refine their own physics knowledge, and do hands-on projects to improve the studio physics experience at Wellesley College. Students must complete this course prior to working as Physics Learning Assistants.

Units: 0.5

Max Enrollment: 15

Crosslisted Courses: EDUC 239H

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Hue

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Instructor:

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

Notes:

Units: 0.5

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Staff

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

Notes:

This course provides a comprehensive development of the principles of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, the fundamental theory of electrons, atoms, and molecules. Quantum mechanics governs the building blocks of all matter, and yet fundamentally challenges our physical intuition, which is based on the behavior of everyday macroscopic objects. Topics include the postulates of quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation, operator theory, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the hydrogen atom, and spin.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 20

Prerequisites: PHYS 100 and PHYS 207 and MATH 215, or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Addison

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes:

This course builds upon the foundations of quantum mechanics presented in PHYS 302. Topics include: the quantum mechanics of identical particles, addition of spin and angular momentum, Dirac notation, time dependent and independent perturbative approaches, and scattering. These topics will be presented using a combination of the Schrodinger, Heisenberg, and interaction formulation of quantum mechanics. This course is strongly recommended for students planning to attend graduate school in physics.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: PHYS 302 or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Addison

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes:

In this course students will learn advanced techniques for experimental astronomy and planetary science. Students will carry out term-long projects involving acquisition and analysis of data. In some cases these data will be derived from observations performed with telescopes or instruments built by the students themselves. In other cases students will build projects around data from space missions or ground or space-based telescopes. Techniques may include spectroscopy, photometry, multiwavelength astronomy, remote sensing of planetary surfaces, particle astrophysics, and gravitational wave astronomy.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 8

Crosslisted Courses: PHYS 30 4

Prerequisites: ASTR 202, ASTR 206, PHYS 210 or prior experience with instrumentation with permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Staff

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: Not offered every year.

Modern statistical mechanics builds from the quantum nature of individual particles to describe the behavior of large and small systems of such particles. In this course, we will derive the fundamental laws of thermodynamics using basic principles of statistics and investigate applications to such systems as ideal and real atomic and molecular gases, radiating bodies, magnetic spins, and solids. We will study Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics and learn about exciting new developments, such as Bose-Einstein condensation and ultra-cold Fermi gases. We will cover additional applications of statistical mechanics in the fields of biology, chemistry, and astrophysics. This course is strongly recommended for students planning to attend graduate school in physics.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: (PHYS 205 or PHYS 205H) and (PHYS 207 or PHYS 208) and MATH 205; or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Teich

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes:

This course continues, from PHYS 208, the study of the classical theory of electromagnetic fields and waves as developed by Maxwell. Topics include electric and magnetic fields in matter, boundary value problems, electromagnetic radiation, and the connection between electrodynamics and special relativity. This course is strongly recommended for students planning to attend graduate school in physics.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: PHYS 208 and MATH 215, or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: J. Battat

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes:

Modern experimental physics draws on a wide range of laboratory skills, design strategies, and analysis techniques. The experimentalist approaches each measurement with an array of tools, from the effective use of sophisticated instrumentation and the construction of home-built equipment to the evaluation of experimental uncertainties. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to experimental physics as it is carried out in research settings. The experiments illustrate the use of electronic, mechanical, and optical instruments to investigate fundamental physical phenomena in nuclear, atomic, molecular, and condensed matter systems. Scientific writing skills and oral presentation skills receive focused attention. An emphasis on independent work is gradually developed throughout the semester. This course is strongly recommended for students planning to attend graduate school in physics.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 16

Prerequisites: PHYS 207 and PHYS 210, or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: J. Battat, K. Hall

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Degree Requirements: DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRDL); DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRF)

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes:

Astrophysics is the application of physics to the study of the Universe. We will use elements of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, special relativity, and nuclear physics to investigate selected topics such as planetary dynamics, the life stories of stars and galaxies, the interstellar medium, high-energy processes, and large scale structure in the Universe. Our goals will be to develop insight into the physical underpinnings of the natural world and to construct a "universal toolkit" of practical astrophysical techniques that can be applied to the entire celestial menagerie.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 16

Crosslisted Courses: PHYS 311

Prerequisites: PHYS 205; pre or co-requisite PHYS 207.

Instructor: Mowla

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes:

Einstein's general theory of relativity conceives of gravity as a manifestation of the geometry of spacetime. In John Archibald Wheeler's summary: "Spacetime tells matter how to move; matter tells spacetime how to curve." Differential geometry supplies the mathematical language for describing curvature. We begin by defining and building up the relevant mathematical ideas: manifolds, tensors, covariant derivatives, geodesics, and the Riemann tensor. We then apply these ideas to the physics, developing the Einstein field equation and some of its consequences, including the Schwarzschild solution and black holes, cosmology, and gravitational waves.   

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 20

Crosslisted Courses: PHYS 313

Prerequisites: At least one 300-level course in mathematics or physics, or permission of the instructor. MATH 302 or MATH 305 is recommended. Students can receive major credit for both MATH 312 and MATH 313.

Instructor: Tannenhauser

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes:

This course is a continuation of the development of tools to analyze classical systems; it builds on the knowledge gained in Physics 207. New techniques developed include the calculus of variations, which gives rise to the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian treatment of systems, physics in non-inertial reference frames, and rotational dynamics. The course is appropriate for any student wishing to explore advanced topics in classical mechanics; it is strongly recommended for students planning to attend graduate school in physics.

Units: 0.5

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: PHYS 207.

Instructor: Staff

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes:

While Physics 302 focuses on quantum systems that can be solved exactly, Physics 323H develops techniques that can be applied to systems that are too complex mathematically to be solved in closed form. This course explores time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory and applies these techniques to a variety of atomic, molecular, and solid-state systems. Quantum entanglement and its emerging applications are also covered. This course is strongly recommended for students planning to attend graduate school in physics.

Units: 0.5

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: PHYS 302.

Instructor: Staff

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes:

Optical and electronic materials, ranging from solar cells to superconductors, are central to our modern lives and will be crucial in solving the technological challenges of our future. For students interested in engineering applications of fundamental physics phenomena, this interdisciplinary course will introduce the science behind the development of modern materials and devices. Through hands-on projects, students will explore the development of optical and electronic materials from their atomic origins, to their implementation in semiconductor devices, and finally their long term environmental impact. This course connects topics often covered in separate physics, chemistry, and engineering courses. Previous experience with concepts from introductory physics is strongly recommended.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 15

Crosslisted Courses: CHEM 30 5

Prerequisites: PHYS 108 and either PHYS 210 or CHEM 361, or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Belisle

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes:

This course explores aspects of relativistic quantum mechanics. Beginning with a review of special relativity and the foundations of quantum mechanics, two of the most fundamental equations in particle physics will be introduced: the Klein-Gordon equation and the Dirac equation. Students will also learn intrinsic properties of fundamental particles and how to represent these ideas through Feynman diagrams with the focus being on quantum electrodynamics and weak interactions. From there, a variety of topics will be explored, including Lagrangians, symmetry breaking, and the Higgs mechanism, as well as neutrinos and their current role in particle physics research. If time permits, concepts of field theory will be introduced.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 20

Prerequisites: PHYS 208 and PHYS 302 and exposure to special relativity.

Instructor: McAskill

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes:

The physics of nuclei and radiation underpins much of modern experimental physics and has important connections to areas of chemistry, medicine, and engineering. In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of nuclear physics theory and connect those concepts to real-world applications. Topics will include: models of nuclear structure, nuclear states and energy levels, the physics of radiation and radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, interactions of radiation with matter, and radiation detection. The course will survey multiple application areas including energy production and nuclear medicine, with the opportunity to expand topics based on student interest. This course is ideal both for students interested in graduate school and those interested in careers in industry. Previous experience with concepts from introductory physics is strongly recommended.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: MATH 215 and either (PHYS 108 and PHYS 100) or one of the following - CHEM 105, CHEM 105P, CHEM 116, CHEM 120), or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Lewis

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes:

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. Open to juniors and seniors.

Instructor:

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor

Instructor:

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall

Units: 0.5

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

The first course in a two-semester investigation (355/365) of a significant research problem, culminating in the preparation of a thesis. This route does not lead to departmental honors.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: Open only to Seniors with permission of the department.

Instructor:

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes:

The first course in a two-semester investigation (360/370) of a significant research problem, culminating in the preparation of a thesis and defense (oral examination) of that thesis before a committee of faculty from the Department of Physics. Required for honors in the major.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: Permission of the department.

Instructor:

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: Students enroll in Senior Thesis Research (360) in the first semester and carry out independent work under the supervision of a faculty member. If sufficient progress is made, students may continue with Senior Thesis (370) in the second semester.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: PHYS 355. Open only to Seniors with permission of the department.

Instructor:

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes:

The second course of the 360/370 sequence.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: PHYS 360 and permission of the department.

Instructor:

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes: Students enroll in Senior Thesis Research (360) in the first semester and carry out independent work under the supervision of a faculty member. If sufficient progress is made, students may continue with Senior Thesis (370) in the second semester.