Physics
G.S. Iannacchione, Head
Professors: P. K. Aravind, S. N. Jasperson, T. H. Keil, G. D. J. Phillies, L. R. Ram-Mohan, A. A. Zozulya
Associate Professors: N. A. Burnham, G. S. Iannacchione, R. S. Quimby
Assistant Professors: R. Garcia, C. A. Koleci
Research Professor: D. F. Nelson
Program Educational Objectives
The physics department educates students with a program characterized by curricular flexibility, student project work, and active involvement of students in their learning. Through a balanced, integrated curriculum stressing the widely applicable skills and knowledge of physics, we provide an education that is strong both in fundamentals and in applied knowledge, appropriate for immediate use in a variety of fields as well as graduate study and lifelong learning.
Physics graduates are expected to:
- Know, understand, and use a broad range of basic physical principles.
- Have an understanding of appropriate mathematical methods, and an ability to apply them to physics.
- Have demonstrated oral and written communications skills.
- Understand options for careers and further education, and have the necessary educational preparation to pursue those options.
- Have an ability to learn independently.
- Have acquired the broad education envisioned by the WPI Plan.
- Are prepared for entry level careers in a variety of fields, and are aware of the technical, professional, and ethical components.
- Are prepared for graduate study in physics and/or other fields.
- Can find, read, and critically evaluate selected original scientific literature.
The MQP Senior Thesis Requirement
Unlike most other universities, every physics major at WPI is required to complete a senior research project, known as an MQP. These are typically year-long projects culminating in a written thesis and presentation. Some projects, particularly off-campus ones may take place over shorter periods.
In general, these projects significantly extend the scope and depth of our physics offerings beyond our regular coursework, in a way that is focused on individual student interests. Students can do their MQP in a faculty member's area of interest, which can make for a very lively on-campus experience. Specific areas of faculty interest are listed below. However, students also often come up with their own topic in consultation with a faculty member or they can pursue a variety of off-campus MQP opportunities, at Brookhaven National Lab, Los Alamos National Lab, MIT's Lincoln Labs, NASA's Langley Research Center, Oak Ridge National Lab, etc., so long as they have an advisor of record from WPI's physics department that approves the project.
In the engineering-physics programs, the MQP subject is generally chosen for its relevance to the particular area of concentration. Students usually obtain the assistance of their academic advisors and of the engineering- physics coordinator in arranging the project. It may also include the participation of a project coadvisor who is a member of the engineering faculty.
Read more about choosing an MQP at The WPI Difference.
Specific Program Requirements
The normal period of residency at WPI is 16 terms. In addition to the WPI requirements applicable to all students, completion of a minimum of 10 units of study is required in the areas of mathematics, physics, and related fields as follows:
| Physics Requirements | Minimum Units |
|---|---|
| 1. Mathematics (Note 1). | 3 |
| 2. Physics (including the MQP) (Notes 2, 3). | 5 |
| 3. Other subjects to be selected from mathematics, science, engineering, computer science, and management (Note 3). | 2 |
Notes:
- Mathematics must include at least 2/3 unit of mathematics at the level of MA 3000 or higher.
- ES 3001 and CH 3510 count as physics courses.
- Either item 2 or 3 must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the five principal areas of physics: mechanics, experimental physics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermal and statistical physics. This core distribution requirement is satisfied by successfully completing at least one course from each of the following five sets of courses: PH 2201 or 2202 (mechanics); PH 2651 or 2601 (experimental physics); PH 2301 or 3301 (electromagnetism); PH 3401 or 3402 (quantum mechanics); ES 3001, CH 3510, or PH 4206 (thermal and statistical physics); or other courses approved by the department Program Review Committee following petition by the student.
Engineering Physics
- Same requirements as PHYSICS, with the addition that the 10 units must include 2 units of coordinated engineering and other technical/scientific activities. The 2-unit program must be formulated prior to final year of study by the student in consultation with the academic advisor, and must be certified prior to the final year by the departmental Program Review Committee.
Physics and Engineering-Physics — An overview
The programs of study described below are designed to fulfill the needs and interests of students over the range from "pure" to "applied," or "engineering" science. They are designed to provide, first of all, a foundation in the indispensable principles and techniques of classical and modern physics. Such preparation is necessary and appropriate for any future in science and technology, including that of postgraduate study and research. Moreover, insofar as appropriate within an undergraduate curriculum, programs are offered which allow options of special experience in some of the active areas of applied or engineering physics.
All programs include a common group of recommended core courses which provide the foundation, beginning with the great themes of physics—matter, motion, forces, energy, and the nature and concepts of electricity and magnetism. They build on that basic knowledge and perspective together with progressively more sophisticated mathematical techniques. Beyond this essential core, a student may choose either a more traditional program of physics study or one relating to an area of individual interest with engineering applications. Illustrations of these options are outlined in the section below, "Physics and Engineering-Physics Program Details."
Guidance in the planning of students' programs will be provided by academic advisors. A departmental engineering- physics coordinator is also available for consultation by students and academic advisors on questions pertaining to curriculum and project matters.
Physics and Engineering-Physics Program Details
For a student entering the study of physics, there is a natural progression of subjects which provide a foundation for advanced work within physics and engineering-physics programs. This constitutes a core sequence which embodies the following indispensable basic areas of study: classical mechanics, electromagnetism, a survey of modern physics, statistical and quantum physics, and laboratory experimental methods. Because the language of the exact sciences is mathematics, there is a parallel core sequence of mathematics courses normally taken either as preparation for or concurrently with the physics courses with which they are paired in the list presented below. In the following table indicates that the mathematics course is strongly recommended; indicates that concurrent study is acceptable.
MA 1021 Calculus I PH 1110 Mechanics
MA 1022 Calculus II PH 1120 Electricity and Magnetism
MA 1023 Calculus III PH 1111 Mechanics
MA 1024 Calculus IV PH 1121 Electricity and Magnetism
MA 1023 Calculus III PH 1130 Introduction to 20th Century Physics
MA 1024 Calculus IV PH 1140 Oscillations and Waves
MA 2051 Differential EquationsPH 2202 Intermediate Mechanics II
MA 2071 Linear Algebra PH 2651 Physics Laboratory
MA 2251 Vector/Tensor CalculusPH 2301 Electromagnetic Fields I
MA 4451 Boundary Value Problems}
(PH 1110, PH 1120)PH 3301 Electromagnetic Theory
PH 3401 Quantum Mechanics I
PH 4206 Statistical Physics
Students needing a somewhat more gradual introduction and an opportunity to gain mathematical skills concurrently are advised to substitute these courses for PH 1111 and PH 1121.
Physics and engineering-physics students should also reserve part of their undergraduate experience for developing perspective in a range of other science and engineering disciplines. A few of the many possibilities are illustrated by the following examples.
- Chemistry (CH 1010, 1030); Material Science (ES 2001). Choosing appropriate materials is often crucial in the development of new experimental techniques that can further our knowledge of physical phenomena. Conversely, the studies of physicists have had profound effects on the development of new materials.
- Electronics, both analog (ECE 2201 and 3204, and digital (ECE 2022). Electronics pervades the modern laboratory. It is valuable to learn electronic principles and designs as they are applied in modern "on-line" experimental data collection and data reduction systems.
- Computer science (CS 1005 and CS 2005). Physics students will need to make skillful use of computers in present and future experimental data processing, theoretical analyses, and the storing, retrieving and displaying of scientific information.
- • Engineering courses related to science. Some basic knowledge in areas such as heat transfer, control systems, fluid mechanics, stress analysis and similar topics will prove to be of great benefit to the physicist called upon to apply professional knowledge to practical engineering problems.
Building on this core and topical subject coverage, physics students are in a position to turn in any number of directions within the range of physics studies, depending on individual interests and career objectives. Six illustrative examples are outlined below. In each case the outline includes a list of recommended and related courses followed by a sampling of project opportunities in the respective areas. Selection of specific courses and projects should be determined by students' interests and the guidance of their academic advisors and the engineering-physics coordinator. For courses outside of the physics department, students are advised to discuss the prerequisites with the instructor.
1. Physics
Recommended Courses
PH 3402 Quantum Mechanics II
PH 4201 Advanced Classical Mechanics
PH (IS/P) Selected Readings in Physics
Related Courses
ECE 2311 Continuous-Time Signal and System Analysis
ECE 2312 Discrete-Time Signal and System Analysis
ECE 3801 Advanced Logic Design
ECE 3901 Semiconductor Devices
ES 3011 Control Engineering I
PH 2510 Atomic Force Microscopy
PH 3501 Relativity
PH 3502 Solid State Physics
PH 3503 Nuclear Physics
PH 3504 Optics
PH (IS/P) Modern Optics
PH 501 (Graduate) Mathematical Methods of Physics I
PH 511 (Graduate) Classical Mechanics
PH 514/5 (Graduate) Quantum Mechanics I and II
MA 4291 Applicable Complex Variables
2. Computational Physics.
Recommended Courses
MA 3257 Numerical Methods for Linear and Non-Linear Systems
MA 4411 Numerical Solutions of Differential Equations
PH (IS/P) Numerical Techniques in Physics
Related Courses
PH 3402 Quantum Mechanics II
PH 3502 Solid State Physics
PH 501/2 (Graduate)Mathematical Physics
MA 3457/ Numerical Methods for Calculus and CS4033 Differential Equations
MA 4291 Applicable Complex Variables
CS 1101 Introduction to Program Design
CS 2011 Introduction to Computer Organization and Assembly Language
CS 2301 Systems Programming for Non-Majors
CS 4731 Computer Graphics
ECE 2311 Continuous-Time Signal and System Analysis
ECE 2312 Discrete-Time Signal and System Analysis
ECE 3801 Advanced Logic Design
ES 3011 Control Engineering I
3. Optics
Recommended Courses
PH 3504 Optics
PH 2501 Photonics
PH 2502 Lasers
Related Courses
PH 3402 Quantum Mechanics II
PH 3502 Solid State Physics
PH 542/3 (Graduate) Modern Optics I and II
MA 4291 Applicable Complex Variables
AR/ID 3150 Light, Vision, and Understanding
ECE 2311 Continuous-Time Signal and System Analysis
ECE 2312 Discrete-Time Signal and System Analysis
ES 3011 Control Engineering I
4. Electromagnetism
Recommended Courses
PH (IS/P) Modern Optics
PH (IS/P) Selected Readings in Electromagnetism
Related Courses
PH 3402 Quantum Mechanics II
PH 3502 Solid State Physics
PH 3503 Nuclear Physics
PH 3504 Optics
PH 533 (Graduate) Electromagnetic Theory
PH 514/5 (Graduate) Quantum Mechanics
MA 4291 Applicable Complex Variables
ECE 2311 Continuous-Time Signal and System Analysis
ECE 2312 Discrete-Time Signal and System Analysis
ES 3011 Control Engineering I
5. Nuclear Science And Engineering
Recommended Courses
ES 2011 Introduction to Nuclear Technology
PH 3503 Nuclear Physics
Related Courses
PH 3402 Quantum Mechanics II
PH 3501 Relativity
PH 553 (Graduate) Nuclear Physics
ME 4832 Corrosion and Corrosion Control
ECE 3801 Advanced Logic Design
ES 3011 Control Engineering I
6. Thermal Physics
Recommended Courses
ES 3001 The Statistical Development of Classical Thermodynamics
ES 3004 Fluid Mechanics
PH522 (Graduate) Statistical Mechanics
PH (IS/P) Selected Readings in Thermal Physics
Related Courses
ES 3003 Heat Transfer
ES 3011 Control Engineering I
ME 3410 Compressible Flow
PH 3502 Solid State Physics
PH 3504 Optics
ME 4429 Thermodynamic Applications and Design
ME 4602 Intermediate Fluid Dynamics
PH 501/2 (Graduate) Mathematical Physics
Last modified: July 02, 2008 14:49:56