Goucher College 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalogue PLEASE NOTE: This is an archived catalog. Programs are subject to change each academic year.
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PHY 330 - Special Topics in Contemporary Physics (3 Cr.)
Topics courses in physics are offered to extend knowledge beyond foundation courses and to introduce students to more advanced topics in physics and their applications to many different areas of science and technology. Topics are determined by student interest and needs. Courses include but are not limited to: Condensed Matter Physics (Yoder), and Relativity and Cosmology (Sugerman). Depending on a particular topic, the course will have a three-hour lecture, laboratory and/or seminar format. Students may take this course for credit more than once. Prerequisites: or permission of the department. Additional courses as appropriate for the particular topic will be specified by the department. Variable semester. Department.
Condensed Matter Physics. This course will survey topics in solid-state physics, concentrating mainly on the physics of metals and semiconductors. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, topics include, crystallography and X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, optical properties and lasers, defects, and superconductivity. The concept of band structure will be developed to understand what makes a metal conduct, and to investigate how properties like resistance, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity arise. The behavior of semiconductors will also be used to understand a vast number of useful devices, such as junctions, diodes, transistors, solar cells, LEDs, etc. While this is primarily a theoretical couse, some experimental observation and lab work will be included as needed. Fall semester. Yoder.
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