Physics
Introduction
Why study physics? Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. It is the most basic and fundamental science. Physics encompasses the study of the universe, from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. Physics challenges our imaginations and leads to great discoveries that change our lives. The computer that you are using and the laser that reads your DVDs were developed as a result of basic physics research. Are you curious about how the world works?
The Physics curriculum at LaGrange College serves two basic purposes:
- to provide an introduction to the physical sciences, oriented towards transforming critical thinking by developing skills in problem solving, analytical reasoning, and data collection and analysis suitable for the Core and Ethos requirements of the College;
- to provide courses that support programs in mathematics, chemistry, biology, engineering (dual-degree), education, and to prepare for health professional schools, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, and physical therapy.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
Minor in PhysicsCourses
A non-calculus-based introduction to kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, fluid mechanics, wave mechanics, and thermodynamics. Physics is a science of measurement, testing, and experimentation—inquiry-based laboratories make physics come to life!
A continuation of PHYS 1101 and an introduction to electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, and light and optics. Physics is a science of measurement, testing, and experimentation—inquiry-based laboratories make physics come to life!
A calculus-based introduction to dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, fluid mechanics, wave mechanics, and thermodynamics. Physics is a science of measurement, testing, and experimentation—inquiry-based laboratories make physics come to life!
A continuation of PHYS 2121, covering electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, and light and optics. Physics is a science of measurement, testing, and experimentation—inquiry-based laboratories make physics come to life!
During the early twentieth century, two momentous theories were proposed: the theory of relativity and quantum theory. This course introduces these theories and supporting experimental evidence, as well as many of the theories developed in the twentieth century. Topics to be studied include the birth of modern physics, special relativity, quantum theory, atomic physics, general relativity, and cosmology. An undergraduate research project explores the relativistic and quantum nature of matter and energy.
A study of basic principles of quantum mechanics, including the origins of quantum mechanics, the Schrodinger Equation, angular momentum, and solution approximation methods. CHEM 3302 may be substituted for this course.
An advanced study of classical mechanics and the detailed dynamics of particles, systems, and rigid bodies. Equations of motion are derived from the fundamental differential equations governing a system, applicable to any physical system. Students will study the powerful methods of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.
An advanced study of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Students will study in detail the ideal gas, interacting systems, entropy, chemical thermodynamics, Boltzmann statistics, and quantum statistics.
An advanced study of electromagnetic theory using vector calculus. Students will study in detail electrostatics, Maxwell's equation in different settings and coordinate systems, electrodynamics, electric and magnetic fields in matter, and radiation.
