Saint Anselm College
Founded by the Order of Saint Benedict
100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH 03102
- PS 100 - Topics in Introductory Physics
Description
This course will consist of a detailed investigation of a topic or set of topics important to contemporary physics but that is covered at the introductory level. The topic will be chosen by the department for its relevance to current research in physics, its accessibility to students, and/or a demonstrated need.
Note:
Meets Scientific Reasoning Learning Outcome (SCI)
- PS 101 - Astronomy
Description
An introduction to the current understanding of the universe combined with an observational component which involves familiarization with the night sky and telescopic observation of the moon, planets, stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
Note:
Meets Scientific Reasoning Learning Outcome (SCI)
- PS 103 - Weather and Climate
Description
An introduction to the physical principles that are used to understand the mechanisms that control the Earth's atmosphere. Topics covered will include: the Earth's Heat Budget, the Hydrologic Cycle, Atmospheric Stability, Cloud Formation, Global Circulation Patterns, Wave Cyclone Theory, and climate Change Theories. The class will also provide insight into understanding the fundamental science behind issues such as global climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, and air pollution.
- PS 104 - Forensic Physics
Description
This is a one-semester course that looks at the application of physics to forensics. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, ballistics, blood spatter analysis, vehicular accidents, radiation monitoring and exposure, acoustic forensics, and combustion. This is an optional course for the Forensic Science program.
- PS 105 - Science and Everyday Thinking
Description
Students in this course will explore the fundamental ideas in science in a hands-on, participatory way, with an emphasis on understanding how to teach science in grades K-6 within the framework of the Next Generation Science Standards. Topics will include energy, forces, chemical reactions, biological systems, and Earth and space sciences. Concepts will be presented in a way that is relevant to our everyday lives, and students will draw hypotheses from observations and experiments.
- PS 111 - Physics Colloquium
Description
This is a zero credit course that meets three times per semester and is taken by all physics majors. Each semester the Physics Department will bring to campus three leading physicists/engineers to discuss their research and careers trajectory with our students. This will be done over an informal Pizza Lunch and during a one-hour colloquium. No grade will be assigned; however, this course will appear in student's schedules.
- PS 121 - General Physics I
Description
The first semester of algebra-based, Introductory Physics course taken by college students majoring in the life-sciences and students in any major preparing for further studies in the health sciences. This course is focused on the understanding and applications of Statics, Dynamics, and Kinematics applied to the study of biological systems. Both linear and rotational aspects of these branches of classical mechanics are covered in this course. A strong background in algebra and trigonometry is required.
Note:
This course meets the physics requirement for students majoring in Biology and meets Scientific Reasoning Learning Outcome (SCI).
- PS 122 - General Physics II
Description
The second semester of algebra-based, Introductory Physics course taken by college students majoring in the life-sciences and students in any major preparing for further studies in the health sciences. This course is focused on the understanding and applications of conserved quantities applied to the study of biological systems. Specifically, conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum are applied to mechanical, electrical, and atomic level biological systems. A strong background in algebra and trigonometry is required.
Lecture/Lab Hours
Three hours of lecture, one hour of recitation, and two and one-half hours of laboratory each week for two semesters.
Prerequisite(s):
PS 121
- PS 131 - Calculus-Based Physics I
Description
An introductory course in calculus-based physics for students intending to concentrate their future studies in the physical sciences and/or mathematics. Topics covered include particle kinematics and dynamics, forces in nature, work and energy, conservation of linear momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, and conservation of angular momentum.
Note:
Meets the Scientific Reasoning Learning Outcome (SCI).
- PS 132 - Calculus-Based Physics II
Description
A continuation of PS 131 that focuses on gravity, fluid mechanics, simple harmonic motion, resonance and damping, wave motion and sound, the electrostatic force, and electric potential.
Prerequisite(s):
PS 131
- PS 137 - Time: From Consciousness to Cosmos
Description
Time is one of the most enigmatic aspects of our existence. What is it? How do we perceive it? How do we measure it? Does it even exist? This course examines these and many other profound questions surrounding the nature of time beginning with the basic operational view of time. This will then be used to explore specific topics including the nature of clocks, various paradoxes of time, human and animal perception of time, causality & determinism, gravity's effect on time, and the various "arrows" of time.
Note:
Meets Scientific Reasoning Learning Outcome (SCI)
- PS 191 - Supervised Research
Description
First-year students perform supervised research under the mentorship of a faculty member in the department.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 192 - Supervised Research
Description
First-year students perform supervised research under the mentorship of a faculty member in the department.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 201 - Geology
Description
An introduction to physical geology including, but not necessarily limited to, topics such as the origin, classification, and identification of minerals, rocks, and related structures; plate tectonics; and processes that shape the earth's surface. The laboratory portion of the class consists largely of field work in various locations around New Hampshire and parts of Maine including in the White Mountains.
Note:
Meets Scientific Reasoning Learning Outcome (SCI)
- PS 202 - Planetary Science
Description
This course will use basic concepts of astronomy, geology, and physics to do a comparative analysis of the worlds of the Solar System. Topics may include: observation of the planets, history of planetary exploration, terrestrial landforms and processes, atmospheric processes, small bodies in the Solar System, and formation of the Solar System.
Note:
Meets Scientific Reasoning Learning Outcome (SCI)
- PS 211 - Remote Sensing
Description
The goal of this team-taught course is to introduce students to the field of remote sensing and to give them experience analyzing remote sensing data. This engaged-learning course will use GIS technology to explore spatial relationships across multiple disciplines. The class will use a scenario-based problem approach where students will examine real data and learn how to make and support spatial decisions. Learning will occur in a laboratory setting through exploration, discussion and hands-on interactive laboratory activities.
Note:
Meets Scientific Reasoning Learning Outcome (SCI)
- PS 222 - Life Beyond Earth
Description
This course will discuss the probability and possibility of extraterrestrial life and details the science behind the search for life. The course will also explore the possibilities for human exploration beyond Earth. Topics may include: star formation, stellar evolution, planetary formation, mass extinctions, evolution and natural selection, radio astronomical techniques to search for signs of intelligent signals, and human spaceflight.
Note:
Meets Scientific Reasoning Learning Outcome (SCI)
- PS 231 - Modern Physics
Description
A one-semester course that naturally follows the two-semester Calculus-Based Physics sequence and introduces students to the basic areas of modern physics including atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics, condensed matter physics, high energy and nuclear physics, and more as time allows.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 235 - Computational Physics
Description
This course introduces students to computational methods frequently employed in physics and engineering. Emphasis will be placed on applying numerical methods to physical problems using an appropriate programming language. Topics may include speed and accuracy of computations; graphics and visualization; solutions of linear and nonlinear equations; methods of integration, differentiation, and interpolation; solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations; and Monte Carlo methods.
Note:
Prior programming experience is recommended but not necessary.
- PS 245 - Electrical Circuits
Description
This is an intermediate level course in the analysis of electrical circuits, devices, and systems. The course utilizes differential equations and other techniques to analyze circuits, including those with operational amplifiers and other active and passive elements. The course includes a laboratory and providing the basis for continued study in physics and electrical engineering.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 246 - Thermodynamics
Description
This is an intermediate level course in Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics. The course studies the laws and fundamental assumptions of thermodynamics and statistical physics, providing the framework for studies of entropy, thermodynamic cycles, and other such processes.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 286 - Mathematical Methods of Physics
Description
This course is a discussion of mathematical methods with emphasis on their applications to physics. The topics covered include: complex numbers, complex algebra, Fourier series, integral transforms, and group theory.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 292 - Supervised Research
Description
Sophomore-level students perform supervised research under the mentorship of a faculty member in the department.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 360 - Quantum Computation
Description
This course is an introduction to quantum computing that surveys some of the most significant quantum algorithms and their implementations on quantum hardware. Topics covered include quantum states, quantum circuits and measurements, writing and running quantum programs, the quantum Fourier Transformation and phase estimation, and Shor's factoring algorithm. Applications to cryptography, quantum error correction, superconducting qubits, and quantum chemistry will be discussed. Students will develop quantum programs and run them on IBM's quantum computer making use of an industry-standard quantum computing interface.
Prerequisite(s): r.
- PS 380 - Electricity and Magnetism
Description
This is an intermediate level course in Electromagnetism. The course is focused on the application of mathematics at a level of differential equation to the investigation of electromagnetic phenomena. Topics such as electroand magneto-statics, Maxwell's equations, waveguides, radiation patterns, and antenna design will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 382 - Classical Mechanics
Description
This course studies classical mechanics applied to the motion of particles, systems, and rigid bodies. Topics covered include analysis in several coordinate systems, conservation laws, rigid-body analysis, and an introduction to Hamiltonian and Lagrangian methods of analysis.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 383 - Quantum Mechanics
Description
This course offers a basic introduction to quantum mechanics at the intermediate level. Topics covered include quantum formalism, two-level quantum systems, angular momentum, the Schrödinger equation, and quantum fields.
Note:
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 384 - Introduction to Astrophysics
Description
This course surveys the most important topics in modern astrophysics and will explore concepts of physics as they apply to astronomical phenomena, such as: mechanics of orbiting bodies, atomic structure as it relates to spectra, radiative transfer in stellar atmospheres, general relativity and black holes, and more.
- PS 385 - Introduction to Cosmology
Description
This course begins with a history of cosmological ideas and an observational overview of our Universe. Newtonian gravity is reviewed and used to derive the Friedman equations describing the expansion of the Universe. Hubble's law is derived and simple cosmological models are discussed using notions of spacetime geometry and curvature. Other topics include: the cosmological constant and dark energy, observational parameters and dark matter, inflation, big bang nucleosynthesis, and the formation of structure.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 391 - Supervised Research
Description
Junior-level students perform supervised research under the mentorship of a faculty member in the department.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 392 - Supervised Research
Description
Junior-level students perform supervised research under the mentorship of a faculty member in the department.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 395 - Advanced Laboratory
Description
This course is designed to introduce students to advanced laboratory topics and methods in physics. Stu- dents will get hands-on experience working with research-grade and advanced teaching-grade equipment, while also being introduced to basic techniques of experimental physics, from properly maintaining a lab notebook and simple methods of troubleshooting, to the design and execution of experimental models. Students will also hone their written and oral communication skills through written reports and oral presentations.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 400 - Independent Study
Description
Qualified students may study a topic with a professor in the department.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 449 - Topics in Physics
Description
This course will consist of a detailed investigation of a topic important to contemporary physics. The topic will be chosen by the department for its relevance to current research in physics and its accessibility to students.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 451 - Research in Physics I
Description
The student conducts either one or two semesters of research under the direction of a faculty advisor. The student presents an oral report to students and faculty, writes a thesis describing their research, and may be required to present the results in poster presentations. Open to qualified students in other majors with the permission of both department chairpersons.
Note:
One of the two (PS451 or PS452) may be used to fulfill a Writing Intensive (WI) requirement.
Prerequisite(s):
Permission of the department chairperson.
- PS 452 - Research in Physics II
Description
The student conducts either one or two semesters of research under the direction of a faculty advisor. The student presents an oral report to students and faculty, writes a thesis describing their research, and may be required to present the results in poster presentations. Open to qualified students in other majors with the permission of both department chairpersons.
Note:
One of the two PS451 or PS452) may be used to fulfill a Writing Intensive (WI) requirement.
Prerequisite(s):
- PS 475-476 - Physics Internship
Description
Qualified students may be offered the opportunity to develop an internship experience relevant to their academic goals. PS 475 and PS476 are each typically the equivalent of one academic course. Students may not register for PS476 alone; it is be taken in conjunction with PS 475. Students will earn a letter grade for PS 475 and PS476 will be graded on a pass/fail basis.