Physics (PHYS)

An exploration of significant questions, concepts, theories and discoveries in physics and astronomy for first-year students. Although topics vary, the courses also seek to improve students’ communication skills beyond the written word.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. PHYS 101-102 is a two-semester calculus-based sequence designed to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics for students considering majoring in one of the sciences or mathematics. Emphasis in Physics 101 is placed upon Newtonian mechanics and applications. Co-registration in the laboratory PHYS 101L is not required, but strongly encouraged. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 101, 101H, or 107.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. PHYS 101H is an honors section of PHYS 101 that is open to students who have a good preparation for and a strong interest in physics. Physics 101H offers a more in-depth treatment of topics covered in PHYS 101, and includes more sophisticated examples. Prior exposure to calculus will be assumed. Co-registration in the laboratory PHYS 101L is not required, but strongly encouraged. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 101, 101H, or 107.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Laboratory techniques in general physics.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. PHYS 101-102 is a two-semester calculus-based sequence designed to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics for students considering majoring in one of the sciences or mathematics. Emphasis in Physics 101 is placed upon Newtonian mechanics and applications. Co-registration in the laboratory PHYS 101L is not required, but strongly encouraged. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 101, 101H, or 107.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. PHYS 101-102 is a two-semester calculus-based sequence designed to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics for students considering majoring in one of the sciences or mathematics. Emphasis in Physics 102 is placed upon thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, and applications. Co-enrollment in the laboratory PHYS 102L is strongly encouraged. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 102, 102H, or 108.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. PHYS 102H is an honors section of PHYS 102 that is open to students who have a good preparation for and a strong interest in physics. Physics 102H offers a more in-depth treatment of topics covered in PHYS 102, and includes more sophisticated examples. Prior exposure to calculus will be assumed. Co-registration in the laboratory PHYS 102L is not required, but strongly encouraged. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 102, 102H, or 108.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Laboratory techniques in general physics. 

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. PHYS 101-102 is a two-semester calculus-based sequence designed to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics for students considering majoring in one of the sciences or mathematics. Emphasis in Physics 102 is placed upon thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, and applications. Co-enrollment in the laboratory PHYS 102L is strongly encouraged. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 102, 102H, or 108.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. PHYS 107-108 is a two-semester algebra-based sequence designed to cover the fundamental concepts of physics for students in the life sciences, including pre-meds. Emphasis is placed on Newtonian mechanics, fluids and waves. High school science as well as algebra and trigonometry are assumed. Co-registration in the laboratory PHYS 107L is not required, but strongly encouraged. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 101, 101H, or 107.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Laboratory techniques In physics for the life sciences.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. PHYS 107-108 is a two-semester algebra-based sequence designed to cover the fundamental concepts of physics for students in the life sciences, including pre-meds. Emphasis is placed on thermodynamics, electric and magnetic fields, simple circuits, optics and some modern physics. High school science as well as algebra and trigonometry are assumed. Co-registration in the laboratory PHYS 108L is not required, but strongly encouraged. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 102, 102H, or 108.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Laboratory techniques In physics for the life sciences.

Bicycles, guitars, cameras and other ordinary objects are studied and explained to obtain an appreciation of the underlying laws of nature. Mechanics, wave motion, optics, acoustics, thermodynamics and some electromagnetism and nuclear/particle physics are discussed and demonstrated by understanding the functioning of objects of everyday experience. The required mathematics is limited to algebra. The associated laboratory is strongly encouraged but not required. Students may not receive credit for Physics 109 if taken after passing PHYS 101 or PHYS 107.

A series of experiments employing common objects of general, everyday experience is undertaken with the goal of understanding both the scientific method of measurement and the laws of nature. Student-generated projects will be encouraged.

Basic concepts of physics, particularly acoustics, needed for an understanding of the properties of sound and music. The course will be in the form of a workshop and students will participate in the performance of experiments which illustrate the ideas.

An exploration of a specific topic in physics and astronomy. A grade of C- or better fulfills the COLL 150 requirement. Although topics vary, the courses emphasize academic writing skills, reading and analysis of texts, and discussion.

Research opportunity for Freshmen having an unusually strong background in Physics. Students will work with an individual faculty member on a research project.

This course is intended for anyone interested in learning about planetary and stellar astronomy. (Galactic astronomy and cosmology are covered in PHYS 172: Stellar and Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology.) In addition to our coverage of the scientific ground of the subject, we will also discuss the technological advances that have made major discoveries possible. Along the way, we will include two interludes of a week’s duration each that will allow us to explore the wider historical context of the material, via exploration of historical periods that have important Astronomy events in them and also connections to Theater through analysis of the play “Galileo” by Bertolt Brecht and Copenhagen by Michael Frayn.

Star classifications, stellar evolution and stellar remnants, distance scales in the universe, galactic structure and evolution, galactic superclusters. The past history of the universe and the experimental evidence for the big bang. The beginning and the end of the universe. Included will be discussions of the historical ramifications of the discoveries of the early 20th century and the philosophical implications of study of the beginning of the universe (or universes).

The evolution of ideas about the structure and nature of the universe from the ancient world to the present. The rise of science, and its eventual separation from religion and philosophy, is explored through case studies of important astronomical discoveries.

Cosmology and the History of Wonder Discussion

A series of experiments is undertaken with the goal of understanding both the scientific method of measurement and the laws of nature as they apply to astronomy.

20th-century developments in physics. Relativity theory; the nature of space and time, the paradox of the twins, the equivalence of mass and energy. Introductory quantum theory; the particle nature of light, the wave nature of electrons, atomic and molecular structure, the structure of the nucleus and the discovery of new particles. This course is appropriate for all those majoring in science or mathematics.

The simple harmonic oscillator, coupled oscillations and normal modes, variational methods, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, central forces. Overview of relevant mathematical methods. PRE-REQ: PHYS 201 with a grade of C- or better, and PRE or CO-REQ: MATH 212 or 213.

Discussion of contemporary research in physics. Faculty members give survey talks during the first part of the semester. During the second part, students give talks based on their reading and research.

This course introduces the basic optics concepts and their applications, such as geometrical optics and optical instrumentation design; wave optics and interaction with matter; quantum optics and lasers. Connections to visual arts are explored and practiced.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Fundamental experiments in atomic physics. Modern scientific methods and instruments are used in such classic experiments as the measurement of the speed of light, the Millikan oil drop experiment, the photo-electric effect and optical spectroscopy.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Introduction to electronics, with an emphasis on analog circuits. Theory, design, simulation, debugging, and application of circuits using passive and active components.

Vector analysis, complex variables, matrices, series solutions of differential equations, orthogonal functions and partial differential equations.

Research opportunity for Sophomores having an unusually strong background in Physics. Students will work with an individual faculty member on a research project.

This course will focus on breaking scientific problems into algorithmic pieces that can be solved using computational methods. Topics will include root finding, linear and non-linear equations, numerical modeling, optimization, random processes, graphical data presentation and fitting.

Vector analysis, complex variables, matrices, series solutions of differential equations, orthogonal functions and partial differential equations.

This course will provide a first introduction to the topic of fluid mechanics and dynamics. Topics that will be covered are properties of fluids, dimensional analysis, fluid statics, elementary fluid dynamics, conservation of mass and momentum, flows in different settings, geofluid concepts and aerodynamics. The impact of fluids on society will also be addressed.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Scattering, rigid body rotation, inertia tensor, noninertial frames, continuum mechanics and wave motion, special relativity, nonlinear dynamics and chaos.

Discussion of contemporary research in physics. Faculty members give survey talks during the first part of the semester. During the second part, students give talks based on their reading and research.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Fundamentals of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, solutions of the Schrodinger equation in one and three dimensions, symmetry, identical particles.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Perturbation theory and other approximate methods, applications of quantum mechanics for atomic, solid state and nuclear physics.

Advanced scientific instrumentation is the second course on electronics. Students will learn to design and construction of digital circuits with computer-based control of digital devices used in electrical engineering design & development and experimental research. Python is the primary programing language. C++ maybe explored during the weekly labs and the final project stage.

Experiments in atomic, nuclear, solid state and elementary particle physics.

Research opportunity for Juniors having an unusually strong background in Physics. Students will work with an individual faculty member on a research project.

Presentations and discussion of a wide spectrum of career options for physics graduates. Invited speakers from private enterprises, the public sector, and nonprofit organizations will describe opportunities and experiences in their professions.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Development of the theory of electricity and magnetism including electrostatics, magnetostatics and Maxwell’s equations.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Continued development of the theory of electromagnetism, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves and radiation, and special relativity.

A $250 per credit fee will apply for students for whom initial enrollment at W&M begins in Fall 2025 or later. Introduction to quantum statistical mechanics and thermal physics. Definitions of accessible quantum states, entropy, free energy, temperature and partition function for noninteracting systems. Derivation and interpretation of the physical and thermodynamic properties of classical and quantum gases, solids, thermal radiation and diffusive equilibrium.

Applications of quantum physics to modern research topics. The course will focus on areas (to be determined by the instructor) such as : electronic and magnetic properties of solids, atomic and optical physics, or nuclear and particle physics.

This course covers the core concepts and processes in quantum optics and atomic physics, including 2-level atoms, atom-light interactions, quantum coherence, and the quantized electromagnetic field. The course will also include topics in current research, such as laser cooling and trapping, quantum gases, electromagnetically induced transparency, quantum information science, quantum sensing, entanglement, and squeezing.

The course introduces the basic concepts and methods for the theoretical description of quantum materials and quantum devices. The first part of the course focuses on the electronic properties of quantum materials. In the second part, the concepts of qubit, quantum gate, and quantum sensor are introduced, along with examples of their implementation based on quantum materials.

This course provides an introduction to plasma physics, including where plasmas are found, avenues of current research, and computational methods in the field. The concepts of single particle motion, fluid equations, magnetohydrodynamics, and waves and instabilities are covered.

An introduction to modern astrophysics. Topics may include stellar characteristics and evolution, galactic structure, cosmology, general relativity and the tools and techniques of astronomy and astrophysics.

This course provides an introduction to particle and nuclear physics. Topics include: global properties of nuclei, nuclear stability, nucleon structure, elastic and deep inelastic scattering from nuclei, QCD (quarks and gluons), quarkonia and other mesons, collider physics, weak interaction phenomenology, neutrino oscillations, weak bosons, and the Standard Model.

Introduction to general relativity, tensor analysis, gravitational field equations, gravitational waves, Schwarzschild and Kerr solutions, cosmological models, gravitational collapse. PHYS 402 recommended.

Independent study including bibliographic and experimental or theoretical research and a research paper. The student will be required to submit a preliminary draft of the research paper during the first semester and will be expected to work closely with an advisor both in the actual research and in preparation of an acceptable report. If satisfactorily completed, this course will meet the departmental writing requirement.

Independent study including bibliographic and experimental or theoretical research and a research paper. The student will be required to submit a preliminary draft of the research paper during the first semester and will be expected to work closely with an advisor both in the actual research and in preparation of an acceptable report. If satisfactorily completed, this course will meet the departmental writing requirement.

This course is intended for senior research unrelated to the regular capstone courses. Research is supervised by a faculty member. This course does not satisfy the COLL 400 requirement.

A full-year sequence focused on engineering design processes, professional practices and expectations (e.g. communication, teamwork, and ethics), project management, introduction technical business and entrepreneurial practices, design communication, and an overview of careers opportunities in applied physics and engineering. The centerpiece of the project is a year-long team-based faculty-mentored applied design project. The course includes a 75 minute weekly classroom meeting, weekly team meetings with mentors, and the expectation substantial out-of-class involvement.

A full-year sequence focused on engineering design processes, professional practices and expectations (e.g. communication, teamwork, and ethics), project management, introduction technical business and entrepreneurial practices, design communication, and an overview of careers opportunities in applied physics and engineering. The centerpiece of the project is a year-long team-based faculty-mentored applied design project. The course includes a 75 minute weekly classroom meeting, weekly team meetings with mentors, and the expectation substantial out-of-class involvement.

Students admitted to Honors study in physics will be enrolled in this course during both semesters of their senior year. Each candidate will be responsible for (a) reading and discussion of a selected list of books in some specific area of the literature of physics; (b) the preparation and presentation by April 15 of an Honors essay based on the student’s own research, or part of a major research project; (c) satisfactory completion of a comprehensive oral examination on essay and related topics. If successfully completed this course will satisfy the College writing requirement. For students graduating before Spring 2015: In addition to the major course requirements, the department requirements for Honors specify PHYS 303 and PHYS 351, as well as either PHYS 314 or PHYS 402.   For students graduating Spring 2015 or later:  In addition to the major course requirements, the department requirements for Honors specify PHYS 314 and PHYS 403 , as well as either  PHYS 303 or PHYS 402 , and either PHYS 351 or PHYS 352 .  Students graduating in Spring 2015 may choose to use the earlier set of course requirements instead.  In applying for Honors, students must submit a proposal to the undergraduate committee during the semester preceding enrollment.

Students admitted to Honors study in physics will be enrolled in this course during both semesters of their senior year. Each candidate will be responsible for (a) reading and discussion of a selected list of books in some specific area of the literature of physics; (b) the preparation and presentation by April 15 of an Honors essay based on the student’s own research, or part of a major research project; (c) satisfactory completion of a comprehensive oral examination on essay and related topics. If successfully completed this course will satisfy the College writing requirement. For students graduating before Spring 2015: In addition to the major course requirements, the department requirements for Honors specify PHYS 303 and 351 PHYS 351 , as well as either PHYS 314 or PHYS 402 . For students graduating Spring 2015 or later: In addition to the major course requirements, the department requirements for Honors specify PHYS 314 and PHYS 403 , as well as either PHYS 303 or PHYS 402 , and either PHYS 351 or PHYS 352 . Students graduating in Spring 2015 may choose to use the earlier set of course requirements instead. In applying for Honors, students must submit a proposal to the undergraduate committee during the semester preceding enrollment.