Stephen Ratcliff
Jacob Abbott Professor Emeritus of Natural Sciences
- Office
- McCardell Bicen Hall 627
- Tel
- (802) 443-5695
- ratcliff@middlebury.edu
- Office Hours
- By appointment.
Courses Taught
PHYS 0110
Electricity & Magnetism
Course Description
Electricity and Magnetism
The physical principles of electricity and magnetism are developed with calculus and applied to the electrical structure of matter and the electromagnetic nature of light. Practical topics from electricity and magnetism include voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, inductance, and AC and DC circuits. Laboratory work includes an introduction to electronics and to important instruments such as the oscilloscope. (PHYS 0109, MATH 0122) 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PHYS 0111
Waves, Optics & Thermodynamics
Course Description
Oscillatory Motion, Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics
This calculus-based course covers oscillations, wave motion, sound, geometrical optics, physical optics, and thermodynamics. Other physics topics may be added at the discretion of the instructor. Lab experiments will explore these topics and develop skills in experimentation and data analysis. (PHYS 0108 or 109) And (MATH 0121) 3 hrs. lect./3 hrs. lab.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PHYS 0212
Applied Math For Phys. Science
Course Description
Applied Mathematics for the Physical Sciences
This course concentrates on the methods of applied mathematics used for treating the partial differential equations that commonly arise in physics, chemistry, and engineering. Topics include differential vector calculus, Fourier series, and other orthogonal function sets. Emphasis will be given to physical applications of the mathematics. This course is a prerequisite for all 0300- and 0400-level physics courses. (MATH 0122; PHYS 0110 concurrent or prior) 4.5 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PHYS 0500
Current
Upcoming
Ind. Study & Special Topic
Course Description
Independent Study and Special Topics
(Approval required)
Terms Taught
PHYS 0705
Current
Upcoming
Senior Thesis
Course Description
Senior Thesis
For a student who has completed PHYS 0704 and, by agreement with his or her advisor, is continuing the senior project as a senior thesis. (PHYS 0704 and approval required)
Terms Taught