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Transport Phenomena in the Natural Sciences
PHYS306 SP

This half-credit course will concentrate on the description of the movement of essential quantities through their respective supporting media. The connection between microscopic and macroscopic behavior will be investigatged as well as the influence of dimension. As usual in physics, a high priority will be development of the appropriate mathematical tools such as the diffusion equation, discrete modeling, and distribution functions, but unlike the usual physics course, another emphasis will be acquiring skill in simplifying complex situations. Examples will be included from fields as diverse as condensed matter, biology, economics, and meteorology.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

The course will be graded on the basis of several problem sets and one or two research projects.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

The course will be aimed at advanced undergraduates in any of the sciences with confidence in their introductory physics and some exposure to differential equations, so the prerequisites are just a minimal guide. Please contact the instructor if you have doubts about preparedness.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: .5    Gen Ed Area Dept: NONE    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: PHYS113 OR PHYS115 OR CHEM143

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

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