Relativity and Electromagnetism This course develops a unified description of electromagnetism and Einstein’s theory of special relativity, based upon the postulate that the laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames. Topics include relativistic phenomena, relativistic energy and momentum, Lorentz transformations, four-vectors in spacetime, differential operators and integral theorems of vector calculus, Maxwell’s equations in differential form, electromagnetic waves, and the electromagnetic vector potential.

Statistical Mechanics This course is a study of statistical mechanics and its applications to a variety of classical and quantum systems.  It includes a discussion of microstates, macrostates, and entropy, and systematically introduces the microcanonical, canonical, grand canonical, and isobaric ensembles. This underlying theory is applied to topics including classical thermodynamics, the equipartition theorem, electromagnetic blackbody radiation, heat capacities of solids, and ideal classical and quantum gases, with a focus on Bose-Einstein condensation and degenerate Fermi systems.

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 0108 or 0109 and MATH 0122) Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 0110 and PHYS 0114.

Quantum Mechanics (formerly PHYS 0401) A fundamental course in quantum mechanics aimed at understanding the mathematical structure of the theory and its application to physical phenomena at the atomic level. Topics include the basic postulates of quantum mechanics, operator formalism, Schrödinger equation, one-dimensional and central potentials, and angular momentum and spin.

Computational Physics The laws of physics provide a beautiful mathematical framework for describing the universe. Yet it’s rare that exact solutions to the resulting equations can be found with pen and paper. In this course we will explore a range of powerful computational methods that allow us to solve physical problems, primarily using the Python programming language. Applications of these methods will include problems in Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical and thermal physics, quantum mechanics, and relativity. Prior programming experience or physics coursework at 200 level is required to enroll in this course; students without this background may be eligible to enroll in PHYS 0225 (not open to students who have taken PHYS 0230). (PHYS 0109 and MATH 0122 and PHYS 0202 or CSCI 0145 or CSCI 0150 or equivalent).

Analytical Mechanics An intermediate-level course in the kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid body motion. The topics will include: analysis and application of Newton's law of mechanics; the concepts of work, energy, and power; energy conservation; momentum and momentum conservation; torque, angular momentum, and angular momentum conservation; oscillatory motion; and central-force motion. Lagrange's and Hamilton's formulations of classical mechanics will be introduced with emphasis placed on developing problem-solving strategies and techniques.

Symmetry in the Physical World Beyond the familiar symmetry of human-made objects, there are fundamental symmetries that underlie the laws of nature. In this course we will explore how these symmetries impact the nature of matter and forces. We will investigate the life and ideas of Emmy Noether, the 20th century mathematician who formulated our modern understanding of symmetry in physics. Our discussions will touch on a wide range of physical concepts, including the principle of conservation of energy, the Big Bang, superconductivity, and the recently discovered Higgs particle. Our readings and discussions will be based on historical and scientific texts and popular science books.

Quantum Mechanics A fundamental course in quantum mechanics aimed at understanding the mathematical structure of the theory and its application to physical phenomena at the atomic and nuclear levels. Topics include the basic postulates of quantum mechanics, operator formalism, Schrödinger equation, one-dimensional and central potentials, angular momentum and spin, perturbation theory, and systems of identical particles.

Computational Physics The laws of physics provide a beautiful mathematical framework for describing the universe. Yet it’s rare that exact solutions to the resulting equations can be found with pen and paper. In this course we will explore a range of powerful computational methods that allow us to solve physical problems, primarily using the Python programming language. Applications of these methods will include problems in Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical and thermal physics, quantum mechanics, and relativity. No prior experience with programming is required. Students who meet the prerequisites for PHYS 0325 must register for that course instead. (Not open to students who have taken PHYS 0230 or PHYS 0202, or CSCI 0145 or CSCI 0150)

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.

Chris Herdman

Reviews and ratings for Chris Herdman at Middlebury College.Chris Herdman teaches Relativity & Electromagnetism, Statistical Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Chris Herdman good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

The course was very fast paced and homework intensive. I found the pacing to be terrible which made the class much more difficult than it had to be. At one point we were 4 weeks behind schedule and had to catch up at the end of the semester which made the content much harder to grasp. Other than that expect to be constantly studying as the material is not intuitive but I found it be pretty interesting. 

I found the course was fair but less enjoyable than it could have been. TAs were ultimately some of the best resources. The lab section was poorly coordinated with lecture and made learning more difficult rather than aiding in understanding course content. 

Herdman was very monotone and hard to follow in lectures. The homework was doable, but sometimes long. The exams were also very difficult and Herdman wouldn't grade or give the tests back until way a month or so afterwords. However, his grading was more than fair in the end. 