Faculty Profile
Robert Boyle
Professor of Physics and Astronomy (1981)
Contact Information
Tome Scientific Building Room 218
717-245-1415
Bio
Major research interests involve infrared astronomy, studies of old stellar systems, and variable stars. His teaching activities include introductory physics, introductory astronomy, theoretical physics, and a variety of other topics in physics and astrophysics.
Education
- B.A., Princeton University, 1971
- M.Phil., Yale University, 1976
- Ph.D., 1981
2024-2025 Academic Year
Fall 2024
PHYS 141 Physics for the Life Sciences
Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students. Topics include mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 131 and 141.
Spring 2025
ASTR 109 Mysteries of the Solar System
This course explores questions that are as old as humanity; you will step into the shoes of ancient astronomers to ponder the workings of the night sky and Solar System. Why do the stars move the way they do? Why do some bright objects wander the night sky? Can we know what these objects are and where they came from? We will develop practical and critical thinking skills that are crucial to the art of discovery, focusing on the historical use of naked eye and telescopic observations, as well as the use of present day space probes and the electromagnetic spectrum. Our journey will take us to the planets and some fascinating moons. Three hours classroom, one two-hour laboratory a week. This course counts toward the astronomy minor.
PHYS 142 Physics for the Life Sciences
Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students. Topics include acoustics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 132 and 142. Prerequisite: 141 or 131.
ASTR 208 Introductory Astrophysics
An introduction to the physical basis of astronomy, including celestial mechanics and tools of observational astronomy. Insight into how the field has evolved since ancient times, as well as an appreciation of the problems explored by current research will be gained. Content is similar to ASTR 110, but with additional emphasis on mathematical analysis of astrophysical phenomena. Prerequisite: 131 or 141 or permission of instructor. This course is cross-listed as PHYS 208.
PHYS 208 Introductory Astrophysics
An introduction to the physical basis of astronomy, including celestial mechanics and tools of observational astronomy. Insight into how the field has evolved since ancient times, as well as an appreciation of the problems explored by current research will be gained. Content is similar to ASTR 110, but with additional emphasis on mathematical analysis of astrophysical phenomena. Prerequisite: 131 or 141 or permission of instructor. This course is cross-listed as ASTR 208.