Dr. John A. Varriano
Biography
Dr. John Varriano is a professor in the Department of Physics and Natural Science and serves as the department chair. John came to CBU in 1993 after earning a PhD in optics from the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester. He routinely teaches introductory physics courses and upper-level courses in optics, special relativity, and experimental physics. John values and enjoys the teacher-student interaction at CBU while investigating our physical universe. John is a Trekkie and enjoys discussing the Star Trek universe as well.
Education
- Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, PhD
- University of Pittsburgh, BS
Courses Taught
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PHYS 150: Physics I
A beginning course in physics covering the topics of kinematics, dynamics, gravitation, work, energy, momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics. This course has a prerequisite of Calculus I and calculus is used in presenting the material.
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PHYS 150L: Physics I Lab
Laboratory to accompany PHYS 150.
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PHYS 251: Physics II
A second course in calculus-based physics covering electric forces, electric fields, voltage, capacitance, current, resistance, magnetic forces, magnetic fields, induction, oscillations, and waves.
- PHYS 251L: Physics II Lab
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PHYS 252: Physics III
A third course in calculus-based physics covering geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, quantum theory, waves and particles, atomic physics, special relativity, radioactivity, and nuclear physics.
- PHYS 252L: Physics III Lab
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PHYS 350: Relativistic Mechanics
A study of the special theory of relativity and relativistic mechanics.
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PHYS 415: Optics
A study of electromagnetic radiation, with emphasis on the visible portion of the spectrum. Topics include optical detectors, superposition of waves, interference, far-field and near-field diffraction, polarization, waveguides and optical fibers, and laser theory.
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PHYS 420: Optical and Advanced Experiments
Different experiments are performed involving optical interactions and other advanced topics in physics. Necessary material is assigned and discussed prior to each experiment. A report is required for each experiment including a thorough analysis of uncertainties.
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PHYS 491: Research I
An independent investigation in some field of physics. A choice of topic for research is made, and a written description of the proposed research including bibliographical references is required.
- PHYS 492: Research II
Publications and Research Focus
“Construction and Operation of a Microparticle Electrodynamic Ion Trap”, Tennessee Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Annual Meeting, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, March 25, 2023.
“Desmos: Some Physics Examples of This Quick, Easy, and Free Graphing Tool”, Tennessee Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Annual Meeting, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN, April 9, 2022.
“Acoustic Fun: Simple Speaker and Levitator”, Tennessee Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Annual Meeting, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, March 30, 2019.
“The Rolling Yo-yo: The Yo-yoing of Friction”, Tennessee Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Annual Meeting, University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, TN, March 25, 2017.
“Electricity & Magnetism: Music to Our Ears”, Tennessee Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Annual Meeting, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN, March 21, 2015.
“The Physics of 3-D Glasses”, Tennessee Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Annual Meeting, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, March 23, 2013.