Courses - Spring 2025
PHYS106
Light, Perception, Photography, and Visual Phenomena
Intended for the general student, this course will cover topics in optics which require minimal use of mathematics. Principles of optics, lenses, cameras, lasers and holography, physics of the eye, color vision and various visual phenomena such as rainbows.
PHYS107
Light, Perception, Photography and Visual Phenomena Laboratory
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Optional laboratory to accompany PHYS106. Laboratory experiments include geometrical optics (lenses, cameras, eye), optical instruments (telescope, binoculars), photography, perception, color phenomena, and wave phenomena.
PHYS121
Fundamentals of Physics I
Prerequisite: MATH113 or MATH115.
Credit only granted for: PHYS121, PHYS131, or PHYS331.
The first part of a two-semester course in general physics treating the fields of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Together with PHYS122, this generally satisfies the minimum requirement of medical and dental schools.
Physics Clinic, PHY 1214, MTWHF 12,2. If purchasing used books additional software may be required.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
PHYS122
Fundamentals of Physics II
Prerequisite: PHYS121; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit only granted for: PHYS122, PHYS132, or PHYS332.
A continuation of PHYS121, which together with it, generally satisfies the minimum requirement of medical and dental schools.
Physics Clinic, PHY 1214, MTWHF 11,2. If purchasing used books additional software may be required.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
PHYS131
Fundamentals of Physics for Life Sciences I
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: CHEM131; and (MATH136 or MATH140); and (BSCI160 and BSCI161; or BSCI106); and (BSCI170 and BSCI171; or BSCI105).
Credit only granted for: PHYS121, PHYS131, or PHYS331.
The first part of a two-semester course in general physics specifically oriented towards applications relevant for students in biology and pre-medical programs. The course covers basic mechanics including forces and energy, properties of matter, and thermodynamics done in authentic biological contexts.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
PHYS132
Fundamentals of Physics for Life Sciences II
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS131; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit only granted for: PHYS122, PHYS132, or PHYS332.
The second part of a two-semester course in general physics specifically oriented towards applications relevant for students in biology and pre-medical programs. The course covers basic statistical physics, electricity and magnetism, and optics done in authentic biological contexts.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
PHYS137
The Quantum Wave: understanding the potential impact of quantum information on society
Additional information: This class is not open to students in the STEM major.
Advances in quantum information science and engineering (QISE), particularly quantum computing, have the potential to significantly disrupt and change the day-to-day lives of every person. In this course, we'll learn about the confluence of engineering, physics, and computer science that make this field so promising and develop tools to make sense of the scientific, societal, and ethical implications of these emerging technologies. Students will study, in depth, applications of QISE that are of particular and personal interest to share with others how they envision navigating a facet of day-to-day life that has been disrupted by advances in QISE. No prior background in STEM required. This course is only open to non-STEM majors.
PHYS161
General Physics: Mechanics and Particle Dynamics
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in MATH141.
Credit only granted for: PHYS141, PHYS161, or PHYS171.
Additional information: General Education Natural Sciences Lab (DSNL) Course only when taken concurrently with PHYS275.
First semester of a three-semester calculus-based general physics course. Laws of motion, force, and energy; principles of mechanics, collisions, linear momentum, rotation, and gravitation.
Physics Clinic, PHY 1214, MTWHF 11, 1, 2. If purchasing used books additional software may be required.
PHYS171
Introductory Physics: Mechanics
Prerequisite: MATH140; or permission of CMNS-Physics department.
Credit only granted for: PHYS141, PHYS161, or PHYS171.
Additional information: General Education Natural Sciences Lab (DSNL) Course only when taken concurrently with PHYS275.
First semester of a three semester sequence for physics majors and those desiring a rigorous preparation in the physical sciences: kinematics, Newton's laws, energy and work, linear and angular momenta.
Jointly offered with PHYS171H.
PHYS171H
Introductory Physics: Mechanics
Prerequisite: MATH140; or permission of CMNS-Physics department.
Credit only granted for: PHYS141, PHYS161, or PHYS171.
Additional information: General Education Natural Sciences Lab (DSNL) Course only when taken concurrently with PHYS275.
First semester of a three semester sequence for physics majors and those desiring a rigorous preparation in the physical sciences: kinematics, Newton's laws, energy and work, linear and angular momenta.
Jointly offered with PHYS171.
PHYS172
Succeeding in Physics: Applications, Resources and Concepts
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
S-F
Corequisite: PHYS171.
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Physics department.
Supplemental instruction and support for students taking PHYS171, especially for students with limited high school physics preparation, or who will benefit from extra review and practice of relevant mathematics and physics concepts and skills.
PHYS260
General Physics: Electricity, Magnetism and Thermodynamics
Prerequisite: PHYS161 and MATH141.
Corequisite: PHYS261.
Credit only granted for: PHYS142, PHYS260, or PHYS272.
Second semester of a three-semester calculus-based general physics course. Electrostatics, magnetism, induction, DC and AC circuits; Maxwell's Equations, heat, and thermodynamics.
If purchasing used books additional software may be required.
PHYS261
General Physics: Mechanics, Vibrations, Waves, Heat (Laboratory)
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS161.
Lab includes experiments on mechanics, vibrations, waves, and heat. Engineering majors are expected to take PHYS260 and PHYS261 in the same semester.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
PHYS265
Introduction to Scientific Programming
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS171, PHYS141, or PHYS161; or must have scored 3 or higher on AP PHYS C Mechanics exam.
Credit only granted for: PHYS165 or PHYS265.
Formerly: PHYS165.
Introduction to scientific programming with python. Basic data types, sequences, input/output, and program control flow structures. Evaluation and plotting of mathematical functions and data. Statistical interpretation of data, and fitting of data to models. Introduction to numerical methods including integration, solutions of ordinary differential equations, and linear algebra. Extensive use of the numpy, matplotlib, and scipy packages.
Credit granted only for PHYS165 or PHYS265
PHYS270
General Physics: Waves, Optics, Relativity and Modern Physics
Prerequisite: PHYS261, MATH241, and PHYS260.
Corequisite: PHYS271.
Third semester of a three-semester calculus-based general physics course. Waves, sound, electromagnetic waves, optics, special theory of relativity, and modern physics.
If purchasing used books additional software may be required.
PHYS271
General Physics: Electrodynamics, Light, Relativity and Modern Physics (Laboratory)
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS261.
Corequisite: PHYS270.
Lab includes experiments on ac circuits, magnetism, light and modern physics. PHYS270 and PHYS271 (lab) must be taken in the same semester.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
PHYS272
Introductory Physics: Fields
Prerequisite: PHYS161 or PHYS171; and MATH141; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in MATH241.
Credit only granted for: PHYS142, PHYS260, or PHYS272.
Second semester of a calculus based general physics course. Universal gravitation, electric and magnetic fields and potentials, simple circuits, Maxwell's equations in integral form. Continues the application of mathematics to conceptual models, now with more abstract components.
Cross-listed with PHYS272H. Credit granted for PHYS272 or PHYS272H.
PHYS272H
Introductory Physics: Fields
Prerequisite: PHYS161 or PHYS171; and MATH141; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in MATH241.
Credit only granted for: PHYS142, PHYS260, or PHYS272.
Second semester of a calculus based general physics course. Universal gravitation, electric and magnetic fields and potentials, simple circuits, Maxwell's equations in integral form. Continues the application of mathematics to conceptual models, now with more abstract components.
For general honors students only. Cross-listed with PHYS272. Credit granted for PHYS272 or PHYS272H.
PHYS273
Introductory Physics: Oscillations and Waves
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: MATH241 and PHYS272; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in PHYS274, MATH243 or equivalent.
Mechanical and electrical oscillators, including damped and driven systems; coupled oscillators and normal modes; Fourier series and Fourier transforms; the classical wave equation, traveling and standing waves; reflection and transmission; Maxwell's equations in differential form; physical optics. Extensive use of complex variables.
Cross-listed with PHYS273H. Credit granted for PHYS273 or PHYS273H.
PHYS273H
Introductory Physics: Oscillations and Waves
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: MATH241 and PHYS272; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in PHYS274, MATH243 or equivalent.
Mechanical and electrical oscillators, including damped and driven systems; coupled oscillators and normal modes; Fourier series and Fourier transforms; the classical wave equation, traveling and standing waves; reflection and transmission; Maxwell's equations in differential form; physical optics. Extensive use of complex variables.
For general honors students only. Cross-listed with PHYS273. Credit granted for PHYS273 or PHYS273H.
PHYS275
Experimental Physics I: Mechanics and Waves
Credits:
2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in PHYS171 or PHYS161.
Additional information: General Education Natural Sciences Lab (DSNL) Course only when taken concurrently with PHYS171 or PHYS161.
A first course for physics majors and interested engineering students introducing the methods of experimental science. Students learn to identify various statistical data distributions, carry out rigorous uncertainty analysis, and test whether a given theoretical model adequately describes the observed phenomena. These concepts are applied to sophisticated physical systems that exhibit complex behavior and can yield remarkably precise and accurate results. Experiments are chosen from the areas of mechanics and waves.
PHYS276
Experimental Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism
Credits:
2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS272 and PHYS275.
Second course in the three semester introductory sequence. Methods and rationale of experimental physics. Experiments chosen from the fields of electricity and magnetism including electrostatics, magnetostatics, magnetic induction, AC circuits.
PHYS299
Special Problems in Physics
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
PHYS299Q
Quantum Steampunk Science-Fiction Workshop
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with: ARHU270, CMSC298Q, ENME299Q.
Credit only granted for: ARHU270, CMSC298Q, ENME299Q or PHYS299Q.
Steampunk is a science-fiction genre in which futuristic technologies populate Victorian-era settings. Recently, steampunk has come to life in the scientific field of quantum thermodynamics. Thermodynamics, the study of energy, grew out of the Industrial Revolution. Two centuries later, quantum physics is transforming computing and cryptography. Quantum science is now revolutionizing 19th-century thermodynamics in quantum thermodynamics, which features quantum engines, automata, and more. Quantum thermodynamics inspired the growing subgenre of quantum steampunk. In this course, you will read science fiction, write quantum steampunk short stories, receive feedback, and critique classmates' writing. In parallel, you will learn about quantum physics, technologies, and thermodynamics.
Cross-listed with CMSC298Q, ARHU298Q and CHEM298Q. Credit only granted for ARHU298Q or CMSC298Q or PHYS299Q or CHEM298Q.
Steampunk is a science-fiction genre in which futuristic technologies populate Victorian-era settings. Recently, steampunk has come to life in the scientific field of quantum thermodynamics. Thermodynamics, the study of energy, grew out of the Industrial Revolution. Two centuries later, quantum physics is transforming computing and cryptography. Quantum science is now revolutionizing 19th-century thermodynamics in quantum thermodynamics, which features quantum engines, automata, and more. Quantum thermodynamics inspired the growing subgenre of quantum steampunk. In this course, you will read science fiction, write quantum-steampunk short stories, receive feedback, and critique classmates writing. In parallel, you will learn QUANTUM STEAMPUNK WRKSHPechnologies, and thermodynamics.
Steampunk is a science-fiction genre in which futuristic technologies populate Victorian-era settings. Recently, steampunk has come to life in the scientific field of quantum thermodynamics. Thermodynamics, the study of energy, grew out of the Industrial Revolution. Two centuries later, quantum physics is transforming computing and cryptography. Quantum science is now revolutionizing 19th-century thermodynamics in quantum thermodynamics, which features quantum engines, automata, and more. Quantum thermodynamics inspired the growing subgenre of quantum steampunk. In this course, you will read science fiction, write quantum-steampunk short stories, receive feedback, and critique classmates writing. In parallel, you will learn QUANTUM STEAMPUNK WRKSHPechnologies, and thermodynamics.
PHYS299W
Special Problems in Physics; Workforce Skills Development for Physics Undergraduates
Credits:
2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisites: PHYS171 or permission of instructor Supports students navigating opportunities in the workforce. Building self-confidence through skills assessments, identifying potential career paths, and learning effective job search strategies. Students will connect with professionals across industry to grow their network, build resumes, and conduct mock interviews. Includes mentoring and developing awareness of workforce diversity issues. Restriction: Intended for Physics Majors
PHYS313
Electricity and Magnetism I
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: MATH241, PHYS273, and one of the following: PHYS274, MATH240, MATH243, MATH246, or equivalent courses.
A first course in electricity and magnetism at an advanced level. Electrostatics; solutions to the Laplace and Poisson equations in cartesian and spherical coordinates; electric fields in matter; and magnetostatics. Study of boundary value problems and extensive use of vector calculus.
Prerequisite: Credit granted for PHYS313 or PHYS412 only
PHYS332
Physics for Life Sciences II
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS331; or PHYS131; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit only granted for: PHYS122, PHYS132, or PHYS332.
The second part of a two-semester course in general physics specifically oriented towards applications relevant for students in biology and pre-medical programs. The course covers basic statistical physics, electricity and magnetism, and optics done in authentic biological contexts.
PHYS371
Modern Physics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS273 and PHYS274.
Corequisite: PHYS373.
Credit only granted for: PHYS371 or PHYS420.
Additional information: This course is intended primarily for physics and astronomy majors.
Introduces students to special relativity, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics at an intermediate level.
PHYS375
Experimental Physics III: Electromagnetic Waves, Optics and Modern Physics
Prerequisite: PHYS276 and PHYS273.
Third course in the three-semester introductory sequence. Methods and rationale of experimental physics. Experiments chosen from the areas of electromagnetic waves, optics and modern physics.
PHYS386
Experiential Learning
Credits:
3 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
PHYS389
Undergraduate Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
PHYS398
Independent Studies Seminar
Credits:
1 - 16
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
PHYS399
Special Problems in Physics
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
PHYS400
Advanced Modern Physics (Honors)
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Grades of A in PHYS272, PHYS273, MATH241, and MATH243 or MATH246, and permission of CMNS-Physics Department.
Corequisite: PHYS313.
Credit only granted for: PHYS371, PHYS400, or PHYS401.
Introduces students to special relativity and quantum mechanics. Topics include relativistic spacetime and 4-momentum, historical origins of quantum mechanics, single particle bound states and scattering in one dimension, the hydrogen atom, spin-1/2, and quantum information theory. Students completing PHYS400 will gain proficiency in Modern Physics (PHYS371) and Quantum Physics 1 (PHYS401).
PHYS401
Quantum Physics I
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS371; and (PHYS313 or PHYS373).
Introduces some quantum phenomena leading to wave-particle duality. Schroedinger theory for bound states and scattering in one dimension. One-particle Schroedinger equation and the hydrogen atom.
PHYS402
Quantum Physics II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS401.
Applications of quantum mechanics to atomic, molecular, and solid state systems. Addition of angular momenta, multiparticle states, perturbation theory and other approximation techniques, scattering, and symmetries.
PHYS404
Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS371 or PHYS420.
Introduction to basic concepts in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
PHYS405
Advanced Experiments
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS375.
Restriction: Must be in a major within CMNS-Physics department.
Advanced laboratory techniques. Selected experiments from many fields of modern physics. Emphasis on self-study of the phenomena, data analysis, and presentation in report form.
PHYS406
Experimental Research Development
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Prerequisite: PHYS375.
Restriction: Permsission of CMNS-Physics department.
Additional information: The student is expected to work on the project for approximately 9 hours per week in a standard semester or a total of 135 hours in a non-standard semester. PHYS406 may not be used to satisfy an advanced physics elective.
Part I of a two-semester, independent, experimental research project supervised by a faculty mentor. The student participates significantly in experimental design, set-up, and collection and analysis of real, physical data, including the evaluation of experimental uncertainties. The student maintains a lab notebook and completes an end-of-semester progress report.
PHYS407
Undergraduate Experimental Research
Prerequisite: PHYS499 and PHYS375; and permission of CMNS-Physics department.
Restriction: Must be in a major within CMNS-Physics department; and senior standing.
Students develop and complete an independent, experimental research project with a professor in the Physics Department. The project should be a continuation of work done in PHYS499A. To obtain permission, students must submit a proposal describing the experimental work to be completed and this proposal must be approved by their faculty mentor, the associate chair for undergraduate education and the chair of the laboratory committee. Students must maintain a lab notebook, give an oral presentation and complete a written report on their research that includes data and error analysis.
PHYS410
Classical Mechanics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS265 and PHYS273; and (MATH243 or MATH246).
Theoretical foundations of mechanics with extensive application of the methods. Various mathematical tools of theoretical physics.
PHYS413
Electricity and Magnetism II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS313 or PHYS412.
Credit only granted for: PHYS411 or PHYS413.
The second semester of a two semester course with emphasis on electromagnetic waves, potentials and gauge invariance, and relativistic electrodynamics
PHYS420
Principles of Modern Physics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: MATH246. And PHYS271 and PHYS270; or PHYS273.
Credit only granted for: PHYS371 or PHYS420.
A survey of atomic and nuclear phenomena and the main trends in modern physics. Appropriate for students in engineering and other physical sciences.
PHYS431
Introduction to Solid State Physics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS271, PHYS270, and MATH241.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher; and must be in the Engineering: Materials Science program or Physics program.
Cross-listed with: ENMA460.
Credit only granted for: ENMA460 or PHYS431.
Additional information: Materials Engineering students take ENMA460 and Physics students take PHYS431.
Classes of materials; introduction to basic ideal and real materials' behavior including mechanical, electrical, thermal, magnetic and optical responses of materials; importance of microstructure in behavior. One application of each property will be discussed in detail.
PHYS441
Topics in Nuclear and Particle Physics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS401 or PHYS402.
Corequisite: PHYS402.
A survey of concepts in particle and nuclear physics, with a topical emphasis on the impact of the Weak Interaction and the discovery of Parity Violation.
PHYS456
Making Physics Experiments
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS276; or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Permission of Physics Department.
Credit only granted for: PHYS499X or PHYS456.
Formerly: PHYS499X.
Laboratory course emphasizing practical skills used for making Physics experiments within the broader context of the maker movement and the maker culture. Design, fabrication, hands-on skills, repair, and safety. Practical skills not otherwise covered in traditional coursework (e.g.: carpentry, electronics disassembly/assembly, soldering, etc.).
PHYS457
Introduction to Quantum Computing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: 1 course with a minimum grade of C- from (MATH240, PHYS274); and 1 course with a minimum grade of C- from (CMSC351, PHYS373).
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Physics department; or permission of CMNS-Computer Science department.
Cross-listed with CMSC4 57.
Credit only granted for: PHYS457 or CMSC457. Additional infor mation: No previous background in quantum mechanics is required.
An introduction to the concept of a quantum computer, including algorithms that outperform classical computation and methods for performing quantum computation reliably in the presence of noise. As this is a multidisciplinary subject, the course will cover basic concepts in theoretical computer science and physics in addition to introducing core quantum computing topics.
PHYS474
Computational Physics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS373; and (PHYS165, CMSC106, or CMSC131).
Recommended: PHYS401 (strongly recommended).
Additional information: Students will need a laptop for this course to run specific software; however, arrangements will be made for those who need them. Students will need to load the Python 3 language on your computer, which will be done in the first week of class. The class will use the "Anaconda" environment/distribution, which is available for Mac/Windows/Linux. Contact the department for more information.
Introduction to computational physics. Overview of some of the most widely used methods of computational physics and computational methods, including data analysis and statistical methods, visualization, numerical solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations (classical equations of motion, Poisson's equation, time independent and time dependent Schrodinger equations) and Monte Carlo simulations. In addition to giving the students a basic working knowledge of these particular techniques, the goal is to make them proficient in scientific computing and programming in general, so that they will be prepared to tackle other computational and data analysis problems that they may encounter in the future. This course will use the programming language Python.
The department is waiving the PHYS404 prerequisite for the Spring 2024 semester.
PHYS487
Computerized Instrumentation
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS276 or Permission of Instructor.
Restriction: Departmental Permission.
Concentration on computer interfaces to measurement devices. Includes a review of basic electronic circuits and measurement devices. Extensive work with arduinos, making use of a variety of measurement probes. Includes introduction to the C++ programming language, the Segger development environment, and real-time operating systems (RTOS) used in advanced physics experiments.
Cross-listed with PHYS687. Credit only granted for PHYS487 or PHYS687.
PHYS499A
Special Problems in Physics
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
PHYS499B
Special Problems in Physics
Credits:
1 - 16
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
PHYS499V
Special Problems in Physics; Colloquium for Undergraduate Physics Majors
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
PHYS611
Mathematical Methods and Their Applications in Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics II
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS610 or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Permission by Department.
Second course of a two-semester graduate level sequence on classical mechanics, electrodynamics and relativity and the mathematics that underlie these subjects. Mathematical methods will generally be introduced in the context of relevant physical problems.
PHYS613
Quantum and Statistical Physics II
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS612; or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Permission of the Physics Department.
Second course of a two-semester graduate level sequence on topics in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.
PHYS625
Quantum Many-Body Theory I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS612 and PHYS613.
Non-relativistic second quantization, path integrals and functional field integrals, perturbation theory with Feynman diagrams, interacting electron gas.
PHYS687
Computerized Instrumentation
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Departmental Permission and graduate standing in physics or permission of instructor.
Concentration on computer interfaces to measurement devices. Includes a review of basic electronic circuits and measurement devices. Extensive work with arduinos, making use of a variety of measurement probes. Includes introduction to the C++ programming language, the Segger development environment, and real-time operating systems (RTOS) used in advanced physics experiments.
Cross-listed with PHYS487. Credit only granted for PHYS487 or PHYS687.
PHYS703
Introduction to Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: PHYS603 or CHEM687; or permission of instructor.
Cross-listed with: CHEM703, CHPH703.
Credit only granted for: CHEM703, CHPH703, or PHYS703.
Analysis and microscopic modeling of systems away from thermal equilibrium. Linear response theory, ergodicity, Brownian motion, Monte Carlo modeling, thermal ratchets, far-from-equilibrium fluctuation relations. Introduction to the theoretical tools of nonequilibrium phenomena and their application to problems in physics, chemistry and biology.
Credit only granted for CHEM703, CHPH703 or PHYS703.
PHYS709
Seminar in General Physics; Statistical Physics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Cross-listed with CHPH709B. Credit granted for CHPH709B or PHYS709.
PHYS721
Atomic and Optical Physics I (Survey)
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS623.
A survey of topics involving the physics of atoms and their interaction with radiation, including atoms in external fields, lasers, atomic spectroscopy and atomic structure.
PHYS728J
Seminar in Atomic and Molecular Physics; JQI Seminar
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
PHYS738
Seminar in Experimental Solid State Physics; Quantum Mechanical Many-Body Problems
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Advanced special students require department authorization.
PHYS739
Seminar in Theoretical Solid State Physics; Quantum Mechanical Many-Body Problems
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Advanced special students require department authorization.
PHYS748
Seminar in Experimental Nuclear Physics; Seminar in Nuclear Physics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS749
Seminar in Theoretical Nuclear Physics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS752
Elementary Particle Physics II: Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: PHYS751 and PHYS624.
Survey of elementary particles and their properties, quantum field theory, meson theory, weak interactions, possible extensions of elementary particle theory.
PHYS758E
Seminar in Elementary Particles and Quantum Field Theory; Experimental Results Including Cosmic Ray Physics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS759
Seminar in Elementary Particles and Quantum Field Theory
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Advanced special students require department authorization.
PHYS769
Seminar in Plasma Physics; Plasma Physics Research
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Advanced special students require department authorization.
PHYS778
Seminar in Space and Cosmic Ray Physics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
S-F, Aud
Advanced special students require department authorization.
PHYS798
Special Problems in Advanced Physics
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS798B
Special Problems in Advanced Physics; Physics Colloquium
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS798E
Special Problems in Advanced Physics; Electrophysics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
High-intensity laser-matter interaction, propagation of optical Beams, laser driven particle acceleration, classical masers and lasers.
PHYS798J
Special Problems in Advanced Physics; Science and Technology Policy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Jointly offered with PLCY689L. Credit only granted for PLCY689L or PHYS7 98J.
PHYS798L
Special Problems in Advanced Physics; Biophysics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Cross-listed with CHPH709L and BIPH698L. Credit granted for CHPH709L, BIPH698L or PHYS798L.
PHYS798Q
Special Problems in Advanced Physics; Seminar in Quantum Physics, Information, and Technology
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
PHYS830
Topics in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
A variety of current advanced topics in condensed matter theory will be treated in a tutorial format. Students should be familiar with concepts such as renormilization group theory, phase transitions, quantum information, and topological concepts.
PHYS838C
Special Topics in Experimental Solid State Physics; Center for Nanophysics and Advanced Materials Seminar
Credits:
2
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS839A
Special Topics in Theoretical Solid State Physics
Credits:
1 - 4
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS851
Advanced Quantum Field Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS624.
Renormalized quantum electrodynamics, non-Abelian gauge theories, quantum chromodynamics and asymptotic freedom, electroweak theory and Higgs mechanism, path-integral formulation and non-perturbative approaches to quantum field theories.
PHYS898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
Reg
PHYS899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
S-F
Physics Colloquium meets Tu 4-5:30 in PHY 1410 and PHY 1412. Physics Journal Club meets Th 4-5:30 in PHY 1410.
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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