Courses - Fall 2025
PHYS102
Physics of Music
Prerequisite: Must have math eligibility of MATH107 or higher.
Credit only granted for: PHYS102 and PHYS499C.
Additional information: CORE Distributive Studies Physical Sciences Laboratory Course only when taken concurrently with PHYS103.
A study of the physical basis of sound, acoustical properties of sound, the human ear and voice, reproduction of sound, electronic music, acoustical properties of auditoriums, and other selected topics.
PHYS103
Physics of Music Laboratory
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Optional laboratory to accompany PHYS 102. Laboratory experiments, including the velocity of sound, sound quality and wave shape, traveling and standing waves, fourier synthesis and analysis, musical synthesizer, psychoacoustics, and audio equipment.
PHYS105
Additional information: This course is aimed at the non-science major.
How will the world address the energy needs of a growing population and its impact on climate change? This class will explore potential solutions to mitigate our atmospheric impact, including technological innovations and policy measures. Additionally, we will analyze the roles of economics, government, and industry in shaping our responses within the context of modern science.
PHYS115
Inquiry into Physics
Recommended: High School Physics.
Restriction: Must not have completed PHYS117; and must be in one of the following programs (Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Middle School Education).
Credit only granted for: PHYS115 or PHYS117.
Intended for students majoring in neither the physical nor the biological sciences. Use of laboratory-based and inquiry-based methods to study some of the basic ideas of physical sciences.
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 11,1. If purchasing used books additional software may be required. Students must pay a $50.00 laboratory 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 12,2. If purchasing used books additional software may be required. Students must pay a $50.00 laboratory 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 laboratory 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 laboratory materials fee.
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, 2. If purchasing used books additional software may be required.
PHYS170
Professional Physics Seminar
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Corequisite: MATH140.
Restriction: Must be in Physics program; or must be in Physics-Education program; or permission of instructor.
Provides a look at some of the major developments of current interest in physics research and discusses the activities physicists undertake in research, education, industry, government, and other areas of the economy.
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.
PHYS174
Physics Laboratory Introduction
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Corequisite: MATH140.
Recommended: High school physics.
Introduces students to the techniques of data gathering and analysis. This course will lay a foundation for higher-level labs in physics and the physical sciences. Students will learn to use laboratory equipment such as calipers, meters, oscilloscopes, and computer interfaces. Techniques of measurement and error analysis will be presented. Students will be taught to use the computer for data analysis with an emphasis on using spreadsheets.
PHYS235
Recommended: Students should be comfortable standard high school algebra II.
Credit only granted for: PHYS199M or PHYS235.
Formerly: PHYS199M.
Introduction to some critical ideas of nuclear physics and a review of some key historical developments starting at the end of the 19th century. Chronological development of nuclear physics from the discovery of radioactivity by Becquerel in 1896 through to the discovery of fission in Germany in 1938 followed by an examination of the programs to develop nuclear weapons in the United States, Britain and Germany. Extensive study of political, ethical, scientific, military, social, and economic issues surrounding the Manhattan Project.
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.
PHYS260H
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 laboratory 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.
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 laboratory 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.
Jointly offered with PHYS 272H.
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. Jointly offered with PHYS 272.
PHYS273
Intermediate Oscillations and Waves
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: MATH241 and PHYS272; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in one of the following: (PHYS274, MATH243, MATH246 or equivalent).
Classical physics at an intermediate level, introducing mathematical tools such as complex variables, linear differential equations, and Fourier series and transforms. Physics of mechanical and electrical oscillators, including damped and driven systems; coupled oscillators and normal modes; the classical wave equation and its Fourier solutions; wave reflection and transmission at boundaries; Maxwell's equations in differential form; electromagnetic waves, and physical optics.
Jointly offered with PHYS 273H.
PHYS273H
Intermediate Oscillations and Waves
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: MATH241 and PHYS272; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in one of the following: (PHYS274, MATH243, MATH246 or equivalent).
Classical physics at an intermediate level, introducing mathematical tools such as complex variables, linear differential equations, and Fourier series and transforms. Physics of mechanical and electrical oscillators, including damped and driven systems; coupled oscillators and normal modes; the classical wave equation and its Fourier solutions; wave reflection and transmission at boundaries; Maxwell's equations in differential form; electromagnetic waves, and physical optics.
For general honors students only. Jointly offered with PHYS 273.
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
PHYS299E
Special Problems in Physics; Developing Essential Research Skills
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Introduces students to the skills needed to become successful researchers. The course includes research experience, an introduction to programming, scientific reading and writing, presentation development and formal poster presentation.
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
Restriction: Intended for Physics Majors
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
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.
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.
PHYS331
Physics for Life Sciences I
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: CHEM131; and (MATH131 or MATH136); and (BSCI160 and BSCI161; or BSCI106); and (BSCI170 and BSCI171; or BSCI105). Or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit only granted for: PHYS121, PHYS131 or PHYS 331.
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.
PHYS371
Modern Physics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS273; and 1 course from (PHYS274, MATH243, or MATH246).
Credit only granted for: PHYS371 or PHYS420.
Additional information: Intended primarily for physics and astronomy majors.
Physics of the early 20th century. Special relativity; particle-wave duality; Compton scattering; the Bohr model; the Schroedinger equation; atomic and nuclear physics phenomena. Includes introductory thermodynamics and the kinetic theory of gases.
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
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.
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
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.
PHYS467
Introduction to Quantum Technology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: MATH141 and MATH240 or equivalent; and one of the following: PHYS360, PHYS401, PHYS457, or ENEE491; or permission of instructor.
Cross-listed with: ENEE492.
Credit only granted for: PHYS467 or ENEE492.
Investigates the basic concepts/building blocks of quantum computers, quantum key distribution, quantum networks, and quantum sensors. Examines what is needed to form a working qubit and different hardware platforms that implement them (for example, trapped ions, superconducting microwave circuits, color centers, and neutral atoms.) Conceptual and computational familiarity with complex numbers, vector spaces, bases, matrices, eigenvectors, and eigenvalues will be assumed, as well as quantum states/wave functions, and quantum measurement. Familiarity with spin-1/2 systems, and Pauli matrices is highly recommended.
PHYS485
Electronic Circuits
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS272 and PHYS276.
Restriction: Must be in a major within CMNS-Physics department.
Theory and application to experimental physics of modern semiconductor analog and digital circuits. Emphasis on understanding passive and active elements in practical circuits. Topics span the range from simple transistor circuits to microcomputers.
Additional Note: Jointly offered with PHYS685. Credit only granted for PHYS485 or PHYS685.
PHYS488P
Interdisciplinary Topics in Physics; Science and Global Security
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisites: Must have taken one of the following two-course physics sequences: PHYS131 and 132; PHYS141 and PHYS142; PHYS161 and PHYS260; or PHYS171 and PHYS272. Restriction: Must have earned a minimum of 60 credits. Cross-listed with PHYS488P and jointly offered with PHYS688P/PLCY688P. Credit only granted for PLCY488P, PHYS488P, PLCY688P, or PHYS688P.
This course examines technologies of modern warfare and intelligence. Topics include the design, production, deployment, and effects of nuclear weapons; ballistic missiles and missile defense; bombers, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and air defense; submarines and anti-submarine warfare; artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles; satellites and anti-satellite weapons; verification and intelligence technologies; and chemical, biological, and radiological weapons.
This course examines technologies of modern warfare and intelligence. Topics include the design, production, deployment, and effects of nuclear weapons; ballistic missiles and missile defense; bombers, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and air defense; submarines and anti-submarine warfare; artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles; satellites and anti-satellite weapons; verification and intelligence technologies; and chemical, biological, and radiological weapons.
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
PHYS610
Mathematical Methods and Their Applications in Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics I
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have an outstanding undergraduate background in physics.
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Physics Department.
First 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.
PHYS612
Quantum and Statistical Physics I
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have an outstanding undergraduate background in physics.
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Physics Department.
First course of a two-semester graduate level sequence on topics in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.
PHYS624
Introduction to Quantum Field Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS613 or PHYS623.
Merging relativity and quantum mechanics using quantum fields, scalar field theory and canonical quantization, continuous and discrete symmetries, perturbation theory and scattering amplitudes, renormalized perturbation theory, Lorentz-group representations and fermionic field theories, massive and massless vector field theories and gauge invariance, quantum electrodynamics.
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.
PHYS675
Introduction to Relativity, Gravitation and Cosmology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS606 and PHYS601.
Review of special relativity, followed by a study of the equivalence principle, curved spacetimes, and Einstein's equations. Selected applications to the solar system, stellar structure, black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmology.
PHYS685
Research Electronics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Prerequisite: An outstanding undergraduate background in physics or permission of the instructor.
Restriction: Must not have completed PHYS485.
Credit only granted for: PHYS485 or PHYS685.
An integrated lecture and laboratory course in electronics with equal emphasis on experimental methods and results and analysis using device models and up-to-date mathematical and numerical tools. Experiments and analysis of circuits with passive and single active devices form the background for the study of operational amplifiers, digital integrated circuits and systems, and microcomputers. The general topics of impedance matching, frequency response, feedback, interfacing and the extraction of signal from noise are stressed.
Additional Note: Jointly offered with PHY485. Credit only granted for PH YS685or PHYS485.
PHYS688P
Interdisciplinary Topics in Physics; Science, Technology, and National Security
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Cross-listed with PLCY688P and jointly offered with PHYS488P/PLCY488P. Credit only granted for PLCY488P, PHYS488P, PLCY688P, or PHYS688P.
This course examines technologies of modern warfare and intelligence. Topics include the design, production, deployment, and effects of nuclear weapons; ballistic missiles and missile defense; bombers, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and air defense; submarines and anti-submarine warfare; artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles; satellites and anti-satellite weapons; verification and intelligence technologies; and chemical, biological, and radiological weapons. The grade will be determined by weekly problem sets and a take-home final exam. Knowledge of physics at the PHYS 141/142 level helpful but not essential.
This course examines technologies of modern warfare and intelligence. Topics include the design, production, deployment, and effects of nuclear weapons; ballistic missiles and missile defense; bombers, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and air defense; submarines and anti-submarine warfare; artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles; satellites and anti-satellite weapons; verification and intelligence technologies; and chemical, biological, and radiological weapons. The grade will be determined by weekly problem sets and a take-home final exam. Knowledge of physics at the PHYS 141/142 level helpful but not essential.
PHYS709
Seminar in General Physics; Statistical Physics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Cross-listed with CHPH709B.
PHYS715
Chaotic Dynamics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS601.
Theory and applications of chaos in dynamical systems including such topics as strange attractors, Lyapanov exponents, quasiperiodicity, period doubling, intermittency, crises, fractal basin boundaries, chaotic scattering, KAM tori, and quantum chaos.
PHYS728J
Seminar in Atomic and Molecular Physics; JQI Seminar
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS738
Seminar in Experimental Solid State Physics; Quantum Mechanical Many-Body Problems
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS739
Seminar in Theoretical Solid State Physics; Quantum Mechanical Many-Body Problems
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS749
Seminar in Theoretical Nuclear Physics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS758E
Seminar in Elementary Particles and Quantum Field Theory; Seminar in Elementary Particles and Quantum Field Theory
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS759
Seminar in Elementary Particles and Quantum Field Theory
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS761
Plasma Physics I: Survey
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: PHYS606 and PHYS604.
A detailed study of plasma physics. The first semester treats particle orbit theory, magnetohydrodynamics, plasma waves, and transport phenomena.
PHYS769
Seminar in Plasma Physics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Class will meet in ERF 1207.
PHYS778
Seminar in Space and Cosmic Ray Physics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
S-F, Aud
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
PHYS798L
Special Problems in Advanced Physics; Biophysics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
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
PHYS838C
Special Topics in Experimental Solid State Physics; Superconductivity, Quantum Materials and Nanoscience Seminar
Credits:
2
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS839A
Special Topics in Theoretical Solid State Physics; Theory of Low Dimensional Systems
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
PHYS859C
Special Topics in Elementary Particles and Quantum Field Theory; Cosmology and Particle Physics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Intended for students that have completed a year of quantum field theory (at the level of PHYS 624 and PHYS 851) as well as having some familiarity with the Standard Model and General Relativity.
Introduces basic concepts and challenges in early universe cosmology, and discusses important mechanisms that go beyond the Standard Model such as Baryogenesis, Inflation, Dark Matter, and "Cosmological Collider Physics
Introduces basic concepts and challenges in early universe cosmology, and discusses important mechanisms that go beyond the Standard Model such as Baryogenesis, Inflation, Dark Matter, and "Cosmological Collider Physics
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.
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