Physics
S = Objectives
Undergraduate Concentration
A typical scenario for a physical
explanation of a given situation is this: a small collection of
basic physical principles relevant to the situation is used to
create a mathematical model of it; computations are carried out
using the model, leading to predictions that are checked experimentally;
if there is agreement, the physical situation is deemed to have
been explained. The objective of the program in physics is to
make it possible for students to execute such a scenario for a
wide range of physical situations. To that end, students are required
to attain a firm grasp of the basic principles of classical physics
and familiarity with those of quantum physics, to learn how to
decide which principles are relevant to a given situation and
how to construct the appropriate mathematical model, to develop
the mathematical skills necessary to carry out the computations
that generate predictions, and to strengthen the experimental
skills used in exploring new phenomena and in carrying out the
verification step of the typical scenario.
The ability to execute the
typical scenario of physical explanation is useful not only to
research physicists, but also to scientists in many other fields,
especially interdisciplinary ones, such as environmental science;
it is also useful to engineers, to members of the medical profession,
and to architects. For that reason the physics program has made
special arrangements to integrate a physics concentration with
study preparing for a career in any of the areas mentioned above.
Graduate Program in Physics
The graduate program in physics
is designed to equip students with a broad understanding of major
fields of physics and to train them to carry out independent,
original research. This objective is to be attained by formal
course work and supervised research projects. As the number of
students who are accepted is limited, a close contact between
students and faculty is maintained, permitting close supervision
and guidance of each student.
Advanced degrees will be granted
upon evidence of the student's knowledge, understanding, and proficiency
in classical and modern physics. The satisfactory completion of
advanced courses will constitute partial fulfillment of these
requirements. Research upon which theses may be based, with residence
at Brandeis, may be carried out in the following areas:
1. Theoretical Physics
Quantum theory of fields; elementary
particle physics; relativity; supergravity; string theory; quantum
statistical mechanics; quantum theory of the solid state, critical
phenomena, and phase transitions.
2. Experimental Physics
High energy experimental physics; atomic and molecular physics; solid-state physics; surface physics; liquid-crystal physics; light scattering; positron physics; radio astronomy; and biophysical magnetic resonance.
S = How to Become an Undergraduate Concentrator
Since the sequence in which physics courses should be taken is tightly structured, and in most cases requires at least three years to complete, students contemplating a concentration in physics should consult the physics advising coordinator at the first opportunity. For most students either such consultation should take place before enrolling in courses at the beginning of the first year, or PHYS 11a and 19a should be part of the first semester program.
G = How to Be Admitted to the Graduate Program
The general requirements for admission to the Graduate School apply to candidates for admission to the graduate area in physics. Admission to advanced courses in physics will be granted following a conference with the student at entrance.
S = Faculty
James Bensinger, Chair
Experimental high-energy physics.
Craig Blocker
Experimental high-energy physics.
Karl Canter
Experimental low-energy positron
physics.
Bulbul Chakraborty
Condensed matter theory. Electronic
structure of solids and disordered systems.
Stanley Deser
Quantum theory of fields. Elementary
particles. Gravitation. Supergravity. Strings.
Seth Fraden
Physics of liquid crystals
and macromolecules.
Marcus Grisaru
Quantum field theory. Strings.
Elementary particles. Supergravity.
Peter Heller
Statistical physics.
Eric Jensen, Undergraduate Advising Head
Experimental solid-state physics.
Lawrence Kirsch
High-energy experimental physics.
Robert Lange
Educational software.
Robert Meyer
Liquid crystals. Colloids.
Polymers.
Hugh Pendleton
Mathematical physics.
Alfred Redfield (Rosenstiel Center)
Magnetic resonance. Biophysics.
David Roberts
Theoretical astrophysics. Radio
astronomy.
Howard Schnitzer
Elementary particle theory.
Quantum theory of fields. String theory.
Silvan Schweber
History and philosophy of science.
Quantum theory of measurements.
Xiao-Jing Wang (Volen Center)
Computational neuroscience.
John Wardle
Radio astronomy. Cosmology.
Hermann Wellenstein
Experimental atomic physics. Electronic impact spectroscopy.
S = Requirements for the Undergraduate Concentrations
Degree of Bachelor of Arts
The requirement for the concentration
in physics leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts is the equivalent
of 11 semester courses in physics and two semester courses in
mathematics. There must be the equivalent of at least three semesters
in laboratory courses (PHYS 19a and 19b together count as one
semester, as do PHYS 18a and 18b). One must also take PHYS 30b.
Mathematics and physics courses numbered under 10 may not be used
to fulfill the physics concentration requirement. A student not
intending to pursue graduate study in physics may be permitted
to substitute two advanced courses in other fields to meet physics
concentration requirements, subject to the approval of the advising
coordinator. A student with a concentration in physics and an
interest in biophysics may want to take courses in biophysics,
biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or neuroscience. With departmental
approval, a student may use such courses to satisfy part of the
physics concentration requirements.
Degree of Bachelor of Science
To satisfy the requirements
for the concentration in physics leading to the degree of Bachelor
of Science, students must successfully complete the 11 physics
courses required for the B.A. in physics and six additional courses.
Two of the additional six courses should be chosen from the following:
PHYS 25b, 32b, 33a, 40a, 45a, 100a, 104a, 109a, 110a. Another
two courses must be selected from the following: NBIO 136b, CHEM
41a, 41b, any MATH course numbered 27 or higher (excluding courses
used to fulfill the math requirement below), any COSI course numbered
21 or higher, or any other course approved by the physics department
that is either listed or cross-listed in other departments within
the School of Science. The final two courses must be chosen from
one of the following pairs of courses: MATH 15a and MATH 20a,
or MATH 21a and MATH 21b, or any two MATH courses numbered higher
than 21.
Combined B.A./M.A. Program
A student may be admitted to
a special four-year B.A./M.A. program upon recommendation of the
department and the Graduate School by May 1 preceding the senior
year. The student must successfully complete at least 38
courses. All the regular requirements for the M.A. degree in physics
must be met: successful completion of six graduate courses in
physics numbered 160 or above, and satisfactory performance on
the qualifying examination. No more than two of the graduate level
courses may be counted towards concentration requirements. Grades
of B- or better are required in the six courses numbered 160 or
above. The qualifying examination includes the final examinations
in PHYS 161a (formerly 101a), 161b (formerly 101b), 162a (formerly
102a), and 162b (formerly 102b), and two oral examinations on
all of physics through the first-year graduate level. The department
will recommend admission to this program only if the student's
record indicates that the student can successfully complete the
requirements. Consultation with the physics advising coordinator
before March 1 of the sophomore year is highly recommended for
a student contemplating this program.
A student interested in the engineering physics option should consult the engineering physics advisor.
S = Requirements for the Undergraduate Minor
Six semester courses in physics at the level of PHYS 10 or above, not including PHYS 18a,b or PHYS 19a,b.
S = Special Notes Relating to Undergraduates
There are several natural tracks
through the undergraduate physics courses. The first is: Year
1--PHYS 11a,b, 19a,b, MATH 10a,b; Year 2--PHYS 20a,b, 29a,b, MATH
21a,b or PHYS 110a; Year 3--PHYS 30a,b, 109a; Year 4--PHYS 40a,
100a.
The second, the engineering
physics track, is: Year 1--PHYS 11a,b, 19a,b, MATH 10a,b; Year
2--PHYS 20a,b, 29a,b, MATH 20a or 21a,b or PHYS 110a; Year 3--PHYS
30a,b, 32b, 33a; Year 4--PHYS 45a, 104a.
The third, the premedical track,
is: Year 1--PHYS 11a,b, 19a,b, MATH 10a,b; Year 2--PHYS 20a,b,
29a,b, CHEM 11a,b, 18a,b; Year 3--BIBC 22a, BIOL 22a, 18a,b, CHEM
25a,b, 29a,b; Year 4--PHYS 30a,b, 109a.
Students are encouraged to
construct other tracks that might better suit their needs in consultation
with their advisors.
A student intending to pursue
graduate work in physics will normally add to the tracks above
PHYS 25b, 100a, and 104a or graduate courses dealing with previously
treated subjects at a more advanced level, such as PHYS 161a,b
(formerly 101a,b), and 162a,b (formerly 102a,b). Normally only
two or three of the five courses PHYS 25b, 32b, 33a, 45a, and
104a will be offered in a given year; the others will normally
be offered in the following year. Undergraduates are not permitted
to enroll in physics courses numbered above 160 without the explicit
approval of their appropriate concentration advisors.
A student who has attained
a grade of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination Physics
B may obtain credit for PHYS 10a,b; a student who has attained
a grade of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination C may
obtain credit for PHYS 11a,b.
In order to be a candidate for a degree with distinction in physics, one must take a departmentally approved honors program of either PHYS 99d or two semester courses in physics numbered above 160, and one must obtain honor grades. Students should have their honors programs approved by the departmental honors advisor before the beginning of the senior year. A student must take PHYS 32b, 33a, 45a, or 109a in order to take an experimental PHYS 99d.
G = Requirements for Advanced Degrees
Normally, first-year graduate students will elect courses from the 100 series, with at least four courses numbered above 160. To obtain credit toward residence for a graduate course taken at Brandeis, a student must achieve a final grade of B- or better in that course. Students may obtain credit for advanced courses taken at another institution provided their level corresponds to the level of graduate courses at Brandeis and that an honor grade in those courses was obtained. To place out of PHYS 161a or b or 162a or b, a student must pass an exemption exam before the end of the second week of the course.
G = Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts
Residence Requirement
One year in residence as a
full-time student. No transfer residence credit will be allowed
toward the fulfullment of the master's requirements.
Course Requirements
Six semester-courses in physics
numbered above 160. A thesis on an approved topic may be accepted
in place of a semester-course.
Language Requirement
There is no foreign language
requirement for advanced degrees in physics.
Qualifying Examination
Satisfactory performance in the qualifying examination is required. The final examinations in PHYS 161a, 161b, 162a, and 162b serve as the written part of the qualifying examination. To qualify each of these courses must be passed with a grade of B or better. An oral examination passed at the end of the first year completes the qualifying process.
G = Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
All of the requirements for
the master's degree and the following:
Residence Requirement
The minimum residence requirement
is three years. A student may obtain up to one year's residence
credit toward the Ph.D. requirements for graduate studies taken
at another institution.
Course Requirements
At least two graduate courses
in the list below must be taken during the first four terms: PHYS
163a, 164b, 167b, 168b, 169b, 200a, 202a, 204a. Note, however,
that not all of the above courses will necessarily be given each
year. PHYS 202a (Quantum Mechanics III) is strongly recommended
for all students. A total of at least nine semester courses in
physics numbered above 160 is required for the doctoral degree.
Advanced Examinations
Advanced examinations will
be in topics partitioned in the several areas of research interest
of the faculty. Faculty members working in each general area will
function as a committee for this purpose and provide information
about their work through informal discussions and seminars. The
advanced examination requirement consists of a written paper and
an oral examination. While no original research by the student
is required, it is hoped that a proposal for a possible thesis
topic will emerge. It is generally expected that the candidates
will take the advanced examination in the field they wish to pursue
for the Ph.D. thesis by the middle of the fourth term.
Thesis Research
After passing the advanced
examination, the student begins work with an advisor who guides
his or her research program. The advisor should be a member of
the Brandeis faculty but in special circumstances may be a physicist
associated with another research institution. The graduate committee
of the physics faculty will appoint a dissertation committee to
supervise the student's research. The student's dissertation advisor
will be the chair of the dissertation committee.
Dissertation and Final Oral Examination
The doctoral dissertation must represent research of a standard acceptable to the faculty committee appointed for each Ph.D. candidate. The Final Oral Examination, or defense, is an examination in which the student will be asked questions pertaining to the dissertation research.
S = Courses of Instruction
S = (1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students
PHSC 1a The Concepts of Physics
[ sn ]
Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. Does satisfy the science and mathematics component of the University Studies curriculum, Options 2a and 3 but NOT Option 1. Enrollment limited to 100.
A civilian's survey of physics from Newton to Einstein, black holes, quarks, and the unpredictability of the weather. Mathematical modeling of physical phenomena will be emphasized. Usually offered in even years.
Staff
PHSC 2b Introductory Astronomy
[ cl8 qr sn ]
Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. Does satisfy the science and mathematics component of the University Studies curriculum, Options 2a and 3 but NOT Option 1. Enrollment limited to 100.
Elementary physical ideas will be used to discuss the life and death of stars, the structure of the galaxies, and the large-scale features and evolution of the universe. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Wardle
PHSC 3b Twentieth-Century Physics and Its Philosophical Implications
[ cl5 cl21 cl31 sn ]
Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. Does satisfy the science and mathematics component of the University Studies curriculum, Options 2a and 3 but NOT Option 1. Enrollment limited to 100.
Philosophical questions related to modern developments in physics will be discussed. An explanation of quantum mechanics and relativity will be presented so that their interesting features can be understood. Usually offered in odd years.
Staff
PHSC 4a Science and Development
[ cl15 cl16 cl32 cl37 qr sn ]
Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. Does satisfy the science and mathematics component of the University Studies curriculum, Options 2a and 3 but NOT Option 1. Enrollment limited to 30.
Focuses on specific scientific and technological issues encountered in economic development. The scientific material needed to understand different approaches will be analyzed using simple mathematics as an essential tool. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Lange
PHSC 7b Technology and the Management of Public Risk
[ cl16 cl34 cl44 qr sn ]
Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. Does satisfy the Science and Mathematics component of the University Studies curriculum, Options 2a and 3 but NOT Option 1. Enrollment limited to 75.
Analyzes some of the public safety issues involved in assessing risk and making technological decisions. The case history method will be used. Usually offered in even years.
Mr. Goldstein
PHYS 10a Physics for the Life Sciences I
[ qr sn ]
Satisfies Options 1 and 2a of the University Studies requirement in science and mathematics. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have taken MATH (PHYS) 13a,b. Enrollment limited to 100 in each of two sections.
Introduces students in the life sciences to the laws and concepts of mechanics and thermodynamics. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Pendleton
PHYS 10b Physics for the Life Sciences II
[ qr sn ]
Prerequisite: PHYS 10a. Satisfies Options 1 and 2a of the University Studies requirement in science and mathematics.
Introduces students in the life sciences to the phenomena and concepts of acoustics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Pendleton
PHYS 11a Basic Physics I
[ qr sn ]
Corequisite: MATH 10a,b or the equivalent. Satisfies Options 1 and 2a of the University Studies requirement in science and mathematics. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have taken MATH (PHYS) 13a,b. Enrollment limited to 100.
Newtonian mechanics. Kinetic theory and thermodynamics. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Meyer
PHYS 11b Basic Physics II
[ qr sn ]
Prerequisite: PHYS 11a. Satisfies Options 1 and 2a of the University Studies requirement in science and mathematics. Enrollment limited to 100.
Elementary electromagnetism presented from a modern point of view. Special relativity. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Meyer
PHYS 15a Honors Basic Physics I
[ qr sn ]
Prerequisite: MATH 10a,b or the equivalent. Corequisite PHYS 19a. Signature of the instructor required.
Advanced version of PHYS 11a for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Newtonian mechanics. Kinetic theory and thermodynamics. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Roberts
PHYS 15b Honors Basic Physics II
[ qr sn ]
Prerequisite: MATH 10a,b or the equivalent. Phys 11a or 15a or the equivalent. Corequisite: PHYS 19b. Signature of the instructor required.
Advanced version of PHYS 11b for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Elementary electromagnetism presented from a modern point of view. Special relativity. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Roberts
PHYS 18a Introductory Laboratory I
Corequisite: PHYS 10a. May yield half-course credit toward both rate-of-work and graduation. Two semester hour credits.
Laboratory course consisting of basic physics experiments designed to accompany PHYS 10a. One afternoon or evening of laboratory per week. One, one-hour lecture per week. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Wellenstein
PHYS 18b Introductory Laboratory II
Corequisite: PHYS 10b. May yield half-course credit toward both rate-of-work and graduation. Two semester hour credits.
Laboratory course consisting of basic physics experiments designed to accompany PHYS 10b. One afternoon or evening of laboratory per week. One, one-hour lecture per week. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Wellenstein
PHYS 19a Physics Laboratory I
May yield half-course credit toward both rate-of-work and graduation. Two semester hour credits.
Laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 11a. Introductory statistics and data analysis including use of microcomputers and basic experiments in mechanics. One afternoon or evening of laboratory per week. One, one-and-a-half hour lecture per week. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Heller
PHYS 19b Physics Laboratory II
May yield half-course credit toward both rate-of-work and graduation. Two semester hour credits.
Laboratory course designed to accompany PHYS 11b. Basic experiments in electricity, magnetism, and optics. Basic electrical measurements. Determination of several fundamental physical constants. One afternoon or evening of laboratory per week. One, one-and-a-half hour lecture per week. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Heller
PHYS 20a Modern Physics
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: PHYS 11a and 11b.
A broad survey of the phenomena and ideas underlying modern physics--kinetic theory, radiation, the Bohr atom, nuclei and radioactivity, relativity, elementary particles, solids, and the foundations of quantum mechanics. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Fraden
PHYS 20b Waves and Oscillations
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: PHYS 11a and 11b.
Free and forced oscillations of simple systems. Oscillations with many degrees of freedom. Standing and traveling waves. Wave packets and Fourier analysis. Polarization, interference, and diffraction. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Fraden
PHYS 25b Astrophysics
[ sn ]
Application of basic physical principles to the study of stars, galaxies, quasars, and the large-scale structure of the universe. Usually offered in even years.
Staff
PHYS 29a Electronics Laboratory I
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: PHYS 10a,b or 11a,b or 15a,b; and 18a,b or 19a,b. Does not satisfy any option of the University Studies requirement in science and mathematics. Enrollment limited to 16.
Introductory laboratory in analog electronics. Topics to be covered are DC circuits; AC circuits, complex impedance analysis; diodes, transistors; and amplifiers. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Kirsch
PHYS 29b Electronics Laboratory II
[ sn ]
Prerequsite: PHYS 29a. Does not satisfy any option of the University Studies requirement in science and mathematics. Enrollment limited to 16.
Introductory laboratory in digital electronics. Topics to be covered are Boolean algebra, combinational logic; sequential logic, flip-flops, counters; digital-analog conversion; and microprocessors. The last half of the semester will be spent on individual design projects. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Jensen
PHYS 30a Electromagnetism
[ sn ]
Prerequisite: PHYS 20b or permission of the instructor.
The fundamentals of electromagnetic theory. Includes electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic circuits, and Maxwell's equations. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Jensen
PHYS 30b Quantum Theory
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: PHYS 11a,b and PHYS 20a,b; or permission of the instructor.
Introduction to quantum mechanics: atomic models, Schrödinger equation, angular momentum, hydrogen atom. Multielectron atoms and interaction of atoms with the electromagnetic field. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Canter
PHYS 32b Microprocessor Laboratory
[ sn ]
Prerequisite: PHYS 29a or 29b. Enrollment limited to 10. Does not satisfy any option of the University Studies requirement in science and mathematics.
Study of microprocessor design and use as controller for other devices. Topics include architecture of microcomputers, interfacing, digital control, analog control, and software development. Usually offered in odd years.
Mr. Kirsch
PHYS 33a Optics Laboratory
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: PHYS 11a,b; PHYS 20a,b; and PHYS 29a,b. Does not satisfy any option of the University Studies requirement in science and mathematics. Enrollment limited to 8.
Geometric optics, wave optics, optical signal processing, and integrated optics. Usually offered in even years.
Staff
PHYS 40a Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
[ sn ]
Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The thermal properties of matter. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Wang
PHYS 45a Signals
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: PHYS 11a,b; 19a,b; 20b; 29a; and 110a, or the equivalent. Enrollment limited to 8.
An introductory course on the theory and applications of signal analysis and processing. Usually offered in odd years.
Mr. Redfield
PHYS 97a Tutorial in Physics
Signature of the instructor required.
Tutorial for students studying advanced material not covered in regular courses. Usually offered every year.
Staff
PHYS 97b Tutorial in Physics
Signature of the instructor required.
Tutorial for students studying advanced material not covered in regular courses. Usually offered every year.
Staff
PHYS 98a Readings in Physics
Signature of the instructor required.
Open to exceptional students who wish to study an area of physics not covered in the standard curriculum. Usually offered every year.
Staff
PHYS 98b Readings in Physics
Signature of the instructor required.
Open to exceptional students who wish to study an area of physics not covered in the standard curriculum. Usually offered every year.
Staff
PHYS 99d Senior Research
Prerequisites: PHYS 32b, 33a, 45a, or 109a, or permission of the advising coordinator. Signature of the instructor required.
Research assignments and preparation of a report under the direction of an instructor. Usually offered every year.
Staff
G = (100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students
PHYS 100a Classical Mechanics
(Formerly PHYS 50a)
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: PHYS 20a, 20b, and 110a, or permission of the instructor.
Lagrangian dynamics, Hamiltonian mechanics, planetary motion, general theory of small vibrations. Introduction to continuum mechanics. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Schweber
PHYS 104a Solid State Physics I
[ sn ]
The formal description of periodic systems. The vibrational and electronic properties of solids. Band structure and the Fermi surface. The transport and optical properties of solids. Usually offered in even years.
Staff
PHYS 109a Advanced Laboratory
[ sn ]
Advanced experiments using modern physics research instrumentation. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Blocker
PHYS 110a Mathematical Physics
[ sn ]
Complex variables; Fourier and Laplace transforms; special functions; partial differential equations. Usually offered every year.
Staff
PHYS 113a First Year Tutorial I
[ sn ]
A review of physics from the most elementary topics to those treated in other first-year graduate courses. The environment of an oral qualifying examination is reproduced in the tutorial. Usually offered every year.
Staff
PHYS 113b First Year Tutorial II
[ sn ]
Continuation of PHYS 113a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Bensinger
PHYS 115a Dynamical Systems, Chaos, and Fractals
[ sn ]
Prerequisite: PHYS 10a or 11a, MATH 21a, MATH 36a, or approved equivalents.
Advanced introduction to the theory of nonlinear dynamical systems, bifurcations, chaotic behaviors, and fractal patterns. Concepts and analysis are illustrated by examples from physics, chemistry, and biology. The course will be complemented by a significant number of computer labs. Usually offered in even years.
Staff
PHYS 161a Electromagnetic Theory I
(Formerly PHYS 101a)
[ sn ]
Electrostatics, magnetostatics, boundary value problems. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Schnitzer
PHYS 161b Electromagnetic Theory II
(Formerly PHYS 101b)
[ sn ]
Maxwell's equations. Quasi-stationary phenomena. Radiation. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Deser
PHYS 162a Quantum Mechanics I
(Formerly 102a)
[ sn ]
Nonrelativistic quantum theory and its application to simple systems; spin systems and the harmonic oscillator. Feynman diagram visualization of time-dependent perturbation theory. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Grisaru
PHYS 162b Quantum Mechanics II
(Formerly 102b)
[ sn ]
The hydrogen atom. Systems of identical particles. Coupling of angular momenta. Scattering theory. Semiclassical analysis of interaction of atomic systems and electromagnetic waves. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Grisaru
PHYS 163a Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
(Formerly PHYS 103a)
[ sn ]
The thermal properties of matter. Derivation of thermodynamics from statistical physics. Statistical theory of fluctuations. Usually offered in odd years.
Ms. Chakraborty
PHYS 167b Particle Phenomenology
(Formerly PHYS 107b)
[ sn ]
The phenomenology of elementary particles and the strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions. Properties of particles, kinematics of scattering and decay, phase space, quark model, unitary symmetries, and conservation laws. Usually offered in even years.
Mr. Blocker
PHYS 168b Introduction to Astrophysics
(Formerly PHYS 108b)
[ sn ]
Bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, inverse Compton scattering. Extended and compact radio sources, jets, superluminal motion. Quasars and active galactic nuclei, IR to X-ray continua, spectral line formation. Black holes and accretion disks. Usually offered irregularly as demand requires; consult department. Last offered in the spring of 1994.
Staff
PHYS 169b Advanced Electronics
(Formerly PHYS 109b)
[ sn ]
Electronics laboratory for graduate students. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Blocker
G = (200 and above) Primarily for Graduate Students
PHYS 200a General Relativity
Introduction to current research and problems in gravitational physics. Physical and mathematical background are provided as needed, but emphasis is on recent literature. Usually offered in even years.
Mr. Deser
PHYS 202a Quantum Mechanics III
Nonrelativistic field theory and relativistic quantum mechanics. Graphical version of time-dependent perturbation theory. Application of group theory to quantum mechanics. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Deser
PHYS 204a Condensed Matter I
Topics in condensed matter theory. Usually offered in odd years.
Ms. Chakraborty
PHYS 210a Particle Seminar I
Analysis of important recent developments in particle physics. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Schnitzer
PHYS 210b Particle Seminar II
A continuation of PHYS 210a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Deser
PHYS 213a Advanced Examination Tutorial I
Supervised preparation for the advanced examination. Usually offered every year.
Staff
PHYS 213b Advanced Examination Tutorial II
Supervised preparation for the advanced examination. Usually offered every year.
Staff
PHYS 301a Astrophysics Seminar I
Advanced topics and current research in astrophysics are discussed. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Wardle
PHYS 301b Astrophysics Seminar II
A continuation of PHYS 301a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Roberts
PHYS 302a Particle Seminar III
Seminar covers latest advances in elementary particle physics. Includes student presentations and invited speakers. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Kirsch
PHYS 302b Particle Seminar IV
A continuation of PHYS 302a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Blocker
PHYS 303a Positron Seminar I
Seminar covers latest developments in atomic, solid-state, and surface physics as studied using positron techniques. Includes student presentations and invited speakers. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Canter
PHYS 303b Positron Seminar II
A continuation of PHYS 303a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Canter
PHYS 304a Solid State Seminar I
Analysis and discussion of recent important developments in solid-state physics. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Chakraborty
PHYS 304b Solid State Seminar II
A continuation of PHYS 304a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Chakraborty
PHYS 305a Liquid Crystals I
Recent advances in the physics of liquid crystals and related systems such as microemulsions, colloidal suspensions, and polymer solutions. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Meyer
PHYS 305b Liquid Crystals II
A continuation of PHYS 305a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Fraden
NPHY 341b Neural Computation
An advanced graduate seminar course on current theoretical issues dealing with the dynamics and information processing of neural systems. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Wang
PHYS 349a Readings in Condensed Matter
Usually offered every year.
Ms. Chakraborty
L =
Research Courses
PHYS 405d Experimental Elementary Particle Physics
Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.
Staff
PHYS 408d Computational Neuroscience
Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.
Staff
PHYS 409d Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics
Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.
Staff
PHYS 416d Statistical Physics
Mr. Heller
PHYS 417d Theoretical Solid-State Physics
Ms. Chakraborty
PHYS 421d Relativity
Mr. Deser
PHYS 422d Mathematical Physics
Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.
Staff
PHYS 426d Astrophysics
Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.
Staff
PHYS 429d Structural Biology
Staff
PHYS 430d Experimental Solid-State Physics
Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.
Staff
PHYS 431d Experimental Condensed-Matter Physics
Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.
Staff
PHYS 432d Experimental Atomic and Molecular Physics
Mr. Wellenstein
PHYS 436d Biophysics
Mr. Redfield
S = Cross-Listed Courses
BIOP 200b
Seminar in Biophysical Research