University Bulletin 2001-02
Physics


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; computational neuroscience.

2. Experimental Physics

High energy experimental physics; solid-state physics; surface physics; liquid-crystal physics; light scattering; positron physics; radio astronomy; and biophysical magnetic resonance.


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.


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.


Faculty


Craig Blocker, Chair

Experimental high-energy physics.

James Bensinger

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.

Eric Jensen, Undergraduate Advising Head

Experimental solid-state physics.

Lawrence Kirsch

Experimental high-energy physics.

Jané Kondev

Theoretical condensed matter physics.

Robert Lange

Educational software.

Robert Meyer

Liquid crystals. Colloids. Polymers.

Hugh Pendleton

Mathematical physics.

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 high-energy physics.


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, 100a, 104a, 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.


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.


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; Year 4--PHYS 40a, 100a.

The second, a 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--BIOL 22a (Formerly BIBC 22a), BIOL 22b, 18a,b, CHEM 25a,b, 29a,b; Year 4--PHYS 30a,b.

Students are encouraged to construct other tracks that might better suit their needs in consultation with their advisors.

Students considering a career in engineering should consult the description of the Columbia University School of Engineering Combined Degree Program in the Special Academic Opportunities section of this Bulletin.

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 four courses PHYS 25b, 32b, 33a, 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. A student who claims either of these advanced placement credits may not take any of the following courses for credit: PHYS 9b, PHYS 10a,b, PHYS 11a,b, PHYS 15a,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.


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.


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 qualifying examination consists of a written and an oral part and both parts are administered during the first year of the program.


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.

Teaching Requirements

It is required that all Ph.D. candidates participate in undergraduate teaching during the course of their studies.

Course Requirements

At least two graduate courses in the list below must be taken during the first four terms: PHYS 163a, 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.


Courses of Instruction



(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students


PHSC 2b Introductory Astronomy

[ qr sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics.

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

[ sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. 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 every second year.

Mr. Schweber

PHSC 4a Science and Development

[ qr sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. 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

[ qr sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. 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 every second year.

Mr. Goldstein

PHSC 9b Introduction to Physics

[ qr sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. Enrollment limited to 64.

Introduces students to the laws, concepts, and phenomena of physics. Lecture and laboratory are well integrated to explore selected topics of general interest. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wellenstein

PHYS 10a Physics for the Life Sciences I

[ qr sn ]

Introduces students in the life sciences to the laws and concepts of mechanics and thermodynamics. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PHYS 10b Physics for the Life Sciences II

[ qr sn ]

Prerequisite: PHYS 10a.

Introduces students in the life sciences to the phenomena and concepts of acoustics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PHYS 11a Basic Physics I

[ qr sn ]

Corequisite: MATH 10a,b or the equivalent. Enrollment limited to 100.

Classical mechanics, plus topics from kinetic theory and thermodynamics. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Roberts

PHYS 11b Basic Physics II

[ qr sn ]

Prerequisite: PHYS 11a. Enrollment limited to 100.

Elementary electromagnetism presented from a modern point of view, plus topics in special relativity. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Roberts

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. Pendleton

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. Pendleton

PHYS 18a Introductory Laboratory I

Corequisite: PHYS 10a. May yield half-course credit toward rate-of-work and graduation. Two semester hour credits. Total enrollment in lab sections limited to 144.

Laboratory course consisting of basic physics experiments designed to accompany PHYS 10a. One two-and-a-half hour laboratory per week. One, one-hour lecture per week. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Bensinger

PHYS 18b Introductory Laboratory II

Corequisite: PHYS 10b. May yield half-course credit toward rate-of-work and graduation. Two semester hour credits. Total enrollment in lab sections limited to 126.

Laboratory course consisting of basic physics experiments designed to accompany PHYS 10b. One two-and-a-half hour 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 rate-of-work and graduation. Two semester hour credits. Total enrollment in lab sections limited to 100.

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. Jensen

PHYS 19b Physics Laboratory II

May yield half-course credit toward rate-of-work and graduation. Two semester hour credits. Total enrollment in lab sections limited to 100.

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. Canter

PHYS 20a Modern Physics

[ sn ]

Prerequisites: PHYS 11a, 11b, and PHYS 20b.

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. PHYS 20b should be taken before PHYS 20a.

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. Meyer

PHYS 22a The Science in Science Teaching and Learning I

[ sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. Signature of the instructor required.

General science concepts and scientific inquiry will be studied in depth using direct instruction, student projects, and discovery learning. This laboratory-based course, especially relevant to future elementary teachers, will be co-taught with schoolteachers and enlivened by children’s visits. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Lange and Staff

PHYS 22b The Science in Science Teaching and Learning II

[ sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentration requirements in physics. Signature of the instructor required.

See PHYS 22a for course description. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Lange and Staff

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 every second year.

Mr. Roberts

PHYS 29a Electronics Laboratory I

[ sn ]

Prerequisites: PHYS 10a,b or 11a,b or 15a,b; and 18a,b or 19a,b. 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. 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. Meyer

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. Fraden

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. Jensen

PHYS 32b Microprocessor Laboratory

[ sn ]

Prerequisite: PHYS 29a or 29b. Enrollment limited to 10.

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 every second year.

Mr. Kirsch

PHYS 33a Optics Laboratory

[ sn ]

Prerequisites: PHYS 11a,b; PHYS 20a,b; and PHYS 29a,b. Enrollment limited to eight.

Geometric optics, wave optics, optical signal processing, and integrated optics. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Bensinger

PHYS 40a Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

[ sn ]

Statistical approach to thermal properties of matter. Theoretical tools are developed for studying questions such as: "Why does a rubber band contract upon heating?" or "What is the size of a white dwarf?" Usually offered every year.

Mr. Kondev

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 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


(100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students


PHYS 100a Classical Mechanics

[ sn ]

Prerequisites: PHYS 20a and 20b, or permission of the instructor.

Lagrangian dynamics, Hamiltonian mechanics, planetary motion, general theory of small vibrations. Introduction to continuum mechanics. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Chakraborty

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 every second year.

Ms. Chakraborty

PHYS 110a Mathematical Physics

[ sn ]

Complex variables; Fourier and Laplace transforms; special functions; partial differential equations. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Kondev

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.

Mr. Heller

PHYS 113b First Year Tutorial II

[ sn ]

Continuation of PHYS 113a. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Blocker

NPHY 115a Dynamical Systems, Chaos, and Fractals

(Formerly PHYS 115a)

[ sn ]

Prerequisite: PHYS 10a or 11a, MATH 21a, MATH 36a, or approved equivalents. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken PHYS 115a in previous years.

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 every second year.

Mr. Wang

PHYS 161a Electromagnetic Theory I

[ 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. Schnitzer

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. Deser

PHYS 162b Quantum Mechanics II

(Formerly 102b)

[ sn ]

Path integral formulation of quantum mechanics. Quantum treatment of identical particles. Approximate methods: variational, WKB, and perturbation theory. Applications to atoms, molecules, and solids. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Kondev

PHYS 163a Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics

[ sn ]

The thermal properties of matter. Derivation of thermodynamics from statistical physics. Statistical theory of fluctuations. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Chakraborty

PHYS 167b Particle Phenomenology

[ 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 every second year.

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.

Messrs. Roberts and Wardle

PHYS 169b Advanced Laboratory

(Formerly PHYS 109b)

[ sn ]

Advanced laboratory for graduate students. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Heller


(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 every second year.

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. Schweber

PHYS 204a Condensed Matter I

Topics in condensed matter theory. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Kondev

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. Schnitzer

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. Wardle

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 Condensed Matter II

Analysis and discussion of recent important developments in solid-state physics. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Chakraborty

PHYS 304b Condensed Matter III

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


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 417d Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics

Ms. Chakraborty and Mr. Kondev

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 436d Biophysics

Staff


Cross-Listed Courses


BIOP 200b

Seminar in Biophysical Research