98-99 University Bulletin Entry for:


Physics

(file last updated: [8/10/1998 - 15:27:20])


Objectives

Undergraduate Concentration

A typical scenario for a physicalexplanation of a given situation is this: a small collection ofbasic physical principles relevant to the situation is used tocreate a mathematical model of it; computations are carried outusing the model, leading to predictions that are checked experimentally;if there is agreement, the physical situation is deemed to havebeen explained. The objective of the program in physics is tomake it possible for students to execute such a scenario for awide range of physical situations. To that end, students are requiredto attain a firm grasp of the basic principles of classical physicsand familiarity with those of quantum physics, to learn how todecide which principles are relevant to a given situation andhow to construct the appropriate mathematical model, to developthe mathematical skills necessary to carry out the computationsthat generate predictions, and to strengthen the experimentalskills used in exploring new phenomena and in carrying out theverification step of the typical scenario.

The ability to execute thetypical scenario of physical explanation is useful not only toresearch 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 madespecial arrangements to integrate a physics concentration withstudy preparing for a career in any of the areas mentioned above.

Graduate Program in Physics

The graduate program in physicsis designed to equip students with a broad understanding of majorfields of physics and to train them to carry out independent,original research. This objective is to be attained by formalcourse work and supervised research projects. As the number ofstudents who are accepted is limited, a close contact betweenstudents and faculty is maintained, permitting close supervisionand guidance of each student.

Advanced degrees will be grantedupon evidence of the student's knowledge, understanding, and proficiencyin classical and modern physics. The satisfactory completion ofadvanced courses will constitute partial fulfillment of theserequirements. Research upon which theses may be based, with residenceat Brandeis, may be carried out in the following areas:

1. Theoretical Physics

Quantum theory of fields; elementaryparticle physics; relativity; supergravity; string theory; quantumstatistical mechanics; quantum theory of the solid state, criticalphenomena, 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; radioastronomy; and biophysical magnetic resonance.


How to Become an UndergraduateConcentrator

Since the sequence in whichphysics courses should be taken is tightly structured, and inmost cases requires at least three years to complete, studentscontemplating a concentration in physics should consult the physicsadvising coordinator at the first opportunity. For most studentseither such consultation should take place before enrolling incourses at the beginning of the first year, or PHYS 11a and 19ashould be part of the first semester program.


How to Be Admitted tothe Graduate Program

The general requirements foradmission to the Graduate School apply to candidates for admissionto the graduate area in physics. Admission to advanced coursesin physics will be granted following a conference with the studentat entrance.


Faculty

James Bensinger, Chair

Experimental high-energy physics.

Craig Blocker

Experimental high-energy physics.

Karl Canter

Experimental low-energy positronphysics.

Bulbul Chakraborty

Condensed matter theory. Electronicstructure of solids and disordered systems.

Stanley Deser

Quantum theory of fields. Elementaryparticles. Gravitation. Supergravity. Strings.

Seth Fraden

Physics of liquid crystalsand macromolecules.

Marcus Grisaru

Quantum field theory. Strings.Elementary particles. Supergravity.

Peter Heller

Statistical physics.

Eric Jensen, UndergraduateAdvising 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 (RosenstielCenter)

Magnetic resonance. Biophysics.

David Roberts

Theoretical astrophysics. Radioastronomy.

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.


Requirements for the UndergraduateConcentrations

Degree of Bachelor of Arts

The requirement for the concentrationin physics leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts is the equivalentof 11 semester courses in physics and two semester courses inmathematics. There must be the equivalent of at least three semestersin laboratory courses (PHYS 19a and 19b together count as onesemester, as do PHYS 18a and 18b). One must also take PHYS 30b.Mathematics and physics courses numbered under 10 may not be usedto fulfill the physics concentration requirement. A student notintending to pursue graduate study in physics may be permittedto substitute two advanced courses in other fields to meet physicsconcentration requirements, subject to the approval of the advisingcoordinator. A student with a concentration in physics and aninterest in biophysics may want to take courses in biophysics,biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or neuroscience. With departmentalapproval, a student may use such courses to satisfy part of thephysics concentration requirements.

Degree of Bachelor of Science

To satisfy the requirementsfor the concentration in physics leading to the degree of Bachelorof Science, students must successfully complete the 11 physicscourses 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, 110a. Another two coursesmust be selected from the following: NBIO 136b, CHEM 41a, 41b,any MATH course numbered 27 or higher (excluding courses usedto fulfill the math requirement below), any COSI course numbered21 or higher, or any other course approved by the physics departmentthat is either listed or cross-listed in other departments withinthe School of Science. The final two courses must be chosen fromone of the following pairs of courses: MATH 15a and MATH 20a,or MATH 21a and MATH 21b, or any two MATH courses numbered higherthan 21.

Combined B.A./M.A. Program

A student may be admitted toa special four-year B.A./M.A. program upon recommendation of thedepartment and the Graduate School by May 1 preceding the senioryear. The student must successfully complete at least 38courses. All the regular requirements for the M.A. degree in physicsmust be met: successful completion of six graduate courses inphysics numbered 160 or above, and satisfactory performance onthe qualifying examination. No more than two of the graduate levelcourses may be counted towards concentration requirements. Gradesof B- or better are required in the six courses numbered 160 orabove. The qualifying examination includes the final examinationsin PHYS 161a (formerly 101a), 161b (formerly 101b), 162a (formerly102a), and 162b (formerly 102b), and two oral examinations onall of physics through the first-year graduate level. The departmentwill recommend admission to this program only if the student'srecord indicates that the student can successfully complete therequirements. Consultation with the physics advising coordinatorbefore March 1 of the sophomore year is highly recommended fora student contemplating this program.

A student interested in theengineering physics option should consult the engineering physicsadvisor.


Requirements for the UndergraduateMinor

Six semester courses in physicsat the level of PHYS 10 or above, not including PHYS 18a,b orPHYS 19a,b.


Special Notes Relatingto Undergraduates

There are several natural tracksthrough the undergraduate physics courses. The first is: Year1--PHYS 11a,b, 19a,b, MATH 10a,b; Year 2--PHYS 20a,b, 29a,b, MATH21a,b or PHYS 110a; Year 3--PHYS 30a,b; Year 4--PHYS 40a, 100a.

The second, the engineeringphysics track, is: Year 1--PHYS 11a,b, 19a,b, MATH 10a,b; Year2--PHYS 20a,b, 29a,b, MATH 20a or 21a,b or PHYS 110a; Year 3--PHYS30a,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, CHEM25a,b, 29a,b; Year 4--PHYS 30a,b.

Students are encouraged toconstruct other tracks that might better suit their needs in consultationwith their advisors.

A student intending to pursuegraduate work in physics will normally add to the tracks abovePHYS 25b, 100a, and 104a or graduate courses dealing with previouslytreated subjects at a more advanced level, such as PHYS 161a,b(formerly 101a,b), and 162a,b (formerly 102a,b). Normally onlytwo or three of the five courses PHYS 25b, 32b, 33a, 45a, and104a will be offered in a given year; the others will normallybe offered in the following year. Undergraduates are not permittedto enroll in physics courses numbered above 160 without the explicitapproval of their appropriate concentration advisors.

A student who has attaineda grade of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination PhysicsB may obtain credit for PHYS 10a,b; a student who has attaineda grade of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination C mayobtain credit for PHYS 11a,b. A student who claims either of theseadvanced placement credits may not take any of the following coursesfor credit: PHYS 9b, PHYS 10a,b, PHYS 11a,b, PHYS 15a,b.

In order to be a candidatefor a degree with distinction in physics, one must take a departmentallyapproved honors program of either PHYS 99d or two semester coursesin physics numbered above 160, and one must obtain honor grades.Students should have their honors programs approved by the departmentalhonors advisor before the beginning of the senior year.


Requirements for AdvancedDegrees

Normally, first-year graduatestudents will elect courses from the 100 series, with at leastfour courses numbered above 160. To obtain credit toward residencefor a graduate course taken at Brandeis, a student must achievea final grade of B- or better in that course. Students may obtaincredit for advanced courses taken at another institution providedtheir level corresponds to the level of graduate courses at Brandeisand that an honor grade in those courses was obtained. To placeout of PHYS 161a or b or 162a or b, a student must pass an exemptionexam before the end of the second week of the course.


Requirements for the Degreeof Master of Arts

Residence Requirement

One year in residence as afull-time student. No transfer residence credit will be allowedtoward the fulfullment of the master's requirements.

Course Requirements

Six semester-courses in physicsnumbered above 160. A thesis on an approved topic may be acceptedin place of a semester-course.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign languagerequirement for advanced degrees in physics.

Qualifying Examination

Satisfactory performance inthe qualifying examination is required. The final examinationsin PHYS 161a, 161b, 162a, and 162b serve as the written part ofthe qualifying examination. To qualify, each of these coursesmust be passed with a grade of B or better. An oral examinationpassed at the end of the first year completes the qualifying process.


Requirements for the Degreeof Doctor of Philosophy

All of the requirements forthe master's degree and the following:

Residence Requirement

The minimum residence requirementis three years. A student may obtain up to one year's residencecredit toward the Ph.D. requirements for graduate studies takenat another institution.

Course Requirements

At least two graduate coursesin the list below must be taken during the first four terms: PHYS163a, 167b, 168b, 169b, 200a, 202a, 204a. Note, however, thatnot all of the above courses will necessarily be given each year.PHYS 202a (Quantum Mechanics III) is strongly recommended forall students. A total of at least nine semester courses in physicsnumbered above 160 is required for the doctoral degree.

Advanced Examinations

Advanced examinations willbe in topics partitioned in the several areas of research interestof the faculty. Faculty members working in each general area willfunction as a committee for this purpose and provide informationabout their work through informal discussions and seminars. Theadvanced examination requirement consists of a written paper andan oral examination. While no original research by the studentis required, it is hoped that a proposal for a possible thesistopic will emerge. It is generally expected that the candidateswill take the advanced examination in the field they wish to pursuefor the Ph.D. thesis by the middle of the fourth term.

Thesis Research

After passing the advancedexamination, the student begins work with an advisor who guideshis or her research program. The advisor should be a member ofthe Brandeis faculty but in special circumstances may be a physicistassociated with another research institution. The graduate committeeof the physics faculty will appoint a dissertation committee tosupervise the student's research. The student's dissertation advisorwill be the chair of the dissertation committee.

Dissertation and Final OralExamination

The doctoral dissertation mustrepresent research of a standard acceptable to the faculty committeeappointed for each Ph.D. candidate. The Final Oral Examination,or defense, is an examination in which the student will be askedquestions pertaining to the dissertation research.


Courses of Instruction


(1-99) Primarily for UndergraduateStudents

PHSC 1a The Concepts ofPhysics

[ sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentrationrequirements in physics. Enrollment limited to 100.

A civilian's survey of physicsfrom Newton to Einstein, black holes, quarks, and the unpredictabilityof the weather. Mathematical modeling of physical phenomena willbe emphasized. Usually offered in even years.

Staff

PHSC 2b Introductory Astronomy

[ cl8 cl31qr sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentrationrequirements in physics. Enrollment limited to 100.

Elementary physical ideas willbe used to discuss the life and death of stars, the structureof the galaxies, and the large-scale features and evolution ofthe universe. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wardle

PHSC 3b Twentieth-CenturyPhysics and Its Philosophical Implications

[ cl5 cl21cl31 sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentrationrequirements in physics. Enrollment limited to 100.

Philosophical questions relatedto modern developments in physics will be discussed. An explanationof quantum mechanics and relativity will be presented so thattheir interesting features can be understood. Usually offeredin odd years.

Mr. Schweber

PHSC 4a Science and Development

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Does NOT meet the concentrationrequirements in physics. Enrollment limited to 30.

Focuses on specific scientificand technological issues encountered in economic development.The scientific material needed to understand different approacheswill be analyzed using simple mathematics as an essential tool.Usually offered every year.

Mr. Lange

PHSC 7b Technology and theManagement of Public Risk

[ cl16 cl34cl44 qr sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentrationrequirements in physics. Enrollment limited to 75.

Analyzes some of the publicsafety issues involved in assessing risk and making technologicaldecisions. The case history method will be used. Usually offeredin even years.

Mr. Goldstein

PHSC 9b Introduction toPhysics

[ sn ]

Does NOT meet the concentrationrequirements in physics. Enrollment limited to 60.

Introduces students to thelaws, concepts, and phenomena of physics. Lecture and laboratoryare well integrated to explore selected topics of general interest.Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wellenstein

PHYS 10a Physics for theLife Sciences I

[ qr sn ]

This course may not be takenfor credit by students who have taken MATH (PHYS) 13a,b.

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

Mr. Lange

PHYS 10b Physics for theLife Sciences II

[ qr sn ]

Prerequisite: PHYS 10a.

Introduces students in thelife sciences to the phenomena and concepts of acoustics, electricityand magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Usually offered everyyear.

Mr. Lange

PHYS 11a Basic Physics I

[ qr sn ]

Corequisite: MATH 10a,bor the equivalent. This course may not be taken for credit bystudents who have taken MATH (PHYS) 13a,b. Enrollment limitedto 100.

Newtonian mechanics. Kinetictheory and thermodynamics. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wang

PHYS 11b Basic Physics II

[ qr sn ]

Prerequisite: PHYS 11a.Enrollment limited to 100.

Elementary electromagnetismpresented from a modern point of view. Special relativity. Usuallyoffered every year.

Mr. Meyer

PHYS 15a Honors Basic PhysicsI

[ qr sn ]

Prerequisite: MATH 10a,bor the equivalent. Corequisite PHYS 19a. Signature of the instructorrequired.

Advanced version of PHYS 11afor students with good preparation in physics and mathematics.Newtonian mechanics. Kinetic theory and thermodynamics. Usuallyoffered every year.

Mr. Pendleton

PHYS 15b Honors Basic PhysicsII

[ qr sn ]

Prerequisite: MATH 10a,bor the equivalent. Phys 11a or 15a or the equivalent. Corequisite:PHYS 19b. Signature of the instructor required.

Advanced version of PHYS 11bfor 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 LaboratoryI

Corequisite: PHYS 10a. Mayyield half-course credit toward rate-of-work and graduation. Twosemester hour credits.

Laboratory course consistingof basic physics experiments designed to accompany PHYS 10a. Onetwo-and-a-half hour laboratory per week. One, one-hour lectureper week. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wardle

PHYS 18b Introductory LaboratoryII

Corequisite: PHYS 10b. Mayyield half-course credit toward rate-of-work and graduation. Twosemester hour credits.

Laboratory course consistingof basic physics experiments designed to accompany PHYS 10b. Onetwo-and-a-half hour laboratory per week. One, one-hour lectureper week. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wellenstein

PHYS 19a Physics LaboratoryI

May yield half-course credittoward rate-of-work and graduation. Two semester hour credits.

Laboratory course designedto accompany PHYS 11a. Introductory statistics and data analysisincluding use of microcomputers and basic experiments in mechanics.One afternoon or evening of laboratory per week. One, one-and-a-halfhour lecture per week. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Heller

PHYS 19b Physics LaboratoryII

May yield half-course credittoward rate-of-work and graduation. Two semester hour credits.

Laboratory course designedto accompany PHYS 11b. Basic experiments in electricity, magnetism,and optics. Basic electrical measurements. Determination of severalfundamental physical constants. One afternoon or evening of laboratoryper week. One, one-and-a-half hour lecture per week. Usually offeredevery year.

Mr. Heller

PHYS 20a Modern Physics

[ cl5 sn]

Prerequisites: PHYS 11aand 11b.

A broad survey of the phenomenaand ideas underlying modern physics--kinetic theory, radiation,the Bohr atom, nuclei and radioactivity, relativity, elementaryparticles, solids, and the foundations of quantum mechanics. Usuallyoffered every year.

Mr. Fraden

PHYS 20b Waves and Oscillations

[ sn ]

Prerequisites: PHYS 11aand 11b.

Free and forced oscillationsof simple systems. Oscillations with many degrees of freedom.Standing and traveling waves. Wave packets and Fourier analysis.Polarization, interference, and diffraction. Usually offered everyyear.

Mr. Fraden

PHYS 25b Astrophysics

[ sn ]

Application of basic physicalprinciples to the study of stars, galaxies, quasars, and the large-scalestructure of the universe. Usually offered in even years.

Mr. Roberts

PHYS 29a Electronics LaboratoryI

[ sn ]

Prerequisites: PHYS 10a,bor 11a,b or 15a,b; and 18a,b or 19a,b. Does not satisfy any optionof the University Studies requirement in science and mathematics.Enrollment limited to 16.

Introductory laboratory inanalog 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 LaboratoryII

[ sn ]

Prerequsite: PHYS 29a. Doesnot satisfy any option of the University Studies requirement inscience and mathematics. Enrollment limited to 16.

Introductory laboratory indigital electronics. Topics to be covered are Boolean algebra,combinational logic; sequential logic, flip-flops, counters; digital-analogconversion; and microprocessors. The last half of the semesterwill be spent on individual design projects. Usually offered everyyear.

Mr. Kirsch

PHYS 30a Electromagnetism

[ sn ]

Prerequisite: PHYS 20b orpermission of the instructor.

The fundamentals of electromagnetictheory. Includes electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric andmagnetic circuits, and Maxwell's equations. Usually offered everyyear.

Mr. Jensen

PHYS 30b Quantum Theory

[ sn ]

Prerequisites: PHYS 11a,band PHYS 20a,b; or permission of the instructor.

Introduction to quantum mechanics:atomic models, Schrödinger equation, angular momentum, hydrogenatom. Multielectron atoms and interaction of atoms with the electromagneticfield. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Canter

PHYS 32b MicroprocessorLaboratory

[ sn ]

Prerequisite: PHYS 29a or29b. Enrollment limited to 10. Does not satisfy any option ofthe University Studies requirement in science and mathematics.

Study of microprocessor designand use as controller for other devices. Topics include architectureof 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 theUniversity Studies requirement in science and mathematics. Enrollmentlimited to 8.

Geometric optics, wave optics,optical signal processing, and integrated optics. Usually offeredin even years.

Mr. Bensinger

PHYS 40a Introduction toThermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

[ sn ]

Thermodynamics and statisticalmechanics. The thermal properties of matter. Usually offered everyyear.

Mr. Chakraborty

PHYS 45a Signals

[ sn ]

Prerequisites: PHYS 11a,b;19a,b; 20b; 29a; and 110a, or the equivalent. Enrollment limitedto 8.

An introductory course on thetheory and applications of signal analysis and processing. Usuallyoffered in odd years.

Mr. Redfield

PHYS 97a Tutorial in Physics

Signature of the instructorrequired.

Tutorial for students studyingadvanced material not covered in regular courses. Usually offeredevery year.

Staff

PHYS 97b Tutorial in Physics

Signature of the instructorrequired.

Tutorial for students studyingadvanced material not covered in regular courses. Usually offeredevery year.

Staff

PHYS 98a Readings in Physics

Signature of the instructorrequired.

Open to exceptional studentswho wish to study an area of physics not covered in the standardcurriculum. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PHYS 98b Readings in Physics

Signature of the instructorrequired.

Open to exceptional studentswho wish to study an area of physics not covered in the standardcurriculum. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PHYS 99d Senior Research

Prerequisites: PHYS 32b,33a, 45a, or permission of the advising coordinator. Signatureof the instructor required.

Research assignments and preparationof a report under the direction of an instructor. Usually offeredevery year.

Staff


(100-199) For Both Undergraduateand Graduate Students

PHYS 100a Classical Mechanics

(Formerly PHYS 50a)

[ sn ]

Prerequisites: PHYS 20a,20b, and 110a, or permission of the instructor.

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

Mr. Jensen

PHYS 104a Solid State PhysicsI

[ sn ]

The formal description of periodicsystems. The vibrational and electronic properties of solids.Band structure and the Fermi surface. The transport and opticalproperties of solids. Usually offered in even years.

Mr. Redfield

PHYS 110a Mathematical Physics

[ sn ]

Complex variables; Fourierand Laplace transforms; special functions; partial differentialequations. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PHYS 113a First Year TutorialI

[ sn ]

A review of physics from themost elementary topics to those treated in other first-year graduatecourses. The environment of an oral qualifying examination isreproduced in the tutorial. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Heller

PHYS 113b First Year TutorialII

[ sn ]

Continuation of PHYS 113a.Usually offered every year.

Mr. Heller

PHYS 115a Dynamical Systems,Chaos, and Fractals

[ sn ]

Prerequisite: PHYS 10a or11a, MATH 21a, MATH 36a, or approved equivalents.

Advanced introduction to thetheory of nonlinear dynamical systems, bifurcations, chaotic behaviors,and fractal patterns. Concepts and analysis are illustrated byexamples from physics, chemistry, and biology. The course willbe complemented by a significant number of computer labs. Usuallyoffered in even years.

Mr. Wang

PHYS 161a ElectromagneticTheory I

(Formerly PHYS 101a)

[ sn ]

Electrostatics, magnetostatics,boundary value problems. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Schnitzer

PHYS 161b ElectromagneticTheory II

(Formerly PHYS 101b)

[ sn ]

Maxwell's equations. Quasi-stationaryphenomena. Radiation. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Schnitzer

PHYS 162a Quantum MechanicsI

(Formerly 102a)

[ sn ]

Nonrelativistic quantum theoryand its application to simple systems; spin systems and the harmonicoscillator. Feynman diagram visualization of time-dependent perturbationtheory. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Grisaru

PHYS 162b Quantum MechanicsII

(Formerly 102b)

[ sn ]

The hydrogen atom. Systemsof identical particles. Coupling of angular momenta. Scatteringtheory. Semiclassical analysis of interaction of atomic systemsand electromagnetic waves. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Grisaru

PHYS 163a Statistical Physicsand Thermodynamics

(Formerly PHYS 103a)

[ sn ]

The thermal properties of matter.Derivation of thermodynamics from statistical physics. Statisticaltheory of fluctuations. Usually offered in odd years.

Ms. Chakraborty

PHYS 167b Particle Phenomenology

(Formerly PHYS 107b)

[ sn ]

The phenomenology of elementaryparticles and the strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions.Properties of particles, kinematics of scattering and decay, phasespace, quark model, unitary symmetries, and conservation laws.Usually offered in even years.

Mr. Blocker

PHYS 168b Introduction toAstrophysics

(Formerly PHYS 108b)

[ sn ]

Bremsstrahlung, synchrotronradiation, inverse Compton scattering. Extended and compact radiosources, jets, superluminal motion. Quasars and active galacticnuclei, IR to X-ray continua, spectral line formation. Black holesand accretion disks. Usually offered irregularly as demand requires;consult department.

Mr. Roberts

PHYS 169b Advanced Electronics

(Formerly PHYS 109b)

[ sn ]

Electronics laboratory forgraduate students. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Blocker


(200 and above) Primarilyfor Graduate Students

PHYS 200a General Relativity

Introduction to current researchand problems in gravitational physics. Physical and mathematicalbackground are provided as needed, but emphasis is on recent literature.Usually offered in even years.

Mr. Deser

PHYS 202a Quantum MechanicsIII

Nonrelativistic field theoryand relativistic quantum mechanics. Graphical version of time-dependentperturbation theory. Application of group theory to quantum mechanics.Usually offered every year.

Mr. Deser

PHYS 204a Condensed MatterI

Topics in condensed mattertheory. Usually offered in odd years.

Ms. Chakraborty

PHYS 210a Particle SeminarI

Analysis of important recentdevelopments in particle physics. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Schnitzer

PHYS 210b Particle SeminarII

A continuation of PHYS 210a.Usually offered every year.

Mr. Deser

PHYS 213a Advanced ExaminationTutorial I

Supervised preparation forthe advanced examination. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PHYS 213b Advanced ExaminationTutorial II

Supervised preparation forthe advanced examination. Usually offered every year.

Staff

PHYS 301a Astrophysics SeminarI

Advanced topics and currentresearch in astrophysics are discussed. Usually offered everyyear.

Mr. Wardle

PHYS 301b Astrophysics SeminarII

A continuation of PHYS 301a.Usually offered every year.

Mr. Roberts

PHYS 302a Particle SeminarIII

Seminar covers latest advancesin elementary particle physics. Includes student presentationsand invited speakers. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Kirsch

PHYS 302b Particle SeminarIV

A continuation of PHYS 302a.Usually offered every year.

Mr. Blocker

PHYS 303a Positron SeminarI

Seminar covers latest developmentsin atomic, solid-state, and surface physics as studied using positrontechniques. Includes student presentations and invited speakers.Usually offered every year.

Mr. Canter

PHYS 303b Positron SeminarII

A continuation of PHYS 303a.Usually offered every year.

Mr. Canter

PHYS 304a Solid State SeminarI

Analysis and discussion ofrecent important developments in solid-state physics. Usuallyoffered every year.

Ms. Chakraborty

PHYS 304b Solid State SeminarII

A continuation of PHYS 304a.Usually offered every year.

Ms. Chakraborty

PHYS 305a Liquid CrystalsI

Recent advances in the physicsof liquid crystals and related systems such as microemulsions,colloidal suspensions, and polymer solutions. Usually offeredevery year.

Mr. Meyer

PHYS 305b Liquid CrystalsII

A continuation of PHYS 305a.Usually offered every year.

Mr. Fraden

NPHY 341b Neural Computation

An advanced graduate seminarcourse on current theoretical issues dealing with the dynamicsand information processing of neural systems. Usually offeredevery year.

Mr. Wang

PHYS 349a Readings in CondensedMatter

Usually offered every year.

Ms. Chakraborty


Research Courses

PHYS 405d Experimental ElementaryParticle Physics

Specific sections for individualfaculty members as requested.

Staff

PHYS 408d ComputationalNeuroscience

Specific sections for individualfaculty members as requested.

Staff

PHYS 409d Theoretical ElementaryParticle Physics

Specific sections for individualfaculty members as requested.

Staff

PHYS 416d Statistical Physics

Mr. Heller

PHYS 417d Theoretical Solid-StatePhysics

Ms. Chakraborty

PHYS 421d Relativity

Mr. Deser

PHYS 422d Mathematical Physics

Specific sections for individualfaculty members as requested.

Staff

PHYS 426d Astrophysics

Specific sections for individualfaculty members as requested.

Staff

PHYS 429d Structural Biology

Staff

PHYS 430d Experimental Solid-StatePhysics

Specific sections for individualfaculty members as requested.

Staff

PHYS 431d Experimental Condensed-MatterPhysics

Specific sections for individualfaculty members as requested.

Staff

PHYS 432d Experimental Atomicand Molecular Physics

Mr. Wellenstein

PHYS 436d Biophysics

Mr. Redfield


Cross-Listed Courses

BIOP 200b

Seminar in Biophysical Research