PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

171.101 (E, N)

GENERAL PHYSICS FOR PHYSICAL SCIENCE MAJORS I  (4) Barnett 
Limit 24 per section  Coreq: 110.108-109,173.111-112     This two-semester sequence in general physics covers mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic physics.

Lec.

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MWF 11-11:50

Th 8-8:50

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171.102 (E, N)

GENERAL PHYSICS FOR PHYSICAL SCIENCE MAJORS II (4) Leheny  Limit 24 per section  Prereq: Grade of C- or better in 171.101 or 171.103 Coreq: 110.109,173.112   This two-semester sequence in general physics covers mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic physics.

Sec. 15 added 01/23/08

*Perm Req'd

Lec. I

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Lec. II

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*15

TTh 9-10:15

F 8-8:50

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TTh 10:30-11:45

F 8-8:50

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F 8-8:50

F 8-8:50

F 8-8:50

171.104 (E, N)

GENERAL PHYSICS FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE MAJORS II (4) Szalay   Limit 24 per section Prereq: Grade of C- or better in 171.101 or 171.103  Coreq: 110.109,173.112   Standard calculus based physics tailored to students majoring in one of the biological sciences. Topics in modern physics and in fluid dynamics will be covered in this course.

Lec.

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MWF 9-9:50

T 8-8:50

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171.106 (E, N)

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I (4) Reich   Limit 15 per section Prereq: Grade of C- or better in 171.105; Co-req: 173.116, 110.109 Classical electricity and magnetism with fewer topics than 171.101-103, but with greater mathematical sophistication.  Particularly recommended for students who plan to take 171.201-202 or 171.209-210.

Lec.

Sec. 01

02   

MWF 11-11:50

Th 1:30-2:20

Th 1:30-2:20

173.111 (N)

GENERAL PHYSICS LAB I (1)
Swartz   Limit 24 per section Coreq: 171.101, 171.103, or 171.105   Experiments are chosen from both physical and biological sciences and are designed to give students background in experimental techniques as well as to reinforce physical principles.

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02

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W 1:30-4:20

W 6-8:50pm

Th 1:30-4:20

Th 6-8:50pm

M T 6-8:50pm

173.112 (N)

GENERAL PHYSICS LAB II (1)  Swartz  Limit 24 per section
Prereq: 173.111; Coreq: 171.102 or 171.104 or 171.106
Experiments are chosen from both physical and biological sciences and are designed to give students background in experimental techniques as well as to reinforce physical principles.

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M 1:30-4:20
M 1:30-4:20
M 1:30-4:20
T 1:30-4:20
T 1:30-4:20
T 1:30-4:20
W 1:30-4:20
W 1:30-4:20
W 1:30-4:20
Th 1:30-4:20
Th 1:30-4:20
Th 1:30-4:20
Th 9-11:50
M 6-8:50pm
M 6-8:50pm
T 6-8:50pm
T 6-8:50pm
W 6-8:50pm
W 6-8:50pm
W 6-8:50pm
Th 6-8:50pm
Th 6-8:50pm
T 6-8:50pm

172.114 (N)
 (W)

INTRODUCTION TO FRONTIER PHYSICS (1) Feldman   Limit 25 Explores modern experimental methods and theoretical ideas in physics.

Sec. 01

M 1:30-2:20

173.116 (N)

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM LABORATORY (1) Swartz  Limit 24  Experiments chosen to complement Electricity and Magnetism 171.106 and introduce students to experimental techniques and statistical analysis

Sec. 01

M 6-9pm

171.118 (N)

STARS & THE UNIVERSE: COSMIC EVOLUTION (3) Riess     Limit 75   Evolution of the universe: from origin in a cosmic explosion to emergence of life on Earth and possibly other planets throughout the universe.

Sec. 01

MW 1:30-2:45

171.120 (N)

PHYSICS OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES (3) Walker   Limit 45 This course for non-scientists offers accessible non-mathematical explanations of modern technologies: electric power generation and distribution (AC versus DC), florescent lighting, lasers, computers, the internet, GPS, and student suggested topics. 

Sec. 01

MW 3-4:15

171.202 (N)

MODERN PHYSICS (4) Chien, C.L.
Limit 20   Prereq: 171.201   Course completes four-semester introductory sequence that includes 171.105-106 and 171.201.     Planck’s hypothesis, de Broglie waves, Bohr atom, Schrodinger equation in one dimension, hydrogen atom, Pauli exclusion principle, conductors and semiconductors, nuclear physics, particle physics.

Sec. 01

Conf.

MWF 11-11:50

T 1:30-2:20

171.204 (N)

CLASSICAL MECHANICS II (4) Maksimovic  Limit 35  Prereq: 110.108-109, 171.201   Principles of Newtonian and Lagrangian mechanics; application to central-force motion, rigid body motion, and the theory of small oscillations.

Sec. 01

Conf.

MWF 9-9:50

Th 1:30-2:20

171.302 (N)

TOPICS IN ADVANCED ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY (4)
Chien, Chih-Yung   Limit 25  Prereq: 171.301  Topics include electromagnetic waves; reflection and refraction; waveguides; retarded potentials and electromagnetic radiation; relativistic electrodynamics.

Sec. 01

Conf.

TTh 9-10:15

W 12-12:50

171.304 (N)

QUANTUM MECHANICS II (4) Broholm   Limit 30 Prereq: 171.303, 171.202, 171.204, 110.202 Fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics. Uncertainty relations, Schrodinger equation in one and three dimensions, tunneling, harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, hydrogen atom, spin, Pauli principle, perturbation theory, transition probabilities and selection rules, atomic structure, scattering theory.

Sec. 01

Conf.

MWF  9-9:50

T 1:30-2:20

173.308 (N)
 (W)

ADVANCED PHYSICS LABORATORY (3) Armitage   Limit 24 A broad exposure to modern laboratory procedures such as holography, chaos, and atomic, molecular, and particle physics.

Sec. 01

M 1:30-4:30
   

171.310 (N)

BIOLOGICAL PHYSICS (4) Robbins   Limit 35   Prereq: 110.109, 171.101-102 or 171.103-104 or 171.105-106 
Introduces topics of classical statistical mechanics.  Additional topics include low-Reynolds number hydrodynamics and E&M of ionic solutions, via biologically relevant examples.

Sec. 01

Conf.

MWF 11-11:50

Th 1:30-2:20

171.314 (N)

INTRODUCTION TO GALAXIES AND ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI (3) Wyse  Limit 25   Survey of galaxies and the universe.

Sec. 01

TTh 10:30-11:45

171.404 (N)

GENERAL RELATIVITY (3)(2) Krolik  Limit 15 Prereq: 171.204  An introduction to Einstein's theory of gravity. Starting with the Equivalence Principle, the course will touch on dynamics in curved space-time, the Einstein field equation, and three examples important in Nature: the Schwarzschild/Kerr solution for the metric around a point mass, the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker solution for an evolving Universe; and gravitational wave radiation.  Discussion of Einstein’s theory of gravitation; gravity will be discussed first as a field theory, and its relation to the metric will be treated later.  Physical tests of the theory will be discussed in detail.

Sec. 01

MWF 11-11:50

171.408 (N)

NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS (3) Gritsan  Limit 15  Prereq: 171.304, 110.201-202  Basic properties of nuclei, masses, spins, parity. Nuclear scattering, interaction with electromagnetic radiation, radioactivity, Pions, muons and elementary particles, including resonances.

Sec. 01

MW 3-4:15

171.412 (N)

PHASE TRANSITIONS AND CRITICAL PHENOMENA (3) Tchernyshov   Limit 5 20 (combined with 171.704)   Prereq: 171.312 or 171.703 Course covers phase transitions and critical phenomena.  Building on the ideas of spontaneous symmetry breaking and scale invariance at a critical point we develop Landau’s theory of phase transitions and the apparatus of renormalization group using both analytic and numerical techniques for studying interacting systems

Sec. 01

T 1:30-2:45, Th 12-1:15 9-10:45

171.416 (N)

NUMERICAL METHODS FOR PHYSICISTS (4) Neufeld   Limit 30
Prereq: 171.415, 110.201-202    Topics in applied mathematics used by physicists, covering numerical methods: linear problems, numerical integration, pseudo-random numbers, finding roots of nonlinear equations, function minimization, eigenvalue problems, fast Fourier transforms, solution of both ordinary and
partial differential equations.

Sec. 01

Conf.

TTh 9-10:15

W 12-12:50

171.472 (N)

INTRODUCTION TO PLASMA PHYSICS AND ATOMIC PROCESSES IN HOT PLASMAS (3)  Finkenthal   Limit 30  Course consists of three parts: an introduction of the basic concepts and approaches to plasma physics, a review of the atomic processes which determine the properties of hot plasmas and a brief overview of major laboratory and astrophysical plasma research today.  Part 1 considers fluid and kinetic theories (knowledge of basic undergraduate classical mechanics and electromagnetism an asset); part 2 assumes students have an understanding of quantum mechanics at an introductory level. Course gives general overview of subjects under discussion, in preparation for more advanced - specific courses in these areas offered in coming years.

Sec. 01

WF 1:30-2:45

171.502

UNDERGRADUATE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH  Research conducted in senior year in conjunction with experimental equipment of intermediate laboratory or as special project in research group. Credit for independent study given to junior and senior students who act as tutors.

171.504
(W)

SENIOR THESIS   Preparation of a substantial thesis based upon independent student research, supervised by at least one faculty member in Physics and Astronomy.

171.604

ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY Henry  Limit 20  Theory of the Maxwell equations, with static and dynamic applications, boundary-value problems, guided and free waves, diffraction, scattering, special relativity, electron theory.

Sec. 01

WF 1:30-2:45

171.606

QUANTUM MECHANICS
Tesanovic  Limit 20 Prereq: 171.303 and 171.304  Review of wave mechanics and the Schrodinger equation, Hilbert space, harmonic oscillator, the WKB approximation, central forces and angular momentum, scattering, electron spin, density matrix, perturbation theory (time -independent and time - dependent), quantized radiation field, absorption and emission of radiation, identical particles, second quantization, Dirac equation.

Sec. 01

Conf.

TTh 10:30-11:45

F 1:30-2:20

173.608

ADVANCED LABORATORY Armitage Limit 24   Experiments carried out on cosmic rays, X-ray scattering Mössbauer effect, atomic beams, and optical spectroscopy.

Sec. 01

M 1:30-4:20
 

171.615

GALACTIC STRUCTURE AND STELLAR DYNAMICS  Norman Limit 20 Potential theory; stellar orbits, equilibrium of collisionless systems; stability of collisionless systems; disk dynamics and spiral structure; galactic rotation and the galactic potential; globular cluster evolution.

Sec. 01

MWF 10-10:50 TTh 9-10:15

171.618

OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY  BeckwithAstronomical coordinate systems and time-keeping. Geometrical optics and telescope design. General detector theory (noise sources, DQE, signal-to-noise considerations). Common optical detectors (CCD’s, photomultipliers, image intensifiers, photographic plates). Photometry and photometric systems (correction of extinction, calibration
techniques). Spectrographs and spectroscopy (prisms, gratings, echelles, interference filters, Fabry-Perot systems, spectrograph design, spectrophotometry). Introduction to radio astronomy and physical optics (antenna theory, signal-to-noise calculations, interferometry). Course canceled 11/26/07

Sec. 01

TTh 10:30-11:45

171.672

INTRODUCTION TO PLASMA PHYSICS AND ATOMIC PROCESSES IN HOT PLASMAS Finkenthal   Limit 20 Course will be a combination between an introduction to plasma physics and an overview of the basic atomic processes which determine the properties of hot, laboratory and astrophysical plasmas.

Sec. 01

WF 1:30-2:45

550.694

TURBULENCE THEORY II Eyink   Limit 25 Prereq: 550.693 Cross-listed with Applied Mathematics & Statistics Course added 12/21/07

Sec. 01

MW 11-12:15

171.702

QUANTUM FIELD THEORY Sundrum  Limit 20  Introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory.  Canonical Quantization; scalar; spinor, and vector fields; scattering theory; renormalization; functional integration; spontaneous symmetry breaking; Standard Model of particle physics.

Sec. 01

T 2-4:30, F 2-3:20 MW 1:30-2:45

171.704

PHASE TRANSITIONS AND CRITICAL PHENOMENA  TchernyshovLimit 15 20   Prereq: 171.312 or 171.703 Course covers phase transitions and critical phenomena.  Building on the ideas of spontaneous symmetry breaking and scale invariance at a critical point we develop Landau’s theory of phase transitions and the apparatus of renormalization group using both analytic and numerical techniques for studying interacting systems

Sec. 01

T 1:30-2:45, Th 12-1:15 9-10:45

171.731

EXPERIMENTAL PARTICLE PHYSICS Gritsan  Limit 15  For graduate students interested in experimental particle physics, or theory students, or students from other specialties. Subjects covered: experimental techniques, including particle beams, targets, electronics, and various particle detectors; and a broad description of high energy physics problems.

Sec. 01

MW 3-4:15

171.746

GENERAL RELATIVITY Krolik  Limit 15   An introduction to Einstein's theory of gravity. Starting with the Equivalence Principle, the course will touch on dynamics in curved space-time, the Einstein field equation, and three examples important in Nature: the Schwarzschild/Kerr solution for the metric around a point mass, the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker solution for an evolving Universe; and gravitational wave radiation.  Comprehensive introduction to differential geometry and Einstein’s theory of gravitation.

Sec. 01

MWF 11-11:50

171.750

COSMOLOGY Bennett   Limit 20  Review of basic general relativity, Friedmann solutions; speculations about the early universe, inflation; big bang nucleosynthesis; creation of the microwave background; development of density perturbations; galaxy formation; the intergalactic medium; large-scale structure; dark matter.

Sec. 01

MF 12-1:15

171.802

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Sec. 01 – Staff
Sec. 02 – Sundrum
Sec. 03 – Feldman
Sec. 04 – C.L. Chien
Sec. 05 -  Open
Sec. 06 – Reich
Sec. 07 – C.Y. Chien
Sec. 08 – Krolik
Sec. 09 – Barnett
Sec. 10 – Norman
Sec. 11 – Blumenfeld
Sec. 12 – Heckman
Sec. 13 – Moos
Sec. 14 – Szalay
Sec. 15 – Ford
Sec. 16 – Bagger
Sec. 17 – Wyse
Sec. 18 – Henry
Sec. 19 – Neufeld
Sec. 20 – Tesanovic
Sec. 21 – Blair
Sec. 22 – Robbins
Sec. 23 – Blazebrook
Sec. 24 – Broholm
Sec. 25 -  Bianchi
Sec. 26 -  Falk
Sec. 27 -  Kaplan
Sec. 28 -  Finkenthal
Sec. 29 -  Leheny
Sec. 30 -  Markovic
Sec. 31 -  Tchernyshyov
 Sec. 32 -  Bennett
Sec. 33 -  Vishniac
 Sec. 34 -  Gritsan

172.632

PHYSICS SEMINAR Neufeld  Limit 30 Graduate students only  Intended for beginning graduate students. Study of the methods and results of modern physics and other topics of interest. Each student will discuss some phase of the subject.

Sec. 01

M T 12-12:50

172.712

INTERMEDIATE SEMINAR Feldman
Limit 30   Nonspecialized seminar in which second-year graduate students discuss subjects of general interest, supplementing the material of the standard courses and including recent advances in physics.

Sec. 01

W 12-12:50

172.722

HOT TOPICS IN ASTROPHYSICS SEMINAR Norman Limit 30

Sec. 01

M 4-5:50pm

172.732

CENTER FOR ASTROPHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH SEMINAR Meurer  Limit 30

Sec. 01

T 3:30-4:50

172.736

STARBURST JOURNAL CLUB Heckman   Limit 30 Course canceled 12/12/07

Sec. 01

F 12-12:50

172.752

ELEMENTARY PARTICLE PHYSICS SEMINAR  Barnett  Limit 30

Sec. 01

W 12-12:50

172.754

ADVANCED PARTICLE THEORY SEMINAR Staff  Limit 30

Sec. 01

F 2-2:50

172.764

CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS SEMINAR Tchernyshyov   Limit 30

Sec. 01

W 2-3:20