PHYS 0030. Basic Physics A.

Survey of mechanics for concentrators in sciences other than physics-including premedical and life science students. Students with more advanced math training are advised to take PHYS 0050, which covers the same topics in physics. Lectures and laboratory. Six hours of attendance.

PHYS 0040. Basic Physics B.

Survey of electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics for concentrators in sciences other than physics-including premedical students or students without prior exposure to physics who require a less rigorous course than PHYS 0050, 0060. Lectures, conferences, and laboratory.

PHYS 0050. Foundations of Mechanics.

An introduction to Newtonian mechanics that employs elementary calculus. Intended for science concentrators. Potential physics concentrators, who do not have adequate preparation for PHYS 0070, may enroll, but are urged to continue with PHYS 0160 rather than PHYS 0060. Lectures, conferences and laboratory. Six hours of attendance. Recommended: MATH 0090 or MATH 0100.

PHYS 0060. Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics.

An introduction to the principles and phenomena of electricity, magnetism, optics, and the concepts of modern physics. Recommended for those who wish to limit their college physics to two semesters but seek a firm grounding in the subject, including but not limited to those with some previous knowledge of physics. Lectures, conferences, and laboratory. Six hours of attendance. Prerequisite: PHYS 0050. Recommended: MATH 0100.

PHYS 0070. Analytical Mechanics.

A mathematically more rigorous introduction to Newtonian mechanics than PHYS 0050. For first-year students and sophomores who have studied physics previously and have completed a year of calculus. Lectures, conferences, and laboratory. Six hours of attendance. Prerequisites: high school physics and calculus or written permission. S/NC

PHYS 0100. Flat Earth to Quantum Uncertainty: On the Nature and Meaning of Scientific Explanation.

Physics has had a dramatic impact on our conception of the universe, our ideas concerning the nature of knowledge, and our view of ourselves. Philosophy, sometimes inspired by developments in physics, considers the impact of such developments on our lives. In this seminar, students will explore how classical and modern physical theory have affected our view of the cosmos, of ourselves as human beings, as well as our view of the relation of mathematical or physical structures to 'truth' or 'reality.' Through a study of physics as well as selected philosophical readings, we will consider how we can know anything, from seemingly simple facts to whether a machine is conscious. Enrollment limited to 19 first year students. Instructor permission required.

PHYS 0110. Excursion to Biophysics.

This new course aims at freshmen with good preparation in high school physics, chemistry and biology, but who have not had a set mind what specific disciplines to focus on in their college study at Brown. The course will introduce important physics concepts and techniques relevant to biology and medicine, such as diffusion and transport of molecules and intracellular components, Brown motion and active swimming of microbes, motion of particles confined by a harmonic potential, Boltzmann distribution, exponential growth or decay, and statistics of single molecule behavior. The goal of the course is to cultivate interest and provide essential basics for more rigorous study of biological physics as a branch of interdisciplinary science. Enrollment limited to 19 first year students. Instructor permission required.

PHYS 0111. Are There Extra Dimensions Under Your Bed?.

Discusses some of the most exciting questions confronting contemporary physical science in a fashion suitable for both humanists and scientists. What are particles, antiparticles, superstrings, and black holes? How are space and time related? How are mass and gravity related to space and time? Do we live in a three-dimensional world, or are there extra dimensions? The seminar will address such questions with conceptual explanations based upon current research on campus, and highlight the experiments at the energy frontier, being carried out by the world's largest scientific instrument to-date, the Large Hadron Collider, located in Geneva, Switzerland. Enrollment limited to 19 first year students.

PHYS 0112. Extra-Solar Planets and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life.

The course will cover the significant developments in the detection and characterization of extra-solar planetary systems in the past almost 30 years. We will study the techniques for detecting planets outside of our solar system, the properties of the exoplanets discovered so far, and the prospects for future discoveries, with an emphasis on the search for "Earth-analogues" and the implications for astrobiology.

PHYS 0113. Squishy Physics.

A freshman seminar to explore everyday applications of physics. It offers practical training on project based learning. The course involves hands-on experimentation, data analysis and presentation. The course is designed for students interested in any field of science with no pre-requisite. The topics covered include motion, forces, flow, elasticity, polymers, gels, electricity, energy, etc. Students will be guided to work on several projects over the semester. They are required to report their projects in both written and oral reports. There is no exam for the course. Students are required to register for one of the labs.

PHYS 0114. The Science and Technology of Energy.

Energy plays fundamental roles in society. Its use underlies improvements in the living standard; the consequences of its use are having a significant impact on the Earth’s climate; its scarcity in certain forms is a source of insecurity and political conflict. This course will introduce the fundamental laws that govern energy and its use. Physical concepts to be covered: mechanical energy, thermodynamics, the Carnot cycle, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. Technological applications include wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, engines and fuels, electrical energy transmission and storage, solar energy and photovoltaics, nuclear reactors, and biomass. Enrollment limited 19.

PHYS 0120. Adventures in Nanoworld.

Richard Feynman famously said, "There's plenty of room at the bottom," about the possibility of building molecular-size machines operating according to Quantum Mechanics. Scientists are now learning the art, and students in this course will use basic physics and simple mathematical models to understand the phenomena and materials in the nanoworld. Non-science concentrators and potential science concentrators alike will learn about important classes of nanosystems such as macromolecules, nanotubes, quantum dots, quantum wires, and films. We will learn how people make nanosystems and characterize them. We will consider existing and potential applications of nanotechnology, including molecular motors, nanoelectronics, spintronics, and quantum information. Enrollment limited to 19 first year students.

PHYS 0121. Introduction to Environmental Physics: The Quantum Mechanics of Global Warming.

We will use basic physics and simple mathematical models to investigate climate change, energy and entropy, the dispersal of pollutants, solar power, and other aspects of environmental science. Lectures will be supplemented with demonstrations of key physical principles. Emphasis will be placed on quantitative reasoning.

PHYS 0150. The Jazz of Modern Physics.

This course, aimed at both students in the humanities and sciences, will explore the myriad surprising ways that jazz music is connected to modern physics. No background in physics, mathematics or music is required, as all of these foundational concepts and tools will be introduced.
The Jazz of Physics has three interconnected components:
(1) Using concepts and analogies from music and acoustics to explore the key conceptual ideas in modern physics such as quantum mechanics/information, general relativity, particle physics, dark energy and big bang cosmology.
(2) Exploring the parallels between jazz and physics through the lens of 20th century physics and jazz history, as well as key innovations in both fields with an eye towards future innovations.
(3) Students will learn the tools of signification in physics and develop group projects with a final product.
The course will consist of lectures, related homework sets, weekly discussion meetings, and a final study where groups of students will select a topic of interest.

PHYS 0160. Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics.

A mathematically rigorous introduction to special relativity and quantum mechanics. The second course in the three-semester sequence (PHYS 0470 being the third) for those seeking the strongest foundation in physics. Also suitable for students better served by an introduction to modern physics rather than electromagnetism. Lectures, conferences, and laboratory. Six hours of attendance. Prerequisite: PHYS 0070 or 0050. Recommended: MATH 0180 or 0200. S/NC

PHYS 0180. Physics for Non-Physicists: An Introduction to Classical and Modern Physics.

This course is an introduction to many major concepts in physics. It is intended for a general audience, and calculus is not required. Along the way, we will address the question “what goes into making a scientific theory?” using the works of Euclid, Galileo, Newton and others as examples. Concepts range historically from planetary motion (addressed at least as early as Ancient Greece) to modern physics topics that are still under debate today. These concepts include (but are not limited to) motion, forces, energy, electricity and magnetism, special relativity and quantum mechanics.

PHYS 0220. Astronomy.

An introduction to basic ideas and observations in astronomy, starting with the observed sky, coordinates and astronomical calendars and cycles, the historical development of our understanding of astronomical objects. Particular emphasis is placed on the properties of stars, galaxies, and the Universe as a whole, including the basic ideas of cosmology. The material is covered at a more basic level than PHYS 0270. Knowledge of basic algebra and trigonometry is required, but no experience with calculus is necessary. The course includes evening laboratory sessions.

PHYS 0270. Astronomy and Astrophysics.

A complete survey of basic astronomy, more rigorous than is offered in PHYS 0220. Requires competence in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and vectors and also some understanding of calculus and classical mechanics. Laboratory work required. This course or an equivalent required for students concentrating in astronomy. The course includes conferences and evening laboratory sessions.

PHYS 0470. Electricity and Magnetism.

Electric and magnetic fields. Motion of charged particles in fields. Electric and magnetic properties of matter. Direct and alternating currents. Maxwell's equations. Laboratory work. Prerequisites: PHYS 0040, 0060, or 0160; and MATH 0180, 0200 or 0350. Labs meet every other week.

PHYS 0500. Advanced Classical Mechanics.

Dynamics of particles, rigid bodies, and elastic continua. Normal modes. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations. Prerequisites: PHYS 0070, 0160 or 0050, 0060 and MATH 0180 or 0200; or approved equivalents.

PHYS 0560. Experiments in Modern Physics.

Introduction to experimental physics. Students perform fundamental experiments in modern quantum physics, including atomic physics, nuclear and particle physics, and condensed matter physics. Visits to research labs at Brown acquaint students with fields of current research. Emphasizes laboratory techniques, statistics, and data analysis. Three lecture/discussion hours and three laboratory hours each week. Required of all physics concentrators. Prerequisites: PHYS 0070, 0160 or 0050, 0060; 0470.

PHYS 0720. Methods of Mathematical Physics.

This course is designed for sophomores in physical sciences, especially those intending to take sophomore or higher level Physics courses. Topics include linear algebra (including linear vector spaces), Fourier analysis, ordinary and partial differential equations, complex analysis (including contour integration). Pre-requisites: PHYS 0060 or 0160, MATH 0180, 0200 or 0350, or consent of the instructor.

PHYS 0790. Physics of Matter.

An introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics and their use in the description of the electronic, thermal, and optical properties of materials. Primarily intended as an advanced science course in the engineering curriculum. Open to others by permission. Prerequisites: ENGN 0040, APMA 0340 or equivalents.

PHYS 1100. General Relativity.

An introduction to Einstein's theory of gravity, including special relativity, spacetime curvature, cosmology and black holes. Prerequisites: PHYS 0500 and MATH 0520 or MATH 0540 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Recommended: PHYS 0720. Offered every other year.

PHYS 1170. Introduction to Nuclear and High Energy Physics.

A study of modern nuclear and particle physics, with emphasis on the theory and interpretation of experimental results. Prerequisites: PHYS 1410, 1420 (may be taken concurrently), or instructor permission.

PHYS 1250. Stellar Structure and the Interstellar Medium.

This class is an introduction to the physics of stars and their environment. The course covers the fundamental physics that set the physical properties of stars, such as their luminosity, size, spectral properties and how these quantities evolve with time. In addition, it includes a study of the physics that takes place in the gaseous environment surrounding stars, the InterStellar Medium (ISM). The ISM is very important because it contains a wealth of information on the evolutionary history of galaxies, their composition, formation and future. Prerequisites: PHYS 0270, PHYS 0470, or instructor permission. PHYS 1530 (perhaps taken concurrently) is strongly recommended but not required.

PHYS 1270. Extragalactic Astronomy and High-Energy Astrophysics.

This course provides an introduction to the astrophysics of galaxies, their structure and evolution, with an emphasis on physical introduction of the observations. Underlying physics concepts such as radiative transfer, nuclear reactions and accretion physics will be introduced. Intended for students at the junior level. Prerequisites: PHYS 0270 and PHYS 0470, and either MATH 0190 or MATH 0200, or instructor permission.

PHYS 1280. Introduction to Cosmology.

The course presents an introduction to the study of the origin, evolution and contents of the Universe. Topics include the expansion of the Universe, relativistic cosmologies, thermal evolution, primordial nucleosynthesis, structure formation and the Cosmic Microwave Background. Prerequisites: PHYS 0160, MATH 0190, MATH 0200, or MATH 0350, or instructor permission.

PHYS 1410. Quantum Mechanics A.

A unified treatment of quanta, photons, electrons, atoms, molecules, matter, nuclei, and particles. Quantum mechanics developed at the start and used to link and explain both the older and newer experimental phenomena of modern physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 0500 and 0560; and MATH 0520, 0540 or PHYS 0720; or approved equivalents.

PHYS 1420. Quantum Mechanics B.

See Quantum Mechanics A, (PHYS 1410) for course description.

PHYS 1510. Advanced Electromagnetic Theory.

Maxwell's laws and electromagnetic theory. Electromagnetic waves and radiation. Special relativity. Prerequisites: PHYS 0470; and MATH 0180, 0200, or 0350; or approved equivalents.

PHYS 1530. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics.

The laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer. Atomic interpretation in terms of kinetic theory and elementary statistical mechanics. Applications to physical problems. Prerequisites: MATH 0180 or 0200 or 0350. Corequisite: PHYS 1410.

PHYS 1560. Modern Physics Laboratory.

A sequence of intensive, advanced experiments often introducing sophisticated techniques. Prerequisites: PHYS 0470, 0500 and 0560; and MATH 0520, 0540 or PHYS 0720; or approved equivalents.

PHYS 1590. Semiconductor Devices.

An introduction to semiconductor device physics and basic electronic properties of semiconductors, including junctions, heterojunction, and fundamental device building blocks. Current and proposed semiconductor devices: field effect transistors, bipolar transistors, quantum-effect devices, and optoelectronic devices. A brief fabrication lab will introduce junction fabrication in the cleanroom. Advanced topics, such as heterojunction bipolar transistors and silicon-on-insulator FETs, are included in the graduate version.

PHYS 1600. Computational Physics.

This course provides students with an introduction to scientific computation, primarily as applied to physical science problems. It will assume a basic knowledge of programming and will focus on how computational methods can be used to study physical systems complementing experimental and theoretical techniques. Prerequisites: PHYS 0070, 0160 (or 0050, 0060) and 0470 (or ENGN 0510); MATH 0180 or 0200 or 0350; the ability to write a simple computer program in Fortran, Matlab, C or C++.

PHYS 1610. Biological Physics.

Introduction on structures of proteins, nucleotides, and membranes; electrostatics and hydration; chemical equilibrium; binding affinity and kinetics; hydrodynamics and transport; cellular mechanics and motions; biophysical techniques including sedimentation, electrophoresis, microscopy and spectroscopy. Suitable for undergraduate science and engineering majors and graduate students with limited background in life science. Prerequisites: MATH 0180.

PHYS 1640. Introduction to Computational Physics and Data Analysis.

This course introduces upper undergraduate and graduate students to computational methods in physics and data analysis techniques. It covers programming in Python and Mathematica, computational physics fundamentals, and fundamental data analysis methods including statistics, data fitting, and background estimation. The course will use the discovery of the Higgs boson as a case study. Students will engage in practical assignments and a final project to apply learned concepts. Extensive use of Google Colab and Mathematica notebooks will be made to facilitate learning and application. Students are encouraged to bring their laptops to the lectures to perform the examples with the instructor.

PHYS 1720. Methods of Mathematical Physics.

Designed primarily for sophmore students in physical sciences. Basic elements of and practical examples in linear algebra, the solution of ordinary and Partial Differential Equation, Complex Analysis and Application to Contour Integrals. Intended to prepare students for the mathematics encountered in PHYS 0500, 1410, 1420, 1510 and 1530. Pre-requisites: PHYS 0060 or 0160, MATH 0180, 0200 or 0350, or consent of the instructor.

PHYS 1790. Quantum Optics.

An introduction to the fundamental theory, mathematical formalism, and applications of quantum optics, the study of light and its interactions with matter at microscopic scales. Topics will include: an introduction to quantum mechanics using the bra-ket (or Dirac) notation, quantization of the electromagnetic fields, generation and detection of single photons, non-classical quantum states (single-mode states, Fock or number states, coherent and squeezed states), phasor diagrams, number-phase uncertainty, quantum theory of photoionization/photodetection, quantum description of mirrors, beam splitters, Mach-Zehnder interferometers, spontaneous emission and parametric downconversion, as well as interaction-free measurements. The course is intended for graduate and senior undergraduate students who would like to understand more advanced concepts in emerging fields, such as quantum computing. The material is self-contained, therefore students who do not have a deep background in quantum mechanics or optics will also be able to take the course proficiently

PHYS 1840. Group Research Project.

No description available.

PHYS 1931S. Medical Physics.

Medical Physics is an applied branch of physics concerned with the application of the concepts and methods to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. It allies with medical electronics, bioengineering, health physics. Students will familiarize with major texts and literature of medical physics and are exposed to imaging and treatment techniques and quality control procedures. Students will acquire physical and scientific background to pose questions and solve problems in medical physics. Topics include: Imaging -imaging metrics, ionizing radiation, radiation safety, radioactivity, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and Radiation Therapy -delivery systems, treatment planning, brachytherapy, image guidance.

PHYS 1970A. Stellar Physics and the Interstellar Medium.

No description available.

PHYS 1970B. Topics in Optics.

Introduction to optical principles and techniques. Offered to students who have a foundation in physics and are especially interested in optics. The course covers the interaction of light with matter, geometric and wave optics, polarization, fluorescence, and optical instruments (e.g. interferometer, spectrometer, microscope and telescope). Recommended are one physics course (PHYS 0040, PHYS 0060, or ENGN 0040) and one calculus course (MATH 0180, MATH 0200, or MATH 0350), or per instructor's permission.

PHYS 1970C. String Theory for Undergraduates.

This course will concentrate on String Theory. It will be given at introductory/intermediate level with some review of the background material. Topics covered will include dynamical systems, symmetries and Noether’s Theorem; nonrelativistic strings; relativistic systems (particle and string); quantization, gauge fixing, Feynman’s sum over paths; electrostatic analogy; string in curved space-time; and supersymmetry. Some advanced topics will also be addressed, i.e., D-Branes and M-Theory. Recommended prerequisites: PHYS 0470 and 0500, or 0160.

PHYS 1970D. Statistical Physics in Inference and (Deep) Learning.

In this course students will explore the statistical physics principles underlying probabilistic inference and various neural network architectures. The course is designed to bridge the gap between teaching approaches to modern statistical physics that are either purely theoretical, or focus largely on its applications in data analysis. To that end, there will be a conscious effort to study topics such as: MaxEnt principle, variational methods, Hebb’s rule, bias-variance tradeoff, regularization, and others with analytical derivations as well as worked-out code examples in Jupyter notebooks. The course will also provide a space for students to interrogate and reflect on the ethical, political, and policy frameworks that are urgently needed in the age of deep learning.

PHYS 1970F. Quantum Information.

Quantum information is the modern study of how to encode and transmit information on the quantum scale--in many ways fundamentally different from classical information. This course will connect a standard treatment of Quantum mechanics with information theory. Some topics will overlap with phys 1410, but information will be presented from a different viewpoint and with new applications. Topics covered will include: measurement, quantum states, bits, density of states, entanglement, quantum information processing, computing, and some special topics. Students will be expected to complete an end of term project for successfull completion of the course.

PHYS 1970G. Topological Matter.

Topology is a study of the robust properties of geometry, the global stuff that survives wiggles. Topological matter is matter that possesses robust properties that can survive a bit of crud, to the delight of its discoverers. It has breathed new life into topics that have been in textbooks for 75 years. Topics covered include Band Theory, Berry Phase, Topological Insulators, and the Quantum Hall Effect.

PHYS 1970J. Introduction to Fluids.

An introduction to fluids from the perspective of a physicist, this course will use discussion-based, small-group, and interactive pedagogy to explore and learn fundamental aspects of fluids: ideal, viscid, and planetary flows as well as turbulence, boundary layers, and waves. Student preference and feedback will be a major component in determining the topics to be covered as well as how class time is spent. This is recommended as an advanced undergraduate course for Physics majors who have completed their core coursework.

PHYS 1980. Undergraduate Research in Physics.

Designed for undergraduates to participate, individually or in small groups, in research projects mentored by the physics faculty. Students must have taken one year of college level physics. An average of 8 to 10 hours per week of guided research is required as are weekly meetings with the supervising faculty member. Students should consult with faculty to find a mutually agreeable research project and obtain permission to enroll. Section number varies by instructor (students must register for the appropriate section).

PHYS 1990. Senior Conference Course.

Preparation of thesis project. Required of candidates for the degree of bachelor of science with a concentration in physics. Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course.

PHYS 2010. Techniques in Experimental Physics.

No description available.

PHYS 2020. Mathematical Methods of Engineers and Physicists.

An introduction to methods of mathematical analysis in physical science and engineering. The first semester course includes linear algebra and tensor analysis; analytic functions of a complex variable; integration in the complex plane; potential theory. The second semester course includes probability theory; eigenvalue problems; calculus of variations and extremum principles; wave propagation; other partial differential equations of evolution.

PHYS 2030. Classical Theoretical Physics I.

No description available.

PHYS 2040. Classical Theoretical Physics II.

No description available.

PHYS 2050. Quantum Mechanics.

No description available.

PHYS 2060. Quantum Mechanics.

No description available.

PHYS 2070. Advanced Quantum Mechanics.

No description available.

PHYS 2100. General Relativity.

This graduate course in general relativity and cosmology will cover the principles of Einstein's general theory of relativity, differential geometry, the first order formulation of general relativity (Einstein-Cartan theory), experimental tests of general relativity and black holes. The second half of the course will focus on relativistic cosmology with a focus on its interface with field theory.

PHYS 2140. Statistical Mechanics.

No description available.

PHYS 2170. Introduction to Nuclear and High Energy Physics.

No description available.

PHYS 2280. Astrophysics and Cosmology.

This course serves as a graduate-level introduction to modern cosmology, including current topics of research on both observational and theoretical fronts. Topics include relativistic cosmology, inflation and the early Universe, observational cosmology, galaxy formation. Prerequisites for undergraduates: PHYS 1280 and PHYS 1530.

PHYS 2300. Quantum Theory of Fields I.

No description available.

PHYS 2320. Quantum Theory of Fields II.

No description available. Instructor permission required.

PHYS 2340. Group Theory.

Offered every other year.

PHYS 2410. Solid State Physics I.

No description available.

PHYS 2420. Solid State Physics II.

The goal of the course is to explain the effects of interactions between the electrons on the properties of quantum materials. In particular, upon completing the course you will acquire deep understanding of the physics of conductors, symmetry broken phases and strongly interacting topological phases such as Hall effect. We will particularly concentrate on the phenomenology of these systems.

PHYS 2430. Quantum Many Body Theory.

No description available.

PHYS 2450. Exchange Scholar Program.

PHYS 2470. Advanced Statistical Mechanics.

No description available.

PHYS 2550. Applied Machine Learning and AI.

This graduate-level course explores the integration of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in various branches of physics. With a focus on practical applications, students will gain hands-on experience in leveraging ML and AI to solve complex problems, enhance data analysis, and optimize experimental design in the context of particle physics, astrophysics, and condensed matter physics.

PHYS 2590. Semiconductor Devices.

An introduction to semiconductor device physics and basic electronic properties of semiconductors, including junctions, heterojunction, and fundamental device building blocks. Current and proposed semiconductor devices: field effect transistors, bipolar transistors, quantum-effect devices, and optoelectronic devices. A brief fabrication lab will introduce junction fabrication in the cleanroom. Advanced topics, such as heterojunction bipolar transistors and silicon-on-insulator FETs, are included in the graduate version.

PHYS 2600. Computational Physics.

This course provides students with an introduction to scientific computation at the graduate level, primarily as applied to physical science problems. It will assume a basic knowledge of programming and will focus on how computational methods can be used to study physical systems complementing experimental and theoretical techniques. Prerequisites: PHYS 2030, 2050, 2140; the ability to write a simple computer program in Fortran, Matlab, C or C++.

PHYS 2610A. Selected Topics in Modern Cosmology.

Aims to provide a working knowledge of some main topics in modern cosmology. Combines study of the basics with applications to current research.

PHYS 2610B. Theory of Relativity.

No description available.

PHYS 2610C. Selected Topics in Condensed Matter Physics.

PHYS 2610D. Selected Topics in Condensed Matter Physics.

The objective of this course is to introduce recent development in condensed matter physics. Selected topics include: nanoscale physics, materials, and devices; spintronics and magnetism; high temperature superconductivity; strongly correlated systems; Bose-Einstein condensate; and applications of condensed matter physics. In addition to discussing physics, some experimental techniques used in current research will also be introduced. The course will help students broaden their scope of knowledge in condensed matter physics, learn how to leverage their existing background to select and conduct research, and develop a sense of how to build their professional career based on condensed matter physics.

PHYS 2610E. Selected Topics in Physics of Locomotion.

This special topics graduate course deals with the physical processes involved in the locomotion of organisms, with a particular focus on locomotion at small scales in fluids. Topics include mechanisms of swimming motility for microorganisms, fluid mechanics at low Reynolds number, diffusion and Brownian motion, physical actuation, hydrodynamic interactions, swimming in complex fluids, artificial swimmers, and optimization. Prerequisites: (PHYS0470 or ENGN0510) and (PHYS 0500 or ENGN0810 or ENGN1370), or permission of the instructor.

PHYS 2610F. Selected Topics in Collider Physics.

The course will cover basic aspects of conducting precision measurements and searches for new physics at modern high-energy colliders, with the emphasis given to physics at the Large Hadron Collider. The course will cover major aspects of conducting physics analysis from the underlying theory to experimental methods, such as optimization of the analysis, mutivariate analysis techniques, use of statistical methods to establish a signal or set the limit. There will be reading assignments, in-class student presentations, and hands-on exercises offered as the part of the course. Prerequisite: PHYS 1170 or 2170. Open to graduate students in Physics and Math.

PHYS 2620A. Astrophysical and Cosmological Constraints on Particle Physics.

No description available.

PHYS 2620B. Green's Functions and Ordered Exponentials.

No description available.

PHYS 2620C. Introduction to String Theory.

No description available.

PHYS 2620D. Modern Cosmology.

No description available.

PHYS 2620E. Selected Topics in Quantum Mechanics: Fuzzy Physics.

No description available.

PHYS 2620F. Selected Topics in Molecular Biophysics.

No description available.

PHYS 2620G. The Standard Model and Beyond.

Topics to be covered will include: Yang-Mills theory, origin of masses and couplings of particles, effective field theory, renormalization, confinement, lattice gauge theory, anomalies and instantons, grand unification, magnetic monopoles, technicolor, introduction to supersymmetry, supersymmetry breaking, the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model, and dark matter candidates. Prerequisite: PHYS 2300.

PHYS 2620H. Quantum Computation, Information, and Sensing.

This course introduces the theory and practice of quantum computation and quantum information with the focus on quantum algorithms. The topics that will be covered are quantum mechanics from the quantum computing perspective, quantum measurement, quantum sensing, quantum gates, quantum algorithms, quantum error correction codes, quantum entanglement and applications in quantum communication. To demonstrate the ability to perform independent research and literature review, students will write a final report on quantum computing/quantum information topics.

PHYS 2620J. Statistical Physics in Inference and (Deep) Learning.

In this course students will explore the statistical physics principles underlying probabilistic inference and various neural network architectures. The course is designed to bridge the gap between teaching approaches to modern statistical physics that are either purely theoretical, or focus largely on its applications in data analysis. To that end, there will be a conscious effort to study topics such as: MaxEnt principle, variational methods, Hebb’s rule, bias-variance tradeoff, regularization, and others with analytical derivations as well as worked-out code examples in Jupyter notebooks. The course will also provide a space for students to interrogate and reflect on the ethical, political, and policy frameworks that are urgently needed in the age of deep learning.

PHYS 2630. Biological Physics.

The course is the graduate version of Phys 1610, Biological Physics. The topics to be covered include structure of cells and biological molecules; diffusion, dissipation and random motion; flow and friction in fluids; entropy, temperature and energy; chemical reactions and self-assembly; solution electrostatics; action potential and nerve impulses. The graduate level course has additional pre-requsites of Phys 0470 and 1530, or equivalents. It requires homework assignments at the graduate level. The final grades will be assigned separately from those who take the course as Phys 1610, although the two groups may be taught in the same classroom.

PHYS 2640. Introduction to Computational Physics and Data Analysis.

This course introduces upper undergraduate and graduate students to computational methods in physics and data analysis techniques. It covers programming in Python and Mathematica, computational physics fundamentals, and fundamental data analysis methods including statistics, data fitting, and background estimation. The course will use the discovery of the Higgs boson as a case study. Students will engage in practical assignments and a final project to apply learned concepts. Extensive use of Google Colab and Mathematica notebooks will be made to facilitate learning and application. Students are encouraged to bring their laptops to the lectures to perform the examples with the instructor.

PHYS 2670. Soft Matter.

This course provides an introduction to soft matter: polymers, elastomers, liquid crystals, and colloids. Students in physics, engineering, chemistry, and applied mathematics may find this course useful. Familiarity with classical statistical mechanics (PHYS1530) is required. We will use scaling arguments and simple physical pictures as much as possible.

PHYS 2710. Seminar in Research Topics.

Instruction via reading assignments and seminars for graduate students on research projects. Credit may vary. Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course.

PHYS 2711. Seminar in Research Topics.

See Seminar In Research Topics (PHYS 2710) for course description. Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course.

PHYS 2790. Quantum Optics.

An introduction to the fundamental theory, mathematical formalism, and applications of quantum optics, the study of light and its interactions with matter at microscopic scales. Topics will include: an introduction to quantum mechanics using the bra-ket (or Dirac) notation, quantization of the electromagnetic fields, generation and detection of single photons, non-classical quantum states (single-mode states, Fock or number states, coherent and squeezed states), phasor diagrams, number-phase uncertainty, quantum theory of photoionization/photodetection, quantum description of mirrors, beam splitters, Mach-Zehnder interferometers, spontaneous emission and parametric downconversion, as well as interaction-free measurements. The course is intended for graduate and senior undergraduate students who would like to understand more advanced concepts in emerging fields, such as quantum computing. The material is self-contained, therefore students who do not have a deep background in quantum mechanics or optics will also be able to take the course proficiently

PHYS 2970. Preliminary Examination Preparation.

For graduate students who have met the tuition requirement and are paying the registration fee to continue active enrollment while preparing for a preliminary examination.

PHYS 2980. Research in Physics.

Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course.

PHYS 2981. Research in Physics.

Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course.

PHYS 2990. Thesis Preparation.

For graduate students who have met the residency requirement and are continuing research on a full time basis.