Global Arc

Covers the basics of analytical mechanics, but shifts the emphasis to wave phenomena before moving on to aspects of quantum mechanics and quantum statistical mechanics. Special relativity is given greater weight than it usually is in PHY 205. Offers students a path toward the physics concentration that is less intensive than PHY 205 and more accessible to students with less mathematical background. Prerequisites: PHY103-104, or PHY105-106; one 200-level math course; or permission of instructor. Two 90-minute lectures.

An introduction to quantum mechanics, the physics of atoms, electrons, photons, and other elementary particles. Topics include state functions and the probability interpretation, the Schrödinger equation, the uncertainty principle, the eigenvalue problem, operators and their algebras, angular momentum and spin, perturbation theory, and the hydrogen atom. Prerequisites: PHY 106, PHY 205, or PHY 207 and MAT 203 or MAT 217, and MAT 204 or MAT 218 (MAT 204/MAT 218 can be taken concurrently); or instructor's permission. Two 90-minute lectures.

Introduction to Python coding and its application to data collection, analysis and statistical inference. The course consists of weekly hands-on labs that introduce the students to the Linux coding environment with Jupyter and Python modules. Labs involve configuring a Raspberry Pi to interface with hardware sensors to collect interrupt-driven measurements. Multivariate discriminators and confidence levels for hypothesis testing will be applied to data samples. Labs are drawn from different forms of sensors data from accelerometers and photodetectors to external sources including radio-astronomy and XRF analysis of Art Museum paintings.

This seminar introduces fundamental techniques of electronics and instrumentation. The course consists of weekly hands-on labs that introduce the students to the fascinating world of electronics. We begin with learning how to build circuits and probe their behavior and then explore what can be done to create instrumentation and make measurements. We start with analog electronics and then proceed with programmable digital logic with FPGAs. The final project involves Machine Learning implemented in FPGAs, a glimpse of what modern electronics can do.

An introduction to topics in theoretical physics, including blackbody radiation, zero point energy, path integral quantum mechanics, differential geometry and black holes, the quark model and continuous symmetry groups, and aspects of string theory. Each topic will be treated in a two-week unit with readings specifically prepared for the course as well as standard texts.

We will cover the physical principles behind the production, availability, usage, and storage of energy for society. We will explore sources such as fission, fusion, solar, geothermal, hydro, wind, and fossil fuels in the context of simple physical models of the earth and its atmosphere. Our study will draw on many aspects of physics-- classical mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical physics, particle physics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, fluids which will be developed as needed at an introductory level throughout the course.

This course will develop skills necessary to be successful in scientific research, such as programming, data analysis, and scientific writing and communication. Students will explore methods relevant for both experimental and theoretical physics through interactive activities. As a concrete application of these ideas, students will learn about dark matter and current attempts to identify its true nature. The readings will introduce concepts in astroparticle physics, potential theory, collisionless systems, and scattering theory. Students will receive guidance in identifying summer research opportunities and applying for funding support.

Students in the course will use a 60-foot radio telescope dish to study radio signals emitted by the Milky Way. To analyze data from the dish, students will employ the Python programming language. These data will be used to observe the arms of the galaxy and to determine the velocity of the Sun with respect to nearby stars. The data will also be used to map out a galactic rotation curve, which provides evidence for the existence of dark matter.

A unified introduction to the physics of systems with many degrees of freedom: thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, both classical and quantum. Applications will include phase equilibrium, classical and quantum gases, and properties of solids. Three lectures. Prerequisites: Any one of PHY 106, 205, 207 or 208, or instructor's permission.

The course covers advanced topics in classical dynamics including an exploration of phenomena associated with deterministic chaos in non-integrable systems. Proficiency with Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, multi-variable calculus, differential equations and linear algebra are assumed, although the math may be taken concurrently. Applications span a range of disciplines beyond physics, including climate science, parametric biological modeling, and behavioral economics. The class consists of a lecture, in-class demonstrations and discussion. The course is not open to first year students without permission of the physics DUS.