Global Arc

The basic features of nuclear and elementary particle physics are described and interpreted, primarily in the context of the "Standard Model." Problems of current interest are discussed. Two 90-minute lectures.

The course discusses some of the most important and beautiful phenomena described by classical dynamics. This includes generalized Hamiltonian systems and variational principles, shock waves propagation, gravitational instabilities, simple solitons and vortices plus elementary exposition of the theories of turbulence and period doubling. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisite: PHY 205 or 207.

The emerging field of quantum computation, an exciting new area of overlap between physics and information theory, will be explored via emphasis on the underlying physical principles. Topics to be covered include: quantum states as extensions of classical bits, measurement and entanglement, the no-clonim theorem, the Feynman computer, universal quantum gates, quantum oracles, quantum teleportation, quantum computation algorithms, deconerence and quantum error correction, and physical systems for quantum computation.

The boundaries between the traditional scientific disciplines have become extremely blurred. Some of today's most interesting scientific questions can only be addressed using techniques and concepts from more that one of the traditional sciences. As such, Biological Physics (or Biophysics or Physical Biology or any number of combinations of the words biology, physics, chemistry etc.) is one of the fastest growing areas in Physics. In this course, we will examine one of the central topics in biological physics, namely, how energy, force, and mechanics are used by living organisms.

A survey course concentrating mostly on quantum condensed matter physics. Topics include: Electrons in solids: bands, scattering, transport, semi-classical dynamics, metals, semiconductors, semimetals, insulators, superconductors. The structure of liquids, solids and crystals. Determining structure from scattering. Harmonic and anharmonic phonons in solids, thermal conduction. Magnetism and antiferromagnetism. Strong interactions between electrons: Hubbard models and Mott insulators. Quantum gases. Superfluidity and superconductivity.