Global Arc

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.

Extensions of electromagnetic theory including some important applications of Maxwell's equations. Solutions to Laplace's equation--boundary value problems. Retarded potentials. Electromagnetic waves and radiation. Special relativity. Mathematical tools developed as required. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisites: 104 or 106.

A second course on the basic principles of quantum mechanics with emphasis on applications to problems from atomic and solid-state physics. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisites: 208.

The course offers six different experiments from the advanced laboratory collection. Experiments include Josephson effect, ß-decay, holography, Mössbauer spectroscopy, optical pumping. Lectures stress modern experimental methods and devices. One lecture, one laboratory.