Global Arc

Mathematical methods and techniques that are essential for modern theoretical physics. Topics such as group theory, Lie algebras, and differential geometry are discussed and applied to concrete physical problems. Special attention will be given to mathematical techniques that originated in physics, such as functional integration and current algebras. Three classes. Prerequisite: MAT 330 or instructor's permission.

This course serves as an introduction to the rapidly growing field of topological insulators and superconductors. The course will present old topics such as band theory, insulators, metals, ferromagnets, superconductors, but emphasis will be on the new topological phenomena that these systems are now known to harbor. Many experts in this field are home-grown on Princeton soil, and this course provides a unique opportunity for students to interact with them. There are ample opportunities for research in both theory and experiments.

An introduction to modern condensed-matter physics, this course builds on quantum and statistical mechanics to study the electronic properties of solids, including band theory. Metals, quantum Hall effects, semiconductors, superconductors and magnetism, as well as phase transitions in condensed systems and structure and dynamic of solids and liquid crystals. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisites: PHY 208, PHY 301, and PHY 305.

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.

An introduction to the national institutions and political processes of American government. Topics include the Constitution, the American political tradition, public opinion, interest groups, political institutions, civil rights, civil liberties, and public policy. Two lectures, one preceptorial.

A comprehensive introduction to the major issues of contemporary international relations. The course presents competing theoretical perspectives and reviews the historical record to explore such puzzles as the causes of war, explanations of cooperation, the behavior of states, and the proper ethical standards for judging international relations. Two lectures, one preceptorial.