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.

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.

This course serves as an introduction to strategic issues in politics as well as non-cooperative game theory. The course develops the basic concepts and equilibrium concepts of normal and extensive form games with both complete and incomplete information. We will look at collective action problems, bargaining, voting, legislative politics, deliberation, deterrence and campaigns. Evaluation is through problem sets, exams and a short paper in which students develop their own model and analysis. Two lectures, one preceptorial.

A study of the fundamental questions of political theory as framed in context of the institutions and writings of ancient Greek and Roman thinkers from the classical period into late antiquity and the spread of Christianity in Rome. We will canvass the meaning of justice in Plato's "Republic", the definition of the citizen in Aristotle's "Politics", to Cicero's reflections on the purpose of a commonwealth, and Augustine's challenge to those reflections and to the primacy of political life at all in light of divine purposes. Through classic texts, we explore basic questions of constitutional ethics and politics. Two lectures, one preceptorial.

An examination of the development of political thought in Europe from the second half of the 18th century to the end of the 19th. The course will focus on Kantian, Hegelian, and Marxist developments in this tradition. Emphasis on the important role played by different conceptions of freedom, human nature, and history in the political thought of the period, with particular attention to issues concerning autonomy and authority, the nature of the state, and the limits to state power. Two lectures, one preceptorial.