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Graduate Course Atlas

Fall Semester 2008


For more information, contact Yolonda Williams



PHYSICS 503A: Classical Mechanics I

Hentschel MWF 9:35 AM - 10:25 AM MAX: 12

Content: An advanced-level graduate course on classical mechanics. Topics to be covered include: Lagrangian mechanics; conservation laws; integration of equations of motion; central forces and planetary motion; collisions between particles; small oscillations; motions of rigid bodies; motion in non-inertial frames; Hamilton's equations.

Particulars: Prerequisite-Consent of instructor.

Texts: Course of Theoretical Physics Volume 1: Mechanics, L.D. Landau and E.M. Lifshitz, ISBN 0 7506 2896 0


PHYSICS 506A: Quantum Physics I

Huynh TTh 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM MAX: 10

Content: General formulation of quantum mechanics and applications to various types of problems including: matrix formulation, quantization of physical observables, time evolution of a system state, perturbation theory, theory of angular momentum, two level systems, magnetic dipole-dipole interactions, spin-orbit interactions, anomalous Zeeman effect, exchange degeneracy and systems of identical particles, atomic structures, and scattering theory.

Particulars: Grades are based on homework assignments and class presentations. Problems are assigned on a regular basis. Subjects of presentations will be assigned by the instructor with the consent of the presenting students. Prerequisite-Physics 503A or consent of the instructor.


PHYSICS 506B: Quantum Mechanics II

Huynh TBA TBA MAX: 10

Content: Fundamental postulates, concepts, and methods of quantum mechanics and their applications to various types of problems. Emphases will be placed on both the technical aspects of the theory and issues of interpretation posted by quantum theory.

Particulars: Prerequisite-Consent of the instructor.


PHYSICS 544: Advanced Laboratory

Segre Lecture T 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM MAX: 10 Credit: 4 Hours
Brody Lab W 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM MAX: 10

Content: Modern experimental techniques and hands-on laboratory projects, including semiconductor device physics, chaos in electronics, X-ray crystallography, and astronomical photometry.

Particulars: Prerequisite-Physics 253 AND consent of the instructor. Each student will complete written reports for at least three experimental projects. All students must register for both T 2:30-5:30 and W 2:30-5:30.
Texts: Student Manual for the Art of Electronics


PHYSICS 552: Biomacromolecules

Finzi TTh 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM MAX: 14 Credit: 4 Hours

Content: This course is meant to provide physics graduate students, in their first year of study, and advanced undergraduates with the fundamental knowledge necessary to practice research in biophysics. Toward this goal, the first part of the course will introduce the concept of atomic (electronic) structure, including molecular orbitals and basic ligand field theory, pertinent to the discussion of the nature of the chemical bonds involved in the structure and function of biomacromolecules. The course will then discuss the interaction of biomacromolecules with different types of environments. The concepts of acids, bases, pH and buffer effects will be introduced along with those of membranes and Brownian motion. Subsequently, polymer chain statistics will be thoroughly discussed, followed by an analysis of binding interactions including a discussion of ensemble versus single-molecule analysis especially in relation to conformational changes, molecular motors. The course will conclude with a section dedicated to reaction dynamics: kinetics, especially enzyme kinetics, also at the single-molecule level.

Audience: Graduates and advanced undergraduates

Particulars: There are no a prior prerequisites given the nature of the course which is aimed at providing the basic tools for the understanding of the biochemical and biophysical behavior of macromolecules as a function of their environment.


PHYSICS 597R: Directed Study (M.A.)

Faculty TBA TBA MAX: 10

Prerequisite: (Written Permission of Instructor Required Prior to Pre-Registration)


PHYSICS 599R: Thesis Research

Faculty TBA TBA MAX: 10

Prerequisite: (Written Permission of Instructor Required Prior to Pre-Registration)


PHYSICS 731R: Special Topics in Theoretical Physics

Faculty TBA TBA MAX: 10

Prerequisite: (Written Permission of Instructor Required Prior to Pre-Registration)


PHYSICS 741R: Special Topics in Nuclear Physics

Faculty TBA TBA MAX: 10

Prerequisite: (Written Permission of Instructor Required Prior to Pre-Registration)


PHYSICS 751R: Polymer Physics

Roth MWF 10:40 AM - 11:30 AM MAX: 14

Content: Polymer structures and conformations, polymer synthesis, molecular weight distribution and characterization; properties of polymer solutions, solubility and miscibility, polymer blends; properties of bulk polymers, glass and melt transitions, crystallization, rubber elasticity, viscous flow and viscoelasticity, time-temperature superposition; polymer dynamics, Rouse and reptation models. This course is intended to give students an overview of important concepts in polymer science, and highlight some of the current areas of research and how it relates to technological applications.

Audience: Advanced undergraduates in physics and chemistry, and graduate students.

Particulars: Permission of Instructor


PHYSICS 797R: Directed Study (Ph.D.)

Faculty TBA TBA MAX: 10

Particulars: (Written Permission of Instructor Required Prior to Pre-Registration)


PHYSICS 799R: Advanced Research

Faculty TBA TBA MAX: 10

Prerequisite: (Written Permission of Instructor Required Prior to Pre-Registration)