Laboratory work involving study of literature of special experiments in physics. Introduces research methods.

Topics of current interest selected for discussion. May be elected repeatedly. S/U Graded only. Prerequisite: 8150.

Interaction of light with matter, spectroscopic techniques, wave optics, interferometry, multilayer films, polarization, nonlinear optics, design of optical instruments, matrix methods, waveguides, fiber optics, acousto-optic and photo-elastic modulation. Includes both Lectures and Laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYSCS 2760 or equivalent.

Investigates physical states, interior structures and comparative geology of solar systems bodies: planets, moons, asteroids, comets, sun. Solar system formation and evolution. Prerequisites: Physics 1220 or 2760 or instructor’s consent.

This course will cover fundamental and applied aspects relating to the Physics, Chemistry and Biology of material with specific emphasis on Nanoscience and Nanomedicine. Consists of lectures and experiments in nanoscience. Prerequisite: Physics 2760 and Chemistry 1320 or equivalent and consent of instructor.

Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester. Instructor’s consent required.

Selected topics from solar system, stellar, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, and astrophysics. May be repeated for credit. Graded on A/F basis only.

This course introduces students to the most basic knowledge of extragalactic astronomy, starting from Milky Way and extending to the most distant universe. Topics covered will include galaxy morphology and classification, groups and clusters of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and galaxy formation and evolution. Prerequisite: Physics 2760.

This course is designed for graduate and undergraduate students of Physics and Electrical Engineering who have an interest in learning the basic physical idea underlying the operation of electronic devices. The course consists of lectures, handout lecture notes, problem sets, two mid-term and one final exam. Prerequisites: basic knowledge of modern physics (electromagnetism and quantum mechanics) at the level of Physics 3150 or equivalent, or approval by instructors.

This course offers a broad introduction to medical imaging. Topics to be covered include the physics basics and instrumentation of X-rays, CT, PET, SPECT, ultrasound, MRI, and optical imaging, as well as recent developments in biomedical imaging. Prerequisite: Physics 2760.

Develops the physical concepts necessary for understanding the major recent discoveries in cosmology, such as the acceleration of the universe and dark energy. No prior knowledge of general relativity is assumed. Prerequisite: PHYSCS 3150 or equivalent or instructor’s consent. Graded on A/F basis only.

Provides a practical introduction (hands-on approach) to the study of the structure and function of biomolecular systems by employing computational methods and theoretical concepts familiar from the physical sciences. Prerequisites: graduate standing and PHYSCS 1220 or 2760 or instructor’s consent.

The course provides an overview of the biophysics of enzymes, nucleic acids and the cytoskeleton. Topics covered will include diffusion, molecular motors, polymerization of the cytoskeleton and the polymer properties of nucleic acids and microtubules. Prerequisites: Physics 2760

It is an introductory-level course in the field of optical processes in semiconductors (both inorganic and organic) and solid-state optoelectronics, designed both for graduate and undergraduate students of Physics, Chemistry, and Electrical engineering. Prerequisite: Physics 3150 or instructor’s consent. Graded on A/F basis only.

Introduces the basic concepts and gives an overview of the latest developments of modern condensed matter physics at the forefront of (nano)science and technology. Combines lectures and computational laboratory, where students use and develop interactive computer simulations. Prerequisite: Physics 3150 or instructor’s consent. Graded on A/F basis only.

(cross-leveled with PHYSCS 4720). This course provides an introduction to nonlinear dynamical systems and chaos, with examples from physics, chemistry, biology and engineering. The emphasis will be on applications, using a combination of analytical, computational and intuitive geometrical methods. Topics covered include phase portraits, fixed point analysis, bifurcations, limit cycles, strange-attractors, iterated maps, period doubling, chaos, fractals, scaling and universality. Graded on A-F basis only.

The course discusses observational properties and physical and chemical processes occurring in the interstellar medium. Topics include interstellar diffuse and molecular clouds, HII regions, dust grains, interstellar chemistry, star formation, supernova remnants, and interstellar shock waves. Prerequisites: graduate standing and PHYSCS 1220 or 2760.

Use of modern computational techniques in solving a wide variety of problems in solid state, nuclear, quantum and statistical physics. Prerequisites: Physics 4800.

Objectives, methods, and problems related to teaching college physics. Some credit in this course is required for all students teaching physics. May repeat for 3 hours maximum.

Graduate research in physics and astronomy. Prerequisites: graduate standing required. Graded on an S/U basis only.

Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent. Departmental consent for repetition.

Crystal structure, reciprocal lattice, phonons, neutron & x-ray scattering, free electron theory of metals, Fermi surfaces, energy bands, static properties of solids, semiconductors, devices and quantum structures, optical properties, excitons, introduction to magnetism, and superconductivity. Prerequisite: 4800 or equivalent.

The basic Hamiltonian, phonons, theory of the electron gas, second quantization, hartree and Hartee-Fock approximation, local-density, tight-binding theory, electron-electron interaction and screening, Fermi liquid theory, transport properties, impurities, Green’s functions, Localization, Quantum Hall effect, magnetism, superconductivity. Prerequisite: Physics 8150. Continuation of 8150.

Selected topics from solar system, stellar, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, and astrophysics. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent.

(same as PHYSCS 8310, BIO_ SC 8724 and LTC 8724) Study of learner characteristics, teaching strategies, and research findings related to teaching science at the post-secondary level.

(same as Biological Sciences [BIO SC] and Animal Sciences [AN SCI] 8725) This course is aimed at promoting public understanding and appreciation of science. The students will develop presentations that increase awareness of the impact of science on many aspects of our daily lives. Graduate Standing or instructor’s consent required.

Theory, application of low energy neutron scattering to investigation of structure and dynamics of aggregate matter, to include lattice vibrations, ordered spin systems, spin waves, diffusive motions in liquids; experimental techniques discussed. Prerequisite: Physics 8150.

This interdisciplinary course covers basic concepts in nanoscale materials, their characterization, and how and why they differ from conventional bulk materials. The course focuses on neutron scattering methods and uses lectures, problem-based modules, and writing assignments. Prerequisite: Physics 3150.

Single particle motion, plasma kinetic theory, magnetohydrodynamics and other fluid theories, waves in unmagnetized and magnetized plasmas, transport phenomena, instabilities, controlled fusion. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent.

Reviews of atomic and molecular spectra. Investigates quantum radiation law, emission and adsorption processes, radiation transfer theory, continuous and discrete line spectra of stars, stellar composition. Prerequisites: Astro 4250, Physics 4800, or instructor’ consent.

This course is designed for graduates/senior undergraduate students. This course covers the theory and methodology to quantitatively analyze materials using both energy-dispersive (EDS) and wavelength-dispersive (WDS) spectrometry along with image processing and analysis techniques. Prerequisites: Physics 7230

The interplay of dynamics and symmetry, Hamilton’s principle and Neother’s theorem, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, Hamilton-Jacobi theories of mechanics. Mechanics in special relativity. Rigid body motion, small oscillations, canonical transformations and fields as continuous mechanical systems. Prerequisite: Physics 4140 or equivalent.

Electrostatics, dielectrics, magnetostatics, method of images, Green’s functions, Maxwell’s equations, time-varying fields, plane electromagnetic wave propagation, reflection, refraction, wave guides. Additional topics may include plasma physics, diffraction, radiation. Prerequisite: Physics 8610.

Tensors, special relativity, and the Lorentz group. Variational approach to classical field theory, Noether’s theorem, and invariance principles. Microscopic Maxwell equations, conservation laws for electromagnetism, application to radiation problems. Prerequisite: Physics 8620 or instructor’s consent.

Concentrates on mathematical techniques used in modern physics. Infinite series, functions of a complex variable, differential equations, Fourier series and integral, etc. Prerequisite: Physics 4700 or instructor’s consent.

Thermodynamics as applied in physics, chemistry; laws of distribution; statistical methods of study matter, radiation. Prerequisite: 8710 or concurrently.

This course provides an introduction to the theoretical and mathematical description of classical stochastic systems with examples from biophysics and condensed matter physics. Prerequisite: Physics 8680.

Non-relativistic quantum theory in Hilbert space. States and self- adjoint observables, unitary time evolution in various pictures, the path-integral, identical particles, Fock space, angular momentum, and some perturbation theory. Prerequisite: Physics 8610.

More perturbation theory, variational methods, semi-classical methods and application to radiation theory, scattering theory, linear response theory, and rudiment of relativistic quantum mechanics, including the Klein-Gordan and the Dirac equations. Prerequisite: Physics 8710.

Properties of many-particle systems at low temperature. General Formalism for Fermi and Bose systems, Theory of superconductivity and superfluidity, Introduction to quantum spin model – Diagromatic formulation of quantum electrodynamics. Scattering of electrons and positrons, introduction to radioactive corrections. Prerequisites: Physics 8720. Graded on S/U basis only.

Selected topics in solid-state theory, including various elementary excitations in solids and their interactions. May be elected more than once. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent.

Special and general theories of relativity. Discussion of accelerated observers and the principle of equivalence. Einstein’s gravitational field equations, black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmology. Prerequisite: Physics 8610 and Physics 8620.

Research leading to PhD dissertation. Prerequisite: PhD candidacy has been established. Graded on an S/U basis only.