The following directory lists the graduate courses which the University expects to offer, although the University in no way guarantees that all such courses will be offered in any given academic year, and reserves the right to alter the list if conditions warrant. Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.
5010. Independent Study
1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 10 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
A special reading course.
View Classes »5020. Research in Physics
1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 18 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Experimental and theoretical research in selected topics in physics.
View Classes »5050. Modern Physics for Teachers
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
New teaching materials and techniques as developed by the Physical Science Study Committee for secondary school teachers of physics.
View Classes »5094. Physics Seminar
1.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 2 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
The treatment of special topics, primarily by individual readings and reports.
View Classes »5101. Methods of Theoretical Physics I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Vector and tensor analysis, curvilinear coordinates, linear algebra, functions of complex variables, differential equations, special functions, elements of Green's functions.
View Classes »5102. Methods of Theoretical Physics II
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5101 or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: Graded
Abstract vector spaces, Hilbert space, group theory. Fourier series and integral representations, Theory of Green's functions and integral equations. Complex function theory.
View Classes »5201. Theoretical Mechanics I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Classical mechanics: Lagrange equations, central force motion, rigid body motions, small oscillations, Hamilton equations, canonical transformation.
View Classes »5301. Electrodynamics I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5101 or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: Graded
Differential formulations of electrostatics and magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction. Maxwell equations, electromagnetic waves, application to wave guides, cavities, and dispersive media. Foundations of special relativity.
View Classes »5302. Electrodynamics II
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5201 and 5301 or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: Graded
Maxwell's equations with time dependent sources; radiation from relativistic charged particles; dynamical laws for charged particles; diffraction of electromagnetic waves.
View Classes »5350. Introduction to Computational Physics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: Python, C, C++, Unix.
Grading Basis: Graded
Introduction to computational physics, including programming in C, C++, and Python. Topics include numerical integration of ordinary differential equations, finite differences and stability analysis, numerical solution of partial differential equations (e.g., the Schroedinger and diffusion equations) in more than one dimension, Krylov space methods (e.g., eigensystem solvers and matrix inversion), and Monte Carlo integration. Introductory machine learning and high-performance computing methods may be covered. Writing code to solve current problems from selected areas of physics and astrophysics.
View Classes »5401. Quantum Mechanics I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5101 and 5201 or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: Graded
Mathematical formulation and interpretation of quantum mechanics. Illustrative examples. Hydrogen atom. Dirac ket and bra vectors, matrix methods. Scattering theory.
View Classes »5402. Quantum Mechanics II
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5401 or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: Graded
Symmetry and angular momentum. Approximation methods for stationary and time-dependent problems, with applications. Relativistic theory of the electron.
View Classes »5403. Quantum Mechanics III
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5402 or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: Graded
Occupation number representation, electron gas, Hartree-Fock approximation, correlation energy, superconductivity, perturbation theory, Green's functions, Feynman diagrams.
View Classes »5500. Statistical Mechanics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5401 or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: Graded
Ensembles, distribution function, partition function. Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions, fluctuations, applications to the properties of solids and liquids and to the kinetic theory of gases.
View Classes »5698. Advanced Topics in Physics I
1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 24 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Selected topics in theoretical and experimental physics.
View Classes »5798. Advanced Topics in Physics II
1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.
Prerequisites: PHYS 5698; instructor consent required.
Grading Basis: Graded
Selected topics in theoretical and experimental physics.
View Classes »6110. Atomic Physics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5402.
Grading Basis: Graded
Coupling of angular momenta. Hartree-Fock theory of many electron atoms, fine structure and hyperfine structure. Introduction to group theory.
View Classes »6120. Molecular Physics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 6110.
Grading Basis: Graded
Heitler-London and molecular orbital theories for diatomic molecules, semi-empirical methods of poly-atomic molecules.
View Classes »6130. Quantum Optics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5401.
Grading Basis: Graded
Semiclassical theory of light-matter interactions. Quantum states of light. Generation, detection and interactions of nonclassical radiation.
View Classes »6140. Principles of Lasers
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
The physics of lasers, including optical pumping and stimulated emission, laser rate equations, optical resonators, non-linear optics, the Kerr effect and Faraday rotation. Applications to gas, crystal, glass, liquid, dye, semiconductor, chemical and ultraviolet lasers, Q-switching, mode-locking, and parametric devices.
View Classes »6150. Semiconductor Optical Devices
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 6201.
Grading Basis: Graded
Semiconductor based optical devices such as lasers, amplifiers, modulators, and photodetectors, and their application to optical fiber transmission systems.
View Classes »6201. Fundamentals of Solid State Physics I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Crystal structure, phonons, electronic band structure, metals, insulators and semiconductors.
View Classes »6211. Condensed Matter Physics I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5402.
Grading Basis: Graded
Crystal structure; lattice vibrations; electronic band structure of solids; transport theory; basic properties of metals, semi-conductors and insulators; magnetism; super-conductivity.
View Classes »6212. Condensed Matter Physics II
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 6211.
Grading Basis: Graded
Crystal structure; lattice vibrations; electronic band structure of solids; transport theory; basic properties of metals, semi-conductors and insulators; magnetism; super-conductivity.
View Classes »6244. The Electrical Properties of Polymers
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Experimental and theoretical aspects of electrical phenomena in polymers: DC and AC conductivity, dielectric constant, electrical breakdown, photoconductivity, etc. Extended and localized electron wavefunctions; band and hopping conduction.
View Classes »6247. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance II
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 6246.
Grading Basis: Graded
Basic theory and experimental methods of NMR with emphasis on resonance and relaxation in metals. Brief discussion of interpretation of NMR in non-metallic solids, liquids, and gases.
View Classes »6264. Semiconductor Physics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 6201 and PHYS 5402, which may be taken concurrently.
Grading Basis: Graded
Semiconductors and semiconductor devices. Band structure, phonon scattering, velocity-field relations, effects of doping and magnetic fields, optical and transport properties.
View Classes »6310. Relativity
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Special relativity, tensor analysis, foundations of general relativity, Petrov classification of curved spacetimes, Schwarzchild and Kerr solutions, experimental tests and recent developments.
View Classes »6320. Nuclei and Particles
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: None.
Grading Basis: Graded
Properties of nuclei and particles, conserved quantities, isospin, quark model, Fermi gas model, electroweak interaction, high energy scattering.
View Classes »6331. Nuclear Physics I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5402.
Grading Basis: Graded
A quantum mechanical treatment of nuclear forces and nuclear structure, including the shell and collective models, and of reaction and radiation phenomena. The second semester is reserved for a discussion of selected topics on an advanced level.
View Classes »6332. Nuclear Physics II
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 6331.
Grading Basis: Graded
A quantum mechanical treatment of nuclear forces and nuclear structure, including the shell and collective models, and of reaction and radiation phenomena. The second semester is reserved for a discussion of selected topics on an advanced level.
View Classes »6341. Quantum Theory of Fields I
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 5403.
Grading Basis: Graded
Local gauge invariance, Lagranian formulation, Noether currents, spontaneous breakdown of symmetry, Higgs mechanism and superconductivity, canonical quantization, Feynman diagrams, Green's functions.
View Classes »6342. Quantum Theory of Fields II
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 6341.
Grading Basis: Graded
Topics chosen from the following: Path integral formalism, generating functionals, renormalization, abelian and non-abelian gauge theories (QED and QCD), electroweak theory, solitons, instantons.
View Classes »6710. Stars and Compact Objects
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 4710.
Grading Basis: Graded
The structure and evolution of stars. Gravitational collapse, hydrostatic equilibrium, novae and shocks, and compact objects with degenerate matter.
View Classes »6720. Galaxies and the Interstellar Medium
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: proficiency in calculus. May be taught with PHYS 4720. Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 4720.
Grading Basis: Graded
Galaxy formation and evolution in the hierarchical expanding Universe. Properties of the interstellar medium, including star formation and radiative transfer; stellar populations, structure, kinematics and dynamics of galaxies.
View Classes »6730. General Relativity and Cosmology
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 4730.
Grading Basis: Graded
Gravity and the problem of motion from the ancient Greeks to Newton to Einstein. Special relativity. General relativity. Curvature. Classic tests of general relativity. Gravitational waves. Black holes. Newtonian cosmology. Big Bang theory. Inflation. Dark matter. Dark energy. Accelerating universe.
View Classes »6740. Advanced Methods in Astrophysics
3.00 credits
Prerequisites: Open to Physics graduate students; others by permission. Not open for credit to students who have passed PHYS 4740.
Grading Basis: Graded
Basic principles and techniques of observational and computational astrophysics. Statistical techniques for data analysis and interpretation of astronomical data. Data mining, visualization, and numerical techniques in simulations of astrophysical systems. Includes short research projects using data from observations and/or simulations.
View Classes »