Graduate Level 600 Courses
Electromagnetic Theory I
Boundary value problems in electrostatics, Greens functions and eigenfunction expansions. Also examined are Maxwells equations, momentum and energy of the electromagnetic field, radiation, multipole expansions, scattering, special relativity and Lagrangian formulation, radiation from moving charge, radiation reaction.
Electromagnetic Theory II
Prerequisite: PHY 611 or equivalent
Study of simple radiating systems, scattering and diffraction of electromagnetic waves, radiation by moving charges, special theory of relativity, Lorentz transformation, covariant formulation of Maxwells equations, relativistic particle dynamics, scattering of charged particles, radiation damping and self-fields of a charged particle.
Theoretical Mechanics and Relativity
The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of Newtonian mechanics. Also covered are variational principles, transformation theory, Poisson brackets, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, special relativity and the covariant formulation of particle mechanics. General relativity is introduced.
Graduate Seminar
A seminar devoted to the discussion of topics in modern physics and related subjects.
Advanced Mathematical Physics I
Mathematical methods in physics. Linear algebra, complex variable theory, eigenfunction expansions and orthogonal functions, the special functions of mathematical physics are studied.
Advanced Mathematical Physics II
Continuation of PHY 511. Partial differential equations, integral equations, Greens functions, generalized functions, calculus of variations, and group theory are studied. (Formerly PHY 512.)
Intermediate Quantum Mechanics II
Radiative processes and the theory of scattering. Other topics included are variational principles, symmetry and invariance principles, and second quantization. Relativistic quantum mechanics and field theory are introduced. (Formerly offered as PHY 532.)
Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Further training for students in theoretical physics on a graduate level. Explores in depth topics discussed in PHY 531 and PHY 631. (Formerly offered as PHY 533.)
Solid State Physics I
Basic concepts of solid state physics, including crystal structures, lattice vibrations and ionic crystals. Also examined are dielectric and optical properties of insulators, ferroelectrics, free electron theory of metals, energy bands, and semiconductors. (Formerly offered as PHY 541.)
Solid State Physics II
Theory of conductivity and related effects. Rectification and transistors, imperfection in crystals, plastic deformation color centers, optical properties of solids, and theory of magnetism are also studied.
Statistical Mechanics
Prerequisite: PHY 213 or equivalent
Thermodynamics and its statistical interpretation. Canonical, micro-canonical, and grand canonical ensembles. Boltzmann, Fermi, and Bose distributions, and their applications to equilibrium and transport phenomena. Phase equilibrium is also studied.
Ocean Circulation and Modeling
Prerequisite: PHY 550 or permission of instructor
Theories of ocean circulation, including wind-driven and thermohaline components, and their numerical modeling. The concepts of geostrophy, Sverdrup-to-Strommel dynamics, stratification, rotation, and diffusion processes are discussed for the general circulation features in all three world oceans. Primitive equation-based numerical modeling experiments are discussed for the global-scale, basin-scale, regional-scale, and feature-based models.
Nuclear Physics
Structure and properties of nuclei. Also studied are nuclear forces and potentials, nuclear shell model and collective model, strong, electromagnetic, and weak interactions, nuclear reactions and decays.
Elementary Particle Physics
Relativistic kinematics of particle motion, phenomenological and dynamical theories of particle interactions and classification of particles according to symmetry principles.
Ocean Atmosphere Dynamics
Prerequisite: PHY 550 or permission of instructor
Ocean atmosphere dynamic interaction processes related to short-term and long-term climate variability. El Niño/southern oscillation, North Atlantic osscilation and moonsoon dynamics are discussed with the perspective of global climate change. During the semester the class will conduct a real-time monitoring experiment of the Pacific Ocean using the Internet. Also presented are advanced assimilation techniques of satellite (GEOSTAT, Topex/Poseidon, SeaWifs) and in-situ data from the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) in numerical climate models.
Physical-Biological Interactions in the Ocean
Prerequisite: PHY 550 or permission of instructor
Fundamental physical-biological interactions, emphasizing the relationships between physical oceanographic processes and oceanic biology over a variety of spatial and temporal scales. This interdisciplinary course uses lectures, readings, and sample problems, and requires a mini-research project or term paper.
Physical Oceanography of Shallow Seas
Prerequisite: PHY 550 or permission of instructor
Physical oceanographic processes important to European and United States shallow seas, continental shelves, and banks, and their relationship to nutrients and biology (plankton and fish) in these regions. Included in the course are lectures by current researchers in appropriate topics.
Physical Oceanography of Enclosed Basins
Prerequisite: PHY 550 or permission of instructor
Physical oceanographic processes important to enclosed basins and their relationship to nutrients and biology (plankton and fish) in these regions. Regions of study include the Gulf of Maine , Gulf of Mexico , and Mediterranean Sea . Included in the course are lectures by current researchers in appropriate topics.
Graduate Project
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Directed research on a project in experimental, theoretical, or applied physics under the supervision of a faculty sponsor. The research may be concluded with a written report at the end of one or two terms. Graded A-F, or IP if the project is conducted across two terms.
Graduate Research
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Supervised research on an experimental or theoretical topic in physics under a faculty advisor. This course is offered only to students indicating strong intention and ability to do thesis work in subsequent semesters. The credits
are considered equivalent to Thesis (PHY 690) if thesis work on the same topic is taken up later. Otherwise, a written report is required at the end of the research. Graded A-F, or IP if the work is approved to be continued as PHY 690 Thesis, in which case the grade earned when the thesis is completed will replace the IP.
Masters Graduate Thesis
Thesis research on an experimental or theoretical project in physics under a faculty advisor. The specific project is usually selected at the beginning of the second year of graduate study. A written thesis must be completed in accordance with the rules of the Graduate School and the College of Engineering . Graded A-F
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