LSA Graduate Course Guide - Select the appropriate term, check graduate, and highlight "LSA: Physics" under Step 3: Subjects

Physics 501: Mini-Colloquium.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Credits: (1)

Mini lectures about research fields conducted by Physics faculty. Mandatory for first year students only.

 

Physics 505/506: Electricity and Magnetism I and II.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

Electrostatics, time-independent magnetic phenomena, time-dependent electromagnetic fields, free electromagnetic fields, covariant formalism of electrodynamics, scattering and diffraction of electromagnetic waves, wave guides, radiating systems, radiation from moving charges.

 

Physics 510: Statistical Physics.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

Review of thermodynamics, statistical bases of second law, entropy and irreversibility, equipartition, the Gibbs paradox. Quantum statistics, ideal Fermi gas, ideal Bose-Einstein condensation, phase equilibrium, phase transitions, fluctuations and transport theory.

 

Physics 511/512: Quantum Theory and Atomic Structure I and II.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

This is a two term sequence on the quantum theory and its applications to non-relativistic atomic, molecular, nuclear and solid state systems; time independent and time dependent perturbation theory; angular momentum, scattering theory; interaction of photons with non-relativistic systems; the Dirac equation.

 

Physics 513: Advanced Quantum Mechanics I.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

Introduction to the methods of relativistic quantum field theory with applications relevant to high energy and many-body physics. Topics include: Feynman diagrams, calculations of cross sections for simple processes in scalar and spin or field theories, and the electron gas problem.

 

Physics 515/516: Supervised Research.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Credits: (4-6)

Non-thesis research courses. Independent study.

 

Physics 517: Graduate Physics Laboratory.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

Laboratory course intended for the graduate student who has had little experience with experimental physics in his/her undergraduate curriculum.

 

Physics 520: Condensed Matter Physics.

Prerequisites: PHYS 510, 511 and Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

Modern theory of solids with emphasis on electron states, band theory, electron-electron interactions, phonons, electron-phonon interactions, transport theory, semiconductor physics and superconductors.

 

Physics 525/526/527: Intro Topics in Astrophysics I, II and III.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

Presentation of the standard model of cosmology, the Hot Big Bang model, development of the parameters of an expanding universe, and illustration of the three types of Friedmann Robertson Walker universes and the thermal history of the universe from its hot early stages through the epoch of recombination.

 

Physics 541: Elementary Particle Physics II.

Prerequisites: PHYS 521 and Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

This course will take several topics from Particle Physics I (PHYS 521) and develop them in the detail appropriate for students planning to work in particle physics. May include predictions and tests of the electroweak theory, QCD, supersymmetry, and CP violation.

 

The 600 level courses are offered on a term-by-term basis. Some of the topics covered in past years have been Solid State (PHYS 620), Lasers (PHYS 651), and Advanced Atomic Physics (PHYS 644). Refer to the current Schedule of Classes to see what courses are offered in a given term.

 

Physics 611: Nonlinear Optics.

Prerequisites: EECS 537 or 538 or 530 and Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

Formalism of wave propagation in nonlinear media; susceptibility tensor; second harmonic generation and three-wave mixing; phase matching; third order nonlinearities and four-wave mixing processes; stimulated Raman and Brillouin scattering. Special topics: nonlinear optics in fibers, including solitons and self-phase modulation.

 

Physics 619: Solid State.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

An advanced course in condensed matter physics. It provides an introduction to basic subjects not covered in PHYSICS 520 (e.g., linear response and group theory) as well as a presentation of topics of current interest such as the quantum Hall effect and superconductivity.

 

Physics 620: Solid State.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Credits: (3)

An advanced course in condensed matter physics. It provides an introduction to basic subjects not covered in PHYSICS 520 (e.g., linear response and group theory) as well as a presentation of topics of current interest such as the quantum Hall effect and superconductivity.

 

Physics 621: Quantum Theory of Fields.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Credits: (3)

This course continues the study of quantum field theory initiated in PHY 513 and PHY523 by developing theories with supersymmetry. This course will seek to serve students with "formal" and "phenomenological" interests alike, by providing a common language that can facilitate communication. In other words, the course will not develop concrete models with experimental consequences, nor will it connect to fundamental theory such as string theory. Instead, the purpose is to it develop a theoretical framework that is useful from either perspective.

 

Physics 625: Theory of Elementary Particles.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Credits: (3)

We will cover several topics of modern elementary particle physics in depth. Topics include collider physics, heavy flavor physics, precision electroweak corrections, radiative decays, neutrinos, QCD processes, Higgs physics, etc. Additional special topics will be covered based on the interests of the students.

 

Physics 644: Advanced Atomic Physics.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

Laser atom interactions: Absorption, emission, and saturation, theory of line width, multiphoton absorption, stimulated and spontaneous Raman scattering; single photon, multiphoton and above-threshold ionization; Rydberg physics; AC stark shifts and ponderomotive effects; multichannel quantum defect theory; Floquet theory; Mechanical effects of light on atoms (atom traps, molasses), atom interferometry.

 

Physics 650: Optical Waves in Crystals.

Prerequisites: EECS 434 and Graduate standing. Credits: (3)

Propagation of laser beams: Gaussian wave optics and the ABCD law. Manipulation of light by electrical, acoustical waves; crystal properties and the dielectric tensor; electro-optic, acousto-optic effects and devices. Introduction to nonlinear optics; harmonic generation, optical rectification, four-wave mixing, self-focusing, and self-phase modulation.

 

Physics 667: Advanced Astrophysics.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Credits: (3)

Propagation of laser beams: Gaussian wave optics and the ABCD law. Manipulation of light by electrical, acoustical waves; crystal properties and the dielectric tensor; electro-optic, acousto-optic effects and devices. Introduction to nonlinear optics; harmonic generation, optical rectification, four-wave mixing, self-focusing, and self-phase modulation.

 

Physics 715: Special Problems.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Credits: (1-6)

Non-thesis research under the supervision of Physics faculty.

 

Physics 990: Dissertation/Precandidate.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and not admitted as a doctoral Candidate by

Graduate School. Credits: (1-8 full term; 1-4 half term)

Independent Study with student’s research advisor. Can be repeated for credit.

 

Physics 993: Graduate Student Instructor Training Program.

Prerequisites: Must have Graduate Student Instructorship, Graduate standing and

permission of instructor. Credits: (1)

A seminar for all beginning graduate student instructors, consisting of a two-day orientation before the term starts and periodic workshops/meetings during the fall term. All first time Graduate Student Instructors are required to register for this course.

 

Physics 995: Dissertation/Candidate.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and admitted as a doctoral Candidate by Graduate

School. Credits: (8 full term; 4 half term)

Independent Study with student’s research advisor. Can be repeated for credit. The defense of the dissertation (the final oral examination) must be held under a full term Candidacy enrollment period.

 

The Physics Department’s Graduate Coordinator in the Student Services Office can answer general questions about degree program requirements. Specific questions regarding a physics degree program can be answered during a one-on-one meeting with one of the graduate physics faculty advisors. These advisors can assist in planning a program of study, answer questions, and provide advice on career preparation and opportunities. Students must meet with an advisor at the start of their graduate program.