500
Topics include variational principles, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics; central force motion, small oscillations, and canonical transformations. Time permitting, the instructor may cover additional topics including non-linear dynamics and chaos, Hamilton-Jacobi Theory, the mechanics of continuous media, or other relevant topics.
3
This course provides instruction in common theoretical methods applied to the physical sciences. Topics may include linear and matrix algebra, tensors, ordinary and partial differential equations, complex variables, group theory and symmetries, and special functions. In addition to covering the theory, students are introduced to computational methods for solving problems.
3
Topics covered include geometrical optics, diffraction, interferometry, polarization, laser construction, and optical materials. Applications such as holography or spectroscopy will be introduced as time permits at the discretion of the instructor. Modern optical techniques and instrumentation are emphasized. This is a lecture/lab course.
3
Topics covered include the laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, statistical distributions of particles, fundamental postulates of classical and quantum statistical mechanics, ensemble theory, and Maxwell-Bolzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics. Applications may include electron and photon gases, liquid helium, phase changes, and behavior of metals.
3
This course includes wave-particle duality, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, wave equations and principles of wave mechanics, applications of the time-independent Schrodinger equation in 1 and 3 dimensions, operator methods and approximation techniques, and angular momentum.
3
This course covers the structure and properties of crystals, lattice vibrations, waves in crystals, specific heat and thermal conduction, electron theory of metals and semi-conductors, superconductivity and magnetism. Other contemporary topics and applications to materials science and optics may also be discussed if time permits.
3
Prerequisites
17-541 or consent of instructor.
Topics include nuclear structure models, nuclear decay, Standard Model particles and interactions, conservation laws, angular momentum and isospin, Feynman diagrams, boson and fermion properties, and fundamentals of experimental nuclear and particle physics. Physics beyond the Standard Model, nuclear and particle astrophysics, or other contemporary topics may be discussed at the instructor’s discretion.
3
Topics include research ethics and laboratory conduct, literature searches, proposal writing, and scientific communication. Students learn about current research ongoing at Lewis and begin writing a proposal for their thesis research.
1