Special Topics

Last Updated: Wed, 08/19/2026
Syllabus
General Class Information
Academic year:
2026
Semester:
Fall
Course prefix:
PHYS
Course number:
4803
Section:
A
CRN
94349
Department (you may add up to three):
Instructor first name:
Ignacio
Instructor last name:
Taboada
Catalog Description

Courses in special topics of current interest in physics are presented from time to time.

Professional Development

Last Updated: Fri, 05/08/2026
Syllabus
General Class Information
Academic year:
2026
Semester:
Fall
Course prefix:
PHYS
Course number:
4604
Section:
A
CRN
94323
Department (you may add up to three):
Instructor first name:
Andrew James
Instructor last name:
Steinmetz
Catalog Description

Professional development for physics undergraduate students. Topics include writing a resume, writing a proposal, applying for jobs, and choosing a graduate school.

Data Science for Physics

Last Updated: Wed, 08/19/2026
Syllabus
General Class Information
Academic year:
2026
Semester:
Fall
Course prefix:
PHYS
Course number:
6262
Section:
A
CRN
94348
Department (you may add up to three):
Instructor first name:
Ignacio
Instructor last name:
Taboada
Catalog Description

Introduction to probability theory, classical statistics and machine learning, and their application to physics.

Thermodynamics

Last Updated: Sun, 04/12/2026
Syllabus
General Class Information
Academic year:
2026
Semester:
Summer
Course prefix:
PHYS
Course number:
3141
Section:
A
CRN
58017
Department (you may add up to three):
Instructor first name:
Michael
Instructor last name:
Pustilnik
Catalog Description

Introduction to the basic concepts of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic laws will be developed with an emphasis on the macroscopic point of view. Applications of the basic principles will be considered briefly.

Thermodynamics

Last Updated: Mon, 04/13/2026
Syllabus
General Class Information
Academic year:
2026
Semester:
Fall
Course prefix:
PHYS
Course number:
3141
Section:
B
CRN
94322
Department (you may add up to three):
Instructor first name:
Harold
Instructor last name:
Kim
Catalog Description

Introduction to the basic concepts of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic laws will be developed with an emphasis on the macroscopic point of view. Applications of the basic principles will be considered briefly.

Quantum Field Theory

Last Updated: Tue, 04/14/2026
Syllabus
General Class Information
Academic year:
2026
Semester:
Fall
Course prefix:
PHYS
Course number:
7147
Section:
A
CRN
94350
Department (you may add up to three):
Instructor first name:
Carlos
Instructor last name:
Sa de Melo
Catalog Description

Introduction to quantum field theory, with an emphasis in quantum electrodynamics. Second quantization, Dirac equation, Feynman diagrams, quantum electrodynamics, electro-weak interactions.

Vibrations and Waves

Last Updated: Sat, 07/18/2026
Syllabus
General Class Information
Academic year:
2026
Semester:
Fall
Course prefix:
PHYS
Course number:
2303
Section:
A
CRN
94114
Department (you may add up to three):
Instructor first name:
Michael
Instructor last name:
Schatz
Catalog Description

An introduction to oscillating and wave systems in physics, illustrated with examples drawn from different physical settings (e.g., mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics).