Courses

  • GRS PY 714: Quantum Field Theory II
    A continutation of GRS PY 713 for particle physicists. Topics include relativistic fields; LSZ formalism; the Lorentz group; quantum electrodynamics; nonabelian gauge symmetry; spontaneous symmetry breaking; Goldstone's theorem; the Higgs mechanism; the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam model.
  • GRS PY 731: Theory of Relativity
    Space-times, space-time structures and gravitation. Affine spaces, pseudo-metric spaces and special-relativistic space-time. Manifolds, connections, and curvature. Four-dimensional formulation of Newton's Theory of Gravitation. Physics in locally special-relativistic space-times. Gravitational field equations. Weak gravitational fields. Schwarzchild solution. Variational principles and initial value problems. Gravitational radiation.
  • GRS PY 741: Solid-State Physics I
    Methods and properties of electron and phonon band structures--local density functional, Green functions (APW and KKR) and phase shift, pseudopotentials, tight binding. Representative systems: covalent, ionic, simple metals, transition metals, transition metal compounds, and correlation gaps. Screening, dielectric function and applications: optical properties and photoemission, excitons, electron-photon interaction, Kohn anomalies, lattice instabilities. Electrons and phonons at surfaces. Transport equations.
  • GRS PY 742: Solid-State Physics II
    Continuation of CAS PY 741; applications of quantum theory to solid-state systems with many-body effects: electron-phonon interaction and the Frölich Hamiltonian, polarons, superconductivity; microscopic theory of magnetism, spin waves, and magnons. Quantum transport theory and the Kubo formula. Scattering theory, localized states, averaging over disorder; Anderson localization. Various topics of current interest: quantum antiferromagnets, charge and spin density waves, heavy fermions, surface physics, quantum Hall effect, metal-insulator transition.
  • GRS PY 743: Low-Temperature Physics
    Superconductivity, superfluidity, and properties of 3He and 4He at low temperatures. Techniques and measurement of physical quantities near absolute zero.
  • GRS PY 744: Polymer Physics
    Introduction to polymer physics, focusing on the structure, phase behavior, and dynamics of isolated chains, polymer solutions, and gels. Development of underlying theoretical formalism and comparison with experimental results. Discussion of applications to novel polymeric materials.
  • GRS PY 747: Advanced Statistical Mechanics
    Classical and quantum statistical ensembles and their physical interpretations; connection between statistical and thermodynamic quantities. Irreversible process: Boltzmann equation, transport theory, thermal fluctuations, introduction to stochastic process theory. Applications, e.g., imperfect gases, phase transitions, cooperative phenomena, and liquid helium.
  • GRS PY 751: High-Energy Physics
    Yearlong course on phenomenological aspects of modern high-energy physics. Principal topics are the standard model of strong and electro-weak interactions and the physics of electro-weak symmetry breaking. Intended for both theoretical and experimental students and emphasizes current calculational techniques
  • GRS PY 752: High-Energy Physics
    Yearlong course on phenomenological aspects of modern high-energy physics. Principal topics are the standard model of strong and electro-weak interactions and the physics of electro-weak symmetry breaking. Intended for both theoretical and experimental students and emphasizes current calculational techniques
  • GRS PY 771: Biophysics
    Introduction to biomolecular forces, energy flow, and thermodynamics in biological systems. Hydrophobic interactions and membrane structure. Feedback and control mechanisms; allosteric enzymes. Mechanisms of transport in biological membranes. Emphasis on the physical principles underlying biological structure and function.
  • GRS PY 811: Advanced Quantum Field Theory
    Covers advanced methods in quantum field theory. Topics include QCD, confinement and chiral symmetry breaking, renormalization group, monopoles and instantons, the U (1) problem.
  • GRS PY 841: Symmetry in Solid-State Physics
    Theory of finite groups, crystalline point groups, crystal double groups, crystal field theory, selection rules, perturbation theory, Kramer's theorem, applications to solid-state physics.
  • GRS PY 895: Seminar: Special Topics in Theoretical Physics
    Theoretical research topics include general relativity, quantum field theory, high energy and particle physics, phase transitions, renormalization group, laser physics, kinetic equations, biophysics, computational physics, and selected topics in mathematical physics.
  • GRS PY 896: Seminar: Special Topics in Theoretical Physics
    Theoretical research topics include general relativity, quantum field theory, high energy and particle physics, phase transitions, renormalization group, laser physics, kinetic equations, biophysics, computational physics, and selected topics in mathematical physics.
  • GRS PY 897: Seminar: Special Topics in Experimental Physics
    Surface physics; intermediate energy nuclear physics experiments; low temperature techniques, liquid and solid helium, and magnetism at low temperatures. Raman effect, gels, and biophysics. High-energy physics experimental techniques.
  • GRS PY 898: Seminar: Special Topics in Experimental Physics
    Surface physics; intermediate energy nuclear physics experiments; low temperature techniques, liquid and solid helium, and magnetism at low temperatures. Raman effect, gels, and biophysics. High-energy physics experimental techniques.
  • GRS PY 901: Research in Physics
  • GRS PY 902: Research in Physics
  • GRS PY 909: Directed Study in Physics
  • GRS PY 910: Directed Study in Physics

Note that this information may change at any time.

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