Physics

Concentration Chair and Departmental Counselor: Joseph J. O'Gallagher, KPTC 201C, 702-7007, gojo@midway.uchicago.edu
Undergraduate Program Chair and Departmental Counselor: Stuart Gazes, KPTC 205C, 702-7760, gazes@midway.uchicago.edu
Staff Secretary for Instructional Services: Charlotte Coles, KPTC 205,
702-7019, cc27@midway.uchicago.edu
World Wide Web: http://physics.uchicago.edu/

Program of Study

Physics is concerned with the study of matter, energy, forces, and their interaction in the world and universe around us. The undergraduate curriculum in the Department of Physics leading to the Bachelor of Arts in physics includes a strong emphasis on laboratory experiment and covers the broad fundamentals necessary for graduate study in theoretical physics, experimental physics, or astronomy and astrophysics, as well as some fields of engineering and many interdisciplinary specialties that require a strong technical background, such as biophysics, medical physics, or atmospheric and environmental sciences.

Program Requirements

Courses. For students starting physics course work in 2000 or later, concentration requirements are in effect as described in the rest of this section. The new curriculum leading to the B.A. degree in physics is designed for maximum flexibility consistent with a thorough coverage of the essential principles of physics. Degree requirements include introductory and advanced physics and mathematics courses, as well as concentration electives that allow students to pursue specific interests. Those students intending to pursue graduate work in astrophysics should consider the concentration program leading to a B.A. in physics with a specialization in astrophysics. This version of the B.A. in physics is described in a later sub-section.

Students who plan to concentrate in physics are encouraged to start course work in their first year. However, the concentration requirements can be completed in three years, so one could start physics in the second year and still complete the program. Two of the physics and two of the mathematics courses can be designated as general education courses, with fourteen courses remaining to fulfill the concentration.

In general, students should take the most advanced courses for which they have the appropriate prerequisites. Entering students will be given a placement for General Physics I (either Physics 13100 or 14100) based on performance on the calculus placement test. While students concentrating in physics usually start their program with the Honors sequence Physics 14100-14200-14300, the Physics 13100-13200-13300 sequence is an equally acceptable pathway to the degree.

Mathematics. The mathematics requirement is a calculus sequence (Mathematics 15100-15200-15300 or 16100-16200-16300) followed by Mathematical Methods in Physics (Mathematics 22100). As an alternative to Mathematics 22100, students may substitute an Analysis sequence (Mathematics 20300-20400-20500 or 20700-20800-20900) though they will subsequently need to acquire certain math tools, as needed, on their own. However, students interested in pursuing further study in physics and mathematics are strongly encouraged to take both Mathematics 22100 and an Analysis sequence (the latter beginning either concurrent with or after Mathematics 22100).

For students starting their program with the Physics 13100-13200-13300 sequence, Mathematics 15300/16300 should be replaced by Mathematics 22000. This course in mathematical methods introduces tools typically used in the Physics 14100-14200-14300 sequence, and ensures that a student taking Physics 13100-13200-13300 will possess the mathematical background needed for subsequent physics course work.

(Note that entering students placing out of Mathematics 15100-15200 have the option of taking Mathematics 20000-20100-20200 in their first year. This will satisfy both the Mathematics 15300/16300/22000 and 22100 concentration requirements.)

Finally, all physics concentrators interested in taking applied math courses beyond Mathematics 22100 are encouraged to consider Mathematics 27000, 27300, and 27500.

Summary of Requirements

General PHYS 13100-13200 or 14100-14200†

Education MATH 15100-15200† or 16100-16200

Concentration 1 PHYS 13300 or 14300†

1 MATH 15300† or 16300 or 22000

1 MATH 22100

1 PHYS 15400

1 PHYS 18500

2 PHYS 23400-23500

2 PHYS 22500, 22700

1 PHYS 19700

4 electives*

14

Credit may be granted by examination.

Plus the following courses for honors candidates:

Option A

3 PHYS 34100-34200-34300 or approved alternative

graduate sequence

Option B

3 PHYS 29100-29200-29300

 

 

*Electives may be selected from the following menu:

· PHYS 23600, 23700, 22600, 25100

· new physics courses to be introduced by 2002-03

· ASTR 24100-24200

· MATH 20400-20500, 27000, 27300, 27500 (no more than two to be used as concentration electives)

· other courses approved by the concentration chair for physics

Elective notes: Mathematics 20400-20500 cannot be counted towards the concentration electives if 20300-20400-20500 is substituted for Mathematics 22100. Also, Astronomy 24100-24200 cannot be counted towards the concentration electives if used to satisfy requirements for the specialization in astrophysics.

Sample Programs. The following sample programs show several paths for fulfilling the physics concentration requirements. Concentration electives are indicated by an asterisk (*).

In the first example, the optional Analysis sequence partially satisfies concentration electives. The remaining electives are Physics 23600 and 23700, which provide a particularly strong foundation for graduate study in physics. The optional Physics 29100-29200-29300 sequence allows for completion of a bachelor's thesis.

First year PHYS 14100-14200-14300

MATH 16100-16200-16300

Second year PHYS 15400, 18500, 23400

MATH 22100, 20300-20400*

Third year PHYS 23500, 22500, 22700

MATH 20500*

Fourth year PHYS 19700, 23600*, 23700*

(PHYS 29100-29200-29300)

The next example shows the Physics 13100-13200-13300 pathway. Here, optional courses in applied mathematics are used as concentration electives, with other electives chosen to fit student interests and post-graduate plans.

First year PHYS 13100-13200-13300

MATH 15100-15200, 22000

Second year PHYS 15400, 18500, 23400

MATH 22100, 27300*, 27500*

Third year PHYS 23500, 22500, 22700

Fourth year PHYS 19700, elective*, elective*

(PHYS 29100-29200-29300)

Note that the concentration requirements can also be completed in three years, by "doubling up:"

Third year PHYS 23500, 22500, 22700

PHYS 19700, elective*, elective*

This allows for additional options in the fourth year (such as graduate course work).

Finally, an example of how the specialization in astrophysics might be pursued:

Third year PHYS 23500, 22500, 22700

ASTR 24100-24200, 28000

Introductory Course. The introductory course in physics is divided into three variants so students may learn with others who have comparable physics and mathematics backgrounds, or similar interdisciplinary interests. The prerequisite for all three variants is a first-year calculus sequence: Mathematics 13100-13200-13300, 15100-15200-15300, or 16100-16200-16300. (NOTE: Mathematics 15100-15200-15300 or 16100-16200-16300 may be taken concurrently.) The essential physics content of these variants is the same. Both Physics 13100-13200-13300 and 14100-14200-14300 prepare students for further courses in the Department of Physics.

Unless excused by satisfactory performance on the Advanced Placement physics test, first-year students are assigned to a variant of general physics based on the results of the mathematics or the calculus placement test. Transfer students who have satisfactorily completed calculus-based introductory physics courses at another university may be granted appropriate transfer credit upon petition to and approval by the concentration chair. However, the procedures for obtaining credit for the laboratory portions of the courses, described in the following section on Advanced Placement, applies. Third- and fourth-year students are assigned to a variant based on their grade point average in previous mathematics and chemistry courses taken in the College. For entry into Physics 13100, this grade point average must be above 2.5; for entry into Physics 14100, it must be above 3.0. If any student is unhappy with the level of introductory physics placement, he or she may submit a petition in writing to the undergraduate program chair (KPTC 205).

Students who complete Physics 14100 or 14200 with a grade below C are normally required to move to Physics 13200 or 13300 the following quarter. Petitions for waiver of this requirement have to be presented to the undergraduate program chair before the second day of the succeeding course. Students who receive an A or A- in Physics 13100 are allowed (and encouraged) to move to Physics 14200.

Advanced Placement. Students who took the C Advanced Placement examination in physics prior to matriculation in the College and received a grade of 4 or 5 are given credit for the lecture portions of Physics 12100-12200-12300. The Department of Physics also administers accreditation examinations in Physics 12100-12200-12300 and Physics 14100-14200-14300 at the beginning of the corresponding quarter of each year. Students may receive credit for the lecture portion of one or more quarters of general physics on the basis of their performance on these examinations. All students who receive advanced standing on the basis of any of the above examinations or who receive transfer credit are interviewed by the undergraduate program chair to determine the extent of their laboratory experience. Those who have not completed the equivalent of the laboratory portions of the courses are asked to do some or all of the experiments when the relevant courses are offered.

Grading. All regular (nonresearch) physics courses must be taken for letter grades. The Department of Physics requires students to pass General Physics I, II, and III and Physics 15400, 18500, and 23400 with a grade point average of 2.0 or better to continue in the concentration program. To graduate with a concentration in physics, the College requires students to achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in the courses designated for the concentration in the preceding Summary of Requirements section. Any grade-conferring course credit may be counted toward the minimum grade point average requirements at the time of graduation. Incompletes are permitted only under exceptional circumstances.

Opportunities for Participation in Research. The physics program offers unique opportunities for College students to become involved actively in the research work being conducted by faculty and graduate students of the department. The focus of much of this undergraduate research is structured around the Bachelor's Thesis (Physics 29100-29200-29300). Alternatively, third- or fourth-year students concentrating in physics may register for research for academic credit (Physics 29700). There are other, more limited, openings for students at any level to become involved in research through regular part-time employment in a faculty member's laboratory or research group. Students concentrating in physics are encouraged to participate in research through one of these arrangements. In 1992, a participant in bachelor's thesis research was awarded the prestigious Apker Award of the American Physical Society for outstanding achievement in undergraduate research.

Honors Program. There are two alternative routes to a B.A. honors degree. Both require a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the courses designated for the concentration in the preceding Summary of Requirements section. In the first route, the student must pass an approved sequence of three graduate courses to become eligible for a B.A. honors degree. Normally, the recommended 30000-level sequence is Physics 34100-34200-34300; however, upon approval of the concentration chair (KPTC 201), it may be replaced by another sequence of graduate courses in physics or graduate courses offered by the departments of astronomy, biophysics, chemistry, geophysical sciences, or mathematics. The second route to earning a B.A. honors degree is to register for Physics 29100-29200-29300 (Bachelor's Thesis) and earn a grade of B or better based on a bachelor's thesis describing an approved research project completed during the year.

Degree Program in Physics with Specialization in Astrophysics. The concentration program leading to a B.A. in physics with a specialization in astrophysics is a version of the B.A. in physics. The degree is in physics with the designation "with specialization in astrophysics" included on the final transcript. Candidates are required to complete all requirements for the B.A. degree in physics, plus a two-quarter sequence in astrophysics (Astronomy 24100-24200), plus either a third course in astrophysics (Astronomy 28000 or Astronomy 30500) or a senior thesis project in physics (Physics 29100-29200-29300) on a topic in astrophysics. If the latter option is chosen, the thesis topic must be approved by the concentration chair. (This thesis may simultaneously fulfill part of the requirements for an Honors Degree in physics.) A grade of at least C- must be obtained in each course.

Internet. For updated departmental and course information, consult the Department of Physics Web site (http://physics.uchicago.edu/).

Faculty

Isaac D. Abella, Professor, Department of Physics and the College

Edward C. Blucher, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

JOHN E. CARLSTROM, Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

SEAN M. CARROLL, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

PHILIPPE CLUZEL, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, James Franck Institute, and the College

Albert V. Crewe, William E. Wrather Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute

James W. Cronin, University Professor Emeritus, Departments of Physics and Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Enrico Fermi Institute

Dean E. Eastman, Professor, Department of Physics and James Franck Institute

Peter G. O. Freund, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Henry J. Frisch, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Stuart B. Gazes, Senior Lecturer and Undergraduate Program Chair, Department of Physics

Robert P. Geroch, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, Committee on Conceptual & Historical Studies of Science, and the College

David G. Grier, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College

Philippe Guyot-Sionnest, Associate Professor, Departments of Chemistry and Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College

Jeffrey Harvey, Louis Block Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Roger H. Hildebrand, Samuel K. Allison Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, Departments of Physics and Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Enrico Fermi Institute

Heinrich M. Jaeger, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College

Leo P. Kadanoff, John D. MacArthur Distinguished Service Professor, Departments of Physics and Mathematics, James Franck Institute, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Woowon Kang, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College

KWANG-JE KIM, Professor, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute; Associate Division Director, Accelerator Systems Division/Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory

David Kutasov, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Kathryn Levin, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College

Riccardo Levi-Setti, Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute

Emil J. Martinec, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Gene F. Mazenko, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College

Frank S. Merritt, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Stephan Meyer, Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Dietrich MÜller, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Sidney R. Nagel, Stein-Freiler Distinguished Service Professor in the Physical Sciences; Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College

Yoichiro Nambu, Harry Pratt Judson Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute

Reinhard Oehme, Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute

Joseph J. O'GallagheR, Senior Lecturer and Executive Officer, Department of Physics; Senior Scientist, Enrico Fermi Institute

Mark J. Oreglia, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Eugene N. Parker, S. Chandrasekhar Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, Departments of Physics and Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Enrico Fermi Institute

James E. Pilcher, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Thomas F. Rosenbaum, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College

Jonathan L. Rosner, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

ROBERT Rosner, William E. Wrather Distinguished Service Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Guy Savard, Professor, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute; Research Scientist, Physics Division, Argonne National Laboratory

JOHN P. SCHIFFER, Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute; Senior Physicist, Physics Division, Argonne National Laboratory

SAVDEEP S. SETHI, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Melvyn J. Shochet, Elaine M. and Samuel D. Kersten, Jr., Professor in the Physical Sciences; Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Simon P. Swordy, Professor, Departments of Physics and Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College; Master, Physical Sciences Collegiate Division; Associate Dean, Division of the Physical Sciences and the College

Michael Turner, Bruce V. Rauner Distinguished Service Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College; Chairman, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

CARLOS E. M. WAGNER, Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Enrico Fermi Institute; Physicist, Argonne National Laboratory

Yau W. Wah, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Robert M. Wald, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Paul Wiegmann, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Bruce Winstein, Samuel K. Allison Distinguished Service Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Roland Winston, Professor, Department of Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

Thomas A. Witten, Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College

Courses

L refers to courses with laboratory.

12100-12200-12300, 13100-13200-13300, and 14100-14200-14300. General Physics I, II, III. PQ: For all three variants, a first-year calculus sequence (MATH 13100-13200-13300, 15100-15200-15300, or 16100-16200-16300) and appropriate placement recommendation. (NOTE: MATH 15100-15200-15300 or 16100-16200-16300 may be taken concurrently.) Calculus is used in all three sequences. Any of these sequences meets the general education requirement in physical sciences. Although the essential physics content of these variants is similar, PHYS 13100-13200-13300 and 14100-14200-14300 prepare students for further courses in the Department of Physics, while PHYS 12100-12200-12300 includes a broader emphasis on interdisciplinary applications, such as in biology. Two sections of Variant B (PHYS 13100-13200-13300) are offered. Labs for all three variants: Staff.

12100-12200-12300. General Physics I, II, III (Variant A). PQ: Second-year standing. This is a one-year sequence in the fundamentals of physics. Topics include classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, wave motion, optics, and an introduction to modern physics. S. Meyer, Autumn; S. Swordy, Winter; J. O'Gallagher, Spring. L.

13100-13200-13300. General Physics I, II, III (Variant B). PQ: More advanced mathematical abilities and training recommended. This is a one-year sequence in the fundamentals of physics. Topics include classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, wave motion, optics, and an introduction to modern physics. Section a: F. Merritt, Autumn; P. Guyot-Sionnest, Winter; B. Winstein, Spring. Section b: W. Kang, Autumn; S. Nagel, Winter; R. Winston, Spring. L.

14100-14200-14300. General Physics I, II, III (Honors). PQ: Recommended to physics concentrators. Advanced knowledge of mathematics and good high school physics course helpful. This is a one-year sequence in the fundamentals of physics. Topics include classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, wave motion, optics, and an introduction to modern physics. Multivariable and vector calculus is used. E. Blucher, Autumn; I. Abella, Winter; R. Geroch, Spring. L.

15400. Modern Physics. PQ: PHYS 14300, or PHYS 13300 and MATH 22000. Topics in this introduction to quantum physics include blackbody radiation, Einstein's quantum theory of light, the wave nature of particles, matter waves and wave-particle duality, atomic structure and energy levels, quantum mechanics and the Schrödinger equation, box quantization, barrier penetration and tunnelling, and the hydrogen atom. Applications to nuclear and solid-state physics are presented. S. Gazes. Autumn. L.

18500. Intermediate Mechanics. PQ: PHYS 13100 or 14100, and MATH 22100 or 20300. Topics include a review of Newtonian mechanics, conservative forces, integrable problems, calculus of variations, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, generalized coordinates, canonical momenta, phase space, and constrained systems. Additional topics are central-force motion, noninertial reference frames, and rigid-body motion. M. Oreglia. Winter.

19700. Statistical and Thermal Physics. PQ: PHYS 23400, and MATH 22100 or 20500. Elements of probability theory, statistical description of physical systems, thermodynamics, canonical ensembles, and kinetic theory are examined. Autumn. Not offered 2001-02; will be offered 2002-03.

22500-22700. Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism. PQ: PHYS 13200 and MATH 20000 or 20300, or PHYS 14200 and concurrent registration in MATH 20000 or 20300. PHYS 22500 and 22700 must be taken in sequence. Topics include electrostatics, magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction, electric and magnetic fields in matter, plane electromagnetic waves, reflection and refraction of electromagnetic waves, and electromagnetic radiation. D. Eastman, J. Pilcher. Autumn, Winter. L.

22600. Electronics. PQ: PHYS 12200, 13200, or 14200; or equivalent. The goal of this hands-on experimental course is to develop confidence, understanding, and design ability in modern electronics. This is not a course in the physics of semiconductors. In two lab sessions a week, students explore the properties of diodes, transistors, amplifiers, operational amplifiers, oscillators, field effect transistors, logic gates, digital circuits, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, phase-locked loops, and more. Lectures supplement the lab. M. Shochet. Spring. L.

23400. Quantum Mechanics I. PQ: PHYS 15400, and MATH 22100 or 20400. A study of wave-particle duality leading to the basic postulates of quantum mechanics is presented. Topics include the uncertainty principle, applications of the Schrödinger equation in one and three dimensions, the quantum harmonic oscillator; and the hydrogen atom, rotational invariance and angular momentum, and spin. J. Rosner. Spring. L.

23500. Quantum Mechanics II. PQ: PHYS 23400. A review of quantum mechanics is presented, with emphasis on Hilbert space, observables, and eigenstates. Topics include spin and angular momentum, time-independent perturbation theory, fine and hyperfine structure of hydrogen, the Zeeman and Stark effects, many-electron atoms, molecules, the Pauli exclusion principle, and radiative transitions. Additional topics are presented as time permits. D. Grier. Autumn. L.

23600. Solid State Physics. PQ: PHYS 23500 and 19700. Topics include crystal structure and crystal binding, Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac statistics, lattice vibrations and phonons, liquid helium, the free-electron model of a metal, the nearly free-electron model, semiconductors, and optical properties of solids. K. Levin. Winter. L.

23700. Nuclei and Elementary Particles. PQ: PHYS 23500. This class covers topics such as nuclear structure, processes of transformation, observables of the nucleus, passage of nuclear radiation through matter, accelerators and detectors, photons, leptons, mesons, and baryons, hadronic interactions, and the weak interaction. G. Savard. Spring. L.

25100. Chaos, Complexity, and Computers (=CMSC 27900, MATH 29200, PHYS 25100). PQ: One year of calculus and two quarters of physics at any level. Knowledge of computer programming not required. In this course we use the computer to investigate the question of how patterns and complexity arise in nature. The systems studied are drawn from physics, biology, and other areas of science. This course also is intended to be an introduction to the use of computers in the physical sciences. T. Witten. Winter. L.

29100-29200-29300. Bachelor's Thesis. PQ: Open to physics concentrators with fourth-year standing and consent of instructor. Students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form in autumn quarter. Students receive a grade in each quarter of registration: P/F grading in autumn and winter quarters, and letter grading in spring quarter. This year-long sequence of courses is designed to involve the student in current research. Over the course of the year, the student works on a research project in physics or a closely related field (e.g., astrophysics) leading to the writing of a bachelor's thesis. A student who submits a satisfactory thesis, earns a grade of B or better based on the project, and achieves a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the required undergraduate physics courses is awarded a B.A. with honors degree. The project may be one suggested by the instructor or one proposed by the student and approved by the instructor. Most work is done within the research groups of faculty members, but some experimental projects are done in the student project lab. In every case, all phases of the project (including the literature search, design and construction of the experiments, and analysis) must be done by the student. The instructor, faculty adviser, postdocs, and graduate students are, of course, available for consultation. J. Pilcher, H. Jaeger. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

29700. Participation in Research. PQ: Consent of instructor and departmental counselor. Open to physics concentrators with third- or fourth-year standing. Students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. Available for either Pass, or for P/N or letter grading with consent of instructor. By mutual agreement, students work in a faculty member's research group. Participation in research may take the form of independent work, with some guidance, on a small project or of assistance in research to an advanced graduate student or research associate. A written report must be submitted at the end of the quarter. Students may register for PHYS 29700 for as many quarters as they wish; students need not remain with the same faculty member each quarter. Staff. Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring. L.

31100. Introduction to Structured Fluids (=BCMB 32100, PHYS 31100). PQ: PHYS 19700 or CHEM 26200. This course presents an overview of the fundamental physical concepts governing the behavior of the major categories of structured fluids: colloids, polymers, and surfactant assemblies. This course discusses how the characteristic spatial dimensions (response times and interaction energies of chain molecules, colloids, and membranes) scale with the number of atoms in these structures. PHYS 31100 and 31200 are intended for students of physical and biological science who wish to understand the statistical-mechanics underlying structure and motion in these liquids. Autumn. Not offered 2001-02; will be offered 2002-03.

31200. Nonlinear Response in Structured Fluids (=BCMB 32200, PHYS 31200). PQ: PHYS 19700 or CHEM 26200. May be taken in sequence with PHYS 31100 or individually. This course explores distinctive responses that can occur when these structures are driven out of thermodynamic equilibrium by, for example, an oscillating electric field or chemical reaction. The focus of this course is the harnessing of free energy. It emphasizes general principles of reaction rate theory and driven diffusion and applies these concepts to study how disequilibrium in such reactions can be made to drive motion of, for example, colloidal particles. Winter. Not offered 2001-02; will be offered 2002-03.

31600. Advanced Classical Mechanics. PQ: PHYS 18600. This course begins with variational formulation of classical mechanics of point particles, including discussion of the principle of least action, Poisson brackets, and Hamilton-Jacobi theory. These concepts are generalized to continuous systems with infinite number of degrees of freedom, including a discussion of the transition to quantum mechanics. Staff. Autumn.

32200-32300. Advanced Electrodynamics I, II. PQ: PHYS 22700 and 23500. This two-quarter sequence in electromagnetism covers electromagnetic properties of continuous media, gauge transformations, electromagnetic waves, radiation, relativistic electrodynamics, Lorentz theory of electrons, and theoretical optics. There is considerable emphasis on the mathematical methods behind the development of the physics of these problems. Staff. Winter, Spring.

33000-33100. Mathematical Methods of Physics I, II. PQ: PHYS 22700. This is a two-quarter sequence providing essential background for electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. The autumn quarter covers differential equations, complex analysis, boundary value problems, and some special functions. The winter quarter includes Sturm-Liouville and eigenvalue problems, applications of functional analysis, Green's functions, path integrals, variational methods, singularities of differential equations, more special functions, and elementary group theory. Staff. Autumn, Winter.

34100-34200-34300. Quantum Mechanics I, II, III. PQ: PHYS 23500 and MATH 27300. This three-quarter sequence covers wave functions and their physical content, one-dimensional systems, WKB method, operators and matrix mechanics, angular momentum and spin, two- and three-dimensional systems, the Pauli principle, perturbation theory, Born approximation, scattering theory, the Dirac equation, elementary quantum field theory, and Feynman path integrals. Staff. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

35200. Statistical Mechanics. PQ: PHYS 19700 and 34100. This course covers principles of statistical mechanics and their applications to physics and chemistry. Staff. Spring.