SCEECS Summer School 2024

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Introduction to Quantum Information

PHYSICS 3068

A general introduction to the field of quantum information: physics of information processing, quantum logic, quantum algorithms, physical hardware for quantum computation, quantum communications, quantum error corrections, quantum sensing. Prerequisites: Math 131, Math 132 or equivalent, Math309 (Matrix Algebra) or equivalent.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; AS NSM; AS AN

From Black Holes to the Big Bang

PHYSICS 5078

An introduction to general relativity. The goal will be to illustrate important features of general relativity without the full-blown mathematics of Einstein's equations by restricting attention to spherically symmetric spacetimes. Topics will include: principle of equivalence; curved spacetime; spherical stars and black holes; the Big Bang model, observational cosmology. Prereq: Physics 411 or permission of instructor.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; AR NSM; AS NSM

Introduction to Particle Physics

PHYSICS 5074

Introduction to the standard model of particle physics, including symmetries, conservation laws, the weak interaction, the strong interaction, quark confinement, and some more exotic ideas such as grand unified theories. Prerequisite: Phys 217.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; AR NSM; AS NSM; AS AN

Solid State Physics

PHYSICS 5072

Electrons in metals; one-dimensional solids; crystals, reciprocal lattices, and diffraction; electrons in lattices; magnetism; graphene and topological materials.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; AR NSM; AS NSM

Nuclear and Radiochemistry Lab

PHYSICS 5035

Application of radiochemistry to problems in chemistry, physics, and nuclear medicine, with emphasis on particle detectors and experimental techniques. The main objectives of this course are to develop a basic understanding of radioactivity and the properties of atomic nuclei, learn how to use chemistry techniques with radioactive substances, study how radiation interacts with matter, learn the basic techniques of radiation detection and understand common tools for the analysis of detector data. The course is organized in weekly experiments that include gamma-ray spectroscopy with sodium iodine scintillators and with germanium semiconductor detectors, spectroscopy of alpha particles, introduction to techniques for positron emission tomography (PET), study of Compton scattering, X-ray fluorescence, derivation of nuclear energy levels using the coincidence detection technique, detection of neutrons, and study of radioactive fission of heavy nuclei. Prerequisites: 3 units of physical chemistry or quantum mechanics, or permission from instructor. One lecture hour and five hours of laboratory per week. Graduate students interested in this course should enroll in the graduate level course, Chem 5035.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; AR NSM; AS NSM

Critical Analysis of Scientific Data

PHYSICS 581

Data science" is most commonly associated with topics in computer science. But efficient algorithms, specific software packages, neural nets, etc., are only tools, and are easily misused. In a research setting, working with data is primarily an exercise in critical thinking. The purpose of this interactive, hands-on course is to learn from mistakes by making them in a safe environment. After covering/reviewing probability theory; Bayesian inference; elements of information theory and random matrix theory, the course will focus on case studies of real-world biological data, such as quantitative imaging data, nextgeneration sequencing (metagenomics), and neural recordings. These modules will involve critical reading of research papers and working through puzzle-based assignments. The primary modules will be supplemented by shorter presentations on topics chosen by students. Fair warning: this is explicitly NOT a course on "big data" or machine learning, although students may choose to explore some of these topics in their presentations (required for credit). Experience with MatLab or Python strongly encouraged or will need to be acquired during the course. Open to undergraduates with prior programming experience and a quantitative background (Phys 197/198, Math 203 or similar; contact instructor if unsure). Experience with data or statistics not required. Course mimics a research environment and undergraduates considering an academic research track especially encouraged. Graduate students required to pick an advance topic.
Course Attributes:

Physical Measurement Laboratory

PHYSICS 5322

A variety of classical and modern experiments in physics. Use of computers in experiment control, data acquisition, and data analysis. Development of skills in writing lab notebooks and formal reports and giving short oral presentations on experiments. Prereq: Physics 217 or permission of the instructor; junior or senior level standing. Two lab periods per week.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; EN TU; BU SCI; AR NSM; AS NSM; AS AN; AS WI I

Mechanics

PHYSICS 5011

Motion of a point particle, rotational motion, oscillation, gravitation and central forces, elements of chaos, Lagrangian formulation. Prerequisites: Phys 197, 198 or 191, 192 or 193, 194 and Math 217 or permission of instructor.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; AR NSM; AS NSM
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