What does it mean to solve a research problem using a computer? What is the difference between "someone ran a simulation" and an interesting research result? And what skills does it take? Familiarity with a programming language is, of course, essential, but that is only the beginning. This course will focus on the methodology of computational research, touching also on topics in numerical analysis, statistics and visualization. The format will combine lectures and hands-on experience, with emphasis on research-style small-group projects. Prerequisites:Prerequisite: Physics 191 - 192 or Phys 193 - 194 or Physics 197-198 or Phys 205 - 206, Calculus, and familiarity with a programming language.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; AR NSM; AS NSM
Instructors
Planets and Life in the Universe
PHYSICS 3330
In this course, we will explore the history, methods, outcomes, and broad impacts of exoplanet research and how these are connected to our search for life beyond planet Earth. Following an engaging contextual introduction at the beginning of the lectures, topics will be presented with an accessible mathematical treatment (e.g., geometrical derivations of the two-body transit problem). Prerequisite: Physics 191 and 192 or Physics 193 and 194.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; AS NSM; AS AN
Instructors
Principles and Practice of Physics
PHYSICS 103S
We will study and describe the motion of material objects, their symmetries and interactions, and the link with conservation/dissipation of certain quantities. While the concepts will be developed by focussing on concrete physical phenomena, the goal of the course is to provide a full appreciation of the logical structure underlying mechanics. This course is for FSAP student only.
Course Attributes: BU SCI; AS NSM
Instructors
Advanced Laboratory II
PHYSICS 452
Applications of analog and digital electronics and microprocessor techniques, followed by projects in modern physics with concurrent lectures on methods of experimental physics. Prerequisite: Phys 322 or permission of instructor. Two laboratories a week.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; AR NSM; AS NSM; AS WI I
Instructors
Physics of finite and infinite nuclear systems
PHYSICS 542
Quantum mechanics of finite and infinite systems of protons and neutrons.
Interaction between nucleons. Independent-particle model of nuclei and shell structure. Contrast with atomic shell model. Isospin symmetry. Information from weakly and strongly interacting probes of nuclei. Nuclear decay properties and some historical context. Many-particle description of nuclear systems. Single-particle versus collective phenomena. Properties of excited states. Bulk properties of nuclei. Nuclear and neutron matter. Role of different energy scales in determining nuclear properties: influence of long-range, short-range, and medium-induced interactions. Pairing correlations in nuclear systems. Relevance of nuclear phenomena and experiments for astrophysics and particle physics. Prerequisites: Phys 318 or Phys 471, or permission of instructor
Course Attributes: AR NSM
Instructors
Physics of Finite and Infinite Nuclear Systems
PHYSICS 477
Quantum mechanics of finite and infinite systems of protons and neutrons.
Interaction between nucleons. Independent-particle model of nuclei and shell structure. Contrast with atomic shell model. Isospin symmetry. Information from weakly and strongly interacting probes of nuclei. Nuclear decay properties and some historical context. Many-particle description of nuclear systems. Single-particle versus collective phenomena. Properties of excited states. Bulk properties of nuclei. Nuclear and neutron matter. Role of different energy scales in determining nuclear properties: influence of long-range, short-range, and medium-induced interactions. Pairing correlations in nuclear systems. Relevance of nuclear phenomena and experiments for astrophysics and particle physics. Prerequisites: Phys 318 or Phys 471, or permission of instructor
Course Attributes: AR NSM; AS NSM
Instructors
Stellar Astrophysics
PHYSICS 556
Stellar Astrophysics discusses the physical processes that play a role inside stars. Relevant physical processes include emission and absorption processes, radiation transfer, convective transfer, the weak and strong interactions, nuclear processes and nuclear burning, and the thermodynamics of equilibrium and non-equilibrium processes in stellar interiors. Subsequently, these processes are used to explain the structure and evolution of stars of different mass ranges. Finally, the course discusses endpoints of stellar evolution including white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, supernova explosions and gamma-ray bursts This course is also available for advanced undergraduates, with the prerequisites as noted. Prerequisites: Physics 411, 421, and 463, or permission of the instructor.This course is also available for advanced undergraduates, with the prerequisites as noted. Prerequisites: Physics 411, 421, and 463, or permission of the instructor.
Course Attributes:
Instructors
Solid State Physics II
PHYSICS 550
Band magnetism and local moments, Ising models, electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions, superconductivity.
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Instructors
Group Theory and Symmetries in Physics
PHYSICS 543
Symmetries offer beautiful explanations for many otherwise incomprehensible physical phenomena in nature. Group theory is the underlying mathematical framework for studying symmetries, with far-reaching applications in many areas of physics, including solid-state physics, atomic and molecular physics, gravitational physics, and particle physics. We will discuss many of the fascinating mathematical aspects of group theory while highlighting its physics applications. The following topics will be covered: general properties of groups (definition, subgroups and cosets, quotient group, homo- and iso-morphism), representation theory (general group actions, direct sums and tensor products, Wigner-Eckart theorem, Young tablelaux), and discrete groups (cyclicity, characters, examples), Lie groups and Lie algebra (Cartan-Weyl basis, roots and weights, Dynkin diagrams, Casimir operators, Clebsch-Gordan coefficients, classification of simple Lie algebras), space-time symmetries (translation and rotation, Lorentz and Poincare groups, conformal symmetry, supersymmetry and superalgebra), and gauge symmetries (Abelian and non-Abelian, Standard Model, Grand Unified Theories). Interested undergraduates who have taken Physics 217 or similar can register for this course with prior approval.
Course Attributes:
Instructors
Stellar Astrophysics
PHYSICS 456
Stellar Astrophysics discusses the physical processes that play a role inside stars. Relevant physical processes include emission and absorption processes, radiation transfer, convective transfer, the weak and strong interactions, nuclear processes and nuclear burning, and the thermodynamics of equilibrium and non-equilibrium processes in stellar interiors. Subsequently, these processes are used to explain the structure and evolution of stars of different mass ranges. Finally, the course discusses endpoints of stellar evolution including white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, supernova explosions and gamma-ray bursts This course is also available for advanced undergraduates, with the prerequisites as noted. Prerequisites: Physics 411, 421, and 463, or permission of the instructor.This course is also available for advanced undergraduates, with the prerequisites as noted. Prerequisites: Physics 411, 421, and 463, or permission of the instructor.
Course Attributes:
