Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Chemical Physics Minor

Chemistry
College of Science and Engineering
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Chemical Physics Program, University of Minnesota, 137 Smith Hall, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-626-7444; fax: 612-626-7541)
Email: chmapply@umn.edu
Website: https://cse.umn.edu/chem/chemical-physics
  • Program Type: Graduate minor related to major
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2022
  • Length of program in credits (master's): 6
  • Length of program in credits (doctoral): 12
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
Chemical physics focuses on research areas where the techniques of chemistry and physics are combined for the study of atoms and molecules; their interactions in gases, liquids, and solids, and the detailed structure and dynamics of material changes. Areas of research and specialization include spectroscopy, molecular collisions, chemical dynamics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, low-temperature behavior, polymers and macromolecules, surface science, and biochemical and heterogeneous catalysis.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
Special Application Requirements:
Students interested in the minor are strongly encouraged to confer with their major field advisor and director of graduate studies, and the Chemical Physics director of graduate studies regarding feasibility and requirements.
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
Courses must be taken on the A-F grade basis, unless only offered S/N. The minimum cumulative GPA for the minor is 3.00.
Chemistry Coursework (3 to 6 credits)
Master's students select 3 credits, and doctoral students select 6 credits from the following in consultation with their advisor and the Chemical Physics director of graduate studies:
CHEM 5210 - Materials Characterization (4.0 cr)
CHEM 5755 - X-Ray Crystallography (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8011 - Mechanisms of Chemical Reactions (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8021 - Computational Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8151 - Analytical Separations and Chemical Equilibria (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8152 - Analytical Spectroscopy (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8153 - Extracting Signal From Noise (5.0 cr)
CHEM 8155 - Advanced Electroanalytical Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8157 - Bioanalytical Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8201 - Materials Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8211 - Physical Polymer Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8221 - Synthetic Polymer Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8280 - Special Topics in Materials Chemistry (2.0-4.0 cr)
CHEM 8321 - Organic Synthesis (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8322 - Advanced Organic Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8352 - Physical Organic Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8361 - Interpretation of Organic Spectra (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8380 - Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (1.0-4.0 cr)
CHEM 8411 - Introduction to Chemical Biology (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8412 - Chemical Biology of Enzymes (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8413 - Nucleic Acids (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8480 - Special Topics in Biological Chemistry (2.0-4.0 cr)
CHEM 8541 - Dynamics (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8551 - Quantum Mechanics I (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8552 - Quantum Mechanics II (2.0 cr)
CHEM 8561 - Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Reaction Dynamics I (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8562 - Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Reaction Dynamics II (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8563 - Molecular Simulations (2.0 cr)
CHEM 8564 - Laser Spectroscopy (2.0 cr)
CHEM 8565 - Chemical Reaction Dynamics (2.0 cr)
CHEM 8566 - Spin Dynamics (2.0 cr)
CHEM 8567 - Biophysical Chemistry (2.0 cr)
CHEM 8568 - Chemical Bonding at Surfaces (2.0 cr)
CHEM 8569 - Electronic Structure (2.0 cr)
CHEM 8580 - Special Topics in Physical Chemistry (2.0-4.0 cr)
CHEM 8715 - Physical Inorganic Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8725 - Organometallic Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8735 - Bioinorganic Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8745 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CHEM 8780 - Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (2.0-4.0 cr)
CHEM 8880 - Special Topics in Chemistry (2.0-4.0 cr)
Physics Coursework (3 to 6 credits)
Master's students select 3 credits and doctoral students select 6 credits from the following in consultation with their advisor and the Chemical Physics director of graduate studies:
PHYS 5001 - Quantum Mechanics I (4.0 cr)
PHYS 5002 - Quantum Mechanics II (4.0 cr)
PHYS 5011 - Classical Physics I (4.0 cr)
PHYS 5012 - Classical Physics II (4.0 cr)
PHYS 5022 - Relativity, Cosmology, and the Universe (4.0 cr)
PHYS 5041 - Mathematical Methods for Physics (4.0 cr)
PHYS 5081 - Introduction to Biopolymer Physics (3.0 cr)
PHYS 5201 - Thermal and Statistical Physics (3.0 cr)
PHYS 5621 - Introduction to Plasma Physics (3.0 cr)
PHYS 5701 - Solid-State Physics for Engineers and Scientists (4.0 cr)
PHYS 8001 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8011 - Quantum Field Theory I (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8012 - Quantum Field Theory II (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8013 - Special Topics in Quantum Field Theory (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8014 - Quantum many Body Systems (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8161 - Atomic and Molecular Structure (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8200 - Seminar: Cosmology and High Energy Astrophysics (1.0 cr)
PHYS 8301 - Symmetry and Its Application to Physical Problems (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8311 - Biological Physics of Single Molecules (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8312 - Biological Physics of Macroscopic Systems (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8501 - General Relativity and Cosmology I (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8502 - General Relativity and Cosmology II (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8601 - Plasma Physics I (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8602 - Plasma Physics II (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8611 - Cosmic Rays and Plasma Astrophysics (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8650 - Advanced Topics in Space and Plasma Physics (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8702 - Statistical Mechanics and Transport Theory (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8711 - Solid-State Physics I (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8712 - Solid-State Physics II (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8750 - Advanced Topics in Condensed Matter Physics (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8801 - Nuclear Physics I (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8802 - Nuclear Physics II (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8850 - Advanced Topics in Nuclear Physics (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8901 - Elementary Particle Physics I (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8902 - Elementary Particle Physics II (3.0 cr)
PHYS 8911 - Introduction to Supersymmetry (3.0 cr)
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Masters
Doctoral
 
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CHEM 5210 - Materials Characterization
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Modern tools/techniques for both bulk- and thin-film characterization. Topics may include ion-solid interactions, Rutherford back scattering, secondary ion mass spectrometry, solid-state NMR, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, small-angle x-ray/neutron scattering, transmission/scanning electron/probe microscopy, near-field scanning optical microscopy, porosimetry, adsorption techniques, and ellipsometry. prereq: grad student or instr consent
CHEM 5755 - X-Ray Crystallography
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Essentials of crystallography as applied to modern, single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Practical training in use of instrumentation in X-ray crystallography facility in Department of Chemistry. Date collection, correction/refinement, structure solutions, generation of publication materials, use of Cambridge Crystallographic Structure Database. prereq: Chem grad student or instr consent
CHEM 8011 - Mechanisms of Chemical Reactions
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Reaction mechanisms and methods of study. Mechanistic concepts in chemistry. Gas phase reactions to mechanisms, "electron pushing" mechanisms in organic reactions, mechanism of enzymatic reactions. Kinetic schemes and other strategies to investigate mechanisms. prereq: 2302 or equiv
CHEM 8021 - Computational Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Modern theoretical methods used in study of molecular structure, bonding, reactivity. Concepts/practical applications. Determination of spectra, relationship to experimental techniques. Molecular mechanics. Critical assessment of reliability of methods. prereq: 4502 or equiv
CHEM 8151 - Analytical Separations and Chemical Equilibria
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Advanced treatment of principles of analytical chemistry, chemical equilibria, and dynamics. Chromotographic and other modern analytical scale separation techniques. Emphasizes column dynamics and retention mechanisms. prereq: instr consent
CHEM 8152 - Analytical Spectroscopy
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Survey of analytical spectroscopic methods. Design/application of spectroscopic instruments, including signal generation, acquisition, and interpretation. May include nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, infrared and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. prereq: grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8153 - Extracting Signal From Noise
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Use of analog/digital electronics and computational methods in experiments. Passive circuits, operational amplifiers, filters, oscillators and Laplace transform techniques in analysis, domain conversion for data acquisition/control, statistics, experimental design. Introduction to chemometrics, Fourier analysis, convolution/deconvolution, curve fitting. prereq: [4101 or equiv], differential equations course
CHEM 8155 - Advanced Electroanalytical Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Thermodynamics/kinetics of electron/ion transfer, electric double layer, mass transfer by diffusion/migration. Ion-selective potentiometry, chronoamperometry, chronocoulometry, cyclic voltammetry, pulse voltammetry, ion-transfer voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, bioelectroanalysis, rotating disk electrodes, microelectrodes, chemically modified electrodes. Scanning electrochemical microscopy. EC-STM, quartz crystal microbalance.
CHEM 8157 - Bioanalytical Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Theory and practical aspects of analytical methods used in determination/characterization of biologically important materials. Enzymatic/kinetic methods in study of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
CHEM 8201 - Materials Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 4201/Chem 8201
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Crystal systems/unit cells, phase diagrams, defects/interfaces, optical/ dielectric properties, electrical/thermal conductivity, X-ray diffraction, thin film analysis, electronic structure, polarons/phonons, solid state chemistry, liquid/molecular crystals, polymers, magnetic/optical materials, porous materials, ceramics, piezoelectric materials, biomedical materials, catalysts. prereq: [4701, 3502] or instr consent
CHEM 8211 - Physical Polymer Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 8211/ChEn 8211/MatS 8211
Typically offered: Every Spring
Chain conformations. Thermodynamics of polymer solutions, blends, and copolymers. Light, neutron, and X-ray scattering. Dynamics in dilute solution and polymer characterization and in melts and viscoelasticity. Rubber elasticity, networks, gels. Glass transition. crystallization. prereq: Undergrad physical chem course
CHEM 8221 - Synthetic Polymer Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ChEn 8221/MatS 8221/Chem 8221
Typically offered: Every Fall
Condensation, radical, ionic, emulsion, ring-opening, metal-catalyzed polymerizations. Chain conformation, solution thermodynamics, molecular weight characterization, physical properties. prereq: [Undergrad organic chemistry course, undergrad physical chemistry course] or instr consent
CHEM 8280 - Special Topics in Materials Chemistry
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics (and availability) vary by year depending on instructor and development of the field. prereq: Grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8321 - Organic Synthesis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Core course; fundamental concepts, reactions, reagents, structural and stereochemical issues, and mechanistic skills necessary for understanding organic chemistry. prereq: 2302 or equiv
CHEM 8322 - Advanced Organic Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Modern studies. Topics, which vary by year, include natural products, heterocycles, asymmetric synthesis, organometallic chemistry, and polymer chemistry. prereq: 2302 or equiv
CHEM 8352 - Physical Organic Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamental concepts, mechanistic tools for analyzing organic reaction mechanisms. Solvation, reactive intermediates, gas phase chemistry, photochemistry, strained-ring chemistry. prereq: 4011 or 8011
CHEM 8361 - Interpretation of Organic Spectra
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Practical application of nuclear magnetic resonance, mass, ultraviolet, and infrared spectral analyses to solution of organic structural problems. prereq: 2302 or equiv
CHEM 8380 - Special Topics in Organic Chemistry
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Topics (and availability) vary by year depending on instructor and development of the field. prereq: grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8411 - Introduction to Chemical Biology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Chemistry of amino acids, peptides, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Structure, nomenclature, synthesis, and reactivity. Overview of techniques used to characterize these biomolecules. prereq: 2302 or equiv
CHEM 8412 - Chemical Biology of Enzymes
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 8412/MedC 8412
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Enzyme classification with representative examples from current literature. Strategies used to decipher enzyme mechanisms. Chemical approaches for control of enzyme catalysis. prereq: 2302 or equiv
CHEM 8413 - Nucleic Acids
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 8413/MedC 8413
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Chemistry and biology of nucleic acids: structure, thermodynamics, reactivity, DNA repair, chemical oligonucleotide synthesis, antisense approaches, ribozymes, overview of techniques used in nucleic acid research, interactions with small molecules and proteins. prereq: 2302 or equiv
CHEM 8480 - Special Topics in Biological Chemistry
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Topics (and availability) vary by year, depending on instructor and development of the field. prereq: Grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8541 - Dynamics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 5541/8541
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Mathematical methods for physical chemistry. Classical mechanics/dynamics, normal modes of vibration. Special topics such as rotational motion, Langevin equation, Brownian motion, time correlation functions, collision theory, cross sections, energy transfer, molecular forces, potential energy surfaces, classical electrostatics, Shannon entropy. prereq: Undergrad physical chem course
CHEM 8551 - Quantum Mechanics I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 5551/8551
Typically offered: Every Fall
Review of classical mechanics. Postulates of quantum mechanics with applications to determination of single particle bound state energies and scattering cross-sections in central field potentials. Density operator formalism with applications to description of two level systems, two particle systems, entanglement, and Bell inequality. prereq: undergrad physical chem course
CHEM 8552 - Quantum Mechanics II
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Second Quantization;Density matrices; Molecular Electronic Structure Theory; Hartree-Fock Theory; Electron Correlation; Configuration Interaction; Perturbation Theory; Energy Derivatives; Coupled-Cluster;Density Functional Theory; Relativistic Quantum Chemistry; prereq: 8551
CHEM 8561 - Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Reaction Dynamics I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Two-part sequence. Thermodynamics, equilibrium statistical mechanics, ensemble theory, partition functions. Applications, including ideal gases/crystals. Theories of simple liquids, Monte Carlo, and molecular dynamics simulations. Reaction dynamics from microscopic viewpoint. prereq: undergrad physical chem course
CHEM 8562 - Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Reaction Dynamics II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Two-part sequence. Thermodynamics, equilibrium statistical mechanics, ensemble theory, partition functions. Applications, including ideal gases/crystals. Theories of simple liquids, Monte Carlo, and molecular dynamics simulations. Reaction dynamics from microscopic viewpoint. prereq: 8561
CHEM 8563 - Molecular Simulations
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Principles of Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics simulations. Algorithms, simulation set-up/analysis, applications to chemical systems. Hands-on computational project that requires writing of computer code. prereq: grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8564 - Laser Spectroscopy
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamentals of light-molecule interactions/manifestation in spectroscopic observables. Time correlation functions, spectroscopic lineshapes, linear/nonlinear material responses, material susceptibilities. Role of lasers in measuring quantities. prereq: grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8565 - Chemical Reaction Dynamics
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Fundamentals of chemical reaction dynamics including potential energy surfaces, collision theory, statistical mechanical background and transition state theory, variational transition state theory, activation energy, tunneling, unimolecular reactions, energy transfer, reactions in solution, solvation free energy, potential of mean force, quasithermodynamic treatment, reactions in solution, diffusion control, Kramers’ theory, and photochemistry
CHEM 8566 - Spin Dynamics
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Chemistry 8566 is a 1/2-semester course on spin dynamics. The course prerequisites are described in the CSE Bulletin. Briefly, they are: one year of college-level chemistry, one year of college-level physics, and one year of college-level calculus. All of the prerequisites should have been completed before enrollment in this course. Students who do not satisfy the course prerequisites, please contact the instructor.
CHEM 8567 - Biophysical Chemistry
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
CHEM 8567 is a graduate level course which emphasizes how macromolecular and membrane structure and dynamics impact biological function. Topics to be covered include high-resolution structure determination, biomolecular spectroscopy, and microscopy as applied to folding, solvation, and reaction dynamics. The objectives for this course are to become well-versed in the language of biophysics, at a level sufficient to understand and critically evaluate the literature and to understand fundamental concepts related to structure determination and structure-function relationships of biomolecules, and to be able to apply those concepts to a variety of biological systems.
CHEM 8568 - Chemical Bonding at Surfaces
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
A brief overview of surface science, chemical reactions at surfaces, and interactions of surfaces with light. Students will also be exposed to physical principles of chemical reactions such as transition-state theory and kinetics in within the framework of surface science.
CHEM 8569 - Electronic Structure
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
This course covers electronic structure theory applied to atoms and molecules and includes a hands-on computational project that requires writing of computer code. It will cover Hartree-Fock theory, Density Functional Theory, electron correlation theories, relativistic effects, and other related topics.
CHEM 8580 - Special Topics in Physical Chemistry
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 8.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Topics (and availability) vary depending on instructor and development of the field. prereq: grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8715 - Physical Inorganic Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Physical methods and concepts applied to inorganic and organometallic systems, including many of the following methods: NMR, IR, UV-VIS, ESR, M[ö]ssbauer and mass spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, X-ray diffraction. prereq: 4701 or equiv, grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8725 - Organometallic Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Synthesis, reactions, structures, and other important properties of main group and transition metal organometallic compounds; treatment in terms of modern electronic and structural theory; emphasis on their use as stoichiometric and homogeneous catalytic reagents in organic and inorganic systems. prereq: 4701 or equiv, grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8735 - Bioinorganic Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Survey of role of metal ions in biology; emphasizes structure, function, and spectroscopy of metalloproteins and their synthetic analogs. prereq: 4701 or equiv, grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8745 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Survey of topics in main group and transition metal chemistry; emphasizes synthesis, structure, physical properties, and chemical reactivity. prereq: 8715, grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8780 - Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Topics (and availability) vary by year depending on instructor and development of the field. prereq: Grad chem major or instr consent
CHEM 8880 - Special Topics in Chemistry
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Topics (and availability) vary depending on instructor and development of the field. prereq: Grad chem major or instr consent
PHYS 5001 - Quantum Mechanics I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Schrodinger equation: bound state and scattering problems in one dimension. Spherically symmetric problems in three dimensions, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Approximation methods for stationary states. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Operators and state vectors: general formalism of quantum theory. prereq: 4101 or equiv or instr consent
PHYS 5002 - Quantum Mechanics II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Symmetry in quantum mechanics, space-time symmetries and the rotation group, Clebsch-Gordan coefficients and the Wigner-Eckart theorem. Scattering theory. Method of second quantization with elementary applications. Relativistic wave equations including Dirac equation. prereq: 5001 or equiv
PHYS 5011 - Classical Physics I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Classical mechanics: Lagrangian/Hamiltonian mechanics, orbital dynamics, rigid body motion, special relativity. prereq: 4001, 4002 or instr consent
PHYS 5012 - Classical Physics II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Classical electromagnetism: electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, radiation, interaction of charged particles with matter. prereq: 5011 or instr consent
PHYS 5022 - Relativity, Cosmology, and the Universe
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Ast 5022/Phys 5022
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Large-scale structure and history of universe. Introduction to Newtonian and relativistic world models. Physics of early universe. Cosmological tests. Formation of galaxies. prereq: 2601 or instr consent
PHYS 5041 - Mathematical Methods for Physics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Survey of mathematical techniques needed in analysis of physical problems. Emphasizes analytical methods. prereq: 2601 or grad student
PHYS 5081 - Introduction to Biopolymer Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 4911/5081
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to biological and soft condensed matter physics. Emphasizes physical ideas necessary to understand behavior of macromolecules and other biological materials. prereq: PHYS 2201 or equivalent
PHYS 5201 - Thermal and Statistical Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics. General Principles of Statistical Mechanics: Ensembles. Derivation of Thermodynamics from statistical principles. Classical Systems. Quantum Statistical Mechanics: Fundamentals. Photons. Ideal Fermi & Bose Gases. Non-ideal gases. Introduction to Phase Transitions. prereq: [[4101, 4201] or equiv] previous exposure to thermodynamics, introductory statistical physics
PHYS 5621 - Introduction to Plasma Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 4621/Phys 5621
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Basic properties of collisionless, magnetized plasmas, single particle motion, plasmas as fluids, magnetohydrodynamics, waves in plasmas, equilibrium, instabilities, kinetic theory/shocks. prereq: CSE grad student, working knowledge of waves/electromagnetism
PHYS 5701 - Solid-State Physics for Engineers and Scientists
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Crystal structure and binding; diffraction; phonons; thermal and dielectric properties of insulators; free electron model; band structure; semiconductors. prereq: Grad or advanced undergrad in physics or engineering or the sciences
PHYS 8001 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Topics in non-relativistic quantum mechanics; second quantization. Introduction to Diagrammatic and Green's function techniques and to relativistic wave equations. Application of relativistic perturbation theory to particle interactions with electromagnetic field. Invariant interactions of elementary particles. prereq: 5002 or instr consent
PHYS 8011 - Quantum Field Theory I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Second quantization of relativistic wave equations: canonical quantization of the free scalar and Dirac fields. Fields in interaction: interaction picture. Quantum electrodynamics: quantization of the electromagnetic field, propagators and Feynman rules, tree-level processes. Higher-order processes and renormalization. prereq: 8001 or instr consent
PHYS 8012 - Quantum Field Theory II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Aspects of general theory of quantized fields, including space-time and discrete transformation properties, the CPT theorem, and the spin-statistics connection. Introduction to functional and path-integral methods. Renormalization group and asymptotic freedom. Semi-classical methods and instantons in gauge theories. prereq: 8011 or instr consent
PHYS 8013 - Special Topics in Quantum Field Theory
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Includes non-perturbative methods in quantum field theory, supersymmetry, two-dimensional quantum field theories and their applications, lattice simulations of quantum fields, topological quantum field theories, quantum field theory methods applied to condensed matter physics, and string theory. prereq: 8012 or instr consent
PHYS 8014 - Quantum many Body Systems
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Applications of quantum field theory to systems at finite density and temperature. Perturbative field theory of the interacting electron gas and its response functions. Instabilities of interacting fermions at finite density using renormalization group and diagrammatic methods.
PHYS 8161 - Atomic and Molecular Structure
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Emphasizes interpretation of quantum numbers and selection rules in terms of symmetry. Experimental data summarized and compared with theoretical predictions. prereq: Level of mathematics associated with BS in physical sciences
PHYS 8200 - Seminar: Cosmology and High Energy Astrophysics
Credits: 1.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Current topics in cosmology and high energy astrophysics. prereq: instr consent
PHYS 8301 - Symmetry and Its Application to Physical Problems
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Fundamental invariance principles obeyed by laws of physics. Group theory as tool for using symmetry and invariance to help understand behavior of physical systems. Applications made to atomic, molecular, nuclear, condensed-matter, and elementary particle physics. prereq: 5002 or instr consent
PHYS 8311 - Biological Physics of Single Molecules
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Biological molecules, based on statistical mechanics, kinetics, optics, and other physics ideas. Physics of DNA/proteins, their interactions. Force spectroscopy (optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy). Concepts of optical spectroscopy. Single molecule fluorescence/imaging. prereq: [[5201 or Chen 4707], 5011] or instr consent
PHYS 8312 - Biological Physics of Macroscopic Systems
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Macroscopic systems, based on physics such as fluid dynamics, statistical mechanics, non-linear dynamics, and chaos theory. Super-molecular aggregates. Biological physics of the cell. Biological physics of populations/evolution. prereq: [[5201 or CHEN 4707], 5011] or instr consent
PHYS 8501 - General Relativity and Cosmology I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Tensor analysis and differential geometry. Special relativity leading to formulation of principles of general relativity and Einstein's equations. Tests of general relativity and thorough discussion of various black hole solutions, including Schwarzschild, Reissner-Nordstrom, and Kerr solutions. prereq: 5012 or instr consent
PHYS 8502 - General Relativity and Cosmology II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Gravitational radiation. Applications of general relativity to stellar structure of white dwarfs and neutron stars, action principle, and symmetric spaces. Big-bang cosmology, strongly emphasizing particle physics. prereq: 8501 or instr consent
PHYS 8601 - Plasma Physics I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Theory of plasma waves and instabilities in plasmas, magnetohydrodynamics, nonlinear waves in plasmas, wave propagation in inhomogeneous plasmas. prereq: 4621, 5012 or instr consent
PHYS 8602 - Plasma Physics II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Theory of plasma waves and instabilities, collisions, radiation, transport, nonlinear wave-particle and wave-wave interactions, instabilities in inhomogeneous plasmas. prereq: 8601 or instr consent
PHYS 8611 - Cosmic Rays and Plasma Astrophysics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Properties of energetic particles in heliosphere and in astrophysical environments; solar physics, including radiation and magnetic effects; solar wind and magnetospheric physics; physics of radiation belts. prereq: 5012 or instr consent
PHYS 8650 - Advanced Topics in Space and Plasma Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Topics in plasma waves and instabilities, solar physics, cosmic ray physics, atmospheric physics or planetary physics. prereq: 8602 or 8611 or instr consent
PHYS 8702 - Statistical Mechanics and Transport Theory
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Equilibrium properties of macroscopic classical and quantum systems. Phase transitions and Renormalization Group. Transport theory. Applications to soft condensed matter systems. prereq: 5201 or instr consent
PHYS 8711 - Solid-State Physics I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Fundamental properties of solids. Electronic structure and transport in metals and semiconductors. Properties of disordered materials. prereq: 4211, 5002 or instr consent
PHYS 8712 - Solid-State Physics II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamental properties of solids. Electronic structure and transport in metals and semiconductors. Properties of disordered materials. prereq: 8711 or instr consent
PHYS 8750 - Advanced Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Sample research topics: magnetism, superconductivity, low temperature physics, superfluid helium. prereq: 8712 or instr consent
PHYS 8801 - Nuclear Physics I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Nuclear/neutrino astrophysics. Thermonuclear reactions. Processes of nucleosynthesis. Origin of the elements. Stellar evolution. Theory of supernovae. Exotic stars. Chemical evolution of galaxies. prereq: 5001, 5002, 5011, 5012, 5201; AST 4001 recommended
PHYS 8802 - Nuclear Physics II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Properties of nuclei based on hadronic and quark-gluon degrees of freedom. Relativistic field theory at finite temperatures and density applied to many-body problems, especially nuclear matter and quark-gluon plasma. Applications to lepton and hadron scattering, nucleus-nucleus collisions, astrophysics and cosmology. prereq: 8801 or instr consent
PHYS 8850 - Advanced Topics in Nuclear Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Research topics. prereq: 8802 or instr consent
PHYS 8901 - Elementary Particle Physics I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Types of fundamental interactions. Exact and approximate symmetries and conservation laws. Gauge quanta: gluons, photons, W and Z bosons, gravitons. Fundamental fermions: leptons and quarks. Isotopic and flavor SU(3) symmetries of strong interaction. Heavy hadrons. Amplitudes and probabilities. Quantum chromodynamics. prereq: 8001 or instr consent
PHYS 8902 - Elementary Particle Physics II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Deep inelastic scattering. Weak interactions of leptons. Semileptonic and nonleptonic weak processes with hadons. Oscillations of neutral Kaons. Violation of CP symmetry in Kaons. Neutrino masses and oscillations. Standard model of the electroweak interaction. Grand unification. Unitarity of the S matrix. Properties of soft pions. prereq: 8901 or instr consent
PHYS 8911 - Introduction to Supersymmetry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Motivation. Coleman-Mandula theorem. Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics. 4D supersymmetry algebra and representations. Extended supersymmetry. N=1 superspace and superfields. Supersymmetric guage theories. Chiral/vector multiplets. Non-renormalization theorems. Supersymmetry breaking. Supersymmetric Standard Model. Phenomenology. Nonperturbative supersymmetry. Supergravity. prereq: 8011 or instr consent