• PHYS 5640

    Computational Physics II
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.69

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Advanced topics in computational physics including numerical methods for partial differential equations, Monte Carlo modeling, advanced methods for linear systems, and special topics in computational physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 5630, or instructor permission.

  • PHYS 2720

    Problem Solving and Special Topics in Classical Physics
     Rating

    5.00

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.69

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Develop and extend the techniques of introductory physics and calculus to solve more complicated problems. The course covers topics in mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, waves, and optics. Recommended prerequisites: PHYS 1420 or 1425; MATH 2310. Recommended co-requisites: PHYS 2410 or 2415; MATH 3250.

  • PHYS 3140

    Intermediate Laboratory
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.50

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Selected experiments in mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 1429, PHYS 2419; co-requisite: PHYS 2620.

  • PHYS 3993

    Independent Study
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Individual study of topics in physics not normally covered in formal classes. Study is carried out under the tutelage of a faculty member with whom the requirements are agreed upon prior to enrollment. (S-SS) Prerequisite: Instructor permission

  • PHYS 3995

    Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    A research project on a topic in physics carried out under the supervision of a faculty member culminating in a written report. May be taken more than once. (S-SS) Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

  • PHYS 5000

    Physics Colloquium
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    First and second year students enrolled in the Physics PhD program are required to take Physics Colloquium in their first and second years of study.

  • PHYS 5110

    Special Topics in Classical and Modern Physics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Lectures on topics of current interest in physics research and pedagogy. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

  • PHYS 5160

    Introduction to String Theory
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.62

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course introduces a modern topic in theoretical high energy physics to an advanced undergraduate / beginner graduate student audience. Among the directions which are being explored are the physics of extra dimensions, and a unified treatment of gravity and electromagnetism in the context of string theory. Prerequisite: Physics 3210 (Classical Mechanics), 3430 (Electricity & Magnetism II) and 3660 (Quantum Mechanics II), or permission of the instructor.

  • PHYS 5210

    Discrete Group Theory for Condensed Matter Physics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.51

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Group theory is an elegant method based on symmetry to understand complex phenomena in nature. This course is to learn the basic principles of Discrete Group Theory and its application to Condensed Matter Physics. Representation theory, characters and basis functions of a group, and group theory in quantum mechanics will be discussed to learn the basic principles, and a few applications will be discussed. Prerequisite: PHYS 3650 or CHEM 3410.

  • PHYS 7210

    Statistical Mechanics
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.39

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Discusses thermodynamics and kinetic theory, and the development of the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles. Includes Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions, techniques for handling interacting many-particle systems, and extensive applications to physical problems.