Physics

CNET 5050. Fundamentals of Complex Networks. (4 Hours)

Presents an interdisciplinary introduction to the science of complex networks and the starting point for students looking to develop an expertise in network science. Explores the mathematical foundation of networks (graph theory) and examines common tools for describing and analyzing networks. Discovers the origin of complex networks throughout our world, examining properties such as the degree distribution, centrality measures, path lengths, clustering, homophily, and robustness. Investigates evolving networks, growing networks, and network null models. Introduces common applications of network science in a variety of domains including biology, medicine, sociology, technology, and finance. Requires students to conduct their own analysis of a real network dataset of their choosing as part of the final project.

CNET 5051. Analyzing Complex Network Data. (4 Hours)

Presents an overview of the core data scientific skills required to analyze complex networks.Through hands-on lectures, labs, and projects, exercises actionable skills about network analysis techniques using Python (in particular, the NetworkX library). Covers the basics of network analysis including data input/output, network statistics, and visualization.Explores instruction in random graph models and algorithms for computing network properties such as path lengths, clustering, degree distributions, and community structure. Offers students an opportunity to develop web scraping skills and introduces the vast landscape of software tools for analyzing complex networks. Concludes with a large-scale final project to demonstrate proficiency in network analysis.

CNET 5052. Advanced Tools for Complex Network Analysis. (4 Hours)

Delves into more advanced techniques for analyzing large, complex networks such as filtering, backboning, and embedding. Demonstrates how the presence of extra network features, such as a temporal dimension, requires more advanced and computationally demanding techniques. Presents a more formal treatment of network generative models, such as the stochastic block model; exponential random graphs with particular focus on sampling from such models; and the basics of network reconstruction involving appropriate statistical/inference methods.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5051 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 5126. Spreading on Networks: From Epidemics to Memes. (4 Hours)

Explores fundamentals of contagion on networks, starting with simple disease dynamics in mean field systems and building to spreading processes on complex networks. Examines a variety of contagion modeling techniques, which include state-of-the-art techniques for using networks to forecast the trajectory of an infectious disease, the emergence of a best-seller, predicting elections, or even modeling cascading failures in infrastructure networks. Introduces a diverse range of datasets and case studies, which students may draw from for their final modeling/analysis project. From biological pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, and influenza to social contagions like fake news, memes, and influencers, complex network analysis gives us powerful tools to understand contagion processes in our modern world.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C ; CNET 5051 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 5311. Physical and Digital Human Traces. (3 Hours)

Examines how to use physical and digital human traces to understand how people interact with each other and their environment to gain fresh insights into human behavior. These traces can be captured from data sources such as mobile phones, social media posts, smart sensors, and transportation networks. The unprecedented availability of these data traces enables us to delve into theoretical and practical aspects of spatiotemporal data analysis techniques to characterize human behaviors. Studies technical proficiency required for investigating human dynamics to identify factors that determine how humans interact in physical spaces. Examines data science and statistical methods commonly employed in urban analytics to offer students an opportunity to obtain a robust comprehension of the methodologies, models, and data pertinent to study human dynamics.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C ; INSH 5301 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 5314. Complexity in Social Systems. (3 Hours)

Offers an in-depth exploration of complex systems and networks. Emphasizes the modeling of social phenomena using physical models. Focuses on quantitative phenomenology to understand and describe emergent features observed in large-scale social phenomena. Aims to identify general behavioral classes, not based on microscopic definitions but on universal, large-scale characteristics. This approach is used to uncover mechanisms behind various social dynamics such as opinion consensus, cultural dissemination, collective motion, and social hierarchies. Examines a range of contagion phenomena, from biological disease spread to social and technological contagions, highlighting the impact of complexity inherent in social, biological, and cultural aspects on these propagation processes.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 5360. Research Design for Social Networks. (4 Hours)

Presents an in-depth exploration of experimental design in the context of social network analysis and a guide to the craft of research. Explores the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement experiments that investigate social phenomena through the lens of network structures and dynamics. Every study is the result of a myriad of choices: What are the compelling questions and what data are needed to answer them? What exactly should you measure and how do you collect that data? What are the best ways to analyze these data? Considers digital trace, survey, qualitative data, and ethical considerations for each choice. Offers students an opportunity to develop a solid foundation in both social network analysis principles and experimental research methodologies.

Prerequisite(s): INSH 5301 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 5411. Financial and Economic Networks. (3 Hours)

Identifies the complex web of financial and economic interactions that shape our global economy. Examines a wide range of relevant and emerging topics of today’s interconnected world and approaches to studying these networks. Investigates the integration of techniques, applications, and the impact of network theory in these fields. Explores in-depth three main topics: trade, financial, and socioeconomic networks. Delves into network models of trade, leveraging input-output data to understand production, as well as firm-level supply chain analysis. Considers topics of finance, including banking and online systems, as well as financial transactions. Draws insights into microeconomic topics of knowledge creation, the labor market, and income inequality.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 5515. Complex Network Analysis for Biological Systems. (4 Hours)

Covers the properties of diverse biological networks and foundational computational methods for analyzing, visualizing, and performing statistical investigations of networked data. Investigates how physicists have uncovered remarkable regularities in networked systems by applying approaches from scaling theory to biological networks. Explores the diversity of biological networks and provides the foundational tools needed to study networks derived from real-world data, including tools from machine learning. Focusing on a series of case studies, studies how to elucidate the structure and function of biological networks using empirical data.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C ; CNET 5051 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 5901. Visualizing Complex Networks. (2 Hours)

Studies the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively visualize complex network data. Covers foundational principles of network data visualization and effective strategies to present core network properties to a range of different audiences. Offers students an opportunity to obtain experience using various network visualization tools such as Networkx and matplotlib, Gephi, and other web-based tools. Examines case studies to explore diverse network visualization approaches to effectively convey scientific insights, advance policy, and inform the public, including examples from such diverse fields as brain science, supply chains, epidemiology, and urban analytics. Students give and receive feedback, collectively building competency in how to create and interpret visualizations of complex data. Final projects are designed to prepare students for working with clients and collaborators from industry, nonprofits, government agencies, and research.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C ; CNET 5051 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 5902. Communicating Network Data. (2 Hours)

Examines critical aspects of conveying complex network data effectively and ethically. Explores not only how to simplify and articulate complex network concepts to various audiences but also grapples with the ethical implications of the work, ensuring that communication is not just effective but also responsible and legally compliant. This is done through a combination of lectures and reading, as well as through guest lecturers and case studies. Requires a final project presentation that is based on a previous project selected by the student and that offers new presentations of the material designed for two (imagined) audiences: a general audience and a technically trained audience. Designed to help students bridge the gap between technical network analysis and effective, ethical communication.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5051 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 6000. Professional Development for Co-op. (1 Hour)

Introduces the cooperative education program. Offers students an opportunity to develop job-search and career-management skills; to assess their workplace skills, interests, and values and to discuss how they impact personal career choices; to prepare a professional resumé; and to learn proper interviewing techniques. Explores career paths, choices, professional behaviors, work culture, and career decision making.

CNET 6061. Analyzing Higher-Order Networks. (2 Hours)

Delves into specialized network structures including temporal networks, higher-order networks (such as simplicial complexes and hypergraphs), and multilayer networks. Explores the dynamic aspects of temporal networks, the rich representation of relationships in higher-order networks, and the interconnected systems modeled by multilayer networks. By mastering the analysis and modeling of these advanced network structures, aims to equip students to address complex real-world challenges across various domains, ranging from epidemiology and social sciences to transportation planning and resilience analysis.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C ; CNET 5051 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 6063. Probabilistic Mathematics of Networks. (2 Hours)

Introduces advanced probabilistic tools and statistical methodologies within the realm of network science. Offers students an opportunity to obtain the skills needed to navigate and analyze the complexities and inherent uncertainties of networked systems. Introduces basic probabilistic computing with probability generating functions, the development of message-passing algorithms, and their various applications in the field of network science. Focuses primarily on modeling complex dynamical systems and tackling statistical inference problems using real-world network data, demonstrating the depth and versatility of these techniques.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C ; INSH 5301 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 6099. Special Topics in Complex Networks. (2 Hours)

Delves into advanced and specialized topics within the interdisciplinary field of network science. Network science explores the structure, behavior, and dynamics of complex systems represented as networks, encompassing social, technological, biological, and physical systems. Examines in-depth cutting-edge research, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications to offer students an opportunity to obtain a deeper understanding of the current trends and challenges in network science.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C ; CNET 5052 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 6107. Complex Network Analysis Research Rotation. (2 Hours)

Offers students up to three lab rotations and self-directed exploration of how network science can model social, technical, physical, and epidemiological systems and solve applied societal problems.Diverse topics could include disease spreading, effects of public policies and health interventions, drug efficacy, improvement of health and security of human populations, science of success, shaping of social behavior, formulation of political beliefs, group decision making, geometry of networks, topological data analysis on graphs, anomaly detection, algorithmically infused societies, and unifying the physics of networks with the mining of graphs. After research rotations, students independently explore areas to apply their skill set and utilize research community to engage in outreach for workforce opportunities. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C ; CNET 5051 with a minimum grade of C ; CNET 5052 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 6108. Complex Network Analysis Capstone. (2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to apply network analytic tools and network science concepts to a project that further develops skills and expands understanding of how to approach problems using network analytics and principles. Students may propose a topic or choose projects presented by a sponsoring organization or agency. Topics must be approved by the instructor, and students are expected to provide regular updates and present their final project. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of C ; CNET 5051 with a minimum grade of C ; CNET 5052 with a minimum grade of C

CNET 6962. Elective. (4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions.

CNET 6964. Co-op Work Experience. (0 Hours)

Provides eligible students with an opportunity for work experience. May be repeated up to seven times.

CNET 6990. Thesis. (2 Hours)

Offers analytical, research, and/or experimental work conducted under the auspices of the department. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite(s): CNET 5050 with a minimum grade of B- ; CNET 5051 with a minimum grade of B- ; CNET 5052 with a minimum grade of B-

PHYS 5113. Particle Physics. (4 Hours)

Introduces the physics of elementary particles and the fundamental interactions among them. Topics include classification of particles, electromagnetic interactions, strong and weak nuclear forces, mesons and nucleons, quarks and gluons, and unified theories of elementary particle interactions.

Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 2303 with a minimum grade of D- ; PHYS 4115 with a minimum grade of D- ) or graduate program admission

Attribute(s): NUpath Natural/Designed World

PHYS 5114. Physics and Applications of Quantum Materials. (4 Hours)

Introduces students to the quantum materials, the nature and origins of their unique behaviors, and how these systems can be used to enable new quantum technologies. Beginning with a description of the electronic structure of solids, describes how interactions between electrons and spins can manifest electrical and magnetic properties that cannot be explained with a classical description and how isolated defects in solids can be utilized for quantum technologies.

Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 2303 with a minimum grade of D- ; PHYS 3602 with a minimum grade of D- ; (PHYS 2305 with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS 4305 with a minimum grade of D- ); PHYS 4115 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D- ) or graduate program admission

Attribute(s): NUpath Natural/Designed World

PHYS 5116. Network Science 1. (4 Hours)

Introduces network science and the set of analytical, numerical, and modeling tools used to understand complex networks emerging in nature and technology. Focuses on the empirical study of real networks, with examples coming from biology (metabolic, protein interaction networks), computer science (World Wide Web, Internet), or social systems (e-mail, friendship networks). Shows the organizing principles that govern the emergence of networks and the set of tools necessary to characterize and model them. Covers elements of graph theory, statistical physics, biology, and social science as they pertain to the understanding of complex systems.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2303 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

Attribute(s): NUpath Natural/Designed World

PHYS 5117. Advanced Astrophysics Topics. (4 Hours)

Seeks to provide an understanding of our universe through the connection between cosmology and particle physics. Covers basic concepts of the modern universe, stellar structure and evolution, and dark matter theory while introducing recent astrophysical observations and experiments.

Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 2303 with a minimum grade of D- ; (PHYS 2305 with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS 4305 with a minimum grade of D- )) or graduate program admission

PHYS 5118. General Relativity and Cosmology. (4 Hours)

Introduces basic concepts in the general theory of relativity, including Riemannian geometry and Einstein’s field equations. These concepts are applied in studying the standard model of cosmology. Topics include thermodynamics in an expanding universe, dark matter and dark energy, and modern theories of cosmology.

Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 2303 with a minimum grade of D- ; (PHYS 2305 with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS 4305 with a minimum grade of D- )) or graduate program admission

PHYS 5125. Advanced Quantum Mechanics. (4 Hours)

Introduces time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory. Covers hydrogen fine structure, Zeeman effect, helium splitting, variational principle, adiabatic approximation, scattering theory, second quantization, and modern topics such as theory of quantum entanglement, quantum computing, and quantum biology.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 4115 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

PHYS 5211. Introduction to Scientific Computing. (4 Hours)

Presents areas of study or practice to which computational techniques can fruitfully be applied such as climate change, epidemiology, air travel, and finance. Offers students an opportunity to understand the strengths and limitations of frequently used computing methods to tackle current open problems. Identifies ways to validate the results obtained with such techniques. Introduces the background needed to understand well-established numerical and computational approaches and explores their use through practical examples from different disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, and finance.

Prerequisite(s): (MATH 2331 with a minimum grade of C+ or MATH 2341 with a minimum grade of C+ ) or graduate program admission

Attribute(s): NUpath Analyzing/Using Data, NUpath Natural/Designed World

PHYS 5260. Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. (4 Hours)

Focuses on reviewing the basic scientific concepts relevant to this field and also gives a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art in research and technology. Nanotechnology promises to transform twenty-first century technology by exploiting phenomena exhibited by nanoscaled materials. This technology is expected to have significant impact in diverse areas such as computers, electronics, health, etc. Successful technological advancement of this field requires that we have a fundamental understanding of the “science” of these materials. This course comprises a series of lectures on various topics: development of nanofabrication methods, advanced microscopy techniques, fabrication of novel nanomaterials, investigation of their fundamental properties and device applications. Provides a strong introduction for students interested in nanoscience and technology.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2303 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

Attribute(s): NUpath Natural/Designed World

PHYS 5318. Principles of Experimental Physics. (4 Hours)

Designed to introduce students to the techniques of modern experimental physics. Topics include communication and information physics, signal processing and noise physics, applied relativity physics, detector techniques, semiconductor and superconductor physics, nanoscale microscopy and manipulation, and lasers and quantum optics.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2303 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

Attribute(s): NUpath Analyzing/Using Data, NUpath Capstone Experience, NUpath Natural/Designed World, NUpath Writing Intensive

PHYS 5352. Quantum Computation and Information. (4 Hours)

Introduces the foundations of quantum computation and information, including finite dimensional quantum mechanics, gates and circuits, quantum algorithms, quantum noise, and error-correcting codes. Assumes a working knowledge of linear algebra and matrix analysis, but no prior experience with quantum theory or algorithms is required.

PHYS 5608. Magnetic Materials for Next-Generation Electronics. (4 Hours)

Covers the fundamentals of magnetic materials. Focuses on the frontiers of research activities on magnetic materials for next-generation sensors and electronics. Topics include magnetic units, magnetic materials classification, origin of ferromagnetism and ferrimagnetism, magnetic anisotropies, magnetostriction, magnetic domain theory, ferromagnetic/ferrimagnetic resonance, magnetodynamics, and magnetic material characterization techniques. Explores soft and hard magnetic materials and their applications, which include magnetic sensors, antennas, hard disk drives, magnetic materials for power supplies on chips, RF and microwave magnetic materials and devices, and spintronics. Also covers magnetic characterization techniques such as vibrating sample magnetometry, B-H looper, ferromagnetic resonance spectrometry, magneto-optic Kerr effect imaging, and magnetic sensing.

Prerequisite(s): (MATH 2321 with a minimum grade of D- ; (PHYS 1155 with a minimum grade of D- or PHYS 1165 with a minimum grade of D- )) or graduate program admission

PHYS 6962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

PHYS 7200. Methods of Advanced Problem Solving. (4 Hours)

Designed to improve the ability of students to solve physics problems, which are of the same degree of difficulty as problems that often appear on the qualifying exam.

PHYS 7210. Introduction to Research in Physics. (0 Hours)

Offers a weekly seminar to introduce first- and second-year physics graduate students to research being done in the Physics department by advanced physics graduate students and faculty. May be repeated without limit.

PHYS 7220. Methods for Teaching in the Introductory Physics Laboratory 1. (0 Hours)

Introduces first-year physics graduate students to the role of teaching assistant (TA) in the laboratory. Designed to prepare TAs for the experiments they are required to teach undergraduate students. Focuses on improving their teaching and grading effectiveness.

PHYS 7230. Methods for Teaching Introductory Physics Laboratory 2. (0 Hours)

Continues PHYS 7220, offered to first-year graduate physics teaching assistants. Designed to prepare TAs for the experiments they teach to undergraduate students. Offers students an opportunity to improve their teaching and grading effectiveness.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 7220 with a minimum grade of S

PHYS 7301. Classical Mechanics/Math Methods. (4 Hours)

Covers mathematical methods of physics and classical mechanics. Topics include differential equations, boundary value problems, functions of a complex variable, linear vector spaces, Green’s functions, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, linear oscillators, and scattering. May include additional topics as time permits.

PHYS 7302. Electromagnetic Theory. (4 Hours)

Analyzes Maxwell’s equations in vacuum and special relativity. Topics include electric and magnetic fields due to known sources with boundary conditions, radiation fields, bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, the energy-momentum tensor for the electromagnetic field, fields in material media, boundary conditions at the interface between two media, and scattering of radiation. May include additional topics as time permits.

PHYS 7305. Statistical Physics. (4 Hours)

Briefly reviews thermodynamics. Topics include the principles of statistical mechanics and statistical thermodynamics; density matrix; theory of ensembles; Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, application to gases, liquids, and solids; theory of phase transitions; and thermodynamics of electric and magnetic systems, transport phenomena, random walks, and cooperative phenomena.

PHYS 7315. Quantum Theory 1. (4 Hours)

Explores the experimental basis of quantum theory, the Schr÷dinger equation, and probability interpretation of wave mechanics. Topics include the uncertainty principle, application to one-dimensional problems, the harmonic oscillator, orbital angular momentum, and the central force problem.

PHYS 7316. Quantum Theory 2. (4 Hours)

Continues PHYS 7315. Topics include quantum theory of scattering; Born approximation; phase-shift analysis; introduction to S-matrix theory; general formulation quantum mechanics in Hilbert space; spin; identical particles and symmetrization principle; time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory; semiclassical theory of radiation and atomic spectra; addition of angular momentum; Wigner-Eckart theorem; quantum theory of radiation; and absorption, emission, and scattering of photons. Also introduces free particle Dirac equation.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 7315 with a minimum grade of C-

PHYS 7321. Computational Physics. (4 Hours)

Covers basic numerical methods for differentiation, integration, and matrix operations used in linear algebra problems, discrete Fourier transforms, and standard and stochastic ordinary and partial differential equations. Specific applications of these methods may include classical chaos, computation of eigenstates of simple quantum systems, classical phase transitions, boundary value problems, pattern formation, and molecular dynamics and classical/quantum Monte Carlo methods to simulate the equilibrium and nonequilibrium properties of condensed phases.

PHYS 7322. Nonequilibrium Physics. (4 Hours)

Covers selected topics in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and nonlinear physics to be selected by the instructor, with emphasis on classical theories of solids, fluids, and other more complex phases of matter. Topics may include Brownian motion, including Langevin and Fokker-Planck equations; linear response theory and transport phenomena; nonequilibrium phase transitions, including nucleation and phase-ordering kinetics; elasticity theory and fluid mechanics; and nonlinear dynamics and pattern formation.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 7305 with a minimum grade of C

PHYS 7323. Elementary Particle Physics. (4 Hours)

Presents a survey of the present state of elementary particle physics, suitable for all graduate students. Topics include overview of strong interactions and their connection to nuclear physics; nonrelativistic quark structure of strongly interacting particles (hadrons); color and the SU(3) Yang-Mills theory of strong interactions; coupling constant renormalization and asymptotic freedom; and the parton model of scattering. Covers weak interactions including phenomenology of the Fermi V-A theory; universality; and neutrino scattering. Studies the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam theory including unification of weak and electromagnetic interaction, neutral currents, the Higgs mechanism, quark masses and mixing, neutrino masses, and neutrino oscillation. Offers experimental support for the standard model. Also examines supersymmetry including the hierarchy problem and broken supersymmetry; role of supersymmetry in cosmology.

PHYS 7324. Condensed Matter Physics. (4 Hours)

Explores condensed matter physics. Topics include Drude and Sommerfield models of electrons in metals, crystal structure, one-electron states in crystal lattices, Bloch’s theorem, semiclassical theory of conduction, semiconductors and semiconducting devices, effects of electron-electron interactions, lattice vibrations and the classical and quantum theories of specific heat, optical properties of solids, investigation of crystal structure and excited states of crystals by x-ray and neutron scattering, simple transport theory based on the Boltzmann equation, and magnetic properties of solids.

PHYS 7325. Quantum Field Theory 1. (4 Hours)

Introduces the principles of quantum field theory. Topics include canonical quantization of scalar and spinor fields, functional integral methods, perturbation theory, regularization and renormalization, and symmetry breaking. Emphasizes applications to particle physics and condensed matter phenomena.

PHYS 7326. Quantum Field Theory 2. (4 Hours)

Presents the quantum theory of gauge fields and their interactions, as well as advanced topics in quantum field theory. Additional topics covered may include Lie groups and Yang-Mills theory, asymptotic freedom, perturbation theory anomalies, and applications to phase transitions.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 7325 with a minimum grade of C-

PHYS 7332. Network Science Data 2. (4 Hours)

Focuses on practical exercises in real network data. Offers students an opportunity to learn how to retrieve network data from the real world, analyze network structures and properties, study dynamical processes on top of the networks, and visualize networks. The main programming language used in this course is the current industry standard. This is an interdisciplinary course.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 5116 with a minimum grade of C ; PHYS 7331 with a minimum grade of C

PHYS 7335. Dynamical Processes in Complex Networks. (4 Hours)

Immerses students in the modeling of dynamical processes (contagion, diffusion, routing, consensus formation, etc.) in complex networks. Includes guest lectures from local and national experts working in process modeling on networks. Dynamical processes in complex networks provide a rationale for understanding the emerging tipping points and nonlinear properties that often underpin the most interesting characteristics of sociotechnical systems. Reviews the recent progress in modeling dynamical processes that integrates the complex features and heterogeneities of real-world systems.

Prerequisite(s): NETS 5116 with a minimum grade of C- or PHYS 5116 with a minimum grade of C-

PHYS 7731. Physics of Biological Processes and Living Systems 1. (4 Hours)

Provides an overview of the following topics: The use of physical science principles to model biological processes; Equilibrium systems including receptor-ligand binding, polymer conformation and protein folding; Chemical kinetics including the Michaelis-Menten model and cytoskeletal dynamics; Stochastic effects and the master equation approach; Motor proteins and non-equilibrium systems; Ion channels, and electrical effects including the Hodgkin-Huxley model; Reaction-diffusion processes and their possible role in developmental biology.

PHYS 7733. Topics: Elementary Particle Physics and Cosmology. (4 Hours)

Covers unified theories including evidence for supersymmetric SU(5) unification of couplings, and the grand unified scale and proton decay. Discusses particle physics and cosmology including a brief introduction to Einstein’s theory of general relativity, candidates for dark matter, inflation and the primordial fluctuations, and the problem of the cosmological constant. Examines developments leading to string theory including normal mode expansion; open and closed strings; deduction of D-26 for bosonic and D-10 for superstrings; scattering amplitudes in strings; heterotic string; compactifications on the torus, orbifolds, and Calabi-Yau manifolds; 4-D strings; and superstring phenomenology. Explores physics with extra dimensions including gravity at small distances, branes, and new approaches to the hierarch problem. May be repeated without limit.

PHYS 7734. Topics: Condensed Matter Physics. (4 Hours)

Covers selected advanced topics in the theory of solids to be chosen each time by the interested students and instructor. Topics may include theory of normal metals, Hartree-Fock and random phase approximations, optical and transport properties, solid-state plasmas, Raman spectroscopy, quasiparticles and collective excitations, quantum solids, and amorphous solids. May be repeated without limit.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 7324 with a minimum grade of C-

PHYS 7741. Physics of Biological Processes and Living Systems 2. (4 Hours)

Continues PHYS 7731. Focuses on theoretical approaches to understand complex emergent properties of living systems on molecular to organ scales. Topics include the physics of biopolymers with applications to DNA stretching and structural transitions, biomolecular reactions and their analysis in the framework of nonlinear dynamics including models of collective oscillations, the structure and dynamics of small and large transcriptional regulatory networks in bacteria and eukaryotic cells, Hodgkin-Huxley equations and their extension to reaction-diffusion models of wave dynamics in biological excitable media, Turing patterns and spatiotemporal control of cell fate during development, single and collective cell migration, neural networks in the brain and bio-inspired artificial neural networks. Includes the analysis of several illustrative experimental data sets.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 7731 with a minimum grade of C- ; PHYS 7321 with a minimum grade of C-

PHYS 7962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

PHYS 7976. Directed Study. (1-4 Hours)

Offers independent work under the direction of a member of the department on a chosen topic. Course content depends on instructor. May be repeated without limit.

PHYS 7990. Thesis. (1-4 Hours)

Undertakes a master’s thesis in a selected topic in experimental or theoretical physics. Written thesis required. May be repeated without limit.

PHYS 9000. PhD Candidacy Achieved. (0 Hours)

Indicates successful completion of the doctoral comprehensive exam.

PHYS 9984. Advanced Research. (1-8 Hours)

Provides an opportunity for advanced students to work with an individual instructor on a topic related to current research. The instructor and student negotiate a written agreement as to what topic(s) are covered and what written or laboratory work forms the basis for the grade. Viewed as a lead-in to thesis research. May be repeated without limit.

PHYS 9986. Research. (0 Hours)

Offers an opportunity to conduct full-time research under faculty supervision. May be repeated without limit.

PHYS 9990. Dissertation Term 1. (0 Hours)

Offers experimental and theoretical work for PhD candidates. Requires written thesis and final oral exam.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 9000 with a minimum grade of S

PHYS 9991. Dissertation Term 2. (0 Hours)

Offers dissertation supervision by members of the department.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 9990 with a minimum grade of S

PHYS 9996. Dissertation Continuation. (0 Hours)

Offers experimental and theoretical work for PhD candidates. Requires written thesis and final oral exam.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 9991 with a minimum grade of S or Dissertation Check with a score of REQ