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School

 

Department

 

Meeting Times

Physics as a Foundation for Science and Engineering, Part I

APPHY 50A

 

Mundy

 

FAS

 

Applied Physics

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

9:45am - 12:30pm

AP 50A is the first half of a year-long, team- and project-based introduction to physics focusing on the application of physics to real-world problems. The AP 50A and B sequence, designed for engineering and physics concentrators, is equivalent in content and rigor to a standard calculus-based introductory physics course sequence. Lectures and exams are replaced by interactive, hands-on, and collaborative learning activities that will not only help you master physics concepts and hone your scien

Introduction to General Relativity

ASTRON 140

 

Chen

 

FAS

 

Astronomy

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

3:00pm - 4:15pm

Recent exploration of black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmology have revealed the relativistic Universe like never before.  This course will introduce students to the theory of general relativity and some of its key applications. Topics include: review of special relativity, physics in curved spacetimes, the Einstein field equations, gravitational lensing, black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmology. Mathematics used in general relativity will be introduced along the way.

Black Holes, String Theory and the Fundamental Laws of Nature

FYSEMR 21V

 

Strominger

 

FAS

 

First Year Seminar Program

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

6:00pm - 8:00pm

The quest to understand the fundamental laws of nature has been ongoing for centuries. This seminar will assess the current status of this quest. In the first five weeks we will cover the basic pillars of our understanding: Einstein’s theory of general relativity, quantum mechanics and the Standard Model of particle physics. We will then examine the inadequacies and inconsistencies in our current picture, including for example the problem of quantum gravity, t

Physics, Math and Puzzles

FYSEMR 23P

 

Vafa

 

FAS

 

First Year Seminar Program

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Physics is a highly developed branch of science with a broad range of applications. Despite the complexity of the universe the fundamental laws of physics are rather simple, if viewed properly. This seminar will focus on intuitive as well as mathematical underpinnings of some of the fundamental laws of nature. The seminars will use mathematical puzzles to introduce the basic features of physical laws. Main aspects discussed include the role of symmetries as well as the power of modern math, incl

All Physics in 13 Days

FYSEMR 23Y

 

Doyle

 

FAS

 

First Year Seminar Program

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

6:45pm - 8:45pm

Some claim that there are 13 ideas or principles that can form the bedrock for a pretty good understanding of our physical and technological world. These are: 1) Boltzmann factor and thermal equilibrium, 2) Turbulence, 3) Reaction rates, 4) Indistinguishable particles, 5) Quantum waves, 6) Linearity, 7) Entropy and information, 8) Discharges, ionization, 9) Relativity, 10) Nuclear binding energies, 11) Photon modes, 12) Diffraction, 13) Resonance. Each week we will discuss one of these principle

The Universe's Hidden Dimensions

FYSEMR 26J

 

Randall

 

FAS

 

First Year Seminar Program

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

3:00pm - 5:00pm

This seminar will give an overview and introduction to modern physics and cosmology. As with the books, Warped Passages, Knocking on Heaven’s Door, Higgs Discovery, and Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs, on which it will be loosely based, the seminar will consider important developments in physics today and in the last century. We will consider the revolutionary developments of quantum mechanics and general relativity; and will investigate the key concepts which separated these developments fr

Changing Perspectives: the Science of Optics in the Visual Arts

FYSEMR 51X

 

Samuel

 

FAS

 

First Year Seminar Program

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

12:45pm - 2:45pm

Renaissance artists began to create stunningly realistic representations of their world. Paintings started to resemble photographs, suggesting that artists had solved technical problems that escaped their forebears. Our brains effortlessly deduce three-dimensional scenes from two-dimensional images. But faithfully transferring spatial information to a flat canvas -- a sense of depth, surface and shadow, geometrical accuracy -- is hard to do. We will discuss how artists from van Eyck to Vermeer t

The Quantum Revolution: from Computing to Time Crystals

FYSEMR 52R

 

Yao

 

FAS

 

First Year Seminar Program

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

3:45pm - 5:45pm

Quantum mechanics is one of the most precisely tested theories in the history of science. Advances in the laboratory are ushering in a so-called “second quantum revolution”, making it possible to assemble complex, quantum systems from individual atoms, ions, molecules and photons. But what are such systems actually good for?Participants will explore this question along three axes. In the first four weeks, we will examine whether entanglement – Einstein’s famous “spo

Phases of Matter: Remarkable Changes of Properties By Varying Temperature and Pressure

FYSEMR 52Y

 

Silvera

 

FAS

 

First Year Seminar Program

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

3:45pm - 5:45pm

A gas of atoms or molecules will usually condense into a liquid phase, followed by a solid phase as temperature is lowered. Consider water: vapor, liquid, solid! The solid phase will generally have a crystalline structure (liquid is amorphous or has no long-range order).  It can be an insulator, semiconductor, or metal; it can be magnetic or non-magnetic. In this seminar we shall discuss a number of remarkable phases of matter. Below a certain temperature a metal can become superconducting,

The Quantum Edge of Life

FYSEMR 58G

 

Yelin

 

FAS

 

First Year Seminar Program

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

9:45am - 11:45am

How much of life’s complexity is forged by quantum phenomena that usually live in the rarefied world of physics labs? In this First-Year Seminar, we’ll explore how coherence, superposition, entanglement, and other quantum effects might manifest in biological processes— from photosynthesis to avian navigation and perhaps even in the workings of the human brain. We’ll begin with a high-level introduction to quantum mechanics before digging into lab-based evidence and theoretical models that propos

Mechanics, Elasticity, Fluids, and Diffusion

PHYSCI 2

 

Kestin

 

FAS

 

Physics

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

9:00am - 10:15am

An introduction to classical mechanics, with special emphasis on the motion of biological systems, from proteins to people. Topics covered include: kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, oscillations, elasticity, random walks, diffusion, and fluids. Examples and problem set questions will often be drawn from the life sciences and medicine.

Electromagnetism, Circuits, Waves, Optics, and Imaging

PHYSCI 3

 

Deslauriers

 

FAS

 

Physics

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

9:00am - 10:15am

This course is an introduction to electromagnetism, waves, optics and sound. Topics covered include: electric and magnetic fields, electrical potential, circuits, simple digital circuits, wave propagation in various media, microscopy, sound and hearing. The course will draw upon a variety of applications to the biological sciences and will use real-world examples to illustrate many of the physical principles described. There are six required laboratory sessions, and a weekly asynchronous discuss

Mechanics and Statistical Physics from an Analytic, Numerical and Experimental Perspective

PHYSCI 12A

 

TBA2

 

FAS

 

Physics

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

9:00am - 10:15am

This is the first term of a two-semester introductory course in physics. The focus is on quantitative scientific reasoning, with the first term exploring Newtonian mechanics. Topics include kinematics, linear and rotational motion, forces, energy, momentum, collisions, gravitation, oscillations, and waves, with a brief introduction to statistical physics. Examples are drawn from across the physical sciences and engineering. Students will gain competence in both analytic (pencil and paper) a

Electromagnetism from an Analytic, Numerical and Experimental Perspective

PHYSCI 12B

 

Ponti

 

FAS

 

Physics

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

9:00am - 10:15am

This is the second term of a two-semester course sequence of introductory physical science and engineering. The focus is on quantitative scientific reasoning, with the second term exploring classical electricity and magnetism. Topics include electrostatics and magnetostatics, analog circuits, electromagnetic fields, and optics. Examples are drawn from across the physical sciences and engineering.The course assumes familiarity with mechanics, experimental physics, and computational techniques cov

Introduction to Digital Fabrication

PHYSCI 70

 

Melenbrink

 

FAS

 

Physics

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

3:00pm - 4:15pm

An immersive introduction to rapid prototyping, fusing physics, design, computer science, engineering, and art. Students will learn to safely use software and hardware to fabricate programmable projects. Tools and topics will include programmable microcontrollers, 3D CAD/CAM, electronic circuit design, and wireless networking (Internet of Things). Additionally, students will learn operational principles for techniques such as laser cutting, 3D printing, and computer-controlled milling. The cours

Introduction to Digital Fabrication

PHYSCI 70

 

Melenbrink

 

FAS

 

Physics

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

3:00pm - 4:15pm

An immersive introduction to rapid prototyping, fusing physics, design, computer science, engineering, and art. Students will learn to safely use software and hardware to fabricate programmable projects. Tools and topics will include programmable microcontrollers, 3D CAD/CAM, electronic circuit design, and wireless networking (Internet of Things). Additionally, students will learn operational principles for techniques such as laser cutting, 3D printing, and computer-controlled milling. The cours

Introductory Mechanics and Relativity

PHYSICS 15A

 

Klales

 

FAS

 

Physics

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

12:00pm - 1:15pm

Physics 15a is an introduction to the topics of Newtonian mechanics and special relativity, but it is also an introduction to what it means to be a physicist—formulating theoretical models to describe the natural world and testing those models for consistency with data. Topics include: vectors; kinematics in three dimensions; Newton's laws; force, work, power; conservative forces, potential energy; momentum, collisions; rotational motion, angular momentum, torque; static equilibrium, s

Introductory Mechanics and Relativity

PHYSICS 15A

 

Klales

 

FAS

 

Physics

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

12:00pm - 1:15pm

Physics 15a is an introduction to the topics of Newtonian mechanics and special relativity, but it is also an introduction to what it means to be a physicist—formulating theoretical models to describe the natural world and testing those models for consistency with data. Topics include: vectors; kinematics in three dimensions; Newton's laws; force, work, power; conservative forces, potential energy; momentum, collisions; rotational motion, angular momentum, torque; static equilibrium, s

Introductory Electromagnetism

PHYSICS 15B

 

Deslauriers

 

FAS

 

Physics

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

12:00pm - 1:15pm

This course is an undergraduate-level course on electromagnetism. Topics include electrostatics, electric currents, magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic radiation, magnetic fields in materials, and some basic notions in kinetic theory, entropy, temperature, and phase transition associated with electricity and magnetism.

Introductory Electromagnetism

PHYSICS 15B

 

Arguelles Delgado

 

FAS

 

Physics

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

12:00pm - 1:15pm

This course is an undergraduate-level course on electromagnetism. Topics include electrostatics, electric currents, magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic radiation, magnetic fields in materials, and some basic notions in kinetic theory, entropy, temperature, and phase transition associated with electricity and magnetism.

Wave Phenomena

PHYSICS 15C

 

Morii

 

FAS

 

Physics

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

10:30am - 11:45am

Forced oscillation and resonance; coupled oscillators and normal modes; Fourier series; Electromagnetic waves, radiation, longitudinal oscillations, sound; traveling waves; signals, wave packets and group velocity; two- and three-dimensional waves; polarization; geometrical and physical optics; interference and diffraction. Optional topics: Water waves, holography, x-ray crystallography, solitons, music, quantum mechanics, and waves in the early universe.

Wave Phenomena

PHYSICS 15C

 

Knirck

 

FAS

 

Physics

2026 Spring

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

10:30am - 11:45am

Forced oscillation and resonance; coupled oscillators and normal modes; Fourier series; Electromagnetic waves, radiation, longitudinal oscillations, sound; traveling waves; signals, wave packets and group velocity; two- and three-dimensional waves; polarization; geometrical and physical optics; interference and diffraction. Optional topics: Water waves, holography, x-ray crystallography, solitons, music, quantum mechanics, and waves in the early universe.

Mechanics and Special Relativity

PHYSICS 16

 

Yao

 

FAS

 

Physics

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

12:00pm - 1:15pm

Newtonian mechanics and special relativity for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics at the level of the advanced placement curriculum. Topics include oscillators damped and driven and resonance (how to rock your car out of a snow bank or use a swing), an introduction to Lagrangian mechanics and optimization, symmetries and Noether's theorem, special relativity, collisions and scattering, rotational motion, angular momentum, torque, the inertia tensor (dynamic balance), g

Introduction to Theoretical Physics

PHYSICS 19

 

Barandes

 

FAS

 

Physics

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

3:00pm - 4:15pm

Physics 19 is a comprehensive introduction to the foundations of theoretical physics, with a first-principles approach to its five main areas: analytical mechanics, thermodynamics, fields, relativity, and quantum theory.The course is aimed primarily at students who are considering pursuing advanced study of physics in the concentration, as an option alongside Physics 15A and Physics 16. (Most physics concentrators start by taking either Physics 15A, 16, or 19.) The course is also open to undergr

Introduction to Computational Physics

PHYSICS 20

 

McCarty

 

FAS

 

Physics

2025 Fall

Full Term

• S

• M

• T

• W

• Th

• F

• S

10:30am - 11:45am

This course is a systematic introduction to computing with python and jupyter notebooks designed for concentrators in physics and related fields. The course consists of two parts:  1. Basics: essential elements of computing, including types of variables, lists, arrays, iteration and control flow (for, while loops, if statement), definition of functions, recursion, file handling and simple plots, plotting and visualization tools in higher dimensions. 2. Applications: development of computati

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