PHYS 598

Fall 2008 All Classes

All Classes

Special Topics in Physics

Credit: 1 TO 4 hours.

Lecture course in topics of current interest. Several subjects are announced in each Class Schedule. Among them are semiconductor physics, magnetic resonance, surface physics, lattice dynamics, band theory of solids, crystal imperfections, nuclear structure, field theory, elementary particle physics, advanced statistical mechanics, plasma theory, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, group theory and applications.

Prerequisite: Determined for each offering; see Class Schedule.

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PHYS 598 class schedule data for fall 2008
CRN	Type	Section	Time	Day	Location	Instructor	Section Details
34935	Lecture	AST	3:30PM -4:50PM	MW	158 Loomis Laboratory	Lamb, F	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/25/08-12/10/08 Credit: 4 hours Section Title: Astrophysics Section Info: ASTROPHYSICS. Satisfies the physics graduate program "cafeteria" requirement. PHYS 598AST will survey astrophysical phenomena and processes relevant to the evolution of the Universe and structures in it, from the formation of stars and galaxies at the earliest times to the final end states of matter as compact objects. The emphasis will be on developing an understanding based on the underlying physics. Exciting recent developments will be described. Specific topics will include big bang cosmology and the cosmic microwave background radiation; formation, interaction, and evolution of galaxies; formation, structure, and evolution of stars; dynamics of stellar systems; white dwarfs, supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes; physics of accretion disks; the fate of the universe. Topics of special current interest will include cosmological inflation, dark matter in the universe, powerful gamma-ray bursts, feeding of quasars, generation of radio and X-ray emission by supermassive black holes, gravitational lensing, sources of gravitational radiation, and the solar neutrino problem. Course work will consist of weekly homework problems, a mid-term exam, and a final exam. The course will be based on lecture notes and readings, and will be taught at the level of the Astrophysics I and II texts by Bowers and Deeming. Restriction(s): Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.
42392	Lecture	CPA	1:00PM -2:20PM	MW	144 Loomis Laboratory	Shapiro, S	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/25/08-12/10/08 Credit: 4 hours Section Title: Topics in Comp Phys and Astr Section Info: TOPICS IN COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY. A numerical laboratory course designed to familiarize students with the use of a computer to solve diverse problems in physics. Problems will be drawn from several different branches of physics and astrophysics. Hydrodynamics, including the physics of shock waves, will be emphasized as the main paradigm for nonlinear phenomena. For the hydrodynamics, the necessary analytic results will be derived in class. Examples drawn from classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, etc. will already be familiar to students from standard physics courses. Numerical methods discussed will include solving ordinary and partial differential equations, linear algebra and eigenvalue problems, Monte Carlo techniques, FFTs, etc. Students will work on assigned numerical exercises and simulations both individually and in small teams. The results of these simulations will be presented in class periodically and will constitute an integral part of the class development. The emphasis throughout the semester will be on building confidence and expertise at solving physical problems on the computer. Prerequisites: No formal requirements other than a working knowledge of some scientific programming language like Fortran, C, or C++. Graduate students and upper level undergraduates with solid backgrounds in basic physics are welcome. This course should only be taken by students who plan to participate actively. Restriction(s): Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.
34943	Lecture	GFT	1:00PM -2:20PM	TR	136 Loomis Laboratory	Leigh, R	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/25/08-12/10/08 Credit: 4 hours Section Title: Geom of Field Thry and Strings Section Info: GEOMETRY OF FIELD THEORY AND STRINGS. An accessible and self-contained treatment of the mathematics underlying quantum field theory and string theory, designed to prepare students for research in these fields. Some prior knowledge of differential geometry and/or quantum field theory is desirable but not mandatory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Restriction(s): Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.
38744	Lecture	SC1	9:00AM -10:20AM	MW	158 Loomis Laboratory	Leggett, A	Part of Term: A Date Range: 08/25/08-10/18/08 Credit: 2 hours Section Title: Superconductivity, Part 1 Section Info: SUPERCONDUCTIVITY, ANCIENT AND MODERN, PART 1. SC1 is devoted to "classical" superconductivity and its explanation in terms of the BCS theory; it focuses on the basic nature of the superconducting state and its microscopic properties. SC1 and SC2 are modules which can, if desired, be taken individually (though SC2 alone is recommended only for students with substantial previous exposure to the theory of superconductivity). Register for SC1 or for SC2 or for both SC1 and SC2. SC1 meets in the first half of the semester. Restriction(s): Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.
40489	Lecture	SC2	9:00AM -10:20AM	MW	158 Loomis Laboratory	Leggett, A	Part of Term: B Date Range: 10/20/08-12/10/08 Credit: 2 hours Section Title: Superconductivity, Part 2 Section Info: SUPERCONDUCTIVITY, ANCIENT AND MODERN, PART 2. SC2 covers the various classes of superconductors which do not appear to fit well into the BCS scheme: heavy-fermion systems, fullerenes, organics. ruthenates and above all the cuprate (high-temperature) superconductors. In the case of the last, as well as describing the experimental properties the course will attempt to survey some of the principal themes in current theoretical work, without committing to any specific model. SC1 and SC2 are modules which can, if desired, be taken individually (though SC2 alone is recommended only for students with substantial previous exposure to the theory of superconductivity). Register for SC1 or for SC2 or for both SC1 and SC2. SC2 meets in the second half of the semester. Restriction(s): Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.