PHYS 598

Fall 2010 All Classes

All Classes

Special Topics in Physics

Credit: 1 TO 4 hours.

Subject offerings of new and developing areas of knowledge in physics intended to augment the existing curriculum. See Class Schedule or departmental course information for topics and prerequisites.

May be repeated in the same or separate terms if topics vary.

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PHYS 598 class schedule data for fall 2010
CRN	Type	Section	Time	Day	Location	Instructor	Section Details
34868	Lecture	AEM	4:00PM -5:20PM	MW	144 Loomis Laboratory	Errede, S	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/23/10-12/08/10 Credit: 4 hours Section Title: Analysis of Exper Measurements Section Info: ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENTS. This course will cover a number of topics including: The estimation of experimental uncertainties ("errors") on individual measurements, the extraction of physics parameters (and their associated uncertainties) from a set of measurements, hypothesis testing and Monte Carlo methods. The lectures will also discuss the basics of probability theory and examine various probability distributions that have common statistical applications. Various statistical concepts and applications including error propagation, data fitting using least-squares and maximum likelihood methods, goodness-of-fit, etc., will be discussed. The course will also explore practical problems such as random number generation and function minimization. There are no formal prerequisites, but the course will demand mathematical sophistication comparable to that required for Quantum Mechanics (PHYCS 486-7). Advanced undergraduate students may enroll with the consent of the instructor. There will be a text for the course and weekly homework problems will be assigned. 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: 08/23/10-12/08/10 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.
42571	Lecture	FTF	1:00PM -2:20PM	TR	136 Loomis Laboratory	Baym, G	Part of Term: B Date Range: 10/18/10-12/08/10 Credit: 4 hours Section Title: Finite Temp Field Theory Section Info: FINITE TEMPERATURE FIELD THEORY. This course will develop a working knowledge of finite temperature many body theory. Topics include basic quantum theory of many body systems, correlation functions and Green's function technology; imaginary time formalism, diagrammatic methodology, elementary approximations, paired fermionic and superfluid bosonic systems, and non-equilibrium techniques. Meets only during the second half of the semester. Restriction(s): Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.