For non-scientists. Basic principles of science, applications and their relevance to our world. Typically includes astronomy, universe, Newtonian mechanics, energy and applications, symmetry in nature, order and disorder, electricity and applications, quantum mechanics, atoms and molecules, DNA, computer technology, and ethical issues. Laboratory. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Lab section for PHYS 1010.

This summer session will focus on the field of Materials, which is an interdisciplinary field applying the properties of matter to various areas of science and engineering. This two-week (ten-day) course is intended for high school students who wish to explore and stimulate their interest in the materials sciences and engineering. The course consists of rotations between six materials science research laboratories in the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics. Each rotation combines lectures with hands-on laboratory activities to excite and introduce students to contemporary methods and issues in superconductivity, optics and lasers, biomaterials, nanomaterials, nanotechnology, and energy harvesting materials and technologies. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating basic principles and hands-on student involvement. Laboratory activities will be supervised by Tulane faculty members and graduate students.

Physics-by-inquiry learning about optics, including how light behaves when it reflects off mirrors or refracts through transparent media. We will learn to explain various phenomena like image creation and optical illusions. For high school students only.

A non-calculus course in classical physics stressing the fundamental physical laws and their application to architecture. Main topics include Newtonian mechanics with an emphasis on equilibrium applications, elasticity, fluids, and thermal processes. Credit not given for PHYS 1050 and PHYS 1210 or 1310. Does not count towards the B.S. Physics or B.S.E. Engineering Physics degrees.

A non-calculus course in classical physics stressing the fundamental physical laws. Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, and classical waves normally are treated in 1210. A weekly laboratory is included; the laboratory includes a review of techniques of problem solving, as well as experiments in classical physics. PHYS 1210 is mutually exclusive with PHYS 1310. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 1210 or PHYS 1310 in the undergraduate degree. Does not count towards the B.S. Physics or B.S.E. Engineering Physics degrees.

Lab section for PHYS 1210.

A continuation of PHYS 1210. Electricity and magnetism, optics, and thermal phenomena. A weekly laboratory is included. Not open for credit to students who have completed 1320. PHYS 1220 is mutually exclusive with PHYS 1320. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 1220 or PHYS 1320 in the undergraduate degree. Does not count towards the B.S. Physics or B.S.E. Engineering Physics degrees.

Lab section for PHYS 1220.

Prior or concurrent study in calculus is required. A calculus-based course in classical physics designed primarily for physical science and engineering majors. Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, and classical wave motion are studied. Emphasis is on understanding basic principles and solving problems. A weekly laboratory is included. The laboratory includes a review of techniques for problem solving, as well as experiments in classical physics. PHYS 1310 is mutually exclusive with PHYS 1210. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 1210 or PHYS 1310 in the undergraduate degree.

Lab section for PHYS 1310.

A continuation of PHYS 1310. Emphasis on electricity and magnetism, with selected topics in optics and modern physics. The laboratory includes a review of techniques for problem solving, as well as experiments in classical physics. PHYS 1320 is mutually exclusive with PHYS 1220. Students may receive credit for only one of PHYS 1220 or PHYS 1320 in the undergraduate degree

Lab section for PHYS 1320.

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Transfer Coursework at the 1000 level. Department approval may be required.

Quantitative treatment of important topics of 20th-century physics, focused on special relativity and introductory quantum physics. Planck's and de Broglie's hypotheses, photons, the Bohr model, introduction to wave mechanics, the hydrogen atom, spatial quantization, spin, exclusion principle, multi-electron atoms.

An overview of the major fields in modern physics. Quantum statistics. Diatomic molecules, electrons in metals, band theory of solids, superconductivity, properties of nuclei, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, interaction of particles with matter, elementary particles, the standard model and cosmology.

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Introduction to the theory and practice of teaching physics courses through workshops, observations and assisting teachers at local schools with lectures and/or classroom demonstrations.

Transfer Coursework at the 2000 level. Department approval may be required.

An introduction to the methods of theoretical physics emphasizing modern mathematical techniques, numerical methods using computers, and computer algebra. Prerequisites: 11 credits of mathematics, or approval of instructor.

An introduction to the theory and applications of neutron scattering, neutron optics, neutron interferometry and neutron beta decay. This course explores the many uses of thermal and cold neutron beams to study condensed matter, nuclear, molecular and biological systems; test fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and advance the frontier of particle physics.

An introduction to the use of computational methods in physics and engineering. Writing computer code and using data visualization techniques to help solve experimental and theoretical problems. Data analysis and modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, numerical differentiation and integration, ordinary and partial differential equations, electrostatics nonlinear dynamics and chaos, fast Fourier transform, noisy signal processing, quantum spectra, thermodynamics.

This course introduces tools for controlling systems via a feedback loop, which power the world around us – from consumer products to ecological and economic systems. The presented mathematical principles are illustrated using MATLAB and a variety of examples. No prior experience with MATLAB and programming is required. The topics covered include the control of nonlinear systems via Lyapunov theory, linearization of nonlinear dynamics, controllability and observability, the Kalman filter, transfer functions, stability, and robustness, as well as the proportional-integral-derivative controller.

An introduction to the physics of polymers and the physical bases underlying the biofunctionality of macromolecules in living systems. Themes of molecular self-organization, conformation, complementarity, and information content are emphasized and related to protein, lipid, and nucleic acid structure and processes. Introduction to scattering and other spectroscopic techniques.

This survey course introduces students to the new world of quantum information, quantum communication, and quantum computing.  The course is intended for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students in physics, engineering, and mathematics.  Topics include:  Quantum states, operators, and linear algebra; Bits and qubits; Ensembles and density operators; Unitary transformations; Gates and circuits; Information and entropy; POVM measurement; Multipartite systems; Bell inequality, Bell states, and non-locality; Measures of entanglement; Quantum communication and cryptography; Teleportation; Superdense coding; Quantum noise and error correction; Classical and quantum computational complexity; Quantum algorithms; Deutsch-Jozsa, Grover, Shor; DiVincenzo criteria; Physical realizations of quantum computers:  trapped ions, solid state qubits; Quantum optics and quantum internet; Topological quantum computation; Quantum biology.

Computational Materials Science and Engineering: This course will cover theories, implementations, and applications of common quantum mechanical software for computational study of materials. State-of-the-art computational methods will be introduced for materials research with emphasis on the atomic and nano scales and hands-on modeling on PCs and supercomputers. The class is aimed at beginning graduate students and upper level undergraduate students, and will introduce a variety of computational methods used in different fields of materials science. The main focus is quantum mechanical methods with a short overview of atomistic methods for modeling materials. These methods will be applied to the properties of real materials, such as electronic structure, mechanical behavior, diffusion and phase transformations. Computational design of materials using materials database via high-throughput and machine learning methods will also be covered.

Quantum optics is an emerging field of physics that involves the study of semi-classical and quantum-mechanical models of the electromagnetic field, as well as its interaction with atoms and molecules. These nonclassical and quantum features of light have been shown to break the barriers imposed by classical physics in a variety of fields, such as communication, interferometry, computation, and imaging. The main emphasis of this course will be to introduce these nonclassical features, quantize the electromagnetic field, introduce fundamental tests of quantum mechanics by use of optics, and explore the applications of nonclassical concepts such as entanglement.

This course covers all aspects of kinetics in material systems. Topics include thermodynamics, steady state and time dependent diffusion, phase transformations, statistical mechanics, structure evolution, boundaries and interfaces, solidification, and precipitation effects.

The properties of matter depend on which of the about 100 different kinds of atoms they are made of and how they are bonded together in different crystal structures; specifically, the atomic structure primarily affects the chemical, physical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of materials. Metals behave differently than ceramics, and ceramics behave differently than polymers. Students will learn the different states of condensed matter and develop a set of tools for describing the crystalline structure of all of them. They will gain a better understanding of the principles of structure common to all materials. Key concepts, such as symmetry theory will be introduced and applied to provide a common viewpoint for describing structures of ceramic, metallic, and polymeric materials and the latter includes optical microscopy, electron optics, x-ray diffraction and some surface analytical techniques. Structure-sensitive properties of real materials will also be introduced.

Processing of biomaterials gives an overview of the most advanced techniques to process biomaterials into structures that satisfy next generation applications. All materials classes will be covered including polymers, ceramics, metals, composites and cells and tissues. In each case, the material-specific processing and the properties and potential applications will be covered.

The course begins with a history of our understanding and utilization of different sources of energy and a review of thermodynamics. In all cases, the most effective materials used are discussed as well as the relevant fundamental equations used and approaches for improving the figure-of-merit. The 5 different forms of energy are introduced - mechanical, electromagnetic, thermal, chemical, and nuclear - and discussed. Materials and techniques used for energy applications are discussed including thermoelectrics, fossil fuels, nanoparticles, different approaches for energy storage, fuel cells, nuclear energy (fission and fusion), energy biological systems - from cellular scale and ATP and catabolism/anabolism to biomass conversion, and magnetohydrodynamics. Techniques for energy conversion, biomimetics, energy and the environment and material issues for energy transformation are discussed. The sun is also discussed as a source of energy for photosynthesis, photovoltaics, and photothermal power generation.

This course focuses on the fundamentals of nanomaterials synthesis mechanisms and characterization. The course gives an introduction for nanomaterials classes and their importance for today’s world, followed by basics of physical chemistry of solid surfaces. Then, top-down and bottom-up synthesis approaches for nanomaterials systems including gas, liquid and solid phase processes are covered. Characterization techniques of special importance for nanomaterials are taught. During the semester students will study and review scientific articles focused on nanomaterials synthesis and characterization.

An introduction to modern elementary particle physics, with an emphasis on the Standard Model, its phenomenology, and dynamics. The Standard Model explains, in principle and with remarkable success, virtually all phenomena that are observed in nature except gravity. The course begins with a qualitative examination of the electromagnetic, strong, and weak interactions and an introduction to the elementary particles through the use of Feynman diagrams. This is followed by relativistic kinematics, the quantum theory of angular momentum and spin, discrete symmetries, and bound states of leptons and quarks, with a focus on the hadrons. Finally the Dirac equation, the Feynman calculus, and the mathematical tools needed to calculate basic decay lifetimes and cross sections involving the electromagnetic and weak interactions are developed and applied.

Advanced experiments in modern physics, particularly nuclear physics, emphasizing research techniques and analysis of data using computers.

This course will cover the theory, design, fabrication, characterization, and application of photonic materials and devices. The course will start with a review of the fundamentals of photonics, including ray optics, wave optics, and nanophotonics/quantum optics. The course will then focus on light-matter interactions and photonic materials, including dielectrics, semiconductors, metals, metamaterials, and photonic crystals. Using these principles and materials, we will explore a number of device architectures, including LEDs, lasers, photodetectors, photovoltaics, etc. We will then discuss fabrication methods for making these materials and devices and common optoelectronic characterization techniques. The course will conclude with exploration of cutting edge topics in photonics research.

An introduction to the physics and technology underlying semiconductor electronic and optoelectronic devices, including electrons and holes in semiconductors, energy-band diagrams, carrier transport, metal-semiconductor contacts, p-n junctions, and heterostructures. Device examples include bipolar transistors, MOSFETs, LEDs, and solar cells.

Nanoscience and technology is often branded the science of the 21st century. It has been promised that nanotechnology will have similar stimulating effects on the world's economy and society as the industrial-and microelectronics- revolution. Nanoscience is an interdisciplinary effort with the aim to manipulate and control matter at length scales down to single molecules and atoms and thus to create materials and devices with novel properties. With diminishing dimensions material properties are being governed by quantum mechanics. The description and exploitation of quantum phenomena in novel devices is the quintessence of nanophysics. Consequently, the main emphasis of this course is to give an overview of the physics of low dimensional solid state systems. This course is supplementary to courses in solid state physics and surface science but can be taken independently.

Nano/micro-electromechanical devices (N/MEMS) require knowledge of a broad range of disciplines, from the fundamental physics of mechanics and electromagnetism to practical nano/microfabrication processes and techniques. This course is opened for the introduction of this interdisciplinary engineering field, using examples and design projects drawn from real-word N/MEMS applications. Lectures will cover nano/micro-fabrication technologies, material properties at different scaling, physical principle and behaviors of nano/microstructural behavior, piezoresistive and capacitive sensing, electrostatic actuation, fluid damping, noise, and feedback systems.

Electrostatic fields in a vacuum, dielectric materials, solutions to Laplace's and Poisson's equations, currents, magnetic fields, vector potentials, electromagnetic induction, relation to Special Relativity, Maxwell's equations, and the properties of classical electromagnetic waves.

Geometrical, physical and quantum optics, with an emphasis on the classical electromagnetic aspects of optics pertaining to scattering, reflection, refraction, dispersion, polarization and interference. Applications to optical instruments, spectroscopy, interferometry, and Fourier optics. Course was previously listed as PHYS 4650. Students may not earn degree-applicable credit for both PHYS 3650 and PHYS 4650.

Special Topics.

Quantum physics, electronics and energy bands in crystals, electronic transport in materials, photoconductivity, Hall effect, quantum Hall effect, superconductors and their applications, magnetic properties of material and their applications, thermal properties of materials and dielectric properties of materials.

he course covers the general foundations of elasticity and plasticity theory, dislocation theory, and strengthening mechanisms. Basics of materials forming processes are studied. An overview for non-destructive testing of materials is taught. The course emphasis is on destructive mechanical testing of materials including; tension, torsion, hardness, fatigue and creep tests, in addition to fracture mechanics and failure analysis.

Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, central force motion, special theory of relativity, dynamics of rigid bodies, and the Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics.

The course covers the general foundation of both statistical thermodynamics and classical thermodynamics, including thermodynamics laws, auxiliary functions, and behavior of gases and solutions. In addition, special attention is dedicated to equilibria of reactions and phase diagrams of materials. Computer-based programs will be used to solve thermodynamics problems for complicated materials.

A series of undergraduate and faculty seminars emphasizing topics and points of view not covered in the standard curriculum, but which are nonetheless important to the education of a physicist. Notes: Required of all majors. Prerequisites: Junior standing or departmental approval.

Writing Practicum. Notes: Does not count toward Physics courses or electives for the Physics major. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the First-Year Writing Requirement. Corequisites: Three-credit departmental course.

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Transfer Coursework at the 3000 level. Department approval may be required.

A study of the physical properties of matter where temperature is an important variable. The laws of thermodynamics, equations of state, thermodynamic potentials. Kinetic theory of gases. Elementary statistical postulates. Ensembles, the partition function. Entropy, phase transitions.

The postulates of quantum mechanics, Schroedinger equation, operator methods, angular momentum, fermion and boson systems, and Heisenberg formulations, applications to simple physical systems.

Special Topics. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Independent Studies. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor and chair of department. Course may be repeated up to 6 credit hours.

Independent Studies. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor and chair of department. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Transfer coursework at the 4000 level. Departmental approval required.

Honors thesis research, first semester. Register in department.

For especially qualified seniors with approval of the faculty director and the Office of Academic Enrichment. Students must have a minimum of a 3.400 overall grade-point average and a 3.500 grade-point average in the major.

Courses taught abroad by non-Tulane faculty. Does not count toward Tulane GPA. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Courses taught abroad by non-Tulane faculty. Does not count toward Tulane GPA. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Mathematical techniques used in theoretical physics. Topics include partial differential equations, orthogonal coordinate systems, separation of variables, introduction to ordinary differential equations, series solutions and convergence; Sturm Liouville theory, eigensystems and orthogonal functions; complex variables, Taylor and Laurent series, contour integration, integration by steepest descents, and conformal mappings.

A continuation of PHYS 6010. Calculus of variations, Rayleigh Ritz technique, Bessel and Legendre functions, Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace transforms, Green functions. An introduction to group theory and symmetry.

Fundamentals of stellar atmospheres and interiors: nuclear astrophysics, energy generation in stars, stellar evolution, nucleo-synthesis, and theories of supernovae. Gravitational collapse and properties of superdense stars. Galactic structure and evolution, elements of cosmology.

An introduction to the theory and applications of neutron scattering, neutron optics, neutron interferometry and neutron beta decay. This course explores the many uses of thermal and cold neutron beams to study condensed matter, nuclear, molecular and biological systems; test fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and advance the frontier of particle physics.

An introduction to the use of computational methods in physics and engineering. Writing computer code and using data visualization techniques to help solve experimental and theoretical problems. Data analysis and modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, numerical differentiation and integration, ordinary and partial differential equations, electrostatic nonlinear dynamics and chaos, fast Fourier transform, noisy signal processing, quantum spectra, thermodynamics.

This course introduces tools for controlling systems via a feedback loop, which power the world around us – from consumer products to ecological and economic systems. The presented mathematical principles are illustrated using MATLAB and a variety of examples. No prior experience with MATLAB and programming is required. The topics covered include the control of nonlinear systems via Lyapunov theory, linearization of nonlinear dynamics, controllability and observability, the Kalman filter, transfer functions, stability, and robustness, as well as the proportional-integral-derivative controller.

An introduction to the physics of polymers and the physical bases underlying the biofunctionality of macromolecules in living systems. Themes of molecular self-organization, conformation, complementarity, and information content are emphasized and related to protein, lipid, and nucleic acid structure and processes. Introduction to scattering and other spectroscopic techniques.

This survey course introduces students to the new world of quantum information, quantum communication, and quantum computing. The course is intended for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students in physics, engineering, and mathematics. Topics include: Quantum states, operators, and linear algebra; Bits and qubits; Ensembles and density operators; Unitary transformations, Gates and circuits; Information and entropy; POVM measurement; Multipartite systems; Bell inequality; Bell states and non-locality; Measures of entanglement: Quantum communication and cryptography; Teleportation, Superdense coding; Quantum noise and error correction; Classical and quantum computational complexity; Quantum algorithms; Deutsch-Jozsa, Grover, Shor; DiVincenzo criteria; Physical realizations of quantum computers; trapped ions, solid state qubits; Quantum optics and quantum internet; Topological quantum computation; Quantum biology.

Review of special relativity. Tensor analysis. Differential forms and manifolds. Geodesics and curvature two-forms. The metric tensor. The stress-energy tensor and the Einstein equations. The initial data problem. The Schwarzschild and Kerr solutions: classical black holes. Elementary relativistic cosmology. Generation and detection of gravitational waves. Experimental tests of general relativity: the PPN formalism. Global techniques and the Hawking-Penrose singularity theorems. Hawking radiation and the Bekenstein bound.

Quantum optics is an emerging field of physics that involves the study of semi-classical and quantum-mechanical models of the electromagnetic field, as well as its interaction with atoms and molecules. These nonclassical and quantum features of light have been shown to break the barriers imposed by classical physics in a variety of fields, such as communication, interferometry, computation, and imaging. The main emphasis of this course will be to introduce these nonclassical features, quantize the electromagnetic field, introduce fundamental tests of quantum mechanics by use of optics, and explore the applications of nonclassical concepts such as entanglement.

An introduction to modern elementary particle physics, with an emphasis on the Standard Model, its phenomenology, and dynamics. The Standard Model explains, in principle and with remarkable success, virtually all phenomena that are observed in nature except gravity. The course begins with a qualitative examination of the electromagnetic, strong, and weak interactions and an introduction to the elementary particles through the use of Feynman diagrams. This is followed by relativistic kinematics, the quantum theory of angular momentum and spin, discrete symmetries, and bound states of leptons and quarks, with a focus on the hadrons. Finally the Dirac equation, the Feynman calculus, and the mathematical tools needed to calculate basic decay lifetimes and cross sections involving the electromagnetic and weak interactions are developed and applied.

Nanoscience and technology is often branded the science of the 21st century. It has been promised that nanotechnology will have similar stimulating effects on the world's economy and society as the industrial-and microelectronics- revolution. Nanoscience is an interdisciplinary effort with the aim to manipulate and control matter at length scales down to single molecules and atoms and thus to create materials and devices with novel properties. With diminishing dimensions material properties are being governed by quantum mechanics. The description and exploitation of quantum phenomena in novel devices is the quintessence of nanophysics. Consequently, the main emphasis of this course is to give an overview of the physics of low dimensional solid state systems. This course is supplementary to courses in solid state physics and surface science but can be taken independently.

Special Topics. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Quantum physics, electronics and energy bands in crystals, electronic transport in materials, photoconductivity, Hall effect, quantum Hall effect, superconductors and their applications, magnetic properties of material and their applications, thermal properties of materials and dielectric properties of materials.

The Friedmann cosmological models: open, flat, and closed; matter and radiation dominated. The cosmological constant. Three degree blackbody radiation and its theoretical implications. Experimental tests in cosmology. Nucleosynthesis and galaxy formation. Anisotropic and inhomogeneous cosmologies: the Bianchi models, primarily Kasner and Type IX. GUTs in the very early universe: baryogenesis and phase transitions. Dark matter. Cosmic strings and magnetic monopoles. Inflationary models. Chaotic inflation. Future history and final state of the universe.

Transfer coursework at the 6000 level. Departmental approval required.

Advanced studies of theoretical mechanics. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods. Integrable and non-integrable problems.

Advanced studies of statistical mechanics. Probability theory, random walks, statistical ensembles, entropy, quantum statistical mechanics and applications.

Advanced studies of solid state physics. Properties of the solid state, semiconductors, novel systems, applications.

Advanced studies of atomic and molecular physics. The hydrogen, helium and many electron atoms. Diatomic and polyatomic molecules.

Advanced studies of quantum mechanics. Quantization, probability, quantum wave functions, quantum entanglement. Two, three and multi-level quantum systems and applications.

Continuation of PHYS 7170.

Advanced studies of electromagnetic theory. Maxwell's equations and applications. Electric and magnetic fields and their properties. Applications.

Continuation of PHYS 7230.

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

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Individual research supervised by faculty.

Individual research supervised by faculty.

Individual research supervised by faculty.

Individual research supervised by faculty. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Individual research supervised by faculty.

Research toward completion of a masters degree. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Research toward completion of a doctoral degree. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.