Page 196 of Boston College 2005-2006 University Catalog by Boston College University

the two principal physical theories of the twentieth century relativity and quantum mechanics. Included are the following: the Lorentz transformation, kinematic consequences of relativity, origin of the quantum theory, one-dimensional quantum mechanics, quantum mechanics of a particle in three dimensions, applications to the hydrogen atom and to more complex atoms, molecules, crystals, metals, and semiconductors. Lectures and laboratory. Rein A. Uritam PH 399 Advanced Independent Research (Fall/Spring: 6) This course is reserved for physics majors selected as Scholars of the College. Content, requirements, and credits by arrangement with the Chairperson. The Department PH 401 Mechanics (Fall: 4) This course includes the following: classical mechanics at the intermediate level; particle dynamics and oscillations in one dimension; conservative forces and principles; energy, momentum and angular momentum; particle dynamics, orbit theory and stability for central forces; the Kepler problem; Rutherford scattering; accelerating frames of reference; rigid body dynamics; and an introduction to Lagranges equations. Andrzej Herczynski PH 402 Electricity and Magnetism (Spring: 4) This course includes the following: electricity and magnetism at the intermediate level; electrostatics; Laplaces equation; magnetostatics; Maxwells equations; electromagnetic waves; electron theory; dispersion; theory of the dielectric constant and electromagnetic radiation. Zhifeng Ren PH 407 Quantum Physics I (Fall: 3) First of a two-semester sequence providing a comprehensive treatment of the principles and applications of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. This semester focuses on basic principles. Topics covered include: historical development of quantum mechanics; the uncertainty principle; the Schrodinger equation and its solution for simple onedimensional potentials, including constant potentials and the harmonic oscillator; formal presentation of the postulates of quantum mechanics using Dirac notation; commutation relations; basic scattering theory; formulation of Schrodinger equation in three-dimensions, central potentials, orbital angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom; spin angular momentum and the addition of angular momenta. Vidya Madhavan PH 408 Quantum Physics II (Spring: 3) Second semester of the PH 407-408 sequence, focusing on applications. Topics covered include: treatment of the many-particle systems, including effects of spin and symmetry of the wave function; many-electron atoms and the periodic table; basic elements of quantum statistics; approximation techniques, including non-degenerate and degenerate perturbation theory and the variational principle; timedependent perturbation theory and the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter. Rein A. Uritam PH 409 Contemporary Electronics Laboratory (Fall: 2) Lab fee required This course is an introduction to the methods of contemporary physics research including the following: the use of meters, oscilloscopes, electrometers, photocells, vacuum apparatus, low temperature techniques, control circuitry, the application of microcomputers to measurement, circuit design and construction. George Goldsmith PH 420 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics (Fall: 4) This course includes the statistical basis of thermodynamics, entropy, the laws and theorems of thermodynamics; revisability and irreversibility; ideal gases and real gases; Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; Fermi-Dirac statistics; Bose-Einstein statistics. Rein A. Uritam PH 425 Introduction to Solid State Physics (Spring: 3) This is a survey of solid state physics, including the following: crystal structure; phonons and lattice vibrations; band theory; thermal, optical, electrical and magnetic properties of solids and superconductivity; and the physical characterization of materials. Hong Ding PH 430 Numerical Methods and Scientific Computing (Spring: 4) Prerequisites: MT 202, and one of PH 330, MT 330, CH 330, EC 314, plus permission of instructor This course is intended for students who plan to minor in Scientific Computation. It is also an elective for Physics majors. This course introduces students to a variety of numerical methods and then applies these methods to solve a broad range of scientific problems. These problems include examples from physics as well as several other disciplines, including chemistry, mathematics, economics, and finance. Numerical techniques for solving problems expressed in terms of matrix, differential and integral equations will be developed. Other topics will include statistical sampling and Fourier and Laplace transforms. The course material and presentation will accommodate a range of scientific backgrounds. David Broido PH 441 Optics (Fall: 3) This course is addressed to advanced undergraduate physics students. The first part will deal with physical optics, namely propagation of light, coherence, interference, diffraction, and the optics of solids. The second part will include the emission of light from atoms, molecules and solids and the quantum aspects of light.The final part will deal with the theory of optical amplification and lasers. The Department PH 532 Senior Thesis (Fall/Spring: 3) A semester-long project in the course of which a student carries out an investigation and research of an original nature or formulates a mature synthesis of a topic in physics. The results are presented as a written thesis, which the student will defend in an oral examination. This course is highly recommended for majors considering graduate study in physics. The Department PH 535 Experiments in Physics I (Fall: 3) Lab fee required The course includes experiments in optics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, spectroscopy, x-ray and electron diffraction. Students will carry out independent projects aimed at acquiring a sound understanding of both the physical principles involved in each subject area and of the principles and problems of modern experimental physics. Jianyu Huang Michael Naughton The Boston College Catalog 2005-2006 193 ARTS AND SCIENCES

[close]