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Fall 2022 Class Schedule

fall 2022 class Schedule

Course Title Instructor Day/Time

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

MAT SCI 401
(or PHYS 416 in winter Yr1)*
Chemical & Statistical Thermodynamics of Materials Ian McCue  MoWeFr 10:00am-10:50am
PHYSICS 411-1 Methods of Theoretical Physics Francis Petriello MoWeFr 9:00AM - 9:50AM
PHYSICS 412-1 Quantum Mechanics Pallab Goswami TuTh 12:30PM - 1:50PM
GEN ENG 519 Responsible Conduct of Research Training

Stephanie Valtierra

Deborah Klos

 

Deborah Klos

Tu 5:00PM - 7:00PM (9/20/22 to 10/23/22),

We 4:30PM - 6:30PM (9/20/22 to 10/23/22)

We 4:30PM - 6:30PM (10/24/22 to12/03/22)

 

SECOND YEAR OR LATER STUDENTS

PHYSICS 422-1 (or MAT SCI 405 in spring Yr1) Condensed-Matter Physics John Ketterson TuTh 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Computational Methods of Applied Physics (see course options below) Computational Methods of Applied Physics
Experimental Methods of Applied Physics (see course options below) Experimental Methods of Applied Physics
Electives (2) 2 additional 400-level electives must be chosen before the end of the 3rd year

 

* If student chooses to take PHYS 416 in winter Yr1, they should pick a comp. or exp. methods of AP course or an elective in fall Yr 1 instead of MAT SCI 401.

fall 2022 course descriptions

MAT SCI 401 – Chemical & Statistical Thermodynamics of Materials

The following topics in classical thermodynamics will be covered: the laws of thermodynamics; conditions for equilibrium; solutions; excess quantities; binary and ternary phase diagrams. Additionally, the following topics in statistical thermodynamics will be covered: statistical definition of entropy; ensembles and the Boltzmann and Gibbs distributions; quantum and classical ideal gasses; and the regular solution model.

PHYSICS 411-1 – Methods of Theoretical Physics

The topics covered will include a subset of: techniques for the solution of differential equations; approximations such as the method of steepest descent; techniques for integration; complex analysis; the special functions of mathematical physics; usage of Greens functions and eigen functions to solve differential equations; introduction to groups and group representations.


 

PHYSICS 412-1,2 – Quantum Mechanics

First quarter: Vector spaces and linear operators, postulates of quantum mechanics, observables and Hermitian operators, state vectors and quantum dynamics, stationary states, bound states, the harmonic oscillator, statistical interpretation and the Uncertainty Principle, symmetry and conservation laws, quantization of angular momentum, intrinsic spin, the Stern-Gerlach experiment, spherically symmetric potentials.

Second quarter: Feynman's path integral formulation, the classical limit, Schroedinger's wave equation, electromagnetic potentials, Aharonov-Bohm effects, Landau levels, Coulomb potential, approximation methods, variational principles, bound-state perturbation theory, Dirac's theory of the electron, electron spin, Dirac-Pauli equation, magnetic moment of the electron, fine structure of hydrogen, hyperfine interactions.

GEN ENG 519 – Responsible Conduct of Research Training

Should be taken in the first year. The goal of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is for anyone involved in research to perform the most ethical research possible. Northwestern University has in place a number of policies that clearly demonstrate our commitment to research integrity. Collectively, these apply to all members of Northwestern's research enterprise: students/trainees, staff and faculty.

PHYSICS 422-1 – Condensed-Matter Physics

Periodic potentials, crystal lattices, x-ray diffraction. Electrons in metals: Drude model, electrons in periodic potentials, semiclassical approximation, Fermi surface, band structure. Electronic and thermal transport, Boltzmann equation, electron-electron interactions, screening.

Computational Methods of Applied Physics

Students choose a 400-level computational techniques course, with approval of the Director for Graduate Studies

Download here the list of substitutes classes for Computational Methods of Applied Physics and Experimental Methods of Applied Physics.

Experimental Methods of Applied Physics

Students choose a 400-level laboratory techniques course, with approval of the Director for Graduate Studies

Download here the list of substitutes classes for Computational Methods of Applied Physics and Experimental Methods of Applied Physics.

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