Chair: Janna Levin (Claire Tow Professor of Physics & Astronomy)
Professors: Timothy Halpin-Healy (Ann Whitney Olin Professor), Laura Kay, Janna Levin (Claire Tow Professor of Physics & Astronomy), Reshmi Mukherjee (Helen Goodhart Altschul Professor),
Lab Director: Stiliana Savin

Other officers of the University offering courses listed below:

Professors: James Applegate, Norman Christ, Brian Cole, Arlin Crotts, Charles Hailey, Jules Halpern, Tony Heinz, David Helfand, Robert Mawhinney, John Parsons, Frederik Paerels, Joseph Patterson, Michael Shaevitz, Michael Tuts, Jacqueline van Gorkom, William Zajc
Associate Professors: Greg Bryan, Zoltan Haiman, Kathryn Johnson, Kristen Menou, David Schiminovich
Adjunct Professors: Burton Budick, Morgan May

Requirements for the Astronomy Major

The courses required for the major in astronomy are as follows:

PHYS BC2001MECHANICS - LECTURE LAB *4.5
PHYS BC2002ELECTRICITY&MAGNETISM-LEC LAB *4.5
PHYS BC3001CLASSICAL WAVES - LECTURE LAB *5
ASTR UN2001
 - ASTR UN2002
INTRO TO ASTROPHYSICS I
and INTRO TO ASTROPHYSICS II
6
Students are required to take four 3000-level ASTR or PHYS courses, and selected so that at least six total points of 3000-level lecture classes are ASTR courses. Of those four 3000-level course, at least one should be
PHYS UN3003MECHANICS3.00
or
ASTR UN3102Planetary Dynamics and Physics of the Solar System3
Some of the ASTR courses offered in recent years include:
ASTR UN3101MODERN STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS3.00
ASTR UN3103GALAXIES3
ASTR UN3105EXOPLANETS AND ASTROBIOLOGY3
ASTR UN3602PHYSICAL COSMOLOGY3
ASTR UN3273HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS3
ASTR UN3646OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY3
ASTR C3601General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology3
*

This is a 9 course minimum for the standard major described above.
 

Students planning to study astronomy or astrophysics in graduate school are strongly urged to take PHYS U3003, 3007-8, 3006, GU4023, and some additional courses in Computer Science. We recommend W1004 (Java), Engineering E1006 (Python), COMS BC1016 (Intro to Computational Thinking), EESC BC3050 (Big Data with Python), or ASTR GU4260 (Modeling the Universe). Note: If the required courses are not offered for some reason, the department will recommend appropriate substitutions.
 

Students are encouraged to take the calculus I-IV sequence since calculus courses will be pre-requisites to many of the upper-level classes. Other Calculus options include Honors Math A-B, Accelerated Multivariable Calculus, and Multivariable Calculus for Engineering and Applied Science. Additional work in mathematics is recommended; e.g. Math UN1210: Linear Algebra, APMA E3102: Applied Mathematics II. 
 

Substitutions:

While we recommend students take the Barnard sequence, in lieu of the two introductory courses BC2001 & 2002, a 2-semester Columbia introductory sequence acceptable for the physics major in Columbia College can be substituted (e.g. PHY UN1601-2) combined with BC2009 and BC2019, which are the lab only sections for the Barnard introductory sequence. If you choose to take the 2-semester Columbia sequence, please consult with an advisor in the Barnard Physics and Astronomy department as soon as possible. Note that PHY UN1201-2 is not acceptable for the major.
 

If a student opts to take the accelerated 2-semester Columbia College sequence PHY UN2801-2, we strongly encourage that student to seek advice from the Chair of the Barnard Physics and Astronomy Department to determine the remainder of required courses for the major.
 

Students who have taken two 1000 level courses may substitute an additional 3000-level course for ASTR UN2001-2. 
 

Any other substitutions to the major may require a Degree Audit Change. A student should seek advice from their Astronomy advisor and/or the Chair of the Barnard Physics and Astronomy Department.

Requirements for the Physics Major

The courses required for the major in physics are:

PHYS BC2001MECHANICS - LECTURE LAB *4.5
PHYS BC2002ELECTRICITY&MAGNETISM-LEC LAB *4.5
PHYS BC3001CLASSICAL WAVES - LECTURE LAB *5
PHYS BC3006QUANTUM PHYSICS ( LECTURE + LAB)3
PHYS UN3003MECHANICS3
PHYS UN3007ELECTRICITY-MAGNETISM3
PHYS UN3008ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES & OPTICS3
PHYS GU4023THERMAL & STATISTICAL PHYSICS3
Also required are 6.0 points total of advanced lab work, preferably:
PHYS BC3086
 - PHYS BC3088
QUANTUM PHYSICS LABORATORY
and ADV ELECTROMAGNETISM LAB (taken concurrently with their cognate lecture courses, which are PHYS BC3006 and PHYS UN3007 respectively.)
6
Alternatively, in lieu of PHYS BC3088, students may opt for Electronics Lab PHYS UN3083 or a 3pt combination of PHYS UN3081 and PHYS BC3082.
The student must take a Computer Science class. We recommend3
COMS W1004Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java3
COMS W1005Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in MATLAB3
ENGI E1006INTRO TO COMP FOR ENG/APP SCI3.00
ASTR GU4260MODELING THE UNIVERSE3.00
EESC BC3050BIG DATA WITH PYTHON3
COMS BC1016Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science3.00
PHYS UN3083ELECTRONICS LABORATORY3
*

This is an 11 course minimum for the standard major described above.
 

Students planning to study Physics in graduate school are strongly encouraged to include 4000-level electives in their program.
 

Students are expected to complete the calculus I-IV sequence by the end of the second year, as Calculus courses will be pre-requisites to many of the upper-level classes. Other Calculus options include Honors Math A-B, Accelerated Multivariable Calculus, and Multivariable Calculus for Engineering and Applied Science. Additional work in mathematics is recommended; e.g. Math UN1210: Linear Algebra, APMA E3102: Applied Mathematics II. 
 

Substitutions:

While we recommend students take the Barnard sequence, in lieu of the two introductory courses BC2001 & 2002, a 2-semester Columbia introductory sequence acceptable for the physics major in Columbia College can be substituted (e.g. PHY UN1601-2) combined with BC2009 and BC2019, which are the lab only sections for the Barnard introductory sequence. If you choose to take the 2-semester Columbia sequence, please consult with an advisor in the Barnard Physics and Astronomy department as soon as possible. Note that PHY UN1201-2 is not acceptable for the major.
 

If a student opts to take the accelerated 2-semester Columbia College sequence PHY UN2801-2, we strongly encourage that student to seek advice from the Chair of the Barnard Physics Department to determine the remainder of required courses for the major.
 

Any other substitutions to the major may require a Degree Audit Change. A student should seek advice from their Physics advisor and/or the Chair of the Barnard Physics Department.
 

NOTE: A Physics major pursuing a Math Sciences minor should take electronics lab; otherwise, two distinct COMS courses are necessary. 

Interdisciplinary Major

A special major in astrophysics can be arranged. A student interested in astrophysics should speak to a faculty member early on (i.e., by late fall of her sophomore year) in order to permit the most effective construction of her program of study and the appropriate petition to be made to the Committee on Programs and Academic Standing. The latter is a straightforward procedure associated with the declaration of all special majors at Barnard.

Requirements for the Physics Minor

Five courses are required for the minor in physics. They are: any three-semester introductory sequence acceptable for the major (see above) plus two additional 3-point courses at the 3000-level.

Requirements for the Astronomy Minor

2 semesters of Physics with Lab (7-9 pts)

*Students who are majoring in science can omit one semester of 1-1.5 pts of Physics Lab.

4 courses in astronomy or astrophysics at the 2000 level or above. (12 pts)

*One of these courses can be replaced by two 1000-level Astronomy courses. 

*An additional 3 pts of physics at the 3000 level or above can substitute for 3 points of astronomy.

Astronomy Courses

ASTR BC1753 LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE. 3.00 points.

An introductory course intended primarily for nonscience majors. This interdisciplinary course focuses on the subject of LIfe in the Universe. We will study historical astronomy, gravitation and planetary orbits, the origin of the chemical elements, the discoveries of extrasolar planets, the origin of life on Earth, the evolution and exploration of the Solar Systen, global climate change on Venus, Mars and Earth, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life (SETI). You cannot receive credit for this course and for ASTR UN1403 or ASTR UN1453. Can be paired with the optional Lab class ASTR UN1903

Spring 2024: ASTR BC1753
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1753 001/00347 T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm
202 Altschul Hall
Nicholas Luber 3.00 128/120

ASTR BC1754 Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology. 3 points.

BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).

Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: A working knowledge of high school algebra.
Corequisites: Suggested parallel laboratory course: ASTR C 1904y.

Examines the properties of stars, star formation, stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis, the Milky Way and other galaxies, and the cosmological origin and evolution of the universe. Students may not receive credit for both ASTR BC 1754 and ASTR C1404.

ASTR UN1234 UNIVERSAL TIMEKEEPER. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: high school algebra and latent curiosity are assumed.

The goal of the course is to illustrate — and perhaps even inculcate — quantitative and scientific reasoning skills. The subject material employed in this task is the study of atoms and their nuclei which, through a wide variety of physical and chemical techniques, can be used to reconstruct quantitatively the past. Following an introduction to atoms, light, and energy, we will explore topics including the detection of art forgeries, the precise dating of archeological sites, a reconstruction of the development of agriculture and the history of the human diet, the history of past climate (and its implications for the future), the history and age of the Earth, and the history of the Universe. The course has no required text. Readings of relevant articles and use of on-line simulations will be required.

Spring 2024: ASTR UN1234
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1234 AU1/18950 T Th 10:10am - 11:25am
Othr Other
David Helfand 3.00 7/7
ASTR 1234 OO1/12726 T Th 10:10am - 11:25am
303 Uris Hall
David Helfand 3.00 43/65

ASTR UN1403 EARTH, MOON, AND PLANETS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: recommended preparation: a working knowledge of high school algebra.
Prerequisites: recommended preparation: a working knowledge of high school algebra. The overall architecture of the solar system. Motions of the celestial sphere. Time and the calendar. Major planets, the earth-moon system, minor planets, comets. Life in the solar system and beyond. This course is similar to ASTR BC 1753. You cannot enroll in both courses and receive credit for both

Fall 2023: ASTR UN1403
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1403 001/12449 T Th 1:10pm - 2:25pm
141 Uris Hall
James Applegate 3.00 57/75

ASTR UN1404 STARS, GALAXIES & COSMOLOGY. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Distances to, and fundamental properties of, nearby stars; nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution; novae and supernovae; galaxies; the structure of the universe and theories concerning its origin, evolution, and ultimate fate. You can only receive credit for ASTR UN1404 if you have not taken ASTR BC1754, ASTR UN1420 or ASTR UN1836

ASTR UN1420 Galaxies and Cosmology. 3 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Galaxies contain stars, gas dust, and (usually) super-massive black holes. They are found throughout the Universe, traveling through space and occasionally crashing into each other. This course will look at how these magnificent systems form and evolve,  and what they can tell us about the formation and evolution of the Universe itself. You cannot enroll in ASTR UN1420 in addition to ASTR BC1754 or ASTR UN1404 and receive credit for both.

Fall 2023: ASTR UN1420
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1420 001/12451 M W 10:10am - 11:25am
602 Hamilton Hall
Mary Putman 3 63/80
Spring 2024: ASTR UN1420
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1420 OO1/12728 T Th 8:40am - 9:55am
702 Hamilton Hall
Kathryn Johnston 3 62/80

ASTR UN1453 ANOTHER EARTH. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement
This course cannot be taken for credit if BC1753 has been taken.

This course will explore the unique properties of Earth, compared to other planets in the Solar System, and the possibility of Earth-like planets around other stars. The basics of the Solar System, gravity, and light will be covered, as well as the geology and atmospheres of the terrestrial planets. The properties of Earth that allowed life to develop and whether life can develop on other planets will be discussed. Finally, the discovery of planets beyond our Solar System and the likelihood of another Earth will be a key component of the course

Fall 2023: ASTR UN1453
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1453 001/12452 T Th 10:10am - 11:25am
601 Fairchild Life Sciences Bldg
David Kipping 3.00 39/60

ASTR UN1610 THEOR-UNIVERS:BABYLON-BIG BANG. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Milestones in the science of cosmology over the past 6000 years. Skylore and observation in ancient cultures. The twin revolutions of the Greeks: Pythagoras and Ptolemy; and Aristotle, Aquinas, and the Great Chain of Being. The scientific revolution: the impersonal and deterministic world-order of Newton, Laplace, and Kelvin. The erosion of that world-order by mathematics and experiment in the 20th century (relativity, quantum physics, dark matter, and the expanding universe). Todays searches for a new grand order in the Universe, which can cope - or maybe not - with these blows to yesterdays comfortable wisdom

ASTR UN1836 STARS AND ATOMS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: recommended preparation: a working knowledge of high school algebra.
Prerequisites: recommended preparation: a working knowledge of high school algebra. What is the origin of the chemical elements? This course addresses this question, starting from understanding atoms, and then going on to look at how how atoms make stars and how stars make atoms. The grand finale is a history of the evolution of the chemical elements throughout time, starting from the Big Bang and ending with YOU. You cannot enroll in ASTR UN1836 in addition to ASTR BC1754 or ASTR UN1404 and receive credit for both

Fall 2023: ASTR UN1836
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1836 001/12453 T Th 8:40am - 9:55am
702 Hamilton Hall
Kathryn Johnston 3.00 42/80
Spring 2024: ASTR UN1836
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1836 OO1/12729 M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm
703 Hamilton Hall
Marcel Agueros 3.00 41/54

ASTR UN1903 ASTRONOMY LAB I. 1.00 point.

Laboratory for ASTR UN1403. Projects include observations with the departments telescopes, computer simulation, laboratory experiments in spectroscopy, and the analysis of astronomical data. Lab 1 ASTR UN1903 - goes with ASTR BC1753, ASTR UN1403 or ASTR UN1453

Fall 2023: ASTR UN1903
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1903 001/00612 M 6:00pm - 9:00pm
1402 Pupin Laboratories
Laura Kay, James Sullivan 1.00 12/15
ASTR 1903 002/00613 T 7:00pm - 10:00pm
1402 Pupin Laboratories
Laura Kay, Michael Messere 1.00 7/15
Spring 2024: ASTR UN1903
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1903 001/16125 M 6:00pm - 9:00pm
1402 Pupin Laboratories
Greg Bryan, Amanda Lue 1.00 16/16
ASTR 1903 002/16124 T 7:00pm - 10:00pm
1402 Pupin Laboratories
Greg Bryan, Michael Messere 1.00 16/16
ASTR 1903 003/17754 W 6:00pm - 9:00pm
1402 Pupin Laboratories
Greg Bryan, James Sullivan 1.00 11/16

ASTR UN1904 ASTRONOMY LAB II. 1.00 point.

Laboratory for ASTR UN1404. Projects include use of telescopes, laboratory experiments in the nature of light, spectroscopy, and the analysis of astronomical data. Lab 2 ASTR UN1904 - goes with ASTR BC1754 or ASTR UN1404 (or ASTR UN1836 or ASTR UN1420)

Fall 2023: ASTR UN1904
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1904 001/00614 W 6:00pm - 9:00pm
1402 Pupin Laboratories
Laura Kay, Max Lee 1.00 13/15
Spring 2024: ASTR UN1904
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 1904 001/16126 M 7:00pm - 10:00pm
1332 Pupin Laboratories
Greg Bryan, Max Lee 1.00 8/16

ASTR UN2001 INTRO TO ASTROPHYSICS I. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: a working knowledge of calculus. Corequisites: a course in calculus-based general physics. First term of a two-term calculus-based introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. Topics include the physics of stellar interiors, stellar atmospheres and spectral classifications, stellar energy generation and nucleosynthesis, supernovae, neutron stars, white dwarfs, and interacting binary stars

Fall 2023: ASTR UN2001
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 2001 001/12456 M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm
333 Uris Hall
Marcel Agueros 3.00 28/40

ASTR UN2002 INTRO TO ASTROPHYSICS II. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: a working knowledge of calculus. Corequisites: the second term of a course in calculus-based general physics. Continuation of ASTR UN2001; these two courses constitute a full year of calculus-based introduction to astrophysics. Topics include the structure of our galaxy, the interstellar medium, star clusters, properties of external galaxies, clusters of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and cosmology

Spring 2024: ASTR UN2002
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 2002 OO1/12738 M W 10:10am - 11:25am
963 Ext Schermerhorn Hall
Frederik Paerels 3.00 19/40

ASTR UN2900 FRONTIERS OF ASTROPHYSICS. 1.00 point.

Several members of the faculty each offer a brief series of talks providing context for a current research topic in the field and then present results of their ongoing research. Opportunities for future student research collaboration are offered. Grading is Pass/Fail

Fall 2023: ASTR UN2900
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 2900 001/12454 F 10:10am - 11:25am
330 Uris Hall
David Helfand 1.00 51/60
ASTR 2900 AU1/18954 F 10:10am - 11:25am
Othr Other
David Helfand 1.00 5/5

ASTR UN3101 MODERN STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics.

Introductory astronomy is not required, but some exposure to astronomy is preferable. In the first half of the course, we will examine the physics of stellar interiors in detail, leading us to develop models of stellar structure and consider how stars evolve. In the second half of the course, we will discuss special topics, such as pre-main sequence evolution, the late stages of stellar evolution, and supernovae and compact objects.

ASTR UN3102 Planetary Dynamics and Physics of the Solar System. 3 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based Physics.

The physics and astrophysics of planets, comets, asteroids, natural and artificial satellites, and pretty much anything in the Solar System - including the Sun. Detailed study of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans:  circulations, climate, and weather. Orbital dynamics. The emerging science of extrasolar planets.  The origin, evolution, and eventual fate of planets.

ASTR UN3103 GALAXIES. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics.
Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics. Galaxies fill the universe with structure. They are bound objects that harbor stars, gas, dust and dark matter. This course will discuss the content and structure of galaxies. It will start with the Milky Way, a rotating spiral galaxy, with a particular emphasis on the properties of the interstellar medium. Dwarf galaxies, the building blocks of larger galaxies, will subsequently be discussed, followed by spiral, elliptical and irregular galaxies. The formation and evolution of these different galaxy types will be an important focus of the course, as well as the environment in which the galaxies reside. We will intersperse reviews of current papers on galaxies throughout the semester

ASTR UN3105 EXOPLANETS AND ASTROBIOLOGY. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: One year of calculus-based physics.

The emerging field of extrasolar planets and astrobiology will be covered at a quantitative level, with a major emphasis on astrophysical phenomenae and techniques. The subject will be introduced through an investigation of current planetary formation theories and approaches to planet detection, including what we currently know about extrasolar planets and detailed reference to state-of-the-art studies. An astronomer's view of the origin of life and extreme biology will be developed and applied to questions of cosmo-chemistry, observable life-signatures, habitable zones and other astrophysical constraints on the development of organisms.

Spring 2024: ASTR UN3105
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 3105 OO1/12740 M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm
307 Pupin Laboratories
Jane Huang 3.00 16/35

ASTR UN3106 The Science of Space Exploration. 3 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: one semester course in introductory astronomy or astrophysics (e.g., ASTR UN1403, ASTR UN1404, ASTR UN1420, ASTR UN1836, ASTR UN2001, ASTR UN2002, ASTR BC1753, ASTR BC1754). Ability in mathematics up to and including calculus is strongly urged.

How and why do humans explore space? Why does it require such extraordinary effort? What have we found by exploring our Solar System? We investigate the physics and biological basis of space exploration, and the technologies and science issues that determine what we can accomplish. What has been accomplished in the past, what is being explored now, and what can we expect in the future? How do space scientists explore the Solar System and answer science questions in practice? What do we know about solar systems beyond our own?

ASTR UN3273 HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics. No previous,\nastronomy background required.

A survey of the most energetic and explosive objects in the Universe and their radiation. Topics include: techniques of X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy; observations of neutron stars (pulsars) and black holes; accretion disks and relativistic jets; supernovae, supernova remnants, gamma-ray bursts, quasars and active galactic nuclei; clusters of galaxies; cosmic rays and neutrinos.

Fall 2023: ASTR UN3273
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 3273 001/12458 M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm
825 Seeley W. Mudd Building
Lorenzo Sironi 3.00 16/30
ASTR 3273 AU1/19016 M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm
Othr Other
Lorenzo Sironi 3.00 5/5

ASTR UN3602 PHYSICAL COSMOLOGY. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics.
Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics. The standard hot big bang cosmological model and modern observational results that test it. Topics include the Friedmann equations and the expansion of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, inflation, primordial nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background, the formation of large-scale cosmic structures, and modern cosmological observations

Fall 2023: ASTR UN3602
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 3602 001/12695 T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm
307 Uris Hall
Greg Bryan 3.00 30/40
ASTR 3602 AU1/18913 T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm
Othr Other
Greg Bryan 3.00 4/5

ASTR UN3646 OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: one year of general astronomy
Prerequisites: one year of general astronomy Introduction to the basic techniques used in obtaining and analyzing astronomical data. Focus on ground-based methods at optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths. Regular use of the telescope facilities atop the roof of the Pupin Labs and at Harriman Observatory. The radio-astronomy portion consists mostly of computer labs, In research projects, students also work on the analysis of data obtained at National Observatories

Spring 2024: ASTR UN3646
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
ASTR 3646 OO1/12741 Th 7:00pm - 9:30pm
1402 Pupin Laboratories
David Schiminovich 3.00 28/25

ASTR UN3985 Statistics and the Universe (Seminar). 3 points.

Prerequisites: First year calculus required, introductory physics or astronomy

Essential statistical methods will be applied in a series of case studies and research projects taken from the latest advances in cosmology, astronomy and physics.  Statistics of measurement and detection, fundamentals of hypothesis testing, classifications, data modeling, time-series analysis, correlation and clustering will be explored through hands-on investigation using data from recent experiments and surveys.

ASTR UN3996 Current Research in Astrophysics. 1 point.

Prerequisites: two semesters of astronomy classes and two semesters of physics classes.

The goal of this course is to introduce astronomy and astrophysics majors to the methods and topics of current astronomical research. The course will also help with the development of critical thinking skills. Each week, the topic of the course will be centered on the subject of the Astronomy department colloquium; this may include research on planets, stars, galaxies or cosmology. There will be two required meetings per week: the first will be to discuss papers related to the colloquium (time TBD), and the second will be the colloquium itself (at 4:15 pm each Wednesday). Grading is Pass/Fail.

ASTR GU4302 General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology. 3 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics.

Einstein's General Theory of Relativity replaced Newtonian gravity with an elegant theory of curved spacetime. Einstein's theory led to unforseen and unnerving predictions of singularities and cosmological instabilities. Nearly a century later, these mathematical oddities have been confirmed astrophysically in the existence of black holes, an expanding universe, and a big bang. The course will cover Einstein's General Theory, beginning with special relativity, with an emphasis on black holes and the big bang.

Physics Courses

PHYS BC2001 MECHANICS - LECTURE LAB. 4.50 points.

Corequisites: Calculus I or the equivalent Fundamental laws of mechanics. Kinematics, Newtons laws, work and energy, conservation laws, collisions, rotational motion, oscillations, gravitation. PLEASE NOTE: Students who take PHYS BC2001 may not get credit for PHYS BC2009 or PHYS BC2010

Fall 2023: PHYS BC2001
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 2001 001/00615 T Th 10:10am - 11:25am
Ll103 Diana Center
Rebecca Grossman, Stiliana Savin 4.50 61/66

PHYS BC2002 ELECTRICITY&MAGNETISM-LEC LAB. 4.50 points.

Charge, electric field, and potential. Gausss law. Circuits: capacitors and resistors. Magnetism and electromagnetism. Induction and inductance. Alternating currents. Maxwells equations. This is a calculus-based class. Familiarity with derivatives and integrals is needed. PLEASE NOTE: Students who take PHYS BC2002 may not get credit for PHYS BC2019 or PHYS BC2020

Spring 2024: PHYS BC2002
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 2002 001/00348 T Th 10:10am - 11:25am
202 Altschul Hall
Stiliana Savin, Paul Sutter 4.50 50/75

PHYS BC3001 CLASSICAL WAVES - LECTURE LAB. 5.00 points.

Prerequisites: Physics BC2002 or the equivalent. Corequisites: Calculus III. Nonlinear pendula, transverse vibrations-elastic strings, longitudinal sound waves, seismic waves, electromagnetic oscillations - light, rainbows, haloes, the Green Flash; polarization phenomena - Haidingers Brush, Brewsters angle, double refraction, optical activity; gravity - capillary waves; interference, diffraction, lenses - mirrors. PLEASE NOTE: Students who take PHYS BC3001 may not receive credit for PHYS BC3010

Fall 2023: PHYS BC3001
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 3001 001/00617 T Th 10:00am - 11:30am
514 Altschul Hall
Timothy Halpin-Healy 5.00 10/20

PHYS BC3006 QUANTUM PHYSICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BC3001 or C2601 or the equivalent. Wave-particle duality and the Uncertainty Principle. The Schrodinger equation. Basic principles of the quantum theory. Energy levels in one-dimensional potential wells. The harmonic oscillator, photons, and phonons. Reflection and transmission by one-dimensional potential barriers. Applications to atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics

Spring 2024: PHYS BC3006
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 3006 001/00345 T Th 10:10am - 11:25am
530 Altschul Hall
Reshmi Mukherjee 3.00 18/30

PHYS BC3082 Advanced Physics Laboratory. 1.5 point.

Barnard College physics laboratory has available a variety of experiments meant to complement 3000-level lecture courses. Each experiment requires substantial preparation, as well as written and oral presentations. Elementary particle experiments: detectors, cosmic ray triggers, muon lifetime.

PHYS BC3086 QUANTUM PHYSICS LABORATORY. 3.00 points.

Experiments illustrating phenomenological aspects of the early quantum theory: (i) Hydrogenic Spectra: Balmer Series - Bohr-Sommerfeld Model; (ii) Photoelectric Effect: Millikans Determination of h/e; (iii) Franck-Hertz Experiment; and (iv) Electron Diffraction Phenomena. Substantial preparation required, including written and oral presentations, as well as an interest in developing the knack and intuition of an experimental physicist. This course is best taken concurrently with PHYS BC3006 Quantum Physics

Spring 2024: PHYS BC3086
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 3086 001/00344 W 6:10pm - 9:00pm
510b Altschul Hall
Reshmi Mukherjee 3.00 14/14

PHYS BC3088 ADV ELECTROMAGNETISM LAB. 3.00 points.

Classical electromagnetic wave phenomena via Maxwells equations, including: (i) Michaelson and Fabry-Perot Interferometry, as well as a thin-film interference and elementary dispersion theory; (ii) Fraunhofer Diffraction (and a bit of Fresnel); (iii) Wireless Telegraphy I: AM Radio Receivers; and (iv) Wireless Telegraphy II: AM Transmitters. Last two labs pay homage to relevant scientific developments in the period 1875-1925, from the discovery of Hertzian waves to the Golden Age of Radio. Complements PHYS W3008 Electromagnetic Waves and Optics

Fall 2023: PHYS BC3088
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 3088 001/00611 F 11:00am - 12:30pm
514 Altschul Hall
Stiliana Savin 3.00 15/15

PHYS BC3900 SUPERVISED INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH. 1.00-5.00 points.

Prerequisites: Permission of the departmental representative required. For specially selected students, the opportunity to do a research problem in contemporary physics under the supervision of a faculty member. Each year several juniors are chosen in the spring to carry out such a project beginning in the autumn term. A detailed report on the research is presented by the student when the project is complete

Spring 2024: PHYS BC3900
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 3900 001/00890  
Janna Levin 1.00-5.00 2/5

PHYS UN1001 PHYSICS FOR POETS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: high school algebra.
Prerequisites: high school algebra. This course does not fulfill the physics requirement for admission to medical school. No previous background in physics is expected. An introduction to physics taught through the exploration of the scientific method, and the application of physical principles to a wide range of topics from quantum mechanics to cosmology

Spring 2024: PHYS UN1001
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 1001 001/11289 M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm
301 Pupin Laboratories
Szabolcs Marka 3.00 126/150

PHYS UN1201 GENERAL PHYSICS I. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: some basic background in calculus or be concurrently taking MATH UN1101 Calculus I.,The accompanying laboratory is PHYS UN1291-UN1292
Prerequisites: some basic background in calculus or be concurrently taking MATH UN1101 Calculus I. The accompanying laboratory is PHYS UN1291-UN1292 The course will use elementary concepts from calculus. The accompanying laboratory is PHYS UN1291 - UN1292. Basic introduction to the study of mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, special relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics

Fall 2023: PHYS UN1201
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 1201 001/13269 M W 11:40am - 12:55pm
301 Pupin Laboratories
P. Michael Tuts 3.00 152/180
PHYS 1201 002/13270 M W 4:10pm - 5:25pm
301 Pupin Laboratories
Eric Raymer 3.00 172/180
Spring 2024: PHYS UN1201
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 1201 001/11291 M W 4:10pm - 5:25pm
428 Pupin Laboratories
Eric Raymer 3.00 129/145

PHYS UN1202 GENERAL PHYSICS II. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: This course will use elementary concepts from calculus. Students should therefore have had some high school calculus, or be concurrently enrolled in MATH UN1101. Taken with accompanying lab PHYS UN1291- PHYS UN1292, the sequence PHYS UN1201- PHYS UN1202 satisfies requirements for medical school.
Prerequisites: This course will use elementary concepts from calculus. Students should therefore have had some high school calculus, or be concurrently enrolled in MATH UN1101. Taken with accompanying lab PHYS UN1291- PHYS UN1292, the sequence PHYS UN1201- PHYS UN1202 satisfies requirements for medical school. Electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics

Spring 2024: PHYS UN1202
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 1202 001/11292 M W 11:40am - 12:55pm
301 Pupin Laboratories
Michael Shaevitz 3.00 105/160
PHYS 1202 003/11293 M W 5:40pm - 6:55pm
301 Pupin Laboratories
P. Michael Tuts 3.00 175/160

PHYS UN1291 GENERAL PHYSICS I LAB. 1.00 point.

Same course as PHYS W1291x, but given off-sequence.

Corequisites: PHYS UN1201
Corequisites: PHYS UN1201 This course is the laboratory for the corequisite lecture course and can be taken only during the same term as the corresponding lecture

Fall 2023: PHYS UN1291
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 1291 001/13271 M 1:00pm - 4:00pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1291 002/13273 M 1:00pm - 4:00pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 14/16
PHYS 1291 003/13272 M 4:10pm - 7:10pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 12/15
PHYS 1291 004/13274 M 4:10pm - 7:10pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1291 005/13275 M 7:30pm - 10:30pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 12/15
PHYS 1291 007/13276 T 1:00pm - 4:00pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1291 008/13277 T 1:00pm - 4:00pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 14/15
PHYS 1291 009/13278 T 4:10pm - 7:10pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 11/15
PHYS 1291 010/13279 T 4:10pm - 7:10pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 14/15
PHYS 1291 011/13280 T 7:30pm - 10:30pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 10/15
PHYS 1291 013/13281 W 1:00pm - 4:00pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 12/15
PHYS 1291 014/13282 W 1:00pm - 4:00pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 14/15
PHYS 1291 015/13283 W 4:10pm - 7:10pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 12/15
PHYS 1291 016/13284 W 4:10pm - 7:10pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 8/15
PHYS 1291 017/13285 W 7:30pm - 10:30pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri, Rebecca Grossman 1.00 14/15
PHYS 1291 019/13286 Th 1:00pm - 4:00pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 15/15
PHYS 1291 020/13287 Th 1:00pm - 4:00pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri, Rebecca Grossman 1.00 15/15
PHYS 1291 021/13288 Th 4:10pm - 7:10pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri, Rebecca Grossman 1.00 9/15
PHYS 1291 023/13290 Th 7:30pm - 10:30pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 9/15
PHYS 1291 025/13291 F 1:00pm - 4:00pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1291 026/13292 F 1:00pm - 4:00pm
5th Flr Pupin Laboratories
Giuseppina Cambareri, Rebecca Grossman 1.00 10/15
Spring 2024: PHYS UN1291
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 1291 001/11317 M 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1291 002/11337 M 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 9/15
PHYS 1291 003/11359 T 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri, Rebecca Grossman 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1291 004/11360 T 4:10pm - 7:10pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 12/15
PHYS 1291 005/11361 W 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri, Rebecca Grossman 1.00 15/15
PHYS 1291 006/11362 W 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 8/15
PHYS 1291 007/11363 Th 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1291 008/11364 Th 4:10pm - 7:10pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 10/15

PHYS UN1292 GENERAL PHYSICS II LABORATORY. 1.00 point.

Corequisites: PHYS UN1201,PHYS UN1202
Corequisites: PHYS UN1201,PHYS UN1202 This course is the laboratory for the corequisite lecture course (PHYS UN1201 - PHYS UN1202) and can be taken only during the same term as the corresponding lecture

Spring 2024: PHYS UN1292
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 1292 001/11366 M 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri, Rebecca Grossman 1.00 14/15
PHYS 1292 002/11367 M 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 14/15
PHYS 1292 003/11368 M 4:10pm - 7:10pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 12/15
PHYS 1292 005/11370 M 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1292 007/11371 T 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1292 008/11372 T 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 14/15
PHYS 1292 009/11373 T 4:10pm - 7:10pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri, Rebecca Grossman 1.00 15/15
PHYS 1292 010/11374 T 4:10pm - 7:10pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 11/15
PHYS 1292 011/11375 T 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1292 013/11376 W 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 15/15
PHYS 1292 014/11377 W 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 15/15
PHYS 1292 015/11378 W 4:10pm - 7:10pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 13/15
PHYS 1292 017/11380 W 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 14/15
PHYS 1292 018/11381 Th 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 15/15
PHYS 1292 019/11382 Th 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 14/15
PHYS 1292 020/11383 Th 4:10pm - 7:10pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 14/15
PHYS 1292 022/11385 Th 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 11/15
PHYS 1292 025/11386 F 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Room TBA
Giuseppina Cambareri 1.00 10/15

PHYS UN1401 INTRO TO MECHANICS & THERMO. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Corequisites: MATH UN1101
Corequisites: MATH UN1101 Fundamental laws of mechanics, kinematics and dynamics, work and energy, rotational dynamics, oscillations, gravitation, fluids, temperature and heat, gas laws, the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Corequisite: MATH UN1101 or the equivalent

Fall 2023: PHYS UN1401
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 1401 001/13293 M W 10:10am - 11:25am
301 Pupin Laboratories
John Parsons 3.00 93/130
PHYS 1401 002/13294 M W 1:10pm - 2:25pm
301 Pupin Laboratories
Eric Raymer 3.00 137/130
PHYS 1401 003/13295 T Th 10:10am - 11:25am
301 Pupin Laboratories
Cory Dean 3.00 139/130

PHYS UN1402 INTRO ELEC/MAGNETSM & OPTCS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: PHYS UN1401
Corequisites: MATH UN1102
Prerequisites: PHYS W1401. Corequisites: MATH V1102 or the equivalent. Electric fields, direct currents, magnetic fields, alternating currents, electromagnetic waves, polarization, geometrical optics, interference, and diffraction

Spring 2024: PHYS UN1402
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 1402 001/11826 M W 10:10am - 11:25am
301 Pupin Laboratories
Eric Raymer 3.00 146/150
PHYS 1402 002/11294 M W 1:10pm - 2:25pm
301 Pupin Laboratories
Hector Ochoa 3.00 119/150
PHYS 1402 003/11295 T Th 10:10am - 11:25am
301 Pupin Laboratories
Lam Hui 3.00 143/150

PHYS UN2801 ACCELERATED PHYSICS I. 4.50 points.

Prerequisites: Advanced Placement in physics and mathematics, or the equivalent, and the instructor's permission. (A special placement meeting is held during Orientation.)
Prerequisites: Advanced Placement in physics and mathematics, or the equivalent, and the instructor's permission. (A special placement meeting is held during Orientation.) This accelerated two-semester sequence covers the subject matter of PHYS UN1601, PHYS UN1602 and PHYS UN2601, and is intended for those students who have an exceptionally strong background in both physics and mathematics. The course is preparatory for advanced work in physics and related fields. There is no accompanying laboratory; however, students are encouraged to take the intermediate laboratory, PHYS UN3081, in the following year

Fall 2023: PHYS UN2801
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 2801 001/13299 T Th 10:10am - 12:00pm
329 Pupin Laboratories
Yury Levin 4.50 25/100

PHYS UN2802 ACCELERATED PHYSICS II. 4.50 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS UN2801
Prerequisites: PHYS UN2801 This accelerated two-semester sequence covers the subject matter of PHYS UN1601, PHYS UN1602 and PHYS UN2601, and is intended for those students who have an exceptionally strong background in both physics and mathematics. The course is preparatory for advanced work in physics and related fields. There is no accompanying laboratory; however, students are encouraged to take the intermediate laboratory, PHYS UN3081, in the following year

Spring 2024: PHYS UN2802
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 2802 001/11296 T Th 10:10am - 12:00pm
329 Pupin Laboratories
Yury Levin 4.50 23/60

PHYS UN3003 MECHANICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: general physics, and differential and integral calculus.
Prerequisites: general physics, and differential and integral calculus. Newtonian mechanics, oscillations and resonance, conservative forces and potential energy, central forces, non-inertial frames of reference, rigid body motion, an introduction to Lagranges formulation of mechanics, coupled oscillators, and normal modes

Spring 2024: PHYS UN3003
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 3003 001/11297 T Th 1:10pm - 2:25pm
329 Pupin Laboratories
Cory Dean 3.00 64/75

PHYS UN3007 ELECTRICITY-MAGNETISM. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: general physics, and differential and integral calculus.
Prerequisites: general physics, and differential and integral calculus. Electrostatics and magnetostatics, Laplace's equation and boundary-value problems, multipole expansions, dielectric and magnetic materials, Faraday's law, AC circuits, Maxwell's equations, Lorentz covariance, and special relativity

Fall 2023: PHYS UN3007
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 3007 001/13300 M W 10:10am - 11:25am
329 Pupin Laboratories
William Zajc 3.00 68/100

PHYS UN3008 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES & OPTICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS UN3008
Prerequisites: PHYS UN3008 Maxwells equations and electromagnetic potentials, the wave equation, propagation of plane waves, reflection and refraction, geometrical optics, transmission lines, wave guides, resonant cavities, radiation, interference of waves, and diffraction

Spring 2024: PHYS UN3008
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 3008 001/11298 M W 10:10am - 11:25am
329 Pupin Laboratories
William Zajc 3.00 58/75

PHYS UN3083 ELECTRONICS LABORATORY. 3.00 points.

Enrollment limited to the capacity of the laboratory.

Prerequisites: PHYS UN3003 or PHYS UN3007 May be taken before or concurrently with this course.
Prerequisites: PHYS UN3003 or PHYS UN3007 May be taken before or concurrently with this course. A sequence of experiments in solid-state electronics, with introductory lectures

Spring 2024: PHYS UN3083
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 3083 001/11300 M W 1:10pm - 4:00pm
513 Pupin Laboratories
John Parsons 3.00 14/14

PHYS GU4003 ADVANCED MECHANICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: differential and integral calculus, differential equations, and PHYS UN3003 or the equivalent.
Prerequisites: differential and integral calculus, differential equations, and PHYS UN3003 or the equivalent. Lagranges formulation of mechanics, calculus of variations and the Action Principle, Hamiltons formulation of mechanics, rigid body motion, Euler angles, continuum mechanics, introduction to chaotic dynamics

Spring 2024: PHYS GU4003
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 4003 001/11304 M W 4:10pm - 5:25pm
214 Pupin Laboratories
Frederik Denef 3.00 35/50

PHYS GU4021 QUANTUM MECHANICS I. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS UN3003 and PHYS UN3007
Prerequisites: PHYS UN3003 and PHYS UN3007 Formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of state vectors and linear operators. Three dimensional spherically symmetric potentials. The theory of angular momentum and spin. Identical particles and the exclusion principle. Methods of approximation. Multi-electron atoms

Fall 2023: PHYS GU4021
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 4021 001/13307 M W 11:40am - 12:55pm
329 Pupin Laboratories
Alfred Mueller, Giuseppina Cambareri 3.00 63/100

PHYS GU4022 QUANTUM MECHANICS II. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS GU4021. Formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of state vectors and linear operators, three-dimensional spherically symmetric potentials, the theory of angular momentum and spin, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, scattering theory, and identical particles. Selected phenomena from atomic physics, nuclear physics, and elementary particle physics are described and then interpreted using quantum mechanical models

Spring 2024: PHYS GU4022
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 4022 001/11306 M W 11:40am - 12:55pm
329 Pupin Laboratories
Alfred Mueller 3.00 56/70

PHYS GU4023 THERMAL & STATISTICAL PHYSICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS GU4021 or the equivalent.
Prerequisites: PHYS GU4021 or the equivalent. Thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and methods of statistical mechanics; energy and entropy; Boltzmann, Fermi, and Bose distributions; ideal and real gases; blackbody radiation; chemical equilibrium; phase transitions; ferromagnetism

Fall 2023: PHYS GU4023
Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment
PHYS 4023 001/13309 M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm
214 Pupin Laboratories
Gustaaf Brooijmans 3.00 48/50

Cross-Listed Courses

Physics

PHYS UN3002 From Quarks To the Cosmos: Applications of Modern Physics. 3.5 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS UN2601 or PHYS UN2802

This course reinforces basic ideas of modern physics through applications to nuclear physics, high energy physics, astrophysics and cosmology. The ongoing Columbia research programs in these fields are used as practical examples. The course is preparatory for advanced work in physics and related fields.