Selected Special Topics: Non-recurring (1-6)

Topics for PHYS-396 vary by section and may be repeated for credit with different topic, for example:

Biophysics

This interdisciplinary course will focus on applying the principles of physics to biological systems to explain phenomena such as friction and diffusion in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics applied to biophysical systems, and a survey of biophysical techniques and applications.

Cosmology

Examines the current model of the universe, including Big Bang and early universe physics, inflation, darker matter, and dark energy, within the framework of Einstein's theory of General Relativity and the standard model of particle physics. The course also explores related topics, including black hole physics and the fate of the universe.

Physics and Public Policy

Examines intersection of public policy concerns like energy, electricity, or nuclear physics with Physics topics including magnetism, radioactive decay, fission, electromagnetic radiation, sound, gravitation, optics, and Newton's laws. These interaction impact issues of alternative energy sources, nuclear proliferation, quantum cryptography, and satellite observations of the Earth.