Tensor calculus is a language used to describe physical phenomena in fluid dynamics, continuum mechanics, electromagnetism, and general relativity. The course explores the mathematical background for geometrical descriptions of tensors and their calculus. Students need to be familiar with multivariate calculus and partial differential equations.

An introduction to general relativity and its astrophysical applications, including black holes, cosmological expansion, and gravitational waves.

Introduction to theoretical techniques for understanding and modeling nanophotonic systems, emphasizing important algebraic properties of Maxwell's equations. Topics covered include Hermitian eigensystems, photonic crystals, Bloch's theorem, symmetry, band gaps, omnidirectional reflection, localization and mode confinement of guided and leaky modes. Techniques covered include Green's functions, density of states, numerical eigensolvers, finite-difference and boundary-element methods, coupled-mode theory, scattering formalism, and perturbation theory.

This class will introduce students to the modern study of the structure, composition, and evolution of the Earth's interior. We will integrate findings from geophysical observations, laboratory experiments, and computational models to develop a holistic picture of the large-scale behavior of our planet. The course will be divided into four major sections: 1) origin and composition of the Earth; 2) physical and chemical properties of Earth materials; 3) global Earth structure; 4) Earth dynamics. The course will introduce current topics and the latest findings from the scientific literature.

An advanced introduction to setting up and solving boundary value problems relevant to the solid earth sciences. Topics include heat flow, fluid flow, elasticity and plate flexure, and rock rheology, with applications to mantle convection, magma transport, lithospheric deformation, structural geology, and fault mechanics.

The four-course sequence ISC 231-234 integrates introductory topics in calculus-based physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and scientific computing with Python, with an emphasis on laboratory experimentation, quantitative reasoning, and data-oriented thinking. It best suits students interested in complex problems in living organisms and prepares them for interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. The fall courses ISC 231 and 232 must be taken together. See ISC website for details on course equivalencies and recommended academic paths from ISC.

The four-course sequence ISC 231-234 integrates introductory topics in calculus-based physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and scientific computing with Python, with an emphasis on laboratory experimentation, quantitative reasoning, and data-oriented thinking. It best suits students interested in complex problems in living organisms and prepares them for interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. The fall courses ISC 231 and 232 must be taken together. See ISC website for details on course equivalencies and recommended academic paths from ISC.

The course is concerned with an introduction to the fundamental laws underlying physics and having general application to other areas of science. The treatment is complete and detailed; however, less mathematical preparation is assumed than for PHY 103-104. Mechanics and thermodynamics are treated quantitatively with a special emphasis on problem solving. In the spring semester PHY 102 covers electricity and magnetism, optics and quantum physics using the topics treated in PHY 101.

To understand the basic physics needed for further study in science and engineering. Logical, quantitative approach to problem solving. Applying fundamental concepts to idealized, practical problems.

PHY105 is an advanced first year course in classical mechanics, taught at a more sophisticated level than PHY103. A prior calculus-based physics course, such as AP physics C or an intro college-level course, is assumed. The approach of PHY105 is that of an upper-division physics course, with more emphasis on the underlying formal structure of physics than PHY103, including an introduction to modern variational methods (Lagrangian dynamics), with challenging problem sets due each week and a mini-course in Special Relativity held over reading period.

An introduction for non-scientists to what is known and not known about gravity and the evolution of the universe. The course will trace the discoveries that led to current understanding and the puzzles we hope to solve in the 21st century. Classes will entail a combination of lecture, discussion, hands-on demonstrations, and group activities.

What do informed citizens & future leaders of our society need to know about physics & technology? This course is designed for non-scientists who will someday become our informed citizens & decision-makers. Whatever the field of endeavor, they will be faced with crucial decisions in which physics & technology play an important role. This course will present some of the key scientific principles & underlying technical information that can be used to inform potential policy decisions. Topics include energy generation & storage, radiation & radioactivity, forces & collisions, light & sound, and new concepts in quantum technology.

What do informed citizens & future leaders of our society need to know about physics & technology? This course is designed for non-scientists who will someday become our informed citizens & decision-makers. Whatever the field of endeavor, they will be faced with crucial decisions in which physics and technology play an important role. This course will present some of the key scientific principles & underlying technical information that can be used to inform potential policy decisions. Topics include energy generation & storage, radiation & radioactivity, forces & collisions, light & sound, and new concepts in quantum technology.

An introduction to classical and quantum waves. Topics covered include Hamiltonian dynamics; conservation laws; coupled oscillators and normal modes; the wave equation; dispersion and interference. Basic principles of quantum mechanics will be introduced, including the uncertainty principle, wave-particle duality, and the Schrodinger equation. The course is intended for all second-year physics and astrophysics concentrators as part of the 207/208 sequence, as well as students from other departments interested in the quantitative study of quantum mechanics and quantum computing. The course consists of weekly lectures and a precept.

Introduction to Python coding and its application to data collection, analysis, and statistical inference. The course consists of weekly hands-on labs to introduce students to developing in the Jupyter environment. Key concepts include understanding random errors, treating data as functions of frequency, and effective visual communication. Data for labs is drawn from a variety of sensors and sources including simulations, accelerometers, astrophysics, and Art Museum paintings.

A unified introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, both classical and quantum. Topics include heat engines, black-body radiation, ideal Fermi and Bose gases, phase transitions, information and entropy.

This course is a continuation of PHY 208. We will start by following the topics in Griffith and then explore a broader range of topics.

This is an advanced course in experimental physics, including four experiments and an electronics lab. Examples of experiments include muon decay, beta decay, optical pumping, the Mossbauer effect, holography, positron annihilation, electron diffraction, single photon interference, NMR, the Josephson effect, quantum optics, and the observation of Galactic hydrogen. Weekly lectures will provide an overview of various experimental techniques and data analysis.

The senior thesis (498-499) is a year-long project in which students complete a substantial piece of research and scholarship under the supervision and advisement of a Princeton faculty member. While a year-long thesis is due in the student's final semester of study, the work requires sustained investment and attention throughout the academic year. Required works-in-progress submissions, their due dates, as well as how students' grades for the semester are calculated are described here: https://phy.princeton.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/senior-theses

This is a preliminary exam preparatory class that combines all relevant topics and review problem sets from past exams. One section of an old exam is covered each week: during the first study session an exam section is given in an exam setting, and during the second study session the solutions are provided and discussed. The preliminary section topic alternates each week between classical mechanics/electromagnetism (CM/EM) and quantum mechanics/thermodynamics/statistical mechanics (QM/SM).

The physical principles and mathematical formalism of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. The principles will be illustrated via selected applications to topics in atomic physics, particle physics and condensed matter.

Canonical and path integral quantization of quantum fields, Feynman diagrams, gauge symmetry, elementary processes in quantum electrodynamics.

The physical principles and mathematical formulation of statistical physics, with emphasis on applications in thermodynamics, condensed matter, physical chemistry and astrophysics. Topics that will be discussed include bose-einstein condensation, degenerate fermi systems, phase-transitions, and basics of kinetic theory.

An introduction to the statistical mechanic of classical and quantum spin systems. Phase transitions, critical phenomena, scaling limits, and quantum circuits and entanglement in extensive systems. The goal is to present the physic phenomena and principles in a manner enabling also rigorous results on the subject. The lectures start with a brisk review of what was covered in Fall 2024, and continue beyond that with a more extended, though still self contained, discussion of quantum spin array, and extended quantum circuits.

Electronic structure of crystals, phonons, transport and magnetic properties, screening in metals, and superconductivity.

This is a laboratory course that provides hands-on experience designing, building and testing digital logic circuits. The course meets for one three hour session each week and has weekly reading assignments. Topics covered include combinatorial and sequential logic devices, A/D and D/A converters, PLLs and microcontrollers. Grading is in P/D/F format as is based on solutions of several "design problems" assigned throughout the semester. Students are assumed to have some familiarity programming in a procedural language ( C, Pascal, FORTRAN, Java, etc.) This course complements PHY557 which concentrates on analog electronics.

Close reading of published papers illustrating the principles, achievements, and difficulties that lie at the interface of theory and experiment in biology. Two important papers, read in advance by all students, will be considered each week; the emphasis will be on discussion with students as opposed to formal lectures. Topics include: cooperativity, robust adaptation, kinetic proofreading, sequence analysis, clustering, phylogenetics, analysis of fluctuations, and maximum likelihood methods. A general tutorial on Matlab and specific tutorials for the four homework assignments will be available.