Basic Physics of Science

Particle Mechanics

Core

Types of Forces. Equations of Motion. The Principle of Least Action. Lagrangian Mechanics.

Optional

The Virial Theorem. Constraints. Invariance and Conservation Laws. Gauge Transformations.

Experimentalist

Conduct an experiment.

Theorist

Conduct a calculation or derivation.

Honors

Write an essay about a related topic.

Mechanics of Systems

Core

Systems of Particles. Center of Mass. Rigid Bodies. Angular Momentum.

Optional

Moment of Inertia. Translation and Rotation. Galilean Transformations. Gyrodynamics.

Experimentalist

Conduct an experiment.

Theorist

Conduct a calculation or derivation.

Honors

Write an essay about a related topic.

Electrodynamics

Core

Electrostatics. Multipole Fields. Maxwell's Equations. Electromagnetic Waves.

Optional

Laplace's Equation. Stress Tensor. Waveguides. Reatarded Potentials.

Experimentalist

Conduct an experiment.

Theorist

Conduct a calculation or derivation.

Honors

Write an essay about a related topic.

Waves

Core

Damped Oscillators. Forced Oscillators. Coupled Oscillators. Transverse Waves.

Optional

Longitudinal Waves. Transmission Lines. Waves in More Than One Dimension. Fourier Analysis.

Experimentalist

Conduct an experiment.

Theorist

Conduct a calculation or derivation.

Honors

Write an essay about a related topic.

Optics

Core

Propagation of Light. The Nature of Light. Interference. Diffraction.

Optional

Multiple-Beam interference. Optics of Solids. Spectra. Ray optics.

Experimentalist

Conduct an experiment.

Theorist

Conduct a calculation or derivation.

Honors

Write an essay about a related topic.

Special Relativity

Core

Inertial Coordinates. Four-Vectors. Relativistic Dynamics. Tensors in Relativity.

Optional

Relativistic Electrodynamics.The Stress-Energy Tensor. Relativistic Optics. Ideal Gases and Fluids.

Experimentalist

Conduct an experiment.

Theorist

Conduct a calculation or derivation.

Honors

Write an essay about a related topic.

Quantum Physics

Core

Quantum Postulates. States. Representing States. Operators.

Optional

Matrix Mechanics. Commutators and Uncertainty. Angular Momentum. The Schrödinger Equation.

Experimentalist

Conduct an experiment.

Theorist

Conduct a calculation or derivation.

Honors

Write an essay about a related topic.

Thermal Physics

Core

Thermodynamic functions. Ideal gases. Phase transitions. Ensembles.

Optional

Statistical Thermodynamics. Thermal Radiation. Fermi-Dirac Statistics. Bose-Einstein Statistics.

Experimentalist

Conduct an experiment.

Theorist

Conduct a calculation or derivation.

Honors

Write an essay about a related topic.

Physics of Matter: Large-Scale

Core

Kinematics of Deformations. Dynamics of Deformations. Elastic Solids. Ideal Fluids.

Optional

Viscous Fluids. Waves in Elastic Solds. Waves in Fluids. Plasmas.

Experimentalist

Conduct an experiment.

Theorist

Conduct a calculation or derivation.

Honors

Write an essay about a related topic.

Physics of Matter: Small Scale

Core

Atomic Physics. Molecular Physics. Condensed Matter Physics. Subatomic Physics.

Optional

Semiconductors. Superconductivity. Soft Matter. Hadronic Matter.

Experimentalist

Conduct an experiment.

Theorist

Conduct a calculation or derivation.

Honors

Write an essay about a related topic.

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