This
course is the third in a three-term introductory physics sequence. The topics
covered in this course include (1) Heat and Thermodynamics (3 weeks), (2) Wave
Phenomena (9 weeks), (3) Introduction to Special Relativity (2 weeks).
These topics are essential for understanding a large fraction of physical
phenomena, and form the basis for modern physics, including quantum mechanics
and statistical mechanics. The class meets in lecture, with applications and
demonstrations of the topics covered.
Fall 2005. Physics 140: General Physics I
Winter 2005. Physics 340: Waves, Heat, and
Light
This
course is the third in a three-term introductory physics sequence. The topics
covered in this course include (1) Heat and Thermodynamics (3 weeks), (2) Wave
Phenomena (9 weeks), (3) Introduction to Special Relativity (2 weeks).
These topics are essential for understanding a large fraction of physical
phenomena, and form the basis for modern physics, including quantum mechanics
and statistical mechanics. The class meets in lecture, with applications and
demonstrations of the topics covered.
Fall 2004. Physics 288/489 - The Physics of
Music.
This course will unravel the physical aspects of the phenomena
that make up the practice and experience of music, as well as to get a glimpse
into physics as a mental activity. No previous expertise in either physics or
music is required, although basic trigonometry and music-reading wouldn't hurt.
The main emphasis will be on lecture demonstrations with student participation
where feasible. Topics to be covered include: the nature of sound; mechanics of
vibration; musical tones and intervals; scales and temperaments; wave motion,
propagation of sound through pipes; physics of the instruments, from brass and
woodwinds to strings, piano, and percussion instruments; and high-fidelity sound
reproduction. A graduate-credit option (PHYSICS 489) is available by
supplementing the regular course with an appropriate independent project.
Fall 2003. Physics 522/644- Quantum
Information Science.
This is a course that will be offered simultaneously at the Universities of Michigan and Texas through the FOCUS Center
(www.umich.edu/~focuspfc/). The course will cover quantum information theory, quantum logic gates and quantum networks, quantum algorithms and
quantum communication protocols (e.g., quantum factoring, quantum searching, cryptography, teleportation), decoherence theory and open
quantum systems, and quantum error-correction. Several lectures will be devoted to current and proposed experimental implementations of quantum
logic circuitry, from atomic and quantum-optical systems to nuclear-magnetic-resonance and condensed-matter systems.
Winter 2003. Physics 340: Waves, Heat, and
Light
Fall 2002. Physics
125: General Physics I: Mechanics
Winter 2002:Physics 340 - Heat, Waves, and
Relativity.