Introduction to the structure, properties, and function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and membranes. In depth study of the physical basis of selected systems including vision, nerve transmission, photosynthesis, enzyme mechanism, and cellular diffusion. Introduction to spectroscopic methods for monitoring reactions and determining structure including light absorption or scattering, fluorescence, NMR and X-ray diffraction. The course emphasizes reading and interpretation of the original literature.
1 yr. of Math, 1 yr. of Physics (elective for Physics Majors and Biomedical Engineering students).
3 hr./wk.
An introduction to protein structure and molecular interactions needed for analysis of individual proteins. Focus on proteins that highlight important biophysical properties. Project-based course emphasizing reading and interrelation of the original literature. The groups of protein chosen can be biological machines, including ribosomes and protein synthesis; actin/myosin and muscle motion; kinesin/dynesin, transport and cellular motion and deformation; and bacterial flagellar action. Alternatively the class can study processes based on transmembrane potential gradients including respiration, photosynthesis and chemiosmotic energy coupling as well as nerve function.
1 yr. of Math, 1 yr. of Physics (Cell biology or biochemistry is recommended).
3 lect., 3 cr. of Physics (elective for Physics Majors and Biomedical Engineering students). 3 hr./wk
Temperature; equations of state; work, heat and the First Law; irreversibility, entropy and the Second Law; introduction to kinetic theory and statistical mechanics; low-temperature physics; the Third Law.
Spring only
3 hr./wk.
Dispersion, reflection and refraction, interference, diffraction, coherence, geometrical optics, interaction of light with matter.
PHYS 35400, or similar engineering courses; pre- or coreq.:
MATH 39200 (required for all Physics majors, except those in the Biomedical Option).
Fall only
3 hr./wk.
Theory and applications of lasers and masers. Physical principles underlying the design of lasers, coherent optics, and non-linear optics.
Pre- or coreq.: a course in modern physics (
PHYS 55100 or
PHYS 32100), a course in electricity and magnetism (
PHYS 35400 or EE 33200). Optics (
PHYS 45200) is desirable but not required (elective for Physics and Engineering majors).
3 hr./wk.
Astronomy for science majors. Stellar astronomy, galactic astronomy, cosmology, and earth and planetary science. Recent discoveries and topics such as pulsars, black holes, radio astronomy, interstellar medium, radio galaxies, quasars, spiral density waves in disc galaxies, black body radiation, intelligent life beyond the earth. Lectures are supplemented by observations and planetarium shows.
3 hrs./wk.
Experiments in optics, quantum physics and atomic physics.
Spring only
3 lab., 1 conf. hr./wk.