2011-2012 Bulletin – PDF - SEAS Bulletin - Columbia University

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Plasma Physics
This academic program is designed to
emphasize preparation for professional
careers in plasma research, controlled
fusion, and space research. This
includes basic training in relevant areas
of applied physics, with emphasis
on plasma physics and related areas
leading to extensive experimental and
theoretical research in the Columbia
University Plasma Physics Laboratory.
Specific course requirements for the
plasma physics doctoral program are
APPH E4018, E4200, E4300, E6101,
E6102, and E9142 or E9143, or
equivalents taken at another university.
Optical and Laser Physics
This academic program involves
a basic training in relevant areas
of applied physics with emphasis
in quantum mechanics, quantum
electronics, and related areas of
specialization. Some active areas of
research in which the student may
concentrate are laser modification of
surfaces, optical diagnostics of film
processing, inelastic light scattering in
nanomaterials, nonlinear optics, ultrafast
optoelectronics photonic switching,
optical physics of surfaces, and photon
integrated circuits. Specific course
requirements for the optical and laser
physics doctoral program are set with
the academic adviser.
Solid-State Physics
This academic program encompasses
the study of the electrical, optical,
magnetic, thermal, high-pressure, and
ultrafast dynamical properties of solids,
with an aim to understanding them
in terms of the atomic and electronic
structure. The program emphasizes the
formation, processing, and properties of
thin films, low-dimensional structures—
such as one- and two-dimensional
electron gases, nanocrystals, surfaces
of electronic and optoelectronic interest,
and molecules. Facilities include a
microelectronics laboratory, highpressure
diamond anvil cells, a molecular
beam epitaxy machine, ultrahigh vacuum
systems, lasers, equipment for the study
of optical properties, and the instruments
in the shared facilities of the Nano-scale
Science and Engineering Center and the
Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC).
There are also significant resources for
electrical and optical experimentation
at low temperatures and high magnetic
fields. Specific course requirements for
the solid-state physics doctoral program
are set with the academic adviser, in
consultation with the Committee on
Materials Science and Engineering/Solid-
State Science and Engineering.
Courses in Applied Physics
APPH E1300y Physics of the human body
3 pts. Lect: 3. Professor Herman.
Prerequisites: PHYS C1201 or C1401, and
Calculus I; corequisites: PHYS C1202 or
C1402, and Calculus II. This introductory
course analyzes the human body from the basic
principles of physics. Topics to be covered
include the energy balance in the body, the
mechanics of motion, fluid dynamics of the
heart and circulation, vibrations in speaking
and hearing, muscle mechanics, gas exchange
and transport in the lungs, vision, structural
properties and limits, electrical properties and the
development and sensing of magnetic fields, and
the basics of equilibrium and regulatory control.
In each case, a simple model of the body organ,
property, or function will be derived and then
applied. The course is approved as a Columbia
Engineering technical elective.
APAM E1601y Introduction to computational
mathematics and physics
3 pts. Lect: 3. Professor Mauel.
Introduction to computational methods in applied
mathematics and physics. Students develop
solutions in a small number of subject areas
to acquire experience in the practical use of
computers to solve mathematics and physics
problems. Topics change from year to year.
Examples include elementary interpolation
of functions, solution of nonlinear algebraic
equations, curve-fitting and hypothesis testing,
wave propagation, fluid motion, gravitational and
celestial mechanics, and chaotic dynamics. The
basic requirement for this course is one year of
college-level calculus and physics; programming
experience is not required.
APPH E3100y Introduction to quantum
mechanics
3 pts. Lect: 3. Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisites: PHYS C1403 or equivalent, and
differential and integral calculus. Corequisites:
APMA E3101 or equivalent. Basic concepts and
assumptions of quantum mechanics, Schrodinger’s
equation, solutions for one-dimensional problems,
including square wells, barriers, and the harmonic
oscillator, introduction to the hydrogen atom,
atomic physics and X-rays, electron spin.
APAM E3105x Programming methods for
scientists and engineers
3 pts. Lect: 2.5. Lab: 1. Not offered in 2011–2012.
Introduction to modern techniques of computer
programming for the numerical solutions to problems
in physics, mathematics, and engineering using
Fortran 90. Students develop familiarity with basic
and advanced concepts of modern numerical
programming and acquire practical experience
solving representative problems in math and physics.
APPH E3300y Applied electromagnetism
3 pts. Lect: 3. Professor Venkataraman.
Corequisite: APMA E3102. Vector analysis,
electrostatic fields, Laplace’s equation, multipole
expansions, electric fields in matter: dielectrics,
magnetostatic fields, magnetic materials, and
superconductors. Applications of electromagnetism
to devices and research areas in applied physics.
APPH E3900x and y Undergraduate research
in applied physics
0–4 pts. Members of the faculty.
This course may be repeated for credit, but
no more than 6 points of this course may be
counted toward the satisfaction of the B.S.
degree requirements. Candidates for the B.S.
degree may conduct an investigation in applied
physics or carry out a special project under the
supervision of the staff. Credit for the course is
contingent upon the submission of an acceptable
thesis or final report.
APPH E4010x Introduction to nuclear science
3 pts. Professor Ostrow.
Prerequisites: MATH V1202 and E1210 and PHYS
C1403 or their equivalents. This introductory
course is for individuals with an interest in medical
physics and other branches of radiation science.
Topics covered include basic concepts, nuclear
models, semiempirical mass formula, interaction
of radiation with matter, nuclear detectors, nuclear
structure and instability, radioactive decay process
and radiation, particle accelerators, and fission and
fusion processes and technologies.
APPH E4018y Applied physics laboratory
2 pts. Lab: 4. Professor Navratil.
Prerequisite: ELEN E3401 or equivalent.
Typical experiments are in the areas of plasma
physics, microwaves, laser applications, optical
spectroscopy physics, and superconductivity.
APPH E4090x Nanotechnology
3 pts. Lect: 3. Offered in alternate years.
Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisites: APPH E3100 and MSAE E3103
or their equivalents with instructor’s permission.
The science and engineering of creating
materials, functional structures and devices on the
nanometer scale. Carbon nanotubes, nanocrystals,
quantum dots, size dependent properties, selfassembly,
nanostructured materials. Devices
and applications, nanofabrication. Molecular
engineering, bionanotechnology. Imaging and
manipulating at the atomic scale. Nanotechnology
in society and industry.
APPH E4100x Quantum physics of matter
3 pts. Lect: 3. Professor Venkataranam.
Prerequisite: APPH E3100. Corequisite: APMA
E3102 or equivalent. Basic theory of quantum
mechanics, well and barrier problems, the
harmonic oscillator, angular momentum identical
particles, quantum statistics, perturbation theory
and applications to the quantum physics of
atoms, molecules, and solids.
engineering 2011–2012