Department: Physics

Code Name Description
PHYSICS100 Introduction to Observational Astrophysics Designed for undergraduate physics majors but is open to all students with a calculus-based physics background and some laboratory and coding experience. Students make and analyze observations using the telescopes at the Stanford Student Observatory....
PHYSICS104 Electronics and Introduction to Experimental Methods Introductory laboratory electronics, intended for Physics and Engineering Physics majors but open to all students with science or engineering interests in analog circuits, instrumentation and signal processing. The first part of the course is focused...
PHYSICS105 Intermediate Physics Laboratory I: Analog Electronics Introductory laboratory electronics, designed for Physics and Engineering Physics majors but open to all students with science or engineering interests in analog circuits, instrumentation and signal processing. The course is focused on laboratory exe...
PHYSICS106 Experimental Methods in Quantum Physics Experimental physics lab course aimed at providing an understanding of and appreciation for experimental methods in physics, including the capabilities and limitations, both fundamental and technical. Students perform experiments that use optics, las...
PHYSICS107 Intermediate Physics Laboratory II: Experimental Techniques and Data Analysis Experiments on lasers, Gaussian optics, and atom-light interaction, with emphasis on data and error analysis techniques. Students describe a subset of experiments in scientific paper format. Prerequisites: completion of PHYSICS 40 or PHYSICS 60 serie...
PHYSICS108 Advanced Physics Laboratory: Project Have you ever wanted to dream up a research question, then design, execute, and analyze an experiment to address it, together with a small group of your fellow students? This is an accelerated, guided experimental research experience, resembling real...
PHYSICS110 Advanced Mechanics Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. Principle of least action, Euler-Lagrange equations. Small oscillations and beyond. Symmetries, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, action-angle variables. Introduction to classical field theor...
PHYSICS111 Partial Differential Equations of Mathematical Physics This course is intended to introduce students to the basic techniques for solving partial differential equations that commonly occur in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. Tools that will be developed include separation of v...
PHYSICS112 Mathematical Methods for Physics The course will focus on the theory of functions of a complex variable - with broad implications in many areas of physics. As time allows, we will also cover the basics of group theory and the theory of group representations, with focus on symmetry...
PHYSICS113 Computational Physics Numerical methods for solving problems in mechanics, astrophysics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. Methods include numerical integration; solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations; solutions of the diffu...
PHYSICS120 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I Vector analysis. Electrostatic fields, including boundary-value problems and multipole expansion. Dielectrics, static and variable magnetic fields, magnetic materials. Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 43 or PHYSICS 63 or PHYSICS 81; MATH 5...
PHYSICS121 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism II Conservation laws and electromagnetic waves, Poynting's theorem, tensor formulation, potentials, and fields. Plane-wave problems (free space, conductors and dielectric materials, boundaries). Dipole and quadruple radiation. Special relativity and tr...
PHYSICS130 Quantum Mechanics I The origins of quantum mechanics and wave mechanics. Schrödinger equation and solutions for one-dimensional systems. Commutation relations. Generalized uncertainty principle. Time-energy uncertainty principle. Separation of variables and solutions f...
PHYSICS131 Quantum Mechanics II Identical particles; Fermi and Bose statistics. Time-independent perturbation theory. Fine structure, the Zeeman effect and hyperfine splitting in the hydrogen atom. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Variational principle and WKB approximation. Pr...
PHYSICS134 Advanced Topics in Quantum Mechanics Scattering theory, partial wave expansion, Born approximation. Additional topics may include nature of quantum measurement, EPR paradox, Bell's inequality, and topics in quantum information science; path integrals and applications; Berry's phase; str...
PHYSICS13N A Taste of Quantum Physics What is quantum physics and what makes it so weird? We'll introduce key aspects of quantum physics with an aim to discover why it differs from everyday 'classical' physics. Students will explore how devices like the laser and atomic clocks for GPS a...
PHYSICS14N Quantum Information: Visions and Emerging Technologies What sets quantum information apart from its classical counterpart is that it can be encoded non-locally, woven into correlations among multiple qubits in a phenomenon known as entanglement. We will discuss paradigms for harnessing entanglement to s...
PHYSICS15 Stars and Planets in a Habitable Universe How do stars form from the gas in galaxies? How do stars and galaxies evolve, and how can these processes give rise to planets and the conditions suitable for life? How do we, from our little corner of the cosmos, collect and decipher information abo...
PHYSICS152 Introduction to Particle Physics I Elementary particles and the fundamental forces. Quarks and leptons. The mediators of the electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions. Interaction of particles with matter; particle acceleration, and detection techniques. Symmetries and conservatio...
PHYSICS153 Introduction to String Theory, Quantum Gravity, and Black Holes This course will begin with a basic introduction to the physics and mathematics of string theory and its relation to gravity. Following that we will study the quantum mechanics of black holes, and how string theory has impacted our understanding of t...
PHYSICS155 Accelerators and Beams: Tools of Discovery and Innovation Particle accelerators range in scale from sub-mm structures created using lithography on a silicon chip to the 27-km Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland based on superconducting magnets. Some accelerators generate beams that are only nanometers in...
PHYSICS16 The Origin and Development of the Cosmos How did the present Universe come to be? The last few decades have seen remarkable progress in understanding this age-old question. Course will cover the history of the Universe from its earliest moments to the present day, and the physical laws that...
PHYSICS160 Introduction to Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics Radiative processes. Observed characteristics of stars and the Milky Way galaxy. Physical processes in stars and matter under extreme conditions. Structure and evolution of stars from birth to death. White dwarfs, planetary nebulae, supernovae, neutr...
PHYSICS161 Introduction to Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics What do we know about the physical origins, content, and evolution of the Universe -- and how do we know it? Students learn how cosmological distances and times, and the geometry and expansion of space, are described and measured. Composition of the...
PHYSICS166 Statistical Methods in Experimental Physics Statistical methods constitute a fundamental tool for the analysis and interpretation of experimental physics data. In this course, students will learn the foundations of statistical data analysis methods and how to apply them to the analysis of expe...
PHYSICS17 Black Holes and Extreme Astrophysics Black holes represent an extreme frontier of astrophysics. Course will explore the most fundamental and universal force -- gravity -- and how it controls the fate of astrophysical objects, leading in some cases to black holes. How we discover and det...
PHYSICS170 Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics I Basic probability and statistics for random processes such as random walks. The derivation of laws of thermodynamics from basic postulates; the determination of the relationship between atomic substructure and macroscopic behavior of matter. Tempera...
PHYSICS171 Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics II Mean-field theory of phase transitions; critical exponents. Ferromagnetism, the Ising model. The renormalization group. Dynamics near equilibrium: Brownian motion, diffusion, Boltzmann equations. Other topics are at the discretion of the instructor....
PHYSICS172 Solid State Physics Introduction to the properties of solids. Crystal structures and bonding in materials. Momentum-space analysis and diffraction probes. Lattice dynamics, phonon theory and measurements, thermal properties. Electronic structure theory, classical and qu...
PHYSICS182 ULTRACOLD QUANTUM PHYSICS Introduction to the physics of quantum optics and atoms in the ultracold setting. Quantum gases and photons are employed in quantum simulation, sensing, and computation. Modern atomic physics and quantum optics will be covered, including laser cool...
PHYSICS18N Frontiers in Theoretical Physics and Cosmology Preference to freshmen. The course will begin with a description of the current standard models of gravitation, cosmology, and elementary particle physics. We will then focus on frontiers of current understanding including investigations of very ear...
PHYSICS190 Independent Research and Study Undergraduate research in experimental or theoretical physics under the supervision of a faculty member. The faculty member will prepare a list of goals and expectations at the start of the research. The student will prepare a written summary of re...
PHYSICS191 Scientific Communication in Physics Development and practice of effective scientific communication in physics, including scientific publications, research proposals, science writing for a general audience, and effective communication of data. The course will involve extensive writing,...
PHYSICS192 Physics Capstone Paper Students enroll in this course in order to complete their Capstone paper if they have chosen that option to fulfill their Capstone requirement. Note that students may alternatively write their Capstone paper as part of Physics 191. Students should...
PHYSICS198 Learning Assistant Training Seminar Training seminar for undergraduate students selected for the Learning Assistant (LA) program. In this seminar LAs learn and practice pedagogical techniques they will apply in an active learning classroom. LAs practice instruction strategies in a co...
PHYSICS199 The Physics of Energy and Climate Change Topics include measurements of temperature and sea level changes in the climate record of the Earth, satellite atmospheric spectroscopy, satellite gravity geodesy measurements of changes in water aquifers and glaciers, and ocean changes. The differen...
PHYSICS201 The Physics of Energy and Climate Change Topics include measurements of temperature and sea level changes in the climate record of the Earth, satellite atmospheric spectroscopy, satellite gravity geodesy measurements of changes in water aquifers and glaciers, and ocean changes. The differen...
PHYSICS205 Senior Thesis Research Long-term experimental or theoretical project and thesis in Physics under supervision of a faculty member. Planning of the thesis project is recommended to begin as early as middle of the junior year. Successful completion of a senior thesis require...
PHYSICS21 Mechanics and Fluids How are the motions of solids and liquids determined by the laws of physics? Students learn to describe the motion of objects (kinematics) and understand why objects move as they do (dynamics). Emphasis on applying Newton's laws to solids and liquids...
PHYSICS210 Advanced Mechanics Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. Principle of least action, Euler-Lagrange equations. Small oscillations and beyond. Symmetries, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, action-angle variables. Introduction to classical field theor...
PHYSICS211 Continuum Mechanics Elasticity, fluids, turbulence, waves, gas dynamics, shocks, and MHD plasmas. Examples from everyday phenomena, geophysics, and astrophysics.
PHYSICS212 Statistical Mechanics Principles, ensembles, statistical equilibrium. Thermodynamic functions, ideal and near-ideal gases. Fluctuations. Mean-field description of phase-transitions and associated critical exponents. One-dimensional Ising model and other exact solutions. R...
PHYSICS216 Back of the Envelope Physics This course will cover order of magnitude or approximate, low-tech approaches to estimating physical effects in various systems. One goal is to promote a synthesis of understanding of basic physics (including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and...
PHYSICS21S Mechanics and Heat How are the motions of objects and the behavior of fluids and gases determined by the laws of physics? Students learn to describe the motion of objects (kinematics) and understand why objects move as they do (dynamics). Emphasis on how Newton's three...
PHYSICS22 Mechanics, Fluids, and Heat Laboratory Guided hands-on exploration of concepts in classical mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics with an emphasis on student predictions, observations and explanations. Pre- or corequisite: PHYSICS 21.
PHYSICS220 Classical Electrodynamics Special relativity: The principles of relativity, Lorentz transformations, four vectors and tensors, relativistic mechanics and the principle of least action. Lagrangian formulation, charges in electromagnetic fields, gauge invariance, the electromag...
PHYSICS23 Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics How are electric and magnetic fields generated by static and moving charges, and what are their applications? How is light related to electromagnetic waves? Students learn to represent and analyze electric and magnetic fields to understand electric c...
PHYSICS230 Graduate Quantum Mechanics I Fundamental concepts. Introduction to Hilbert spaces and Dirac's notation. Postulates applied to simple systems, including those with periodic structure. Symmetry operations and gauge transformation. The path integral formulation of quantum statistic...
PHYSICS231 Graduate Quantum Mechanics II Basis for higher level courses on atomic solid state and particle physics. Problems related to measurement theory and introduction to quantum computing. Approximation methods for time-independent and time-dependent perturbations. Semiclassical and...
PHYSICS234 Advanced Topics in Quantum Mechanics Scattering theory, partial wave expansion, Born approximation. Additional topics may include nature of quantum measurement, EPR paradox, Bell's inequality, and topics in quantum information science; path integrals and applications; Berry's phase; str...
PHYSICS23S Electricity and Optics How are electric and magnetic fields generated by static and moving charges, and what are their applications? How is light related to electromagnetic waves? Students learn to represent and analyze electric and magnetic fields to understand electric c...
PHYSICS24 Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics Laboratory Guided hands-on exploration of concepts in electricity and magnetism, circuits and optics with an emphasis on student predictions, observations and explanations. Introduction to multimeters and oscilloscopes. Pre- or corequisite: PHYS 23.
PHYSICS240 Introduction to the Physics of Energy Energy as a consumable. Forms and interconvertability. World Joule budget. Equivalents in rivers, oil pipelines and nuclear weapons. Quantum mechanics of fire, batteries and fuel cells. Hydrocarbon and hydrogen synthesis. Fundamental limits to mec...
PHYSICS241 Introduction to Nuclear Energy Radioactivity. Elementary nuclear processes. Energetics of fission and fusion. Cross-sections and resonances. Fissionable and fertile isotopes. Neutron budgets. Light water, heavy water and graphite reactors. World nuclear energy production. World...
PHYSICS25 Modern Physics How do the discoveries since the dawn of the 20th century impact our understanding of 21st-century physics? This course introduces the foundations of modern physics: Einstein's theory of special relativity and quantum mechanics. Combining the languag...
PHYSICS252 Introduction to Particle Physics I Elementary particles and the fundamental forces. Quarks and leptons. The mediators of the electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions. Interaction of particles with matter; particle acceleration, and detection techniques. Symmetries and conservatio...
PHYSICS26 Modern Physics Laboratory Guided hands-on and simulation-based exploration of concepts in modern physics, including special relativity, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics with an emphasis on student predictions, observations and explanations. Pre- or corequisite: PHYSICS 2...
PHYSICS260 Introduction to Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics Radiative processes. Observed characteristics of stars and the Milky Way galaxy. Physical processes in stars and matter under extreme conditions. Structure and evolution of stars from birth to death. White dwarfs, planetary nebulae, supernovae, neutr...
PHYSICS261 Introduction to Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics What do we know about the physical origins, content, and evolution of the Universe -- and how do we know it? Students learn how cosmological distances and times, and the geometry and expansion of space, are described and measured. Composition of the...
PHYSICS262 General Relativity Einstein's General Theory of Relativity is a basis for modern ideas of fundamental physics, including string theory, as well as for studies of cosmology and astrophysics. The course begins with an overview of special relativity, and the description o...
PHYSICS266 Statistical Methods in Experimental Physics Statistical methods constitute a fundamental tool for the analysis and interpretation of experimental physics data. In this course, students will learn the foundations of statistical data analysis methods and how to apply them to the analysis of expe...
PHYSICS268 Physics with Neutrinos Relativistic fermions, Weyl and Dirac equations, Majorana masses. Electroweak theory, neutrino cross sections, neutrino refraction in matter, MSW effect. Three-flavor oscillations, charge-parity violation, searches for sterile neutrinos, modern long...
PHYSICS269 Neutrinos in Astrophysics and Cosmology Basic neutrino properties. Flavor evolution in vacuum and in matter. Oscillations of atmospheric, reactor and beam neutrinos. Measurements of solar neutrinos; physics of level-crossing and the resolution of the solar neutrino problem. Roles of neutr...
PHYSICS275 Electrons in Nanostructures The strange behavior of electrons in metals or semiconductors at length scales below 1 micron, smaller than familiar macroscopic objects but larger than atoms. Ballistic transport, Coulomb blockade, localization, quantum mechanical interference, pers...
PHYSICS282 ULTRACOLD QUANTUM PHYSICS Introduction to the physics of quantum optics and atoms in the ultracold setting. Quantum gases and photons are employed in quantum simulation, sensing, and computation. Modern atomic physics and quantum optics will be covered, including laser cool...
PHYSICS290 Research Activities at Stanford Required of first-year Physics graduate students; suggested for junior or senior Physics majors for 1 unit. Review of research activities in the department and elsewhere at Stanford at a level suitable for entering graduate students.
PHYSICS291 Curricular Practical Training Curricular practical training for students participating in an internship with a physics-related focus. Meets the requirements for curricular practical training for students on F-1 visas. Prior to the internship, students submit a concise descriptio...
PHYSICS293 Literature of Physics Study of the literature of any special topic. Preparation, presentation of reports. If taken under the supervision of a faculty member outside the department, approval of the Physics chair required. Prerequisites: 25 units of college physics, consent...
PHYSICS294 Teaching of Physics Seminar Weekly seminar/discussions on interactive techniques for teaching physics. Practicum which includes class observations, grading, and student teaching in current courses. Required of all Teaching Assistants prior to the first teaching assignment. Mand...
PHYSICS295 Learning & Teaching of Science This course will provide students with a basic knowledge of the relevant research in cognitive psychology and science education and the ability to apply that knowledge to enhance their ability to learn and teach science, particularly at the undergrad...
PHYSICS301 Astrophysics Laboratory Designed for physics graduate students but open to all graduate students with a calculus-based physics background and some laboratory and coding experience. Students make and analyze observations using the telescopes at the Stanford Student Observato...
PHYSICS302 Department Colloquium Required of graduate students. May be repeated for credit.
PHYSICS330 Quantum Field Theory I Lorentz Invariance. S-Matrix. Quantization of scalar and Dirac fields. Feynman diagrams. Quantum electrodynamics. Elementary electrodynamic processes: Compton scattering; e+e- annihilation. Loop diagrams. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 130, PHYSICS 131, or e...
PHYSICS331 Quantum Field Theory II Functional integral methods. Local gauge invariance and Yang-Mills fields. Asymptotic freedom. Spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism. Unified models of weak and electromagnetic interactions. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 330.
PHYSICS332 Quantum Field Theory III Theory of renormalization. The renormalization group and applications to the theory of phase transitions. Renormalization of Yang-Mills theories. Applications of the renormalization group of quantum chromodynamics. Perturbation theory anomalies. Appl...
PHYSICS351 Standard Model of Particle Physics Symmetries, group theory, gauge invariance, Lagrangian of the Standard Model, flavor group, flavor-changing neutral currents, CKM quark mixing matrix, GIM mechanism, rare processes, neutrino masses, seesaw mechanism, QCD confinement and chiral symmet...
PHYSICS360 Modern Astrophysics Basic theory of production of radiation in stars, galaxies and diffuse interstellar and intergalactic media and and transfer of radiation throughout the universe. Magnetic fields, turbulence shocks and  particle acceleration and transport around magn...
PHYSICS361 Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics Intended as a complement to Ph 362 and Ph 364.Galaxies (including their nuclei), clusters, stars and backgrounds in the contemporary universe. Geometry, kinematics, dynamics, and physics of the universe at large. Evolution of the universe following...
PHYSICS362 The Early Universe Intended to complement PHYSICS 361, this course will cover the earlier period in cosmology up to and including nucleosynthesis. The focus will be on high energy, early universe physics. This includes topics such as inflation and reheating including...
PHYSICS364 Gravitational Radiation, Black Holes and Neutron Stars General relativistic theory of spinning black holes and neutron stars including accretion, jets and tidal capture. Direct and indirect observation of relativistic effects in active galactic nuclei and stellar sources. Linear theory of the generation...
PHYSICS366 Statistical Methods in Astrophysics Foundations of principled inference from data, primarily in the Bayesian framework, organized around applications in astrophysics and cosmology. Topics include probabilistic modeling of data, parameter constraints and model comparison, numerical meth...
PHYSICS367 Special Topics in Astrophysics: Large Photometric Galaxy Surveys: From Pixels to Cosmology What is the nature of the dark components of the Universe, such as dark matter and dark energy? How did galaxies form and what is the origin of their rich large-scale structure? How does the Universe change on a near-daily timescale? The large and am...
PHYSICS372 Condensed Matter Theory I Fermi liquid theory, many-body perturbation theory, response function, functional integrals, interaction of electrons with impurities. Prerequisite: APPPHYS 273 or equivalent.
PHYSICS373 Condensed Matter Theory II Superfluidity and superconductivity. Quantum magnetism. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 372.
PHYSICS40 Vector and Mathematical Analysis for Mechanics PHYSICS 40: Vector and Mathematical Analysis for MechanicsPhysics 40 teaches fundamental math and physics concepts that are important for success in Physics 41+ and engineering statics/dynamics. This class has a strong emphasis on physics problem-sol...
PHYSICS41 Mechanics How are motions of objects in the physical world determined by the laws of physics? Students learn to describe the motion of objects (kinematics) and then understand why motions have the form they do (dynamics). Emphasis on how the important physical...
PHYSICS41E Mechanics, Concepts, Calculations, and Context Physics 41E (Physics 41 Extended) is an 5-unit version of Physics 41 (4 units) for students with little or no high school physics or calculus. Course topics and mathematical complexity are identical to Physics 41, but the extra classroom time allows...
PHYSICS42 Classical Mechanics Laboratory Hands-on exploration of concepts in classical mechanics: Newton's laws, conservation laws, rotational motion. Introduction to laboratory techniques, experimental equipment and data analysis. Pre- or corequisite: PHYSICS 41.
PHYSICS43 Electricity and Magnetism What is electricity? What is magnetism? How are they related? How do these phenomena manifest themselves in the physical world? The theory of electricity and magnetism, as codified by Maxwell's equations, underlies much of the observable universe. St...
PHYSICS43A Electricity and Magnetism: Concepts, Calculations and Context Additional assistance and applications for Physics 43. In-class problems in physics and engineering. Exercises in calculations of electric and magnetic forces and field to reinforce concepts and techniques; Calculations involving inductors, transform...
PHYSICS44 Electricity and Magnetism Lab Hands-on exploration of concepts in electricity, magnetism, and circuits. Introduction to multimeters, function generators, oscilloscopes, and graphing techniques. Pre- or corequisite: PHYSICS 43.
PHYSICS45 Light and Heat What is temperature? How do the elementary processes of mechanics, which are intrinsically reversible, result in phenomena that are clearly irreversible when applied to a very large number of particles, the ultimate example being life? In thermodynam...
PHYSICS450 Advanced Theoretical Physics I: Random Matrices in Physics This course will survey some of the basic ideas and techniques in the theory of random matrices. These will be interspersed with discussions of some of the physical applications of these ideas including: energy spectra of quantum chaotic systems and...
PHYSICS451 Advanced Theoretical Physics II: Quantum Information Theory, Complexity, Gravity and Black Holes This course will cover the developing intersection between quantum information theory and the quantum theory of gravity. We will focus on the central roles of entanglement and computational complexity in black hole physics. Prerequisites: Basic knowl...
PHYSICS455 Introductory Seminar on Recent Developments in Theoretical Physics This seminar is for first-year graduate students interested in theoretical physics. It is driven by introductory-level student talks and focuses on recent foundational developments across the field. Typical areas of interest include cosmology, part...
PHYSICS46 Light and Heat Laboratory Hands-on exploration of concepts in geometrical optics, wave optics and thermodynamics. Pre- or corequisite: PHYSICS 45.
PHYSICS470 Topics in Modern Condensed Matter Theory I: Many Body Quantum Dynamics Many body quantum systems can display rich dynamical phenomena far from thermal equilibrium. Understanding the non-equilibrium dynamics of quantum matter represents an exciting research frontier at the interface of condensed matter and AMO physics, h...
PHYSICS471 Topics in Modern Condensed Matter Theory II: Open Problems in the theory of metals & superconductor We will begin by reviewing a modern perspective on the theory of conventional (BCS s-wave) and unconventional (e.g. d-wave) superconductors. We will then discuss a variety of issues that are of current interest, but which are either incompletely und...
PHYSICS490 Research Open only to Physics graduate students, with consent of instructor. Work is in experimental or theoretical problems in research, as distinguished from independent study of a non-research character in 190 and 293.
PHYSICS492 Topological Quantum Computation This course will be an introduction to topological quantum computation (TQC), which has recently emerged as an exciting approach to constructing fault-tolerant quantum computers. We start with a review of some basics of quantum computing, 2D topologi...
PHYSICS50 Astronomy Laboratory and Observational Astronomy Introduction to observational astronomy emphasizing the use of optical telescopes. Observations of stars, nebulae, and galaxies in laboratory sessions with telescopes at the Stanford Student Observatory. Meets at the observatory one evening per week...
PHYSICS59 Frontiers of Physics Research Recommended for prospective Physics or Engineering Physics majors or anyone with an interest in learning about the big questions and unknowns that physicists tackle in their research at Stanford. Weekly faculty presentations, in some cases followed b...
PHYSICS61 Mechanics and Special Relativity (First in a three-part series: PHYSICS 61, PHYSICS 71, PHYSICS 81.) This course covers Einstein's special theory of relativity and Newtonian mechanics at a level appropriate for students with a strong high school mathematics and physics background, w...
PHYSICS61L Mechanics Laboratory Introduction to laboratory techniques, experiment design, data collection and analysis simulations, and correlating observations with theory. Labs emphasize discovery with open-ended questions and hands-on exploration of concepts developed in PHYSICS...
PHYSICS70 Foundations of Modern Physics Required for Physics or Engineering Physics majors who completed the PHYSICS 40 series. Introduction to special relativity: reference frames, Michelson-Morley experiment. Postulates of relativity, simultaneity, time dilation. Length contraction, the...
PHYSICS71 Quantum and Thermal Physics (Second in a three-part series: PHYSICS 61, PHYSICS 71, PHYSICS 81.) This course introduces the foundations of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics to students with a strong high school mathematics and physics background, who are contemplating a majo...
PHYSICS71L Modern Physics Laboratory Experiments are drawn from optics, heat, and modern physics. Pre- or co-requisite: Physics 71.
PHYSICS801 TGR Project No Description Set
PHYSICS802 TGR Dissertation No Description Set
PHYSICS81 Electricity and Magnetism Using Special Relativity and Vector Calculus (Third in a three-part series: PHYSICS 61, PHYSICS 71, PHYSICS 81.) This course recasts the foundations of electricity and magnetism in a way that will surprise, delight, and challenge students who have already encountered the subject at a college or...
PHYSICS83N Physics in the 21st Century Preference to freshmen. This course provides an in-depth examination of frontiers of physics research, including fundamental physics, cosmology, and physics of the future. Questions such as: What is the universe made of? What is the nature of space,...
PHYSICS89L Introduction to Laboratory Physics The goal of this course is to give you practical knowledge of basic statistical and data analysis tools that you will need to do research in physics and/or astronomy. In particular, we will be focusing on why we use the data analysis methods and tech...
PHYSICS91SI Practical Computing for Scientists Essential computing skills for researchers in the natural sciences. Helping students transition their computing skills from a classroom to a research environment. Topics include the Unix operating system, the Python programming language, and essentia...
PHYSICS93SI Beyond the Laboratory: Physics, Identity, and Society Beyond its laws and laboratories, what can physics teach us about society and ourselves? How do physicists¿ identities impact the types of scientific questions that are asked throughout history? And who do we call a physicist? This course seeks to ad...
PHYSICS94SI Diverse Perspectives in Physics Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a professor, or what you could do with physics beyond academia? Do you want to hear about the life stories of people with diverse backgrounds who have studied or are studying physics? Professors and indus...
PHYSICS96N Harmony and the Universe Harmony is a multifaceted concept that has profoundly connects music, mathematics, physics, philosophy, physiology, and psychology. We will explore the evolution of our understanding of harmony and its immediate application in the function of music...