Physics & Astronomy < Barnard College

Department website: http://physics.barnard.edu/

504A Altschul Hall
212-854-3628
Department Administrative Assistant: Rebecca Perrington

Mission

The mission of the Physics and Astronomy Department at Barnard College is to provide students with an understanding of the basic laws of nature, and a foundation in the fundamental concepts of classical and quantum physics, and modern astronomy and astrophysics. Majors are offered in physics, astronomy, or in interdisciplinary fields such as, astrophysics, biophysics, or chemical physics. The goal of the department is to provide students (majors and non-majors) with quality instruction and prepare them for various post-graduate career options, including graduate study in physics and/or astronomy, professional careers in science, technology, education, or applied fields, as well health-related professions. The department strives to be a source of distinguished women scientists. The faculty in the department maintain NSF or NASA-sponsored active research programs that involve undergraduate students. All majors engage in at least one summer of independent research that is often continued during the semester, or the following summer. Students may also carry out their research at other institutions nationally, through NSF-REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) programs. Students are required to present the results of their research in the annual departmental “Senior Talks,” held in May.

Student Learning Goals

Acquire a strong intellectual foundation in physics and/or astronomy.
Apply scientific thinking to problems in physics and/or astronomy, and translate this to real life problems.
Use mathematics to describe and manipulate abstract concepts in physics and/or astronomy.
Perform laboratory experiments to study various physical phenomena, and use statistical approaches to analyze and interpret the data obtained in these experiments.
Acquire effective oral and written presentation skills to communicate scientific ideas.
Participate in a research project and stimulate the ability of empirical thought.
Demonstrate the ability to give a scientific talk on a research topic.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing the major, students should have the ability to:

demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the physical laws of nature.
demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the various subject areas of physics (e.g. classical mechanics, quantum physics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics) and/or astronomy (e.g. stellar structure and evolution, physics of the solar system, physical cosmology, and observational astronomy).
apply problem-solving skills beyond graduation in advanced physics and/or astronomy courses in graduate school and independent research projects.
apply problem-solving and computation skills in future situations in applied or technical jobs, or careers in finance and industry.
make an effective oral presentation to an audience of peers and faculty on a particular research topic.

From Aristotle's Physics to Newton's Principia, the term "physics," taken literally from the Greek φυσις (= Nature), implied natural science in its very broadest sense. Physicists were, in essence, natural philosophers, seeking knowledge of the observable phenomenal world. Astronomy originally concentrated on the study of natural phenomena in the heavens with the intent to understand the constitution, relative positions, and motions of the celestial bodies in our universe. Though practitioners of these disciplines have become somewhat more specialized in the past century, the spirit that guides them in their research remains the same as it was more than two millennia ago.

In cooperation with the faculty of the University, Barnard offers a thorough pre-professional curriculum in both physics and astronomy. The faculty represents a wide range of expertise, with special strength and distinction in theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, and observational astrophysics.

Separate majors in physics and astronomy are offered. A major in astrophysics is also possible. Furthermore, there are many special interdisciplinary majors possible, such as biophysics, chemical physics, engineering physics, and mathematical physics. There is a physics minor as well. Students should consult members of the department early on in their undergraduate careers in order to plan the most effective course of study. Qualified seniors are invited to participate in the seniors honors program, in which they carry out a year-long research project leading to the thesis.

There are several quite distinct introductory sequences in physics, only one of which may be taken for credit:

PHYS UN1001 PHYSICS FOR POETS - is a lecture course in physics intended for liberal arts students. A semester of this CU lecture course satisfies the BC Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Note, however, that 1001 does not satisfy the premedical nor physics requirement for any major. It also should not be taken to satisfy the BC lab science requirement.
PHYS BC2001 MECHANICS - LECTURE LAB - PHYS BC2002 ELECTRICITY＆MAGNETISM-LEC LAB, PHYS BC3001 CLASSICAL WAVES - LECTURE LAB is Barnard's own three-semester, calculus based introductory sequence in physics. Characterized by modest class sizes, it is designed specifically for Barnard students with a serious interest in any of the natural sciences or mathematics. Moreover, it is especially appropriate for majors in physics, astronomy, chemistry, or biochemistry, whether premedical or not. Biology majors with some calculus background are also encouraged to take this sequence. Finally, Barnard students contemplating a major in physics or astronomy should take PHYS BC2001 MECHANICS - LECTURE LAB - PHYS BC2002 ELECTRICITY＆MAGNETISM-LEC LAB in their first year, if possible, or in their second at the latest, to be followed by the third-semester course, Classical Waves.
First-year students with exceptional aptitude for physics (as evidenced, for example, by scores of 4 or 5 on the advanced placement C exam) and a good mathematical background may be admitted into the Columbia-taught two-semester sequence PHYS UN2801 ACCELERATED PHYSICS I - PHYS UN2802 ACCELERATED PHYSICS II, which replaces all three terms of the sequence for majors. Students considering this sequence are strongly encouraged to consult a Barnard faculty member at the start of the term.

For more information on majors and minors see the "Requirements" tab.

Students unsure about the most appropriate sequence should consult the Chair of the department.

Chair: Timothy Halpin-Healy

Professors: Timothy Halpin-Healy, Laura Kay, Janna Levin (Claire Tow Professor of Physics & Astronomy), Reshmi Mukherjee (Helen Goodhart Altschul Professor of Physics and Astronomy)

Senior Lecturer and Lab Director: Dr. Stiliana Savin

Laboratory Instructional Support Specialist: Dr. Sara Abedi

Advanced courses are offered in collaboration with the Columbia Physics and Astronomy Departments.

Requirements for the Astronomy Major

The courses required for the major in astronomy are as follows:

Course List
Code	Title	Points
PHYS BC2001	MECHANICS - LECTURE LAB ^*	4.5
PHYS BC2002	ELECTRICITY＆MAGNETISM-LEC LAB ^*	4.5
PHYS BC3001	CLASSICAL WAVES - LECTURE LAB ^*	5
ASTR UN2001 & ASTR UN2002	INTRO TO ASTROPHYSICS I and INTRO TO ASTROPHYSICS II	6
Students are required to take four 3000-level ASTR or PHYS courses, and selected so that at least six total points of 3000-level lecture classes are ASTR courses. Of those four 3000-level course, at least one should be
PHYS UN3003	MECHANICS	3.00
or
ASTR UN3102	Planetary Dynamics and Physics of the Solar System	3
Some of the ASTR courses offered in recent years include:
ASTR UN3101	MODERN STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS	3.00
ASTR UN3103	GALAXIES	3
ASTR UN3105	EXOPLANETS AND ASTROBIOLOGY	3
ASTR UN3602	PHYSICAL COSMOLOGY	3
ASTR UN3273	HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS	3
ASTR UN3646	OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY	3
ASTR C3601	General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology	3

*

This is a 9 course minimum for the standard major described above.

Students planning to study astronomy or astrophysics in graduate school are strongly urged to take PHYS U3003, 3007-8, 3006, GU4023, and some additional courses in Computer Science. We recommend W1004 (Java), Engineering E1006 (Python), COMS BC1016 (Intro to Computational Thinking), EESC BC3050 (Big Data with Python), or ASTR GU4260 (Modeling the Universe). Note: If the required courses are not offered for some reason, the department will recommend appropriate substitutions.

Students are encouraged to take the calculus I-IV sequence since calculus courses will be pre-requisites to many of the upper-level classes. Other Calculus options include Honors Math A-B, Accelerated Multivariable Calculus, and Multivariable Calculus for Engineering and Applied Science. Additional work in mathematics is recommended; e.g. Math UN1210: Linear Algebra, APMA E3102: Applied Mathematics II.

Substitutions:

While we recommend students take the Barnard sequence, in lieu of the two introductory courses BC2001 & 2002, a 2-semester Columbia introductory sequence acceptable for the physics major in Columbia College can be substituted (e.g. PHY UN1601-2) combined with BC2009 and BC2019, which are the lab only sections for the Barnard introductory sequence. If you choose to take the 2-semester Columbia sequence, please consult with an advisor in the Barnard Physics and Astronomy department as soon as possible. Note that PHY UN1201-2 is not acceptable for the major.

If a student opts to take the accelerated 2-semester Columbia College sequence PHY UN2801-2, we strongly encourage that student to seek advice from the Chair of the Barnard Physics and Astronomy Department to determine the remainder of required courses for the major.

Students who have taken two 1000 level courses may substitute an additional 3000-level course for ASTR UN2001-2.

Any other substitutions to the major may require a Degree Audit Change. A student should seek advice from their Astronomy advisor and/or the Chair of the Barnard Physics and Astronomy Department.

Requirements for the Physics Major

The courses required for the major in physics are:

Course List
Code	Title	Points
PHYS BC2001	MECHANICS - LECTURE LAB ^*	4.5
PHYS BC2002	ELECTRICITY＆MAGNETISM-LEC LAB ^*	4.5
PHYS BC3001	CLASSICAL WAVES - LECTURE LAB ^*	5
PHYS BC3006	QUANTUM PHYSICS ( LECTURE + LAB)	3
PHYS UN3003	MECHANICS	3
PHYS UN3007	ELECTRICITY-MAGNETISM	3
PHYS UN3008	ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES ＆ OPTICS	3
PHYS GU4023	THERMAL ＆ STATISTICAL PHYSICS	3
Also required are 6.0 points total of advanced lab work, preferably:
PHYS BC3086 & PHYS BC3088	QUANTUM PHYSICS LABORATORY and ADV ELECTROMAGNETISM LAB (taken concurrently with their cognate lecture courses, which are PHYS BC3006 and PHYS UN3007 respectively.)	6
Alternatively, in lieu of PHYS BC3088, students may opt for Electronics Lab PHYS UN3083 or a 3pt combination of PHYS UN3081 and PHYS BC3082.
The student must take a Computer Science class. We recommend		3
COMS W1004	Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java	3
COMS W1005	Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in MATLAB	3
ENGI E1006	INTRO TO COMP FOR ENG/APP SCI	3.00
ASTR GU4260	MODELING THE UNIVERSE	3.00
EESC BC3050	BIG DATA WITH PYTHON	3
COMS BC1016	Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science	3.00
PHYS UN3083	ELECTRONICS LABORATORY	3

*

This is an 11 course minimum for the standard major described above.

Students planning to study Physics in graduate school are strongly encouraged to include 4000-level electives in their program.

Students are expected to complete the calculus I-IV sequence by the end of the second year, as Calculus courses will be pre-requisites to many of the upper-level classes. Other Calculus options include Honors Math A-B, Accelerated Multivariable Calculus, and Multivariable Calculus for Engineering and Applied Science. Additional work in mathematics is recommended; e.g. Math UN1210: Linear Algebra, APMA E3102: Applied Mathematics II.

Substitutions:

If a student opts to take the accelerated 2-semester Columbia College sequence PHY UN2801-2, we strongly encourage that student to seek advice from the Chair of the Barnard Physics Department to determine the remainder of required courses for the major.

Any other substitutions to the major may require a Degree Audit Change. A student should seek advice from their Physics advisor and/or the Chair of the Barnard Physics Department.

NOTE: A Physics major pursuing a Math Sciences minor should take electronics lab; otherwise, two distinct COMS courses are necessary.

Interdisciplinary Major

A special major in astrophysics can be arranged. A student interested in astrophysics should speak to a faculty member early on (i.e., by late fall of her sophomore year) in order to permit the most effective construction of her program of study and the appropriate petition to be made to the Committee on Programs and Academic Standing. The latter is a straightforward procedure associated with the declaration of all special majors at Barnard.

Requirements for the Physics Minor

Five courses are required for the minor in physics. They are: any three-semester introductory sequence acceptable for the major (see above) plus two additional 3-point courses at the 3000-level.

Requirements for the Astronomy Minor

2 semesters of Physics with Lab (7-9 pts)

*Students who are majoring in science can omit one semester of 1-1.5 pts of Physics Lab.

4 courses in astronomy or astrophysics at the 2000 level or above. (12 pts)

*One of these courses can be replaced by two 1000-level Astronomy courses.

*An additional 3 pts of physics at the 3000 level or above can substitute for 3 points of astronomy.

Astronomy Courses

ASTR BC1753 LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE. 3.00 points.

An introductory course intended primarily for nonscience majors. This interdisciplinary course focuses on the subject of LIfe in the Universe. We will study historical astronomy, gravitation and planetary orbits, the origin of the chemical elements, the discoveries of extrasolar planets, the origin of life on Earth, the evolution and exploration of the Solar Systen, global climate change on Venus, Mars and Earth, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life (SETI). You cannot receive credit for this course and for ASTR UN1403 or ASTR UN1453. Can be paired with the optional Lab class ASTR UN1903

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: ASTR BC1753
ASTR 1753	001/00430	T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm 408 Zankel	Nicholas Luber	3.00	142/140
Fall 2025: ASTR BC1753
Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
ASTR 1753	001/00877	T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm Ll003 Barnard Hall	Nicholas Luber	3.00	0/60

ASTR BC1754 Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology. 3 points.

BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).

Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: A working knowledge of high school algebra.
Corequisites: Suggested parallel laboratory course: ASTR C 1904y.

Examines the properties of stars, star formation, stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis, the Milky Way and other galaxies, and the cosmological origin and evolution of the universe. Students may not receive credit for both ASTR BC 1754 and ASTR C1404.

ASTR UN1234 UNIVERSAL TIMEKEEPER. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: high school algebra and latent curiosity are assumed.

The goal of the course is to illustrate — and perhaps even inculcate — quantitative and scientific reasoning skills. The subject material employed in this task is the study of atoms and their nuclei which, through a wide variety of physical and chemical techniques, can be used to reconstruct quantitatively the past. Following an introduction to atoms, light, and energy, we will explore topics including the detection of art forgeries, the precise dating of archeological sites, a reconstruction of the development of agriculture and the history of the human diet, the history of past climate (and its implications for the future), the history and age of the Earth, and the history of the Universe. The course has no required text. Readings of relevant articles and use of on-line simulations will be required.

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: ASTR UN1234
ASTR 1234	001/14272	M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm 402 Chandler	David Helfand	3.00	43/80
ASTR 1234	AU1/18497	M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm Othr Other	David Helfand	3.00	6/6
Fall 2025: ASTR UN1234
Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
ASTR 1234	001/12551	M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm Room TBA	David Helfand	3.00	0/60

ASTR UN1403 EARTH, MOON, AND PLANETS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: recommended preparation: a working knowledge of high school algebra.
Prerequisites: recommended preparation: a working knowledge of high school algebra. The overall architecture of the solar system. Motions of the celestial sphere. Time and the calendar. Major planets, the earth-moon system, minor planets, comets. Life in the solar system and beyond. This course is similar to ASTR BC 1753. You cannot enroll in both courses and receive credit for both

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: ASTR UN1403
ASTR 1403	001/13122	T Th 1:10pm - 2:25pm Room TBA	James Applegate	3.00	0/75

ASTR UN1404 STARS, GALAXIES ＆ COSMOLOGY. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Distances to, and fundamental properties of, nearby stars; nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution; novae and supernovae; galaxies; the structure of the universe and theories concerning its origin, evolution, and ultimate fate. You can only receive credit for ASTR UN1404 if you have not taken ASTR BC1754, ASTR UN1420 or ASTR UN1836

ASTR UN1420 Galaxies and Cosmology. 3 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Galaxies contain stars, gas dust, and (usually) super-massive black holes. They are found throughout the Universe, traveling through space and occasionally crashing into each other. This course will look at how these magnificent systems form and evolve, and what they can tell us about the formation and evolution of the Universe itself. You cannot enroll in ASTR UN1420 in addition to ASTR BC1754 or ASTR UN1404 and receive credit for both.

ASTR UN1453 ANOTHER EARTH. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement
This course cannot be taken for credit if BC1753 has been taken.

This course will explore the unique properties of Earth, compared to other planets in the Solar System, and the possibility of Earth-like planets around other stars. The basics of the Solar System, gravity, and light will be covered, as well as the geology and atmospheres of the terrestrial planets. The properties of Earth that allowed life to develop and whether life can develop on other planets will be discussed. Finally, the discovery of planets beyond our Solar System and the likelihood of another Earth will be a key component of the course

ASTR UN1610 THEOR-UNIVERS:BABYLON-BIG BANG. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Milestones in the science of cosmology over the past 6000 years. Skylore and observation in ancient cultures. The twin revolutions of the Greeks: Pythagoras and Ptolemy; and Aristotle, Aquinas, and the Great Chain of Being. The scientific revolution: the impersonal and deterministic world-order of Newton, Laplace, and Kelvin. The erosion of that world-order by mathematics and experiment in the 20th century (relativity, quantum physics, dark matter, and the expanding universe). Todays searches for a new grand order in the Universe, which can cope - or maybe not - with these blows to yesterdays comfortable wisdom

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: ASTR UN1610
ASTR 1610	001/12552	M W 1:10pm - 2:25pm Room TBA	Frederik Paerels	3.00	0/60

ASTR UN1836 STARS AND ATOMS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: recommended preparation: a working knowledge of high school algebra.
Prerequisites: recommended preparation: a working knowledge of high school algebra. What is the origin of the chemical elements? This course addresses this question, starting from understanding atoms, and then going on to look at how how atoms make stars and how stars make atoms. The grand finale is a history of the evolution of the chemical elements throughout time, starting from the Big Bang and ending with YOU. You cannot enroll in ASTR UN1836 in addition to ASTR BC1754 or ASTR UN1404 and receive credit for both

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: ASTR UN1836
ASTR 1836	001/14275	T Th 1:10pm - 2:25pm 702 Hamilton Hall	James Applegate	3.00	50/80

ASTR UN1903 ASTRONOMY LAB I. 1.00 point.

Laboratory for ASTR UN1403. Projects include observations with the departments telescopes, computer simulation, laboratory experiments in spectroscopy, and the analysis of astronomical data. Lab 1 ASTR UN1903 - goes with ASTR BC1753, ASTR UN1403 or ASTR UN1453

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: ASTR UN1903
ASTR 1903	001/11204	M 6:00pm - 9:00pm 1402 Pupin Laboratories	Greg Bryan, Stephen Coffey	1.00	20/20
ASTR 1903	002/11205	T 7:00pm - 10:00pm 1402 Pupin Laboratories	Greg Bryan, Justin Vega	1.00	19/20
Fall 2025: ASTR UN1903
Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
ASTR 1903	001/12553	M 6:00pm - 9:00pm Room TBA		1.00	0/10
ASTR 1903	002/12554	T 7:00pm - 10:00pm Room TBA		1.00	0/10

ASTR UN1904 ASTRONOMY LAB II. 1.00 point.

Laboratory for ASTR UN1404. Projects include use of telescopes, laboratory experiments in the nature of light, spectroscopy, and the analysis of astronomical data. Lab 2 ASTR UN1904 - goes with ASTR BC1754 or ASTR UN1404 (or ASTR UN1836 or ASTR UN1420)

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: ASTR UN1904
ASTR 1904	001/11206	W 6:00pm - 9:00pm 1402 Pupin Laboratories	Fred Angelo Garcia, Greg Bryan	1.00	8/14
Fall 2025: ASTR UN1904
Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
ASTR 1904	001/13123	W 6:00pm - 9:00pm Room TBA		1.00	0/10

ASTR UN2001 INTRO TO ASTROPHYSICS I. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: a working knowledge of calculus. Corequisites: a course in calculus-based general physics. First term of a two-term calculus-based introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. Topics include the physics of stellar interiors, stellar atmospheres and spectral classifications, stellar energy generation and nucleosynthesis, supernovae, neutron stars, white dwarfs, and interacting binary stars

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: ASTR UN2001
ASTR 2001	001/12555	M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm Room TBA	Jane Huang	3.00	0/30

ASTR UN2002 INTRO TO ASTROPHYSICS II. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: a working knowledge of calculus.
Prerequisites: a working knowledge of calculus. Corequisites: the second term of a course in calculus-based general physics. Continuation of ASTR UN2001; these two courses constitute a full year of calculus-based introduction to astrophysics. Topics include the structure of our galaxy, the interstellar medium, star clusters, properties of external galaxies, clusters of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and cosmology

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: ASTR UN2002
ASTR 2002	001/14277	M W 1:10pm - 2:25pm 602 Northwest Corner	Frederik Paerels	3.00	28/30

ASTR UN2900 FRONTIERS OF ASTROPHYSICS. 1.00 point.

Several members of the faculty each offer a brief series of talks providing context for a current research topic in the field and then present results of their ongoing research. Opportunities for future student research collaboration are offered. Grading is Pass/Fail

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: ASTR UN2900
ASTR 2900	001/12556	F 10:10am - 11:25am Room TBA	Lorenzo Sironi	1.00	0/30

ASTR UN3101 MODERN STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics.

Introductory astronomy is not required, but some exposure to astronomy is preferable. In the first half of the course, we will examine the physics of stellar interiors in detail, leading us to develop models of stellar structure and consider how stars evolve. In the second half of the course, we will discuss special topics, such as pre-main sequence evolution, the late stages of stellar evolution, and supernovae and compact objects.

ASTR UN3102 Planetary Dynamics and Physics of the Solar System. 3 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

The physics and astrophysics of planets, comets, asteroids, natural and artificial satellites, and pretty much anything in the Solar System - including the Sun. Detailed study of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans: circulations, climate, and weather. Orbital dynamics. The emerging science of extrasolar planets. The origin, evolution, and eventual fate of planets.

ASTR UN3103 GALAXIES. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics.
Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics. Galaxies fill the universe with structure. They are bound objects that harbor stars, gas, dust and dark matter. This course will discuss the content and structure of galaxies. It will start with the Milky Way, a rotating spiral galaxy, with a particular emphasis on the properties of the interstellar medium. Dwarf galaxies, the building blocks of larger galaxies, will subsequently be discussed, followed by spiral, elliptical and irregular galaxies. The formation and evolution of these different galaxy types will be an important focus of the course, as well as the environment in which the galaxies reside. We will intersperse reviews of current papers on galaxies throughout the semester

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: ASTR UN3103
ASTR 3103	001/14281	M W 10:10am - 11:25am 602 Northwest Corner	Mary Putman	3.00	9/25
ASTR 3103	AU1/18498	M W 10:10am - 11:25am Othr Other	Mary Putman	3.00	3/3

ASTR UN3105 EXOPLANETS AND ASTROBIOLOGY. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: One year of calculus-based physics.

The emerging field of extrasolar planets and astrobiology will be covered at a quantitative level, with a major emphasis on astrophysical phenomenae and techniques. The subject will be introduced through an investigation of current planetary formation theories and approaches to planet detection, including what we currently know about extrasolar planets and detailed reference to state-of-the-art studies. An astronomer's view of the origin of life and extreme biology will be developed and applied to questions of cosmo-chemistry, observable life-signatures, habitable zones and other astrophysical constraints on the development of organisms.

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: ASTR UN3105
ASTR 3105	001/14283	T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm 307 Uris Hall	Jane Huang	3.00	10/30

ASTR UN3106 The Science of Space Exploration. 3 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: one semester course in introductory astronomy or astrophysics (e.g., ASTR W1403, ASTR W1404, ASTR W1420, ASTR W1836, ASTR W2001, ASTR W2002, ASTR BC1753, and ASTR BC1754). Ability in mathematics up to and including calculus is strongly urged.

How and why do humans explore space? Why does it require such extraordinary effort? What have we found by exploring our Solar System? We investigate the physics and biological basis of space exploration, and the technologies and science issues that determine what we can accomplish. What has been accomplished in the past, what is being explored now, and what can we expect in the future? How do space scientists explore the Solar System and answer science questions in practice? What do we know about solar systems beyond our own?

ASTR UN3273 HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics. No previous,\nastronomy background required.

A survey of the most energetic and explosive objects in the Universe and their radiation. Topics include: techniques of X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy; observations of neutron stars (pulsars) and black holes; accretion disks and relativistic jets; supernovae, supernova remnants, gamma-ray bursts, quasars and active galactic nuclei; clusters of galaxies; cosmic rays and neutrinos.

ASTR UN3602 PHYSICAL COSMOLOGY. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics.
Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics. The standard hot big bang cosmological model and modern observational results that test it. Topics include the Friedmann equations and the expansion of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, inflation, primordial nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background, the formation of large-scale cosmic structures, and modern cosmological observations

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: ASTR UN3602
ASTR 3602	001/12557	T Th 10:10am - 11:25am Room TBA	Greg Bryan	3.00	0/30

ASTR UN3646 OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: one year of general astronomy.
Prerequisites: one year of general astronomy Introduction to the basic techniques used in obtaining and analyzing astronomical data. Focus on ground-based methods at optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths. Regular use of the telescope facilities atop the roof of the Pupin Labs and at Harriman Observatory. The radio-astronomy portion consists mostly of computer labs, In research projects, students also work on the analysis of data obtained at National Observatories

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: ASTR UN3646
ASTR 3646	001/14285	Th 7:00pm - 9:30pm 1402 Pupin Laboratories	David Schiminovich	3.00	20/20

ASTR UN3985 Statistics and the Universe (Seminar). 3 points.

Essential statistical methods will be applied in a series of case studies and research projects taken from the latest advances in cosmology, astronomy and physics. Statistics of measurement and detection, fundamentals of hypothesis testing, classifications, data modeling, time-series analysis, correlation and clustering will be explored through hands-on investigation using data from recent experiments and surveys.

ASTR UN3996 Current Research in Astrophysics. 1 point.

Prerequisites: two semesters of astronomy classes and two semesters of physics classes.

The goal of this course is to introduce astronomy and astrophysics majors to the methods and topics of current astronomical research. The course will also help with the development of critical thinking skills. Each week, the topic of the course will be centered on the subject of the Astronomy department colloquium; this may include research on planets, stars, galaxies or cosmology. There will be two required meetings per week: the first will be to discuss papers related to the colloquium (time TBD), and the second will be the colloquium itself (at 4:15 pm each Wednesday). Grading is Pass/Fail.

ASTR GU4302 General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology. 3 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Einstein's General Theory of Relativity replaced Newtonian gravity with an elegant theory of curved spacetime. Einstein's theory led to unforseen and unnerving predictions of singularities and cosmological instabilities. Nearly a century later, these mathematical oddities have been confirmed astrophysically in the existence of black holes, an expanding universe, and a big bang. The course will cover Einstein's General Theory, beginning with special relativity, with an emphasis on black holes and the big bang.

Physics Courses

PHYS BC2001 MECHANICS - LECTURE LAB. 4.50 points.

Corequisites: Calculus I or the equivalent Fundamental laws of mechanics. Kinematics, Newtons laws, work and energy, conservation laws, collisions, rotational motion, oscillations, gravitation. PLEASE NOTE: Students who take PHYS BC2001 may not get credit for PHYS BC2009 or PHYS BC2010

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: PHYS BC2001
PHYS 2001	001/00082	T Th 10:10am - 11:25am Ll002 Milstein Center		4.50	0/80

PHYS BC2002 ELECTRICITY＆MAGNETISM-LEC LAB. 4.50 points.

Charge, electric field, and potential. Gausss law. Circuits: capacitors and resistors. Magnetism and electromagnetism. Induction and inductance. Alternating currents. Maxwells equations. This is a calculus-based class. Familiarity with derivatives and integrals is needed. PLEASE NOTE: Students who take PHYS BC2002 may not get credit for PHYS BC2019 or PHYS BC2020

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS BC2002
PHYS 2002	001/00431	T Th 10:10am - 11:25am 304 Barnard Hall	Stiliana Savin, Paul Sutter	4.50	45/75

PHYS BC3001 CLASSICAL WAVES - LECTURE LAB. 5.00 points.

Prerequisites: Physics BC2002 or the equivalent. Corequisites: Calculus III. Nonlinear pendula, transverse vibrations-elastic strings, longitudinal sound waves, seismic waves, electromagnetic oscillations - light, rainbows, haloes, the Green Flash; polarization phenomena - Haidingers Brush, Brewsters angle, double refraction, optical activity; gravity - capillary waves; interference, diffraction, lenses - mirrors. PLEASE NOTE: Students who take PHYS BC3001 may not receive credit for PHYS BC3010

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: PHYS BC3001
PHYS 3001	001/00767	T Th 10:00am - 11:30am Room TBA	Timothy Halpin-Healy	5.00	0/20
PHYS 3001	001/00767	W 4:00pm - 8:00pm Room TBA	Timothy Halpin-Healy	5.00	0/20

PHYS BC3006 QUANTUM PHYSICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BC3001 or C2601 or the equivalent. Wave-particle duality and the Uncertainty Principle. The Schrodinger equation. Basic principles of the quantum theory. Energy levels in one-dimensional potential wells. The harmonic oscillator, photons, and phonons. Reflection and transmission by one-dimensional potential barriers. Applications to atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS BC3006
PHYS 3006	001/00434	T Th 10:10am - 11:25am 140 Horace Mann Hall	Reshmi Mukherjee	3.00	15/20

PHYS BC3082 Advanced Physics Laboratory. 1.5 point.

Barnard College physics laboratory has available a variety of experiments meant to complement 3000-level lecture courses. Each experiment requires substantial preparation, as well as written and oral presentations. Elementary particle experiments: detectors, cosmic ray triggers, muon lifetime.

PHYS BC3086 QUANTUM PHYSICS LABORATORY. 3.00 points.

Experiments illustrating phenomenological aspects of the early quantum theory: (i) Hydrogenic Spectra: Balmer Series - Bohr-Sommerfeld Model; (ii) Photoelectric Effect: Millikans Determination of h/e; (iii) Franck-Hertz Experiment; and (iv) Electron Diffraction Phenomena. Substantial preparation required, including written and oral presentations, as well as an interest in developing the knack and intuition of an experimental physicist. This course is best taken concurrently with PHYS BC3006 Quantum Physics

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS BC3086
PHYS 3086	001/00435	W 4:00pm - 8:00pm Room TBA	Reshmi Mukherjee	3.00	12/12

PHYS BC3088 ADV ELECTROMAGNETISM LAB. 3.00 points.

Classical electromagnetic wave phenomena via Maxwells equations, including: (i) Michaelson and Fabry-Perot Interferometry, as well as a thin-film interference and elementary dispersion theory; (ii) Fraunhofer Diffraction (and a bit of Fresnel); (iii) Wireless Telegraphy I: AM Radio Receivers; and (iv) Wireless Telegraphy II: AM Transmitters. Last two labs pay homage to relevant scientific developments in the period 1875-1925, from the discovery of Hertzian waves to the Golden Age of Radio. Complements PHYS W3008 Electromagnetic Waves and Optics

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS BC3088
PHYS 3088	001/00438	F 10:30am - 12:00pm 203 Diana Center	Stiliana Savin	3.00	5/12

PHYS BC3900 SUPERVISED INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH. 1.00-5.00 points.

Prerequisites: Permission of the departmental representative required. For specially selected students, the opportunity to do a research problem in contemporary physics under the supervision of a faculty member. Each year several juniors are chosen in the spring to carry out such a project beginning in the autumn term. A detailed report on the research is presented by the student when the project is complete

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS BC3900
PHYS 3900	001/00437		Timothy Halpin-Healy	1.00-5.00	6/5
Fall 2025: PHYS BC3900
Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
PHYS 3900	001/00769		Timothy Halpin-Healy	1.00-5.00	0/5

PHYS UN1001 PHYSICS FOR POETS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: high school algebra.
Prerequisites: high school algebra. This course does not fulfill the physics requirement for admission to medical school. No previous background in physics is expected. An introduction to physics taught through the exploration of the scientific method, and the application of physical principles to a wide range of topics from quantum mechanics to cosmology

PHYS UN1201 GENERAL PHYSICS I. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: some basic background in calculus or be concurrently taking MATH V1101x Calculus I.
Prerequisites: some basic background in calculus or be concurrently taking MATH UN1101 Calculus I. The accompanying laboratory is PHYS UN1291-UN1292 The course will use elementary concepts from calculus. The accompanying laboratory is PHYS UN1291 - UN1292. Basic introduction to the study of mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, special relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS UN1201
PHYS 1201	001/13441	M W 4:10pm - 5:25pm 428 Pupin Laboratories	Gabriel Perez-Giz	3.00	127/145
Fall 2025: PHYS UN1201
Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
PHYS 1201	001/13036	M W 11:40am - 12:55pm Room TBA	P. Michael Tuts	3.00	0/130
PHYS 1201	002/13037	T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm Room TBA	Jeremy Dodd	3.00	0/130
PHYS 1201	003/13038			3.00	0/130

PHYS UN1202 GENERAL PHYSICS II. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: PHYS W1201, and some background in calculus or be concurrently taking MATH V1101x Calculus I.
Prerequisites: This course will use elementary concepts from calculus. Students should therefore have had some high school calculus, or be concurrently enrolled in MATH UN1101. Taken with accompanying lab PHYS UN1291- PHYS UN1292, the sequence PHYS UN1201- PHYS UN1202 satisfies requirements for medical school. Electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS UN1202
PHYS 1202	001/13442	M W 11:40am - 12:55pm 301 Pupin Laboratories	P. Michael Tuts	3.00	173/170
PHYS 1202	003/13443	T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm 301 Pupin Laboratories	Jeremy Dodd	3.00	138/170

PHYS UN1291 GENERAL PHYSICS I LAB. 1.00 point.

Same course as PHYS W1291x, but given off-sequence.

Corequisites: PHYS UN1201
Corequisites: PHYS UN1201 This course is the laboratory for the corequisite lecture course and can be taken only during the same term as the corresponding lecture

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS UN1291
PHYS 1291	001/13628	M 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	15/15
PHYS 1291	002/13629	M 7:30pm - 10:30pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	10/15
PHYS 1291	003/13631	T 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri, Rebecca Grossman	1.00	14/15
PHYS 1291	004/13632	T 4:10pm - 7:10pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	10/15
PHYS 1291	005/13634	W 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri, Rebecca Grossman	1.00	15/15
PHYS 1291	006/13635	W 7:30pm - 10:30pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	10/15
PHYS 1291	007/13636	Th 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	13/15
PHYS 1291	008/13637	Th 4:10pm - 7:10pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	11/15
Fall 2025: PHYS UN1291
Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
PHYS 1291	001/13360	M 1:00pm - 4:00pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	002/13361	M 1:00pm - 4:00pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	003/13362	M 4:10pm - 7:10pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	004/13363	M 4:10pm - 7:10pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	005/13364	M 7:30pm - 10:30pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	007/13366	T 1:00pm - 4:00pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	008/13368	T 1:00pm - 4:00pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	009/13369	T 4:10pm - 7:10pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	010/13370	T 4:10pm - 7:10pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	011/13372	T 7:30pm - 10:30pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	013/13374	W 1:00pm - 4:00pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	014/13375	W 1:00pm - 4:00pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	015/13376	W 4:10pm - 7:10pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	016/13377	W 4:10pm - 7:10pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	017/13378	W 7:30pm - 10:30pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	019/13379	Th 1:00pm - 4:00pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	021/13380	Th 4:10pm - 7:10pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	023/13381	Th 7:30pm - 10:30pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	025/13382	F 1:00pm - 4:00pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15
PHYS 1291	026/13383	F 1:00pm - 4:00pm Room TBA	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	0/15

PHYS UN1292 GENERAL PHYSICS II LABORATORY. 1.00 point.

Corequisites: PHYS UN1201,PHYS UN1202
Corequisites: PHYS UN1201,PHYS UN1202 This course is the laboratory for the corequisite lecture course (PHYS UN1201 - PHYS UN1202) and can be taken only during the same term as the corresponding lecture

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS UN1292
PHYS 1292	001/13650	M 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	14/15
PHYS 1292	002/13652	M 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	14/15
PHYS 1292	003/13653	M 4:10pm - 7:10pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	12/15
PHYS 1292	004/13655	M 4:10pm - 7:10pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	12/15
PHYS 1292	005/13656	M 7:30pm - 10:30pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	14/15
PHYS 1292	007/13657	T 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	15/15
PHYS 1292	009/13659	T 4:10pm - 7:10pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	15/15
PHYS 1292	010/13660	T 4:10pm - 7:10pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	12/15
PHYS 1292	011/13661	T 7:30pm - 10:30pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	12/15
PHYS 1292	013/13663	W 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	15/15
PHYS 1292	014/13664	W 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	13/15
PHYS 1292	015/13666	W 4:10pm - 7:10pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	14/15
PHYS 1292	016/13668	W 4:10pm - 7:10pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	13/15
PHYS 1292	017/13669	W 7:30pm - 10:30pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	14/15
PHYS 1292	018/13670	Th 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	13/15
PHYS 1292	020/13673	Th 4:10pm - 7:10pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	15/15
PHYS 1292	022/13674	Th 7:30pm - 10:30pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	14/15
PHYS 1292	025/13675	F 1:00pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	Giuseppina Cambareri	1.00	12/15

PHYS UN1401 INTRO TO MECHANICS ＆ THERMO. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Corequisites: MATH UN1101
Corequisites: MATH UN1101 Fundamental laws of mechanics, kinematics and dynamics, work and energy, rotational dynamics, oscillations, gravitation, fluids, temperature and heat, gas laws, the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Corequisite: MATH UN1101 or the equivalent

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: PHYS UN1401
PHYS 1401	001/13039	M W 10:10am - 11:25am Room TBA	Eric Raymer	3.00	0/130
PHYS 1401	002/13040	M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm Room TBA	Eric Raymer	3.00	0/130
PHYS 1401	003/13041	T Th 10:10am - 11:25am Room TBA	Emlyn Hughes	3.00	0/130

PHYS UN1402 INTRO ELEC/MAGNETSM ＆ OPTCS. 3.00 points.

CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement

Prerequisites: PHYS UN1401 PHYS W1401.
Corequisites: MATH UN1102
Prerequisites: PHYS W1401. Corequisites: MATH V1102 or the equivalent. Electric fields, direct currents, magnetic fields, alternating currents, electromagnetic waves, polarization, geometrical optics, interference, and diffraction

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS UN1402
PHYS 1402	001/13444	M W 10:10am - 11:25am 301 Pupin Laboratories	Georgia Karagiorgi	3.00	123/140
PHYS 1402	002/13445	M W 1:10pm - 2:25pm 301 Pupin Laboratories	Eric Raymer	3.00	139/140
PHYS 1402	003/13446	T Th 10:10am - 11:25am 301 Pupin Laboratories	Massimiliano Riva	3.00	125/130

PHYS UN2801 ACCELERATED PHYSICS I. 4.50 points.

Prerequisites: Advanced Placement in physics and mathematics, or the equivalent, and the instructor's permission. (A special placement meeting is held during Orientation.)
Prerequisites: Advanced Placement in physics and mathematics, or the equivalent, and the instructor's permission. (A special placement meeting is held during Orientation.) This accelerated two-semester sequence covers the subject matter of PHYS UN1601, PHYS UN1602 and PHYS UN2601, and is intended for those students who have an exceptionally strong background in both physics and mathematics. The course is preparatory for advanced work in physics and related fields. There is no accompanying laboratory; however, students are encouraged to take the intermediate laboratory, PHYS UN3081, in the following year

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: PHYS UN2801
PHYS 2801	001/13045	T Th 10:10am - 12:00pm Room TBA	Yury Levin	4.50	0/70

PHYS UN2802 ACCELERATED PHYSICS II. 4.50 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS UN2801 PHYS W2801.
Prerequisites: PHYS UN2801 This accelerated two-semester sequence covers the subject matter of PHYS UN1601, PHYS UN1602 and PHYS UN2601, and is intended for those students who have an exceptionally strong background in both physics and mathematics. The course is preparatory for advanced work in physics and related fields. There is no accompanying laboratory; however, students are encouraged to take the intermediate laboratory, PHYS UN3081, in the following year

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS UN2802
PHYS 2802	001/13448	T Th 10:10am - 12:00pm 329 Pupin Laboratories	Yury Levin	4.50	27/50
PHYS 2802	AU1/20727	T Th 10:10am - 12:00pm Othr Other	Yury Levin	4.50	1/10

PHYS UN3003 MECHANICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: general physics, and differential and integral calculus.
Prerequisites: general physics, and differential and integral calculus. Newtonian mechanics, oscillations and resonance, conservative forces and potential energy, central forces, non-inertial frames of reference, rigid body motion, an introduction to Lagranges formulation of mechanics, coupled oscillators, and normal modes

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS UN3003
PHYS 3003	001/13449	T Th 1:10pm - 2:25pm 329 Pupin Laboratories	Cory Dean	3.00	67/75

PHYS UN3007 ELECTRICITY-MAGNETISM. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: general physics, and differential and integral calculus.
Prerequisites: general physics, and differential and integral calculus. Electrostatics and magnetostatics, Laplace's equation and boundary-value problems, multipole expansions, dielectric and magnetic materials, Faraday's law, AC circuits, Maxwell's equations, Lorentz covariance, and special relativity

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: PHYS UN3007
PHYS 3007	001/13046	M W 10:10am - 11:25am Room TBA	Alberto Nicolis	3.00	0/70

PHYS UN3008 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES ＆ OPTICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS UN3008 PHYS W3007.
Prerequisites: PHYS UN3008 Maxwells equations and electromagnetic potentials, the wave equation, propagation of plane waves, reflection and refraction, geometrical optics, transmission lines, wave guides, resonant cavities, radiation, interference of waves, and diffraction

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS UN3008
PHYS 3008	001/13450	M W 10:10am - 11:25am 329 Pupin Laboratories	William Zajc	3.00	66/75

PHYS UN3083 ELECTRONICS LABORATORY. 3.00 points.

Enrollment limited to the capacity of the laboratory.

Prerequisites: PHYS UN3003 or PHYS UN3007 PHYS W3003 or W3007. May be taken before or concurrently with this course.
Prerequisites: PHYS UN3003 or PHYS UN3007 May be taken before or concurrently with this course. A sequence of experiments in solid-state electronics, with introductory lectures

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS UN3083
PHYS 3083	001/13452	M W 1:10pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	John Parsons	3.00	13/14
Fall 2025: PHYS UN3083
Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
PHYS 3083	001/13051	M W 1:10pm - 4:00pm 5th Flr Pupin Laboratories	John Parsons	3.00	0/14

PHYS GU4003 ADVANCED MECHANICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: differential and integral calculus, differential equations, and PHYS W3003 or the equivalent.
Prerequisites: differential and integral calculus, differential equations, and PHYS UN3003 or the equivalent. Lagranges formulation of mechanics, calculus of variations and the Action Principle, Hamiltons formulation of mechanics, rigid body motion, Euler angles, continuum mechanics, introduction to chaotic dynamics

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS GU4003
PHYS 4003	001/13455	T Th 1:10pm - 2:25pm 420 Pupin Laboratories	Brian Cole	3.00	27/50

PHYS GU4021 QUANTUM MECHANICS I. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS UN3003 and PHYS UN3007 W3003, W3007, BC3006.
Prerequisites: PHYS UN3003 and PHYS UN3007 Formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of state vectors and linear operators. Three dimensional spherically symmetric potentials. The theory of angular momentum and spin. Identical particles and the exclusion principle. Methods of approximation. Multi-electron atoms

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: PHYS GU4021
PHYS 4021	001/13055	M W 11:40am - 12:55pm Room TBA	Alfred Mueller, Giuseppina Cambareri	3.00	0/70

PHYS GU4022 QUANTUM MECHANICS II. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS GU4021. Formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of state vectors and linear operators, three-dimensional spherically symmetric potentials, the theory of angular momentum and spin, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, scattering theory, and identical particles. Selected phenomena from atomic physics, nuclear physics, and elementary particle physics are described and then interpreted using quantum mechanical models

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Spring 2025: PHYS GU4022
PHYS 4022	001/13457	M W 11:40am - 12:55pm 329 Pupin Laboratories	Alfred Mueller, Giuseppina Cambareri	3.00	69/70

PHYS GU4023 THERMAL ＆ STATISTICAL PHYSICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: PHYS GU4021 PHYS W4021 or the equivalent.
Prerequisites: PHYS GU4021 or the equivalent. Thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and methods of statistical mechanics; energy and entropy; Boltzmann, Fermi, and Bose distributions; ideal and real gases; blackbody radiation; chemical equilibrium; phase transitions; ferromagnetism

Course Number	Section/Call Number	Times/Location	Instructor	Points	Enrollment
Fall 2025: PHYS GU4023
PHYS 4023	001/13056	M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm Room TBA	Tanya Zelevinsky	3.00	0/50

Cross-Listed Courses

Physics

PHYS UN3002 From Quarks To the Cosmos: Applications of Modern Physics. 3.5 points.

This course reinforces basic ideas of modern physics through applications to nuclear physics, high energy physics, astrophysics and cosmology. The ongoing Columbia research programs in these fields are used as practical examples. The course is preparatory for advanced work in physics and related fields.