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Special Topics in Physics

Course #: PHYSIC 397

Description:
This is a 300 level special topics theory class in Physics. Course content and credits vary according to topic and will be announced prior to registration. Several topics may be offered each semester.

Pre Requisites:

Offered in:

2026 Spring

Section Class Number Schedule/Time Instructor Location
01 7147 TuTh
4:00 - 5:15 pm
Fuchs,Christopher Wheatley-Peters W02-0126
Session: Regular
Class Dates: 01/26/2026 - 05/13/2026
Capacity: 20
Enrolled: 14
Status: Open
Credits: 1/3
Class Notes: This year marks the 100th anniversary of one of humankind’s greatest discoveries: the theory of quantum mechanics. This course will be about what the theory is, the excitement and adventure of its discovery, the personalities that found it (their eccentricities, their foibles, their genius), and the mysteries the theory still leaves us with. Niels Bohr, one of the founders of quantum theory, is reported to have said, "If you do not get dizzy sometimes when you think about these things, then you have not really understood it." In this course, I will do my best to make you dizzy! There are no prerequisites, but the course is likely to be of most interest to physics, mathematics, and philosophy majors. Grading will be based on readings of biographical materials and semi-popular accounts of quantum mechanics, presentations, essays, and class participation.
Pre Requisites:
Course Attributes: