Dissertation research by the candidate for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.

Research conducted off-site by the candidate for an appropriate topic as arranged between the student, the RIT advisor, and the off-site research mentor.

Continuation of Thesis

This seminar will assist students in their preparation for the Physics Comprehensive Oral Exam (CORE) required at the end of the course by presenting a unified as opposed to topical approach to physics. Physics majors must pass this course before going on to 300-level Physics courses.

This is a course on a topic that is not part of the formal curriculum. This course is structured as an ordinary course and has specific prerequisites, contact hours, and examination procedures.

This course is a study of the concepts and mathematical structure of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Topics for the course include wave functions and the Schrodinger equation, solutions to the one-dimensional and three-dimensional time-independent Schrodinger equation, stationary states and their superposition to produce time-dependent states, quantum-mechanical operators, commutators, and uncertainty principles, solutions to general central potential problems and the hydrogen atom, and the quantum theory of angular momentum.

This course is a continued study of the concepts and mathematical structure of quantum mechanics presented in Quantum Mechanics (PHYS-414), with an emphasis on applications to real physical systems. Topics covered include the quantum theory of spin, effect of magnetic fields on spin-1/2 particles, many-particle systems, variational principle, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, absorption and emission of radiation by atoms, quantum theory of scattering, and interpretations and paradoxes of quantum mechanics.

This course is a preparation for the two-semester physics capstone project to be carried out in the following year. It includes selection of a project and faculty mentor, preparation of a feasibility study, preparation of a paper, and a public oral presentation.

In collaboration with faculty mentor(s), students will carry out the first phase of an experimental, theoretical, or computational physics research project, will prepare an interim paper, and will present a short talk on their progress to physics faculty and students. The projects are those planned during the capstone preparatory course taken during the prior Spring semester.

In collaboration with faculty mentor(s), students will carry out the final phase of an experimental, theoretical, or computational physics research project, will prepare a written paper and present an oral report on their progress to physics faculty and students. The projects are those planned during the capstone preparatory course taken during the prior Spring semester and commenced during the prior Fall semester.

This course is the first in a two-semester sequence intended to familiarize students with research activities, practices, and ethics in university, government, industry, and other professional research environments and to introduce students to research tools and skill sets important in various professional environments. As part of the course, students are expected to attend research seminars sponsored by the School of Physics and Astronomy and participate in regular journal club offerings. The course also provides training in scientific writing and presentation skills. Credits earned in this course apply to research requirements.