Melvin Irizarry-Gelpi

Some bears like their porridge very hot. Others like their porridge very cold. And then there are certain bears that like their porridge to have a temperature that is just right. What is temperature, anyway? In this course, we will not be cooking any porridge but will provide an introduction to thermal physics. Topics will include: thermodynamics (energy, temperature, work, heat, ideal gases); statistical mechanics (entropy, partition functions, distributions, chemical potential, non-ideal gases, bosonic gas, fermionic gas); and applications from physics, chemistry, and engineering (engines, refrigerators, Bose-Einstein condensates, maybe black holes). Previous experience with introductory physics (velocity, forces, energy) and chemistry is helpful but not required.

This course, which will provide an introduction to both classical and quantum waves, is a required prerequisite course for those interested in pursuing the Columbia Combined Plan program in applied mathematics, applied physics, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and materials science and engineering. Topics will include: classical waves and the wave equation, oscillations and normal modes, Fourier series and Fourier transforms; quantum waves and the Schrödinger equation; topics from quantum physics, including quantization of energy levels and reflection and transmission off barriers; and various applications of waves corresponding to student interests.

This course covers electromagnetism and optics. Emphasis will be placed on scientific skills, including problem-solving, development of physical intuition, scientific communication, use of technology, and development and execution of experiments. Seminars will incorporate discussion, exploratory, and problem-solving activities. In addition, the class will meet weekly to conduct laboratory work.

This course covers introductory classical mechanics, including dynamics, kinematics, momentum, energy, and gravity. Students considering careers in architecture or the health sciences, as well as those interested in physics for physics’ sake, should take either this course or Classical Mechanics. Emphasis will be placed on scientific skills, including problem-solving, development of physical intuition, scientific communication, use of technology, and development and execution of experiments. Seminars will incorporate discussion, exploratory activities, and problem-solving activities. In addition, the class will meet weekly to conduct laboratory work. A background in calculus is not required.

There are three kinds of people: those who understand quantum mechanics; those who do not understand quantum mechanics; and those who both simultaneously understand and do not understand quantum mechanics. This course will provide an introduction to the theoretical foundations of quantum mechanics. Topics will include: the classical physics paradigm, quantum state vectors, quantum operators and observables, commutator relations, the Schrödinger equation and time-evolution, the quantum harmonic potential, the quantum Coulomb potential and the hydrogen atom, angular momentum and spin, and the Feynman path integral formalism. No cats will be harmed. Familiarity with introductory physics, complex numbers, vectors, dot and cross products, and matrices is useful but not required.