86 courses with the subject PHYS, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PHYS 0008Physics for Architects
An introduction to the classical laws of mechanics, including static equilibrium, elasticity, oscillations, and thermal physics, with emphasis on topics most relevant to students in architecture. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 0008, PHYS 0101, PHYS 0150, or PHYS 0170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 091 or 093 who complete PHYS 0008 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.
Briefly reviews Newton's laws, then introduces waves, sound, light, fluids, heat, electricity, magnetism, and circuits, with emphasis on topics most relevant to students in architecture. Illustrates physics principles using examples drawn from architecture. Students with a strong high-school physics background may take PHYS 0008 and PHYS 0009 in either order. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 0009, PHYS 0102, PHYS 0151, or PHYS 0171. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 092 or 094 who complete PHYS 0009 will surrender the AP or Transfer Credit. Fall, even numbered years only Mutually Exclusive: PHYS 0102, PHYS 0151, PHYS 0171 1 Course Unit
The developed world's dependence on fossil fuels for energy production has extremely undesirable economic, environmental, and political consequences, and is likely to be mankind's greatest challenge in the 21st century. We describe the physical principles of energy, its production and consumption, and environmental consequences, including the greenhouse effect. We will examine a number of alternative modes of energy generation - fossil fuels, biomass, wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear - and study the physical and technological aspects of each, and their societal, environmental and economic impacts over the construction and operational lifetimes. No previous study of physics is assumed.
We will explore the basic classical and quantum physics concepts, and link themto newly observed physical phenomena and technologies, as well as to brain research, in the context of tools that physicists helped bring about like the seminal magnetic resonance imaging. The course content is mostly physics, although we link it to cognitive sciences, but the main focus is on motivating and explaining the basic physical laws behind new phenomena and related technologies. Examples include wave-particle duality and its relevance for technological applications, behavior of spin particles in a magnetic field to explain magnetic resonance imaging, ion flow through ion channels and ohm's law to explain electrical signal flow in our body, and other examples within the core of physics and bridging to interdisciplinary areas of material science and devices, biology and neuroscience. As we learn about particle spins, we will talk about brain imaging studies enabled by Nobel winning physics research. We will then discuss consciousness and free will, and read original texts by Schrodinger, Einstein and other physicists, and our course discussion will be uniquely motivated by related physical phenomena and experiments, including quantum entanglement and relativity of space and time. I will explain the basic ideas behind quantum computing and information processing, and we we learn about basic quantum logicgates and Dirac's matrix formalism in quantum mechanics.
PHYS 0101General Physics: Mechanics, Heat and Sound
An introduction to the classical laws of motion, including kinematics, forces in nature, Newton's laws of motion, conservation of energy and momentum, fluid statics and dynamics, oscillations, and waves. Suggested for students in a pre-health program. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 0008, PHYS 0101, PHYS 0150, or PHYS 0170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 0101, or PHYS 0150 who complete PHYS 0101 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit. Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms Mutually Exclusive: PHYS 0008, PHYS 0150, PHYS 0170 1.5 Course Unit
This is an Academically Based Community Service Course (ABCS). The central purpose is to work in partnership with a local high school to improve physics education outcomes for their students. An immersive classroom experience will be enriched through instructional design work and grounded in a study of science education scholarship.
PHYS 0170Honors Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion
This course parallels and extends the content of PHYS 0150, at a significantly higher mathematical level. Recommended for well-prepared students in engineering and the physical sciences, and particularly for those planning to major in physics. Classical laws of motion: interaction between particles; conservation laws and symmetry principles; rigid body motion; non-inertial reference frames; oscillations. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 0008, PHYS 0101, PHYS 0150, PHYS 0170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 0101 or PHYS 0150 who complete PHYS 0170 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.
PHYS 0171Honors Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation
This course parallels and extends the content of PHYS 0151, at a somewhat higher mathematical level. Recommended for well-prepared students in engineering and the physical sciences, and particularly for those planning to major in physics. Electric and magnetic fields; Coulomb's, Ampere's, and Faraday's laws; special relativity; Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic radiation. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 0009, PHYS 0102, PHYS 0151, or PHYS 0171. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 0102 or PHYS 0151 who complete PHYS 0171 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.
PHYS 051(.5 c.u.) (For information on lab credit, see page 21.)
Psychology 7, 6 Waiver for PSYC 001 (no credit) Spanish A 7, 6 SPAN 220 (1 c.u., fulfills the Foreign Language Requirement) 5 SPAN 210 (1 c.u., fulfills the Foreign Language Requirement) Spanish B 7, 6 SPAN 210 (1 c.u., fulfills the Foreign Language Requirement) Theatre Arts 7, 6, 5 Departmental review on case-by-case basis * An internal departmental examination is also available for credit. All other Higher Level International Baccalaureate examinations will be reviewed on an individual basis. Credit is awarded for superior performance on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level exams. These policies are in effect for students entering Penn during the 2014-2015 academic year. In several instances evaluations have changed from previous years. All of these policies remain under ongoing review and are subject to change without prior notice. Scores of 4 to 1 receive no credit unless otherwise indicated. For up-to-date listings see www.admissions.upenn.edu/apply/freshman-admission/ap-ib-and-pre-college- credit#International%20Baccalaureate. “Free” indicates that students receive credit without a specific course listed on their transcript. 26 Class of 2018 Policies & Procedures
This is a gateway course in programming, data analysis, and data science in Python appropriate for all College students. The course will cover a range of topics from basic programming, data manipulation, data visualization, randomness, probability, statistics, predictions, interpreting results, and data ethics. Some advanced topics including time-series and image analysis will also be covered. No prior exposure to programming is assumed. Registration for a separate coding lab section is required.
An introduction to the experimental basis for and principles of quantum mechanics, properties of electrons, protons, neutrons, and the elements of atomic structure and nuclear structure. Electromagnetic radiation and photons; interaction of photons with electrons, atoms, and nuclei. Students are encouraged but not required to take MATH 2410 concurrently or in advance.
This course will familiarize students with computational tools that are utilized to solve common problems that arise in physics. The programming language that will be used in this class is Python. No prior programming knowledge is assumed and the semester will begin with learning basic programming skills. This course will introduce computational methods for graphing and visualization of data, solving integrals, derivatives, systems of linear equations and differential equations.
1.5 Research Report Approval by Advisor The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide 2 for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation. Sample Plan of Study Course Title Course
n PHYS 4401 Thermodynamics and Statistical 1 ent Mechanics Select 1 credit unit of a Physics Laboratory Elective with: 1 Attribute APHL (https://catalog.upenn.edu/attributes/aphl/) Select 3 course units of Computer Techniques Electives from 3 the the following courses: d CIS 1000-4999 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26
PHYS 3358Data Analysis for the Natural Sciences I: Fundamentals
This is a course on the fundamentals of data analysis and statistical inference for the natural sciences. Topics include probability distributions, linear and non-linear regression, Monte Carlo methods, frequentist and Bayesian data analysis, parameter and error estimation, Fourier analysis, power spectra, and signal and image analysis techniques. Students will obtain both the theoretical background in data analysis and also get hands-on experience analyzing real scientific data. Fall, even numbered years only 1 Course Unit
Prior programming experience. MATH 2400 AND PHYS 2260
PHYS 3359Data Analysis for the Natural Sciences II: Machine Learning
This is a course on data analysis and statistical inference for the natural sciences focused on machine learning techniques. The main topics are: Review of modern statistics, including probability distribution functions and their moments, conditional distributions and Bayes' theorem, parameter estimation, Markov chains; Fundamentals of machine learning, including training/validation samples, cross-validation, supervised vs. unsupervised learning, regularization and resampling methods, tree- based methods, support vector machines, neural networks, deep learning and image analysis with convolutional neural networks. Students will obtain both the theoretical background in data analysis and get hands-on experience analyzing real scientific data. This course forms a two-course sequence with PHYS 3358. Students must also have prior programming experience in python.
PHYS 3361Electromagnetism I: Electricity and Potential Theory
First term course in intermediate electromagnetism. Topics include electrostatics, static potential theory, multipole expansions, Laplace equation, image solutions, fields in polarized matter.
Equations, and Electromagnetic Waves 16 or PHYS 5562 Electromagnetism II: Magnetism, Maxwell's Equations, and Electromagnetic Waves Total Course Units 36 You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a 1 Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement (http:// www.college.upenn.edu/sectors-policy/).
PHYS 3370Order of magnitude Physics: the art of approximation
This course focuses on the art of estimating physical quantities. Problem solving techniques such as dimensional analysis, symmetry principles and scaling relations will be covered and applied to a range of topics including fluid mechanics, waves and sound, material properties, astrophysics, design principles of living organisms, and how to handle complexity. The course will teach tools for discarding less important aspects of a problem and for selecting the essential ones. The course is intended for undergraduate students with background in advanced first- year physics: mechanics, electromagnetism, waves and optics. 1 Course Unit
Total Course Units 8 The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation. School of Engineering and Applied
Select 1 course unit of a Physics Laboratory Elective with: Attribute APHL (https://catalog.upenn.edu/attributes/aphl/) Select 1 credit unit of an Astronomy or Physics Elective at the 3000 or 4000 Level ASTR 3000-4999 PHYS 3000-4999
In this course you will have the opportunity to do a variety of experiments, ranging from "classic experiments" such as measuring G with a torsion balance, determining the relativistic mass of the electron, and muon lifetime, to experiments studying atomic spectroscopy, NMR, Optical pumping, Mossbauer effect, nuclear energy levels, interaction of gamma rays with matter, single photon interference, and magnetic susceptibility. There are also experiments using a High-Tc superconducting tunnel junction and a PET scanner. You will learn basic statistics, become proficient in analysis using Python, acquire an understanding of systematic errors, and learn how to write a professional report. Many of the laboratories provide excellent opportunities to exercise, and expand upon, the knowledge you have gained in your physics courses.
A discussion of those concepts and techniques of classical analysis employed inphysical theories. Topics include complex analysis. Fourier series and transforms, ordinary and partial equations, Hilbert spaces, among others.
This is a graduate level, introductory course in general relativity. The basics of general relativity will be covered with a view to understanding the mathematical background, the construction of the theory, and applications to the solar system, black holes, gravitational waves and cosmology. The latter part of the course will cover some of the basic modern topics in modern cosmology, including the current cosmological model, the accelerating universe, and open questions driving current research.
Introduction to physical cosmology emphasizing recent ideas on the very early evolution of the universe. The course will introduce standard big bang cosmology, new theories of the very early universe, and the key observations that have tested and will be testing these ideas. No prior knowledge of astrophysics, cosmology, general relativity, or particle physics will be assumed, although aspects of each will be introduced as part of the course. The course is intended for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. Spring, odd numbered years only 1 Course Unit
An introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics designed for physics majors and graduate students in physics-related disciplines. The Schrodinger equation operator formalism, central field problem, angular momentum, and spin.Application to one-dimensional and central field problems.
Survey of electrodynamics, focusing on applications to research done in the Department. Topics include mathematical structure and relativistic invariance properties of Maxwell equations, tensor methods, and the generation and scattering of radiation, in vacuum and in materials. Applications vary from year to year but include optical manipulation, astrophysical phenomena, and the generalizations from Maxwell's theory to those of other fundamental interactions (strong, electroweak, and gravitational forces).
This introduction to cosmology will cover standard big bang cosmology, formation of large-scale structure, theories of the early universe and thei observational predictions, and models of dark energy. It is intended for graduate students or advanced undergraduates. No prior knowledge of general relativity or field theory will be assumed, although aspects of each will be introduced as part of the course.
An introduction to condensed matter physics designed primarily for advanced undergraduate and graduate students desiring a compact survey of the field. Band theory of solids, phonons, electrical magnetic and optical properties of matter, and superconductivity.
In this course you will have the opportunity to do a variety of experiments, ranging from "classic experiments" such as measuring G with a torsion balance, determining the relativistic mass of the electron, and muon lifetime, to experiments studying atomic spectroscopy, NMR, Optical pumping, Mossbauer effect, nuclear energy levels, interaction of gamma rays with matter, single photon interference, and magnetic susceptibility. There are also experiments using a High-Tc superconducting tunnel junction and a PET scanner. You will learn basic statistics, become proficient in analysis using Python, acquire an understanding of systematic errors, and learn how to write a professional report. Many of the laboratories provide excellent opportunities to exercise, and expand upon, the knowledge you have gained in your physics courses.
PHYS 5522Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics
An introduction to elementary particles (photons, leptons, hadrons, quarks), their interactions, and the unification of the fundamental forces. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
This is a course on the theory of the interaction of light and matter designed primarily for graduate and advanced undergraduate students to build the basic tools required to do research in astrophysics. Topics to be discussed include structure of single- and multi-electron atoms, radiative and collisional processes, spectral line formation, opacity, radiation transfer, analytical and numerical methods, and a selection of applications in astrophysics based on student research interest. Fall, even numbered years only 1 Course Unit
r Introduction to contemporary optics. Topics include propagation and guiding of light waves, interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, lasers, non-linear optics, coherent transcient phenomena, photon correlation spectroscopies and photon diffusion. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26
Graduate-level introduction to quantum theory. Topics covered include the postulates of quantum mechanics, unitary operators, time evolution and Schrodinger's equation, theory of angular momentum, density matrices, and Bell's inequalities. Other topics may include semi-classical (WKB) approximation, bound state techniques, periodic potentials and resonance phenomena.
This course aims to survey three or four topics of current research interest in cosmology, mostly at the level of review articles. The topics will be covered in greater depth and with more connections to ongoing research than an introductory cosmology course. The course will be largely accessible to first and second year graduate students. Some exposure to cosmology and general relativity will be helpful but the first two weeks will attempt to bridge that gap. The topic selection will be done in part with input from the students. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
First term course in intermediate electromagnetism. Topics include electrostatics, static potential theory, multipole expansions, Laplace equation, image solutions, fields in polarized matter.
A laboratory-intensive survey of analog and digital electronics, intended to teach students of physics or related fields enough electronics to be comfortable learning additional topics on their own from a reference such as Horowitz and Hill. Specific topics will vary from year to year from the selection of topics listed below. Analog topics may include voltage dividers, impedance, filters, operational amplifier circuits, and transistor circuits. Digital topics may include logic gates, finite-state machines, programmable logic devices, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion, and microcomputer concepts. Recommended for students planning to do experimental work in physical science. Prerequisite: Familiarity with electricity and magnetism at the level of PHYS 0102, PHYS 0141, PHYS 0151, and PHYS 0171.
PHYS 5566Machine Learning Methods in Natural Science Modeling
This is a course for PhD students in natural sciences with interests in applying latest machine learning and AI approaches to their problem domains. The course will consist of directed readings and covering available tutorials with weekly discussions. The goal is to motivate mutual self-learning through guided discussions. Weekly participation and completion of readings or other assigned materials is essential and lack of attendance will be graded. Topics to be covered will be decided after the first meeting. Prerequisites: multivariate calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and probability. Not Offered Every Year Also Offered As: BIOL 5566 1 Course Unit
PHYS 5570Physical networks: living matter to data science
Physics, engineering, and biology are rife with examples of physical, or material, networks, such as mechanical networks, resistor networks, and flow networks. In these structures, the networks are geometrically embedded, and the physical limitation of space, the position of the nodes, is an important consideration. This course provides an introduction to such systems. The course will cover the basic mathematical tools for network theory, graph theory, and the physics of flow and mechanical networks. Specific systems of great relevance to physics, engineering, and biology, such as mechanical (spring) networks, force chains in jammed packings, the cytoskeleton and other intercellular structural networks, (biological) flow networks, resistor networks, and truss systems will be discussed, as well as dynamics and optimization as applied to these structures. Since these networks are typically complex, the second part of the course will cover a broad array of data analytic techniques to characterize and quantify these structures, such as topological data analysis (TDA) and machine learning. Spring, even numbered years only 1 Course Unit
The course will explore the basic physical principles behind the structure and function of life across many length and time scales (molecule, cell, organism, population). Emphasis will be given on overarching physical themes such as entropy and biological noise, and how they affect the organization of living matter and its emergent properties. Topics may include biopolymers and single molecule biophysics, molecular motors, gene and transcription networks, pattern formation in biological systems, phyllotaxis, neural computing and evolution. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
PHYS 5585Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience
This course will develop theoretical and computational approaches to structural and functional organization in the brain. The course will cover: (i) the basic biophysics of neural responses, (ii) neural coding and decoding with an emphasis on sensory systems, (iii) approaches to the study of networks of neurons, (iv) models of adaptation, learning and memory, (v) models of decision making, and (vi) ideas that address why the brain is organized the way that it is. The course will be appropriate fo advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students. A knowledge of multi-variable calculus, linear algebra and differential equations is required (except by permission of the instructor). Prior exposure to neuroscience and/or Matlab programming will be helpful.
Experimental and theoretical research projects in various areas of physics planned by student in consultation with a member of faculty. A journal-style written thesis is required. This course is the graduate-level version of PHYS4498 for students who are submatriculating in Physics and counting this course towards that requirement. 1 Course Unit
Introduction to the canonical structure and formulation of modern statistical mechanics. The thermodynamic limit. Entropic and depletion forces. Gas and liquid theory. Phase transitions and critical phenomena. The virial expansion. Quantum statistics. Path integrals, the Fokker- Planck equation and stochastic processes.
In depth study of classical and quantum lattice spin models, perturbation techniques, and the renormalization group. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
This course is intended to be an introductory graduate course on the physics of solids, crystals and liquid crystals. There will be a strong emphasis on the use and application of broken and unbroken symmetries in condensed matter physics. Topics covered include superconductivity and superfluidity. Not Offered Every Year r 1 Course Unit
This course is a graduate-level introduction to quantum condensed matter theory. It aims to build a solid foundation in quantum many-body physics while exploring a range of emergent electronic and magnetic phenomena in solids, such as Mott insulators and quantum magnetism, spin liquids, and the quantum Hall effect. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
This course aims to survey three or four topics of current research interest in Theoretical Physics. The topics will be covered in greater depth and with more connections to ongoing research. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
Total Course Units 18 One course must be outside the student's field of specialization. Up to 11 course units can come from independent research or reading courses.
