Applied Physics Undergraduate Courses

Below are the courses frequently offered in Applied Physics. For the most up-to-date course offerings and lecturer information, visit Yale University’s Online Course Information site. Click here for the listing of courses in Engineering & Applied Science (general courses for undergraduate students in any branch of Engineering).

APHY 050, Science of Modern Technology
Examination of the science behind selected advances in modern technology. Focus on the scientific and contextual basis of each advance. Topics are developed by the participants with the instructor and with guest lecturers, and may include nanotechnology, quantum computation and cryptography, optical systems for communication and medical diagnostics, transistors, satellite imaging and global positioning systems, large-scale immunization, and dna made to order. Enrollment limited to freshmen. Preregistration required; see under Freshman Seminar Program.

APHY 060/ENAS 060/PHYS 060, Energy Technology and Society
For description, see under Engineering & Applied Science.

APHY 110/ENAS 110, The Technological World
For description, see under Engineering & Applied Science.

APHY 321/EENG 401, Semiconductor Silicon Devices and Technology
For description, see under Electrical Engineering.

APHY 322, Electromagnetic Waves and Devices
Introduction to electrostatics and magnetostatics, time varying fields, and Maxwell’s equations. Applications include electromagnetic wave propagation in lossless, lossy, and metallic media and propagation through coaxial transmission lines and rectangular waveguides, as well as radiation from single and array antennas. Occasional experiments and demonstrations are offered after classes. Prerequisites: PHYS 180, 181, or 200, 201.

APHY 418/EENG 418, Heterojunction Devices
For description, see under Electrical Engineering.

APHY 439/PHYS 439, Basic Quantum Mechanics
The basic concepts and techniques of quantum mechanics essential for solid-state physics and quantum electronics. Topics include the Schrödinger treatment of the harmonic oscillator, atoms and molecules and tunneling, matrix methods, and perturbation theory. Prerequisites: PHYS 181 or 201, PHYS 301, or equivalents, or permission of instructor.

APHY 448/PHYS 448, Solid-State Physics I
The first term of a two-term sequence covering the principles underlying the electrical, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties of solids, including crystal structure, phonons, energy bands, semiconductors, Fermi surfaces, magnetic resonances, phase transitions, dielectrics, magnetic materials, and superconductors. Prerequisites: APHY 322, 439.

APHY 449/PHYS 449, Solid-State Physics II
The second term of the sequence described under APHY 448.

APHY 458, Principles of Optics with Applications
Introduction to the principles of optics and electromagnetic wave phenomena with applications to microscopy, optical fibers, laser spectroscopy, and nanostructure physics. Topics include propagation of light, reflection and refraction, guiding light, polarization, interference, diffraction, scattering, Fourier optics, and optical coherence. Prerequisite: PHYS 430.

APHY 471 and 472, Special Projects
Faculty-supervised individual or small-group projects with emphasis on research (laboratory or theory). Students are expected to consult the director of undergraduate studies and appropriate faculty members to discuss ideas and suggestions for suitable topics. These courses may be taken at any appropriate time in the student’s career; they may be taken more than once. Permission of the faculty adviser and of the director of undergraduate studies is required.