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• Interdisciplinary PhD in Physics and Statistics

Requirements:

A full list of the requirements is also available on the Physics page:

Doctoral students in Physics may submit an Interdisciplinary PhD in Statistics Form between the end of their second semester and penultimate semester in their Physics program. The application must include an endorsement from the student’s advisor, an up-to-date CV, current transcript, and a 1-2 page statement of interest in Statistics and Data Science.

The statement of interest can be based on the student’s thesis proposal for the Physics Department, but it must demonstrate that statistical methods will be used in a substantial way in the proposed research. In their statement, applicants are encouraged to explain how specific statistical techniques would be applied in their research. Applicants should further highlight ways that their proposed research might advance the use of statistics and data science, both in their physics subfield and potentially in other disciplines. If the work is part of a larger collaborative effort, the applicant should focus on their personal contributions.

Grade Requirements:  Students must complete their primary program’s degree requirements along with the IDPS requirements. C, D, F, and O grades are unacceptable. Students should not earn more B grades than A grades, reflected by a PhysSDS GPA of ≥ 4.5. Students may be required to retake subjects graded B or lower, although generally one B grade will be tolerated

PhD Earned on Completion: Physics, Statistics, and Data Science

IDPS/Physics Co-Chairs : Jesse Thaler and Michael Williams

Required Courses:

Courses in this list that satisfy the Physics PhD degree requirements can count for both programs. Other similar or more advanced courses can count towards the “Computation & Statistics” and “Data Analysis” requirements, with permission from the program co-chairs. The IDS.190 requirement may be satisfied instead by IDS.955 Practical Experience in Data, Systems, and Society, if that experience exposes the student to a diverse set of topics in statistics and data science. Making this substitution requires permission from the program co-chairs prior to doing the practical experience.

MIT Statistics + Data Science Center Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 617-253-1764

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• Interdisciplinary PhD in Aero/Astro and Statistics
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• Interdisciplinary PhD in Political Science and Statistics
• Interdisciplinary PhD in Social & Engineering Systems and Statistics
• LIDS & Stats Tea
• Spring 2023
• Spring 2022
• Spring 2021
• Fall – Spring 2020
• Fall 2019 – IDS.190 – Topics in Bayesian Modeling and Computation
• Fall 2019 – Spring 2019
• Fall 2018 and earlier

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Current PhD Students

Students in the Accounting research group study topics such as accounting anomalies, alpha generation, arbitrage limits, empirical asset pricing, financial econometrics and options.

Accounting PhD Students

Fabio da Silva Soares

B.A. Economics and Mathematics

Chuck Downing

B.S. Accounting

Zoe Yuxin Han

B.B.A. Accountancy and ACMS

David Sunghyo Kim

B.A. Business Administration and Economics; M.S. Business Administration

B.B.A Business Administration, M.S. Business Administration

B.S. Math, Economics & Statistics

Gabriel Voelcker

B.A. Economics; M.S. Finance

Yuting Wang

B.A. Accounting

B.A. Management, Accounting

Cindy Zhang

B.S. Accountancy; B.S. Finance; M.S. Statistics

Economic Sociology

Our Economic Sociology students research topics such as organizational learning in the public sector, social network analysis and its intersection with contract theory, institutional analysis, organizational change, and financialization.

Economic Sociology PhD Students

Hajar El Fatihi

B.A. Applied Mathematics, M.A. Sociology,

BMS Finance, MBA

Tatiana Labuzova

B.A. International Relations; M.A. Economics

B.A. Public Policy; M.A. Computational Social Science

Audrey Mang

B.S. Mathematics

B.S.E. Mechanical Engineering; MBA

Mikaela Springsteen

M.A. Sociology with Quantitative Methods

B.A. Social Studies, M.Sc. Social Science of the Internet

Bradley Turner

B.S. Economics; M.A. Social Science

Victoria Zhang

B.A. Political Science and French

Our Finance students research topics such as asset pricing, behavioral finance, corporate finance, empirical asset pricing, executive compensation, financial inclusion, financial econometrics, financial intermediation, financial macroeconomics, household finance, industrial organization, labor and finance, market microstructure, macro-finance, and macroeconomics.  

Finance PhD Students

Patrick Adams

B.A. Economics and Mathematics/Statistics

Enzo Bastos Profili

B.S. Industrial Engineering and Economics

Quentin Batista

B.A. Economics and Finance; M.A. Economics

Maya Bidanda

B.A. Music and Economics

Marta Bilghese

B.S. Finance, M.A. Economics

Tim de Silva

B.A. Economics and Applied Mathematics

Monroe Gamble

B.S. Business Administration

Brice Green

B.A. Economics, M.A. Economics

B.A. Economics

Stone Kalisa

A.B. Applied Mathematics

Jiageng Liu

B.S. Mathematics; M.S. Statistics

Yury Olshanskiy

Specialist Mathematics; M.A. Economics

Fiona Paine

S.B. Electrical Engineering; S.B. Mathematical Economics

Giuditta Perinelli

B.S. Finance; M.S. Economics

J. R. Scott

B.S. Economics and Mathematics

Maria Tiurina

B.A. Economics; M.A. Economics

Nick von Turkovich

B.S.E. Electrical & Computer Eng., M.Sc. Econometrics and Mathematical Econ.

Yevhenii Usenko

B.A. Finance; M.Sc. Economics

John Wilson

B.S. Economics and Applied Mathematics

B.A. Accounting, M.A. Economics

Information Technology

Our Information Technology students research topics such as AI and the future of work, applied machine learning, causal inference, computational social science, economics of digitization, economics of information technology, econometrics and machine learning, intangible capital, networks, online marketplace design, productivity, and social networks.

Information Technology PhD Students

Mohammed Alsobay

B.Sc. Chemical Engineering; M.Sc. Applied Math and Computational Science

Michael Caosun

B.S. Mathematics; B.A. Economics

Justin Kaashoek

B.A. Applied Mathematics

Benjamin Manning

B.A. Applied Mathematics; M.P.P. Social Policy & Statistics

Hirotaka Miura

B.S. Mathematics/Economics; M.A. Mathematics of Finance

Zanele Munyikwa

B.S. Computer Science

B.S. Physics; B.A. Knowledge Ecology

Alex Moehring

B.S. Business Administration; B.A. Economics

B.S. Mathematics and B.A. Economics

Peyman Shahidi

B.Sc. Electrical Engineering, M.A. Economics

Jaeyoon Song

B.B.A. Business Administration

Hong-Yi Tu Ye

B.A. Economics; M.Sc. Computational Statistics and Machine Learning

B.A. Mathematics and Economics

Institute for Work and Employment Research

Students in the Institute for Work and Employment Research group study topics such as behavioral science, comparative employment relations, labor economics,  labor standards in global value chains, political economy, subjective well-being, worker grievances and voice, and working time arrangements in organizations.

IWER PhD Students

Arrow Minster

Soohyun Roh

B.A. Economics and Sociology; M.A. Sociology

K. MacKenzie Scott

B.A. Economics and French; M.P.A.

B.A. English Language and Literature; M.A. Computational Social Science

Our Marketing students research topics such as Applied Machine Learning, Computational Social Science, NLP, New Product Development, Online Marketplaces,  and Quantitative Marketing.

Marketing PhD Students

Jenny Allen

B.A. Computer Science and Psychology

Cathy Xi Chen

B.S. Psychology, Economics, and Statistics; M.A. Computational Social Science

B.B.A. Accounting; M.S.M.S Accounting

M. Econ; B.S. Information Management and Information Systems; B.A. Law

B.A. Economics; M.S. Economics

Zelin (James) Li

B.A. Applied Mathematics and Statistics; M.S. Statistics

Chengfeng Mao

B.S. Computer Engineering; M.S. Computer Science

Cameron Martel

B.S. Cognitive Science

Reed Orchinik

B.A. Business Administration

Hongshen Sun

B.Eng. Engineering Physics, M.S. Operations Research

Joshua White

LL.B. Law & BCom. Finance, LL.M. Law, Grad. Dip. Psych. & Advanced Psych.

Organization Studies

Our Organization Studies students research topics such as artificial intelligence, changing nature of work inside established firms in a digital context, crowdsourcing, decision making, future of work, groups and teams, future of work, teams, & visual technologies.

Organization Studies PhD Students

Raquel Kessinger

B.A. Political Science; MBA

James Mellody

B.A. Foreign Languages/Literatures

Laura Changlan Wang

B.A. Psychology & Statistics

B.A. Neuroscience and Healthcare Management; M.S. Customer Analytics

System Dynamics

Our System Dynamics students research topics such as autonomous and alternative fuel vehicles,  behavioral operations management, consumer product development, cost of product failure and product recall dynamics, energy industry management, government policy, & firm strategy.

System Dynamics PhD Students

Cathy DiGennaro

B.A. Neuroscience

Jason Friedman

M.S. Data Science, B.A. Mathematics

Alexander Kuptel

B.A. Economics & Philosophy

Bachelor Electrical Engineering; MBA

Arya Yadama

B.S. Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management

Students in the Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management group study topics such as Entrepreneurship, Human Capital, Incentives, Innovation, Innovation Economics, Intellectual Property, M&A, Strategic Management, Strategy.   

TIES PhD Students

Alexis Haughey

S.B. Mechanical Engineering, MIT

B.Econ. Economics and Business, University of Pisa

Christina Nguyen

A.B. Sociology, Harvard College

Lindsey Raymond

B.A. Economics, Yale University

Laura Shupp

B.S. Economics, Pennsylvania State University

B.A. Economics, University of California, Berkeley

77 Massachusetts Avenue Building 4-315 Cambridge MA, 02139

617-253-4841 [email protected]

Website: Physics

Application Opens: September 15

Deadline: December 15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Fee: $75.00

Terms of Enrollment

Doctor of Science (ScD)

*The Master’s Degree in Physics is available in special cases only (e.g., US military officers).

Interdisciplinary Programs

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Statistics (IDPS)

Standardized Tests

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

• General test and subject test will be optional for applications due 12/15/2023.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Minimum score required: 7
• Electronic scores send to: MIT Graduate Admissions

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Minimum score required: 100 (iBT) 600 (PBT)
• Institute code: 3514
• Department code: 76

Waiver of TOEFL/IELTS may be available.

Areas of Research

• Astrophysics, Space and Planetary Physics
• Atomic and Optical Physics
• Biophysics, Medical Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• High Energy and Nuclear Physics
• Plasma Physics, Nuclear Fusion Research, Relativistic Beam Physics
• Quantum Information Science
• Plasma Physics, Nuclear Fusion Research, Plasma Astrophysics
• Theoretical Astrophysics

Financial Support

Our PhD students are fully supported financially throughout the duration of their program, provided that they make satisfactory progress. Funding is provided from Fellowships (internal and external) and/or Assistantships (research and teaching) and covers tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Read more about funding at the Physics website.

Application Requirements

• Online application
• Statement of objectives
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• English proficiency exam scores, if required
• GRE scores are optional for applications due 12/15/2023

Special Instructions

Official transcripts should be scanned and uploaded to your online application. You must provide one uploaded copy of the official academic transcript from each college you have attended. A hard copy of your transcript may be requested later if additional processing is required; please do not send a hard copy of your transcript until we ask that you do so.

Applicants are required to complete Subjects Taken section of the online application. Please list physics, mathematics, and other science courses only; group courses by subject area, and complete each column.

Fee waivers may be available on a limited basis for qualifying applicants. Please see the Physics website for more information.

This site uses cookies to give you the best possible experience. By browsing our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

If you require further information, please visit the Privacy Policy page.

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Department of Physics

The Department of Physics offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate training, with a wide range of options for specialization.

The emphasis of both the undergraduate curriculum and the graduate program is on understanding the fundamental principles that appear to govern the behavior of the physical world, including space and time and matter and energy in all its forms, from the subatomic to the cosmological and from the elementary to the complex.

The Department of Physics strives to be at the forefront of many areas where new physics can be found. Consequently, the department works on problems where extreme conditions may reveal new behavior: from clusters of galaxies or the entire universe to elementary particles or the strings that may be the substructure of these particles; from collisions of nuclei at relativistic velocities that make droplets of matter hotter than anything since the Big Bang to laser-cooled atoms so cold that their wave functions overlap, resulting in a macroscopic collective state, the Bose-Einstein condensate; and from individual atoms to unusual materials, such as high-temperature superconductors and those that are important in biology. Pushing the limits provides the opportunity to observe new general principles and test theories of the structure and behavior of matter and energy.

Bachelor of Science in Physics (Course 8)

Minor in physics, minor in astronomy, undergraduate study.

An undergraduate degree in physics provides an excellent basis not only for graduate study in physics and related fields, but also for professional work in such fields as astrophysics, biophysics, engineering and applied physics, geophysics, management, law, or medicine. The undergraduate curriculum offers students the opportunity to acquire a deep conceptual understanding of fundamental physics. The core departmental requirements begin this process. The student then chooses one of two options to complete the degree: the focused option is designed for students who plan to pursue physics as a career, and is an excellent choice for students who want to experience as deep an engagement as possible with physics; the flexible option also provides a very strong physics framework, and gives students who may want to pursue additional academic interests the flexibility to do so. Both programs prepare students very well for graduate studies in physics, as well as for a variety of academic or research-related careers. Either option provides a considerable amount of time for exploration through electives. Students proceed at the pace and degree of specialization best suited to their individual capacities. Both options lead to the same degree: the Bachelor of Science in Physics.

Physics: Focused Option

This option—which includes three terms of quantum mechanics, 36 units of laboratory experience, and a thesis—is ideal preparation for a career in physics.

In the second year, students take:

Important skills for experimentation in physics may be acquired by starting an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)  project.

In the third year, students normally take laboratory subjects:

Students should also begin to take the restricted elective subjects, one in mathematics and at least two in physics. The mathematics subjects 18.04 Complex Variables with Applications , 18.075 Methods for Scientists and Engineers , and 18.06 Linear Algebra are particularly popular with physics majors. Topical elective subjects in astrophysics, biological physics, condensed matter, plasma, and nuclear and particle physics allow students to gain an appreciation of the forefronts of modern physics. Students intending to go on to graduate school in physics are encouraged to take the theoretical physics sequence:

An important component of this option is the thesis, which is a physics research project carried out under the guidance of a faculty member. Many thesis projects grow naturally out of UROP projects. Students should have some idea of a thesis topic by the middle of the junior year. A thesis proposal must be submitted before registering for thesis units and no later than Add Date of the fall term of the senior year.

A relatively large amount of elective time usually becomes available during the fourth year and can be used either to deepen one's background in physics or to explore other disciplines.

Physics: Flexible Option

This option is designed for students who wish to develop a strong background in the fundamentals of physics and then build on this foundation as they prepare for career paths that may or may not involve a graduate degree in physics. Many students find an understanding of the basic concepts of physics and an appreciation of the physicist's approach to problem solving an excellent preparation for the growing spectrum of nontraditional, technology-related career opportunities, as well as for careers in business, law, medicine, or engineering. Additionally, the flexible option makes it more possible for students with diverse intellectual interests to pursue a second major in another department.

The option begins with the core subjects:

Students round out their foundation material with either an additional quantum mechanics subject ( 8.05 Quantum Physics II ) or a subject in relativity ( 8.20 Introduction to Special Relativity or 8.033 Relativity ). There is an experimental requirement of 8.13 Experimental Physics I or, with the approval of the department, a laboratory subject of similar intensity in another department, an experimental research project or senior thesis, or an experimentally oriented summer externship. An exploration requirement consists of one elective subject in physics. Students can satisfy the departmental portion of the Communication Requirement by taking two of the following subjects:

The department and the Subcommittee on the Communication Requirement may accept substitution of one of the department's two required CI-M subjects with a CI-M subject in another department if it forms a natural part of the student's physics program.

Students following this option must also complete a focus requirement—three subjects forming one intellectually coherent unit in some area (not necessarily physics), subject to the approval of the department and separate from those used by the student to satisfy the HASS requirement. Areas of focus chosen by students have included astronomy, biology, computational physics, theoretical physics, nanotechnology, history of science, science and technology policy, philosophy, and science teaching. Some students may choose to satisfy their experimental and exploration requirements in the same area as their focus; others may opt for greater breadth by choosing other fields to fulfill these requirements.

Although students may choose this option at any time in their undergraduate career, many decide on the flexible major during their sophomore year in order to have enough time to craft a program that best suits their individual needs. Specific subject choices for the experimental and focus requirements require the written approval of the Flexible Program coordinator, Dr. Sean P. Robinson.

The Minor in Physics provides a solid foundation for the pursuit of a broad range of professional activities in science and engineering. The requirements for a Minor in Physics are as follows: 

Students should submit a completed Minor Application Form to Physics Academic Programs, Room 4-315. The Physics Department's minor coordinator is Catherine Modica. See Undergraduate Education for more information on minor programs .

The Minor in Astronomy , offered jointly with the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, covers the observational and theoretical foundations of astronomy. For a description of the minor, see Interdisciplinary Programs.

Additional information concerning degree programs and research activities may be obtained by contacting the department office , Room 4-315, 617-253-4841.

Master of Science in Physics

Doctor of philosophy, graduate study.

The Physics Department offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science in Physics and Doctor of Philosophy.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Study

Students intending to pursue graduate work in physics should have as a background the equivalent of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Physics from MIT. However, students may make up some deficiencies over the course of their graduate work.

The normal degree program in the department leads to a PhD in Physics. Admission to a master's degree program in Physics is available only in special cases (e.g., US military officers). The requirements for the Master of Science in Physics are the same as the General Degree Requirements listed under Graduate Education. A master's thesis must represent a piece of independent research work in any of the fields described below, and must be carried out under the supervision of a department faculty member. No fixed time is set for the completion of a master's program; two years of work is a rough guideline. There is no language requirement for this degree.

Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Science are expected to enroll in those basic graduate subjects that prepare them for the general examination, which must be passed no later than in the seventh term after initial enrollment. Students are required to take two subjects in the candidate's doctoral research area (specialty requirement) and two subjects outside the candidate's field of specialization (breadth requirement). In addition, all students in the first year of the PhD program must enroll in two semesters of 8.398, a seminar specifically for first-year students. Half of the breadth requirement may be satisfied through a departmentally approved industrial internship. The doctoral thesis must represent a substantial piece of original research, carried out under the supervision of a department faculty member.

The Physics Department faculty members offer subjects of instruction and are engaged in research in a variety of fields in experimental and theoretical physics. This broad spectrum of activities is organized in the divisional structure of the department, presented below. Graduate students are encouraged to contact faculty members in the division of their choice to inquire about opportunities for research, and to pass through an apprenticeship (by signing up for Pre-Thesis Research) as a first step toward an engagement in independent research for a doctoral thesis.

Research Divisions

Faculty and students in the Department of Physics are generally affiliated with one of several research divisions:

• Astrophysics
• Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Atomic Physics, Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Plasma Physics
• Theoretical Nuclear and Particle Physics

Much of the research in the department is carried out as part of the work of various interdisciplinary laboratories and centers, including the Center for Materials Science and Engineering, Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory, Haystack Observatory, Laboratory for Nuclear Science, Microsystems Technology Laboratories, MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Research Laboratory of Electronics, and Spectroscopy Laboratory. Additional information about interdisciplinary laboratories and centers can be found under Research and Study . These facilities provide close relationships among the research activities of a number of MIT departments and give students opportunities for contact with research carried out in disciplines other than physics.

Additional information on degree programs, research activities, admissions, financial aid, teaching and research assistantships may be obtained by contacting the department office , Room 4-315, 617-253-4851.

Faculty and Teaching Staff

Deepto Chakrabarty, PhD

Professor of Physics

Head, Department of Physics

Lindley Winslow, PhD

Associate Head, Department of Physics

Raymond Ashoori, PhD

Edmund Bertschinger, PhD

Claude R. Canizares, PhD

Bruno B. Rossi Distinguished Professor in Experimental Physics

Paola Cappellaro, PhD

Ford Professor of Engineering

Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering

Arup K. Chakraborty, PhD

Institute Professor

Robert T. Haslam (1911) Professor in Chemical Engineering

Professor of Chemistry

Core Faculty, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science

Isaac Chuang, PhD

Professor of Electrical Engineering

Janet Conrad, PhD

William Detmold, PhD

Matthew J. Evans, PhD

Mathworks Physics Professor

Peter H. Fisher, PhD

Thomas A. Frank (1977) Professor of Physics

Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Research

Joseph A. Formaggio, PhD

Anna L. Frebel, PhD

Liang Fu, PhD

Nuh Gedik, PhD

Jeff Gore, PhD

Alan Guth, PhD

Victor F. Weisskopf Professor in Physics

Aram W. Harrow, PhD

Jacqueline N. Hewitt, PhD

Julius A. Stratton Professor

Scott A. Hughes, PhD

Robert L. Jaffe, PhD

Otto (1939) and Jane Morningstar Professor Post-Tenure of Science

Professor Post-Tenure of Physics

Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, PhD

Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics

John D. Joannopoulos, PhD

Francis Wright Davis Professor

Steven G. Johnson, PhD

Professor of Mathematics

David I. Kaiser, PhD

Germeshausen Professor of the History of Science

(On leave, fall)

Mehran Kardar, PhD

Francis L. Friedman Professor of Physics

Wolfgang Ketterle, PhD

John D. MacArthur Professor

Markus Klute, PhD

Patrick A. Lee, PhD

William and Emma Rogers Professor

Leonid Levitov, PhD

Hong Liu, PhD

Nuno F. Loureiro, PhD

Nergis Mavalvala, PhD

Curtis (1963) and Kathleen Marble Professor

Dean, School of Science

Richard G. Milner, PhD

Leonid A. Mirny, PhD

Richard J. Cohen (1976) Professor in Medicine and Biomedical Physics

Ernest J. Moniz, PhD

Cecil and Ida Green Distinguished Professor

Professor Post-Tenure of Engineering Systems

Christoph M. E. Paus, PhD

Miklos Porkolab, PhD

David E. Pritchard, PhD

Cecil and Ida Green Professor Post-Tenure of Physics

Krishna Rajagopal, PhD

William A. M. Burden Professor of Physics

Gunther M. Roland, PhD

Sara Seager, PhD

Class of 1941 Professor of Planetary Sciences

Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics

(On leave, spring)

Robert A. Simcoe, PhD

Tracy Robyn Slatyer, PhD

Marin Soljačić, PhD

Iain Stewart, PhD

Otto (1939) and Jane Morningstar Professor of Science

Washington Taylor IV, PhD

Max Erik Tegmark, PhD

Jesse Thaler, PhD

Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

Samuel C. C. Ting, PhD

Thomas D. Cabot Institute Professor

Senthil Todadri, PhD

Vladan Vuletić, PhD

Lester Wolfe Professor

Xiao-Gang Wen, PhD

Cecil and Ida Green Professor in Physics

Frank Wilczek, PhD

Herman Feshbach (1942) Professor of Physics

Michael Williams, PhD

Boleslaw Wyslouch, PhD

Barton Zwiebach, PhD

Martin Wolfram Zwierlein, PhD

Associate Professors

Joseph George Checkelsky, PhD

Mitsui Career Development Professor

Associate Professor of Physics

Riccardo Comin, PhD

Class of 1947 Career Development Professor

Netta Engelhardt, PhD

Nikta Fakhri, PhD

Thomas D. and Virginia W. Cabot Associate Professor of Physics

Daniel Harlow, PhD

Philip Harris, PhD

Or Hen, PhD

Class of 1956 Career Development Professor

Yen-Jie Lee, PhD

Kiyoshi Masui, PhD

Michael McDonald, PhD

Max Metlitski, PhD

Kerstin Perez, PhD

Phiala E. Shanahan, PhD

Class of 1957 Career Development Professor

Julien Tailleur, PhD

Salvatore Vitale, PhD

Mark Vogelsberger, PhD

Assistant Professors

Soonwon Choi, PhD

Assistant Professor of Physics

Anna-Christina Eilers, PhD

Richard J. Fletcher, PhD

Ronald Garcia Ruiz, PhD

Long Ju, PhD

Erin Kara, PhD

Sarah Millholland, PhD

Lina Necib, PhD

Eluned Smith, PhD

Andrew Vanderburg, PhD

Visiting Associate Professors

Ibrahim I. Cissé

Visiting Associate Professor of Physics

Adjunct Professors

William A. Barletta, PhD

Adjunct Professor of Physics

Senior Lecturers

Peter Dourmashkin, PhD

Senior Lecturer in Physics

Erik Katsavounidis, PhD

Mohamed Abdelhafez, PhD

Lecturer in Physics

Byron Drury, PhD

Sean P. Robinson, PhD

Technical Instructor of Physics

Alex Shvonski, PhD

Michelle Tomasik, PhD

Technical Instructors

Rosi Anderson, BS

Caleb C. Bonyun, MS

Aidan MacDonagh, BSE

Technical Instructor of Digital Learning

Christopher Miller, BS

Aaron Pilarcik, MS

Joshua Wolfe, BS

Research Staff

Senior research scientists.

Earl S. Marmar, PhD

Senior Research Scientist of Physics

Jagadeesh Moodera, PhD

Richard J. Temkin, PhD

Professors Emeriti

John Winston Belcher, PhD

Class of 1922 Professor Emeritus

Professor Emeritus of Physics

George B. Benedek, PhD

Alfred H. Caspary Professor Emeritus of Physics

Professor Emeritus of Biological Physics

Ahmet Nihat Berker, PhD

William Bertozzi, PhD

Robert J. Birgeneau, PhD

Hale V. Bradt, PhD

Wit Busza, PhD

Min Chen, PhD

Bruno Coppi, PhD

Edward Farhi, PhD

Cecil and Ida Green Professor Emeritus of Physics

Daniel Z. Freedman, PhD

Professor Emeritus of Mathematics

Jerome I. Friedman, PhD

Institute Professor Emeritus

Jeffrey Goldstone, PhD

Thomas J. Greytak, PhD

Lee Grodzins, PhD

Erich P. Ippen, PhD

Elihu Thomson Professor Emeritus

Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering

Paul Christopher Joss, PhD

Marc A. Kastner, PhD

Donner Professor of Science Emeritus

Vera Kistiakowsky, PhD

Professor Emerita of Physics

Daniel Kleppner, PhD

Lester Wolfe Professor Emeritus

Stanley B. Kowalski, PhD

J. David Litster, PhD

Earle L. Lomon, PhD

June Lorraine Matthews, PhD

John W. Negele, PhD

William A. Coolidge Professor Emeritus

Irwin A. Pless, PhD

Saul A. Rappaport, PhD

Robert P. Redwine, PhD

Lawrence Rosenson, PhD

Paul L. Schechter, PhD

William A. M. Burden Professor Emeritus in Astrophysics

Rainer Weiss, PhD

James E. Young, PhD

Undergraduate Subjects

8.01 physics i.

Prereq: None U (Fall) 3-2-7 units. PHYSICS I Credit cannot also be received for 8.011 , 8.012 , 8.01L , ES.801 , ES.8012

Introduces classical mechanics. Space and time: straight-line kinematics; motion in a plane; forces and static equilibrium; particle dynamics, with force and conservation of momentum; relative inertial frames and non-inertial force; work, potential energy and conservation of energy; kinetic theory and the ideal gas; rigid bodies and rotational dynamics; vibrational motion; conservation of angular momentum; central force motions; fluid mechanics. Subject taught using the TEAL (Technology-Enabled Active Learning) format which features students working in groups of three, discussing concepts, solving problems, and doing table-top experiments with the aid of computer data acquisition and analysis.

J. Formaggio, P. Dourmashkin

8.011 Physics I

Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Spring) 5-0-7 units. PHYSICS I Credit cannot also be received for 8.01 , 8.012 , 8.01L , ES.801 , ES.8012

Introduces classical mechanics. Space and time: straight-line kinematics; motion in a plane; forces and equilibrium; experimental basis of Newton's laws; particle dynamics; universal gravitation; collisions and conservation laws; work and potential energy; vibrational motion; conservative forces; inertial forces and non-inertial frames; central force motions; rigid bodies and rotational dynamics. Designed for students with previous experience in 8.01 ; the subject is designated as 8.01 on the transcript.

8.012 Physics I

Prereq: None U (Fall) 5-0-7 units. PHYSICS I Credit cannot also be received for 8.01 , 8.011 , 8.01L , ES.801 , ES.8012

Elementary mechanics, presented in greater depth than in 8.01 . Newton's laws, concepts of momentum, energy, angular momentum, rigid body motion, and non-inertial systems. Uses elementary calculus freely; concurrent registration in a math subject more advanced than 18.01 is recommended. In addition to covering the theoretical subject matter, students complete a small experimental project of their own design. Freshmen admitted via AP or Math Diagnostic for Physics Placement results.

M. Soljacic

8.01L Physics I

Prereq: None U (Fall, IAP) 3-2-7 units. PHYSICS I Credit cannot also be received for 8.01 , 8.011 , 8.012 , ES.801 , ES.8012

Introduction to classical mechanics (see description under 8.01 ). Includes components of the TEAL (Technology-Enabled Active Learning) format. Material covered over a longer interval so that the subject is completed by the end of the IAP. Substantial emphasis given to reviewing and strengthening necessary mathematics tools, as well as basic physics concepts and problem-solving skills. Content, depth, and difficulty is otherwise identical to that of 8.01 . The subject is designated as 8.01 on the transcript.

P. Jarillo-Herrero

8.02 Physics II

Prereq: Calculus I (GIR) and Physics I (GIR) U (Fall, Spring) 3-2-7 units. PHYSICS II Credit cannot also be received for 8.021 , 8.022 , ES.802 , ES.8022

Introduction to electromagnetism and electrostatics: electric charge, Coulomb's law, electric structure of matter; conductors and dielectrics. Concepts of electrostatic field and potential, electrostatic energy. Electric currents, magnetic fields and Ampere's law. Magnetic materials. Time-varying fields and Faraday's law of induction. Basic electric circuits. Electromagnetic waves and Maxwell's equations. Subject taught using the TEAL (Technology Enabled Active Learning) studio format which utilizes small group interaction and current technology to help students develop intuition about, and conceptual models of, physical phenomena.

J. Belcher, I. Cisse

8.021 Physics II

Prereq: Calculus I (GIR) , Physics I (GIR) , and permission of instructor U (Fall) 5-0-7 units. PHYSICS II Credit cannot also be received for 8.02 , 8.022 , ES.802 , ES.8022

Introduction to electromagnetism and electrostatics: electric charge, Coulomb's law, electric structure of matter; conductors and dielectrics. Concepts of electrostatic field and potential, electrostatic energy. Electric currents, magnetic fields and Ampere's law. Magnetic materials. Time-varying fields and Faraday's law of induction. Basic electric circuits. Electromagnetic waves and Maxwell's equations. Designed for students with previous experience in 8.02 ; the subject is designated as 8.02 on the transcript. Enrollment limited.

J. Checkelsky

8.022 Physics II

Prereq: Physics I (GIR) ; Coreq: Calculus II (GIR) U (Fall, Spring) 5-0-7 units. PHYSICS II Credit cannot also be received for 8.02 , 8.021 , ES.802 , ES.8022

Parallel to 8.02 , but more advanced mathematically. Some knowledge of vector calculus assumed. Maxwell's equations, in both differential and integral form. Electrostatic and magnetic vector potential. Properties of dielectrics and magnetic materials. In addition to the theoretical subject matter, several experiments in electricity and magnetism are performed by the students in the laboratory.

8.03 Physics III

Prereq: Calculus II (GIR) and Physics II (GIR) U (Fall, Spring) 5-0-7 units. REST

Mechanical vibrations and waves; simple harmonic motion, superposition, forced vibrations and resonance, coupled oscillations, and normal modes; vibrations of continuous systems; reflection and refraction; phase and group velocity. Optics; wave solutions to Maxwell's equations; polarization; Snell's Law, interference, Huygens's principle, Fraunhofer diffraction, and gratings.

Y-J. Lee, R. Comin

8.033 Relativity

Prereq: Calculus II (GIR) and Physics II (GIR) U (Fall) 5-0-7 units. REST

Einstein's postulates; consequences for simultaneity, time dilation, length contraction, and clock synchronization; Lorentz transformation; relativistic effects and paradoxes; Minkowski diagrams; invariants and four-vectors; momentum, energy, and mass; particle collisions. Relativity and electricity; Coulomb's law; magnetic fields. Brief introduction to Newtonian cosmology. Introduction to some concepts of general relativity; principle of equivalence. The Schwarzchild metric; gravitational red shift; particle and light trajectories; geodesics; Shapiro delay.

8.04 Quantum Physics I

Prereq: 8.03 and ( 18.03 or 18.032 ) U (Spring) 5-0-7 units. REST Credit cannot also be received for 8.041

Experimental basis of quantum physics: photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, photons, Franck-Hertz experiment, the Bohr atom, electron diffraction, deBroglie waves, and wave-particle duality of matter and light. Introduction to wave mechanics: Schroedinger's equation, wave functions, wave packets, probability amplitudes, stationary states, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and zero-point energies. Solutions to Schroedinger's equation in one dimension: transmission and reflection at a barrier, barrier penetration, potential wells, the simple harmonic oscillator. Schroedinger's equation in three dimensions: central potentials and introduction to hydrogenic systems.

8.041 Quantum Physics I

Prereq: 8.03 and ( 18.03 or 18.032 ) U (Fall) 2-0-10 units. REST Credit cannot also be received for 8.04

Blended version of 8.04 using a combination of online and in-person instruction. Covers experimental basis of quantum physics: photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, photons, Franck-Hertz experiment, the Bohr atom, electron diffraction, deBroglie waves, and wave-particle duality of matter and light. Introduction to wave mechanics: Schroedinger's equation, wave functions, wave packets, probability amplitudes, stationary states, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and zero-point energies. Solutions to Schroedinger's equation in one dimension: transmission and reflection at a barrier, barrier penetration, potential wells, the simple harmonic oscillator. Schroedinger's equation in three dimensions: central potentials and introduction to hydrogenic systems.

8.044 Statistical Physics I

Prereq: 8.03 and 18.03 U (Spring) 5-0-7 units

Introduction to probability, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics. Random variables, joint and conditional probability densities, and functions of a random variable. Concepts of macroscopic variables and thermodynamic equilibrium, fundamental assumption of statistical mechanics, microcanonical and canonical ensembles. First, second, and third laws of thermodynamics. Numerous examples illustrating a wide variety of physical phenomena such as magnetism, polyatomic gases, thermal radiation, electrons in solids, and noise in electronic devices. Concurrent enrollment in 8.04 is recommended.

8.05 Quantum Physics II

Prereq: 8.04 or 8.041 U (Fall) 5-0-7 units Credit cannot also be received for 8.051

Vector spaces, linear operators, and matrix representations.  Inner products and adjoint operators. Commutator identities. Dirac's Bra-kets. Uncertainty principle and energy-time version. Spectral theorem and complete set of commuting observables. Schrodinger and Heisenberg pictures.  Axioms of quantum mechanics. Coherent states and nuclear magnetic resonance. Multiparticle states and tensor products. Quantum teleportation, EPR and Bell inequalities. Angular momentum and central potentials. Addition of angular momentum. Density matrices, pure and mixed states, decoherence.

B. Zwiebach

8.051 Quantum Physics II

Prereq: 8.04 and permission of instructor U (Spring) 2-0-10 units Credit cannot also be received for 8.05

Blended version of 8.05 using a combination of online and in-person instruction. Together with 8.06 covers quantum physics with applications drawn from modern physics. General formalism of quantum mechanics: states, operators, Dirac notation, representations, measurement theory. Harmonic oscillator: operator algebra, states. Quantum mechanics in three dimensions: central potentials and the radial equation, bound and scattering states, qualitative analysis of wave functions. Angular momentum: operators, commutator algebra, eigenvalues and eigenstates, spherical harmonics. Spin: Stern-Gerlach devices and measurements, nuclear magnetic resonance, spin and statistics. Addition of angular momentum: Clebsch-Gordan series and coefficients, spin systems, and allotropic forms of hydrogen. Limited to 20.

Fall: Staff Spring: W. Detmold

8.06 Quantum Physics III

Prereq: 8.05 U (Spring) 5-0-7 units

Continuation of 8.05 . Units: natural units, scales of microscopic phenomena, applications. Time-independent approximation methods: degenerate and nondegenerate perturbation theory, variational method, Born-Oppenheimer approximation, applications to atomic and molecular systems. The structure of one- and two-electron atoms: overview, spin-orbit and relativistic corrections, fine structure, variational approximation, screening, Zeeman and Stark effects. Charged particles in a magnetic field: Landau levels and integer quantum hall effect. Scattering: general principles, partial waves, review of one-dimension, low-energy approximations, resonance, Born approximation. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Students research and write a paper on a topic related to the content of 8.05 and 8.06 .

8.07 Electromagnetism II

Prereq: 8.03 and 18.03 U (Fall) 4-0-8 units

Survey of basic electromagnetic phenomena: electrostatics, magnetostatics; electromagnetic properties of matter. Time-dependent electromagnetic fields and Maxwell's equations. Electromagnetic waves, emission, absorption, and scattering of radiation. Relativistic electrodynamics and mechanics.

8.08 Statistical Physics II

Prereq: 8.044 and 8.05 U (IAP) 4-0-8 units

Probability distributions for classical and quantum systems. Microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical partition-functions and associated thermodynamic potentials. Conditions of thermodynamic equilibrium for homogenous and heterogenous systems. Applications: non-interacting Bose and Fermi gases; mean field theories for real gases, binary mixtures, magnetic systems, polymer solutions; phase and reaction equilibria, critical phenomena. Fluctuations, correlation functions and susceptibilities, and Kubo formulae. Evolution of distribution functions: Boltzmann and Smoluchowski equations.

Staff, L. Fu

8.09 Classical Mechanics III

Subject meets with 8.309 Prereq: 8.223 U (Fall, Spring) 4-0-8 units

Covers Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, systems with constraints, rigid body dynamics, vibrations, central forces, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, action-angle variables, perturbation theory, and continuous systems. Provides an introduction to ideal and viscous fluid mechanics, including turbulence, as well as an introduction to nonlinear dynamics, including chaos. Students taking graduate version complete different assignments.

Undergraduate Laboratory and Special Project Subjects

8.10 exploring and communicating physics (and other) frontiers.

Prereq: None U (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-0 units

Features a series of 12 interactive sessions that span a wide variety of topics at the frontiers of science - e.g., quantum computing, dark matter, the nature of time - and encourage independent thinking. Discussions draw from the professor's published pieces in periodicals as well as short excerpts from his books.  Also discusses, through case studies, the process of writing and re-writing. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first year students.

8.13 Experimental Physics I

Prereq: 8.04 U (Fall, Spring) 0-6-12 units. Institute LAB

First in a two-term advanced laboratory sequence in modern physics focusing on the professional and personal development of the student as a scientist through the medium of experimental physics. Experimental options cover special relativity, experimental foundations of quantum mechanics, atomic structure and optics, statistical mechanics, and nuclear and particle physics. Uses modern physics experiments to develop laboratory technique, systematic troubleshooting, professional scientific attitude, data analysis skills and reasoning about uncertainty. Provides extensive training in oral and written communication methods. Limited to 12 students per section.

J. Conrad, N. Fakhri, C. Paus, G. Roland

8.14 Experimental Physics II

Prereq: 8.05 and 8.13 U (Spring) 0-6-12 units

Second in a two-term advanced laboratory sequence in modern physics focusing on the professional and personal development of the student as a scientist through the medium of experimental physics. Experimental options cover special relativity, experimental foundations of quantum mechanics, atomic structure and optics, statistical mechanics, and nuclear and particle physics. Uses modern physics experiments to develop laboratory technique, systematic troubleshooting, professional scientific attitude, data analysis skills, and reasoning about uncertainty; provides extensive training in oral and written communication methods. Continues 8.13 practice in these skills using more advanced experiments and adds an exploratory project element in which students develop an experiment from the proposal and design stage to a final presentation of results in a poster session. Limited to 12 students per section.

8.16 Data Science in Physics

Subject meets with 8.316 Prereq: 8.04 and ( 6.100A , 6.100B , or permission of instructor) U (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Aims to present modern computational methods by providing realistic, contemporary examples of how these computational methods apply to physics research. Designed around research modules in which each module provides experience with a specific scientific challenge. Modules include: analyzing LIGO open data; measuring electroweak boson to quark decays; understanding the cosmic microwave background; and lattice QCD/Ising model. Experience in Python helpful but not required. Lectures are viewed outside of class; in-class time is dedicated to problem-solving and discussion. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

8.18 Research Problems in Undergraduate Physics

Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

Opportunity for undergraduates to engage in experimental or theoretical research under the supervision of a staff member. Specific approval required in each case.

Consult N. Mavalvala

8.19 Readings in Physics

Prereq: None U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

Supervised reading and library work. Choice of material and allotment of time according to individual needs. For students who want to do work not provided for in the regular subjects. Specific approval required in each case.

Undergraduate Elective Subjects

8.20 introduction to special relativity.

Prereq: Calculus I (GIR) and Physics I (GIR) U (IAP) 2-0-7 units. REST

Introduces the basic ideas and equations of Einstein's special theory of relativity. Topics include Lorentz transformations, length contraction and time dilation, four vectors, Lorentz invariants, relativistic energy and momentum, relativistic kinematics, Doppler shift, space-time diagrams, relativity paradoxes, and some concepts of general relativity. Intended for freshmen and sophomores. Not usable as a restricted elective by Physics majors. Credit cannot be received for 8.20 if credit for 8.033 is or has been received in the same or prior terms.

8.21 Physics of Energy

Prereq: Calculus II (GIR) , Chemistry (GIR) , and Physics II (GIR) U (Spring) 5-0-7 units. REST

A comprehensive introduction to the fundamental physics of energy systems that emphasizes quantitative analysis. Focuses on the fundamental physical principles underlying energy processes and on the application of these principles to practical calculations. Applies mechanics and electromagnetism to energy systems; introduces and applies basic ideas from thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. Examines energy sources, conversion, transport, losses, storage, conservation, and end uses. Analyzes the physics of side effects, such as global warming and radiation hazards. Provides students with technical tools and perspective to evaluate energy choices quantitatively at both national policy and personal levels.

8.223 Classical Mechanics II

Prereq: Calculus II (GIR) and Physics I (GIR) U (IAP) 2-0-4 units

A broad, theoretical treatment of classical mechanics, useful in its own right for treating complex dynamical problems, but essential to understanding the foundations of quantum mechanics and statistical physics. Generalized coordinates, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations, canonical transformations, and Poisson brackets. Applications to continuous media. The relativistic Lagrangian and Maxwell's equations.

Staff, M. Evans

8.224 Exploring Black Holes: General Relativity and Astrophysics

Prereq: 8.033 or 8.20 Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: U (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Study of physical effects in the vicinity of a black hole as a basis for understanding general relativity, astrophysics, and elements of cosmology. Extension to current developments in theory and observation. Energy and momentum in flat space-time; the metric; curvature of space-time near rotating and nonrotating centers of attraction; trajectories and orbits of particles and light; elementary models of the Cosmos. Weekly meetings include an evening seminar and recitation. The last third of the term is reserved for collaborative research projects on topics such as the Global Positioning System, solar system tests of relativity, descending into a black hole, gravitational lensing, gravitational waves, Gravity Probe B, and more advanced models of the cosmos. Subject has online components that are open to selected MIT alumni. Alumni wishing to participate should contact Professor Bertschinger at [email protected]. Limited to 40.

E. Bertschinger

8.225[J] Einstein, Oppenheimer, Feynman: Physics in the 20th Century

Same subject as STS.042[J] Prereq: None Acad Year 2023-2024: U (Spring) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 3-0-9 units. HASS-H

See description under subject STS.042[J] . Enrollment limited.

D. I. Kaiser

8.226 Forty-three Orders of Magnitude

Prereq: ( 8.04 and 8.044 ) or permission of instructor Acad Year 2023-2024: U (Spring) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 3-0-9 units

Examines the widespread societal implications of current scientific discoveries in physics across forty-three orders of magnitude in length scale. Addresses topics ranging from climate change to nuclear nonproliferation. Students develop their ability to express concepts at a level accessible to the public and to present a well-reasoned argument on a topic that is a part of the national debate. Requires diverse writing assignments, including substantial papers. Enrollment limited.

8.228 Relativity II

Prereq: 8.033 or permission of instructor U (IAP) 2-0-4 units

A fast-paced and intensive introduction to general relativity, covering advanced topics beyond the 8.033 curriculum. Provides students with a foundation for research relying on knowledge of general relativity, including gravitational waves and cosmology. Additional topics in curvature, weak gravity, and cosmology.

8.231 Physics of Solids I

Prereq: 8.044 ; Coreq: 8.05 U (Fall) 4-0-8 units

Introduction to the basic concepts of the quantum theory of solids. Topics: periodic structure and symmetry of crystals; diffraction; reciprocal lattice; chemical bonding; lattice dynamics, phonons, thermal properties; free electron gas; model of metals; Bloch theorem and band structure, nearly free electron approximation; tight binding method; Fermi surface; semiconductors, electrons, holes, impurities; optical properties, excitons; and magnetism.

8.241 Introduction to Biological Physics

Prereq: Physics II (GIR) and ( 8.044 or ( 5.601 and 5.602 )) Acad Year 2023-2024: U (Spring) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 4-0-8 units Credit cannot also be received for 20.315 , 20.415

Introduces the main concepts of biological physics, with a focus on biophysical phenomena at the molecular and cellular scales. Presents the role of entropy and diffusive transport in living matter; challenges to life resulting from the highly viscous environment present at microscopic scales, including constraints on force, motion and transport within cells, tissues, and fluids; principles of how cellular machinery (e.g., molecular motors) can convert electro-chemical energy sources to mechanical forces and motion. Also covers polymer physics relevant to DNA and other biological polymers, including the study of configurations, fluctuations, rigidity, and entropic elasticity. Meets with 20.315 and 20.415 when offered concurrently.

8.245[J] Viruses, Pandemics, and Immunity

Same subject as 5.003[J] , 10.382[J] , HST.439[J] Subject meets with 5.002[J] , 10.380[J] , HST.438[J] Prereq: None U (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-1 units

See description under subject HST.439[J] . HST.438[J] intended for first-year students; all others should take HST.439[J] .

A. Chakraborty

8.251 String Theory for Undergraduates

Prereq: 8.033 , 8.044 , and 8.05 Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: U (Spring) 4-0-8 units Credit cannot also be received for 8.821

Introduction to the main concepts of string theory, i.e., quantum mechanics of a relativistic string. Develops aspects of string theory and makes it accessible to students familiar with basic electromagnetism and statistical mechanics, including the study of D-branes and string thermodynamics. Meets with 8.821 when offered concurrently.

8.276 Nuclear and Particle Physics

Prereq: 8.033 and 8.04 U (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 4-0-8 units

Presents a modern view of the fundamental structure of matter. Starting from the Standard Model, which views leptons and quarks as basic building blocks of matter, establishes the properties and interactions of these particles. Explores applications of this phenomenology to both particle and nuclear physics. Emphasizes current topics in nuclear and particle physics research at MIT. Intended for students with a basic knowledge of relativity and quantum physics concepts.

M. Williams

8.277 Introduction to Particle Accelerators

Prereq: ( 6.2300 or 8.07 ) and permission of instructor U (Fall, IAP, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Principles of acceleration: beam properties; linear accelerators, synchrotrons, and storage rings. Accelerator technologies: radio frequency cavities, bending and focusing magnets, beam diagnostics. Particle beam optics and dynamics. Special topics: measures of accelerators performance in science, medicine and industry; synchrotron radiation sources; free electron lasers; high-energy colliders; and accelerators for radiation therapy. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 12 units.

W. Barletta

8.282[J] Introduction to Astronomy

Same subject as 12.402[J] Prereq: Physics I (GIR) U (Spring) 3-0-6 units. REST

Quantitative introduction to the physics of planets, stars, galaxies and our universe, from origin to ultimate fate, with emphasis on the physics tools and observational techniques that enable our understanding. Topics include our solar system, extrasolar planets; our Sun and other "normal" stars, star formation, evolution and death, supernovae, compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, stellar-mass black holes); galactic structure, star clusters, interstellar medium, dark matter; other galaxies, quasars, supermassive black holes, gravitational waves; cosmic large-scale structure, origin, evolution and fate of our universe, inflation, dark energy, cosmic microwave background radiation, gravitational lensing, 21cm tomography. Not usable as a restricted elective by Physics majors.

8.284 Modern Astrophysics

Prereq: 8.04 ; Coreq: 8.05 U (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Application of physics (Newtonian, statistical, and quantum mechanics; special and general relativity) to fundamental processes that occur in celestial objects. Includes main-sequence stars, collapsed stars (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes), pulsars, galaxies, active galaxies, quasars, and cosmology. Electromagnetic and gravitational radiation signatures of astrophysical phenomena explored through examination of observational data. No prior knowledge of astronomy required.

8.286 The Early Universe

Prereq: Physics II (GIR) and 18.03 Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: U (Fall) 3-0-9 units. REST

Introduction to modern cosmology. First half deals with the development of the big bang theory from 1915 to 1980, and latter half with recent impact of particle theory. Topics: special relativity and the Doppler effect, Newtonian cosmological models, introduction to non-Euclidean spaces, thermal radiation and early history of the universe, big bang nucleosynthesis, introduction to grand unified theories and other recent developments in particle theory, baryogenesis, the inflationary universe model, and the evolution of galactic structure.

8.287[J] Observational Techniques of Optical Astronomy

Same subject as 12.410[J] Prereq: 8.282[J] , 12.409 , or other introductory astronomy course U (Fall) 3-4-8 units. Institute LAB

See description under subject 12.410[J] . Limited to 18; preference to Course 8 and Course 12 majors and minors.

M. Person, R. Teague

8.290[J] Extrasolar Planets: Physics and Detection Techniques

Same subject as 12.425[J] Subject meets with 12.625 Prereq: 8.03 and 18.03 U (Fall) 3-0-9 units. REST

See description under subject 12.425[J] .

8.292[J] Fluid Physics

Same subject as 1.066[J] , 12.330[J] Prereq: 5.60 , 8.044 , or permission of instructor Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: U (Spring) 3-0-9 units

A physics-based introduction to the properties of fluids and fluid systems, with examples drawn from a broad range of sciences, including atmospheric physics and astrophysics. Definitions of fluids and the notion of continuum. Equations of state and continuity, hydrostatics and conservation of momentum; ideal fluids and Euler's equation; viscosity and the Navier-Stokes equation. Energy considerations, fluid thermodynamics, and isentropic flow. Compressible versus incompressible and rotational versus irrotational flow; Bernoulli's theorem; steady flow, streamlines and potential flow. Circulation and vorticity. Kelvin's theorem. Boundary layers. Fluid waves and instabilities. Quantum fluids.

L. Bourouiba

8.295 Practical Experience in Physics

Prereq: None U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) 0-1-0 units Can be repeated for credit.

For Course 8 students participating in off-campus experiences in physics. Before registering for this subject, students must have an internship offer from a company or organization and must identify a Physics supervisor. Upon completion of the project, student must submit a letter from the company or organization describing the work accomplished, along with a substantive final report from the student approved by the MIT supervisor. Subject to departmental approval. Consult departmental academic office.

8.298 Selected Topics in Physics

Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Presentation of topics of current interest, with content varying from year to year.

Consult I. Stewart

8.299 Physics Teaching

Prereq: None U (Fall, Spring) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

For qualified undergraduate students interested in gaining some experience in teaching. Laboratory, tutorial, or classroom teaching under the supervision of a faculty member. Students selected by interview.

8.EPE UPOP Engineering Practice Experience

Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject. Offered under: 1.EPE , 2.EPE , 3.EPE , 6.EPE , 8.EPE , 10.EPE , 15.EPE , 16.EPE , 20.EPE , 22.EPE Prereq: None U (Fall, Spring) 0-0-1 units Can be repeated for credit.

See description under subject 2.EPE . Application required; consult UPOP website for more information.

K. Tan-Tiongco, D. Fordell

8.S02 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: None U (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 1-0-2 units

Opportunity for group study of subjects in physics not otherwise included in the curriculum.

P. Dourmashkin

8.S227 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: None U (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

8.S228 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: None U (IAP) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-4 units

8.S271 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: None Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: U (Spring) 2-0-4 units

8.S30 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: None Acad Year 2023-2024: U (Fall, Spring) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Units arranged

A. Bernstein, J. Walsh

8.S50 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: None U (IAP) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

8.UR Undergraduate Research

Research opportunities in physics. For further information, contact the departmental UROP coordinator.

N. Mavalvala

8.THU Undergraduate Physics Thesis

Prereq: None U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Program of research leading to the writing of an S.B. thesis; to be arranged by the student under approved supervision.

Information: N. Mavalvala

Graduate Subjects

8.309 classical mechanics iii.

Subject meets with 8.09 Prereq: None G (Fall, Spring) 4-0-8 units

8.311 Electromagnetic Theory I

Prereq: 8.07 G (Spring) 4-0-8 units

Basic principles of electromagnetism: experimental basis, electrostatics, magnetic fields of steady currents, motional emf and electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations, propagation and radiation of electromagnetic waves, electric and magnetic properties of matter, and conservation laws. Subject uses appropriate mathematics but emphasizes physical phenomena and principles.

8.315[J] Mathematical Methods in Nanophotonics

Same subject as 18.369[J] Prereq: 8.07 , 18.303 , or permission of instructor Acad Year 2023-2024: G (Spring) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 18.369[J] .

S. G. Johnson

8.316 Data Science in Physics

Subject meets with 8.16 Prereq: 8.04 and ( 6.100A , 6.100B , or permission of instructor) Acad Year 2023-2024: G (Spring) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 3-0-9 units

8.321 Quantum Theory I

Prereq: 8.05 G (Fall) 4-0-8 units

A two-term subject on quantum theory, stressing principles: uncertainty relation, observables, eigenstates, eigenvalues, probabilities of the results of measurement, transformation theory, equations of motion, and constants of motion. Symmetry in quantum mechanics, representations of symmetry groups. Variational and perturbation approximations. Systems of identical particles and applications. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Scattering theory: phase shifts, Born approximation. The quantum theory of radiation. Second quantization and many-body theory. Relativistic quantum mechanics of one electron.

8.322 Quantum Theory II

Prereq: 8.07 and 8.321 Acad Year 2023-2024: G (Spring) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 4-0-8 units

8.323 Relativistic Quantum Field Theory I

Prereq: 8.321 G (Spring) 4-0-8 units

A one-term self-contained subject in quantum field theory. Concepts and basic techniques are developed through applications in elementary particle physics, and condensed matter physics. Topics: classical field theory, symmetries, and Noether's theorem. Quantization of scalar fields, spin fields, and Gauge bosons. Feynman graphs, analytic properties of amplitudes and unitarity of the S-matrix. Calculations in quantum electrodynamics (QED). Introduction to renormalization.

8.324 Relativistic Quantum Field Theory II

Prereq: 8.322 and 8.323 G (Fall) 4-0-8 units

The second term of the quantum field theory sequence. Develops in depth some of the topics discussed in 8.323 and introduces some advanced material. Topics: perturbation theory and Feynman diagrams, scattering theory, Quantum Electrodynamics, one loop renormalization, quantization of non-abelian gauge theories, the Standard Model of particle physics, other topics.

8.325 Relativistic Quantum Field Theory III

Prereq: 8.324 G (Spring) 4-0-8 units

The third and last term of the quantum field theory sequence. Its aim is the proper theoretical discussion of the physics of the standard model. Topics: quantum chromodynamics; Higgs phenomenon and a description of the standard model; deep-inelastic scattering and structure functions; basics of lattice gauge theory; operator products and effective theories; detailed structure of the standard model; spontaneously broken gauge theory and its quantization; instantons and theta-vacua; topological defects; introduction to supersymmetry.

8.333 Statistical Mechanics I

Prereq: 8.044 and 8.05 G (Fall) 4-0-8 units

First part of a two-subject sequence on statistical mechanics. Examines the laws of thermodynamics and the concepts of temperature, work, heat, and entropy. Postulates of classical statistical mechanics, microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical distributions; applications to lattice vibrations, ideal gas, photon gas. Quantum statistical mechanics; Fermi and Bose systems. Interacting systems: cluster expansions, van der Waal's gas, and mean-field theory.

8.334 Statistical Mechanics II

Prereq: 8.333 Acad Year 2023-2024: G (Spring) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 4-0-8 units

Second part of a two-subject sequence on statistical mechanics. Explores topics from modern statistical mechanics: the hydrodynamic limit and classical field theories. Phase transitions and broken symmetries: universality, correlation functions, and scaling theory. The renormalization approach to collective phenomena. Dynamic critical behavior. Random systems.

8.351[J] Classical Mechanics: A Computational Approach

Same subject as 6.5160[J] , 12.620[J] Prereq: Physics I (GIR) , 18.03 , and permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-3-6 units

See description under subject 12.620[J] .

J. Wisdom, G. J. Sussman

8.370[J] Quantum Computation

Same subject as 2.111[J] , 6.6410[J] , 18.435[J] Prereq: 8.05 , 18.06 , 18.700 , 18.701 , or 18.C06[J] G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 18.435[J] .

I. Chuang, A. Harrow, P. Shor

8.371[J] Quantum Information Science

Same subject as 6.6420[J] , 18.436[J] Prereq: 18.435[J] G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Examines quantum computation and quantum information. Topics include quantum circuits, the quantum Fourier transform and search algorithms, the quantum operations formalism, quantum error correction, Calderbank-Shor-Steane and stabilizer codes, fault tolerant quantum computation, quantum data compression, quantum entanglement, capacity of quantum channels, and quantum cryptography and the proof of its security. Prior knowledge of quantum mechanics required.

I. Chuang, A. Harrow

8.372 Quantum Information Science III

Prereq: 8.371[J] Acad Year 2023-2024: G (Fall) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 3-0-9 units

Third subject in the Quantum Information Science (QIS) sequence, building on 8.370[J] and 8.371[J] . Further explores core topics in quantum information science, such as quantum information theory, error-correction, physical implementations, algorithms, cryptography, and complexity. Draws connections between QIS and related fields, such as many-body physics, and applications such as sensing.

8.381, 8.382 Selected Topics in Theoretical Physics

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Topics of current interest in theoretical physics, varying from year to year. Subject not routinely offered; given when sufficient interest is indicated.

8.391 Pre-Thesis Research

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

Advanced problems in any area of experimental or theoretical physics, with assigned reading and consultations.

8.392 Pre-Thesis Research

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

8.395[J] Teaching College-Level Science and Engineering

Same subject as 1.95[J] , 5.95[J] , 7.59[J] , 18.094[J] Subject meets with 2.978 Prereq: None G (Fall) 2-0-2 units

See description under subject 5.95[J] .

8.396[J] Leadership and Professional Strategies & Skills Training (LEAPS), Part I: Advancing Your Professional Strategies and Skills

Same subject as 5.961[J] , 9.980[J] , 12.396[J] , 18.896[J] Prereq: None G (Spring; second half of term) 2-0-1 units

Part I (of two parts) of the LEAPS graduate career development and training series. Topics include: navigating and charting an academic career with confidence; convincing an audience with clear writing and arguments; mastering public speaking and communications; networking at conferences and building a brand; identifying transferable skills; preparing for a successful job application package and job interviews; understanding group dynamics and different leadership styles; leading a group or team with purpose and confidence. Postdocs encouraged to attend as non-registered participants. Limited to 80.

8.397[J] Leadership and Professional Strategies & Skills Training (LEAPS), Part II: Developing Your Leadership Competencies

Same subject as 5.962[J] , 9.981[J] , 12.397[J] , 18.897[J] Prereq: None G (Spring; first half of term) 2-0-1 units

Part II (of two parts) of the LEAPS graduate career development and training series. Topics covered include gaining self awareness and awareness of others, and communicating with different personality types; learning about team building practices; strategies for recognizing and resolving conflict and bias; advocating for diversity and inclusion; becoming organizationally savvy; having the courage to be an ethical leader; coaching, mentoring, and developing others; championing, accepting, and implementing change. Postdocs encouraged to attend as non-registered participants. Limited to 80.

8.398 Selected Topics in Graduate Physics

Prereq: None G (Fall, Spring) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

A seminar for first-year PhD students presenting topics of current interest, with content varying from year to year. Open only to first-year graduate students in Physics.

Consult J. Thaler

8.399 Physics Teaching

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall, Spring) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

For qualified graduate students interested in gaining some experience in teaching. Laboratory, tutorial, or classroom teaching under the supervision of a faculty member. Students selected by interview.

Consult C. Paus

Physics of Atoms, Radiation, Solids, Fluids, and Plasmas

8.421 atomic and optical physics i.

Prereq: 8.05 Acad Year 2023-2024: G (Spring) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 3-0-9 units

The first of a two-term subject sequence that provides the foundations for contemporary research in selected areas of atomic and optical phsyics. The interaction of radiation with atoms: resonance; absorption, stimulated and spontaneous emission; methods of resonance, dressed atom formalism, masers and lasers, cavity quantum electrodynamics; structure of simple atoms, behavior in very strong fields; fundamental tests: time reversal, parity violations, Bell's inequalities; and experimental methods.

M. Zwierlein

8.422 Atomic and Optical Physics II

Prereq: 8.05 Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

The second of a two-term subject sequence that provides the foundations for contemporary research in selected areas of atomic and optical physics. Non-classical states of light- squeezed states; multi-photon processes, Raman scattering; coherence- level crossings, quantum beats, double resonance, superradiance; trapping and cooling- light forces, laser cooling, atom optics, spectroscopy of trapped atoms and ions; atomic interactions- classical collisions, quantum scattering theory, ultracold collisions; and experimental methods.

8.431[J] Nonlinear Optics

Same subject as 6.6340[J] Prereq: 6.2300 or 8.03 G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 6.6340[J] .

J. G. Fujimoto

8.481, 8.482 Selected Topics in Physics of Atoms and Radiation

Prereq: 8.321 G (Fall, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Presentation of topics of current interest, with content varying from year to year. Subject not routinely offered; given when sufficient interest is indicated.

8.511 Theory of Solids I

Prereq: 8.231 G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

First term of a theoretical treatment of the physics of solids. Concept of elementary excitations. Symmetry- translational, rotational, and time-reversal invariances- theory of representations. Energy bands- electrons and phonons. Topological band theory. Survey of electronic structure of metals, semimetals, semiconductors, and insulators, excitons, critical points, response functions, and interactions in the electron gas. Theory of superconductivity.

8.512 Theory of Solids II

Prereq: 8.511 G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Second term of a theoretical treatment of the physics of solids. Interacting electron gas: many-body formulation, Feynman diagrams, random phase approximation and beyond. General theory of linear response: dielectric function; sum rules; plasmons; optical properties; applications to semiconductors, metals, and insulators. Transport properties: non-interacting electron gas with impurities, diffusons. Quantum Hall effect: integral and fractional. Electron-phonon interaction: general theory, applications to metals, semiconductors and insulators, polarons, and field-theory description. Superconductivity: experimental observations, phenomenological theories, and BCS theory.

8.513 Many-Body Theory for Condensed Matter Systems

Prereq: 8.033 , 8.05 , 8.08 , and 8.231 Acad Year 2023-2024: G (Fall) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 3-0-9 units

Concepts and physical pictures behind various phenomena that appear in interacting many-body systems. Visualization occurs through concentration on path integral, mean-field theories and semiclassical picture of fluctuations around mean-field state. Topics covered: interacting boson/fermion systems, Fermi liquid theory and bosonization, symmetry breaking and nonlinear sigma-model, quantum gauge theory, quantum Hall theory, mean-field theory of spin liquids and quantum order, string-net condensation and emergence of light and fermions.

8.514 Strongly Correlated Systems in Condensed Matter Physics

Prereq: 8.322 and 8.333 Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Study of condensed matter systems where interactions between electrons play an important role. Topics vary depending on lecturer but may include low-dimension magnetic and electronic systems, disorder and quantum transport, magnetic impurities (the Kondo problem), quantum spin systems, the Hubbard model and high-temperature superconductors. Topics are chosen to illustrate the application of diagrammatic techniques, field-theory approaches, and renormalization group methods in condensed matter physics.

8.581, 8.582 Selected Topics in Condensed Matter Physics

Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units Can be repeated for credit.

Presentation of topics of current interest, with contents varying from year to year. Subject not routinely offered; given when sufficient interest is indicated.

8.590[J] Topics in Biophysics and Physical Biology

Same subject as 7.74[J] , 20.416[J] Prereq: None Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Fall) 2-0-4 units

Provides broad exposure to research in biophysics and physical biology, with emphasis on the critical evaluation of scientific literature. Weekly meetings include in-depth discussion of scientific literature led by distinct faculty on active research topics. Each session also includes brief discussion of non-research topics including effective presentation skills, writing papers and fellowship proposals, choosing scientific and technical research topics, time management, and scientific ethics.

J. Gore, N. Fakhri

8.591[J] Systems Biology

Same subject as 7.81[J] Subject meets with 7.32 Prereq: ( 18.03 and 18.05 ) or permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Introduction to cellular and population-level systems biology with an emphasis on synthetic biology, modeling of genetic networks, cell-cell interactions, and evolutionary dynamics. Cellular systems include genetic switches and oscillators, network motifs, genetic network evolution, and cellular decision-making. Population-level systems include models of pattern formation, cell-cell communication, and evolutionary systems biology. Students taking graduate version explore the subject in more depth.

8.592[J] Statistical Physics in Biology

Same subject as HST.452[J] Prereq: 8.333 or permission of instructor Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

A survey of problems at the interface of statistical physics and modern biology: bioinformatic methods for extracting information content of DNA; gene finding, sequence comparison, phylogenetic trees. Physical interactions responsible for structure of biopolymers; DNA double helix, secondary structure of RNA, elements of protein folding. Considerations of force, motion, and packaging; protein motors, membranes. Collective behavior of biological elements; cellular networks, neural networks, and evolution.

M. Kardar, L. Mirny

8.593[J] Biological Physics

Same subject as HST.450[J] Prereq: 8.044 recommended but not necessary G (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 4-0-8 units

Designed to provide seniors and first-year graduate students with a quantitative, analytical understanding of selected biological phenomena. Topics include experimental and theoretical basis for the phase boundaries and equation of state of concentrated protein solutions, with application to diseases such as sickle cell anemia and cataract. Protein-ligand binding and linkage and the theory of allosteric regulation of protein function, with application to proteins as stores as transporters in respiration, enzymes in metabolic pathways, membrane receptors, regulators of gene expression, and self-assembling scaffolds. The physics of locomotion and chemoreception in bacteria and the biophysics of vision, including the theory of transparency of the eye, molecular basis of photo reception, and the detection of light as a signal-to-noise discrimination.

8.613[J] Introduction to Plasma Physics I

Same subject as 22.611[J] Prereq: ( 6.2300 or 8.07 ) and ( 18.04 or Coreq: 18.075 ) G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 22.611[J] .

N. Loureiro, I. Hutchinson

8.614[J] Introduction to Plasma Physics II

Same subject as 22.612[J] Prereq: 22.611[J] Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 22.612[J] .

N. Loureiro

8.624 Plasma Waves

Prereq: 22.611[J] Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Comprehensive theory of electromagnetic waves in a magnetized plasma. Wave propagation in cold and hot plasmas. Energy flow. Absorption by Landau and cyclotron damping and by transit time magnetic pumping (TTMP). Wave propagation in inhomogeneous plasma: accessibility, WKB theory, mode conversion, connection formulae, and Budden tunneling. Applications to RF plasma heating, wave propagation in the ionosphere and laser-plasma interactions. Wave propagation in toroidal plasmas, and applications to ion cyclotron (ICRF), electron cyclotron (ECRH), and lower hybrid (LHH) wave heating. Quasi-linear theory and applications to RF current drive in tokamaks. Extensive discussion of relevant experimental observations.

M. Porkolab

8.641 Physics of High-Energy Plasmas I

Prereq: 22.611[J] G (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Physics of High-Energy Plasmas I and II address basic concepts of plasmas, with temperatures of thermonuclear interest, relevant to fusion research and astrophysics. Microscopic transport processes due to interparticle collisions and collective modes (e.g., microinstabilities). Relevant macroscopic transport coefficients (electrical resistivity, thermal conductivities, particle "diffusion"). Runaway and slide-away regimes. Magnetic reconnection processes and their relevance to experimental observations. Radiation emission from inhomogeneous plasmas. Conditions for thermonuclear burning and ignition (D-T and "advanced" fusion reactions, plasmas with polarized nuclei). Role of "impurity" nuclei. "Finite-β" (pressure) regimes and ballooning modes. Convective modes in configuration and velocity space. Trapped particle regimes. Nonlinear and explosive instabilities. Interaction of positive and negative energy modes. Each subject can be taken independently.

8.642 Physics of High-Energy Plasmas II

8.670[j] principles of plasma diagnostics.

Same subject as 22.67[J] Prereq: 22.611[J] Acad Year 2023-2024: G (Fall) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 4-4-4 units

See description under subject 22.67[J] .

J. Hare, A. White

8.681, 8.682 Selected Topics in Fluid and Plasma Physics

Prereq: 22.611[J] G (Fall, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units Can be repeated for credit.

Presentation of topics of current interest, with content varying from year to year. Subject not routinely offered; given when interest is indicated.

Consult M. Porkolab

Nuclear and Particle Physics

8.701 introduction to nuclear and particle physics.

Prereq: None. Coreq: 8.321 G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

The phenomenology and experimental foundations of particle and nuclear physics; the fundamental forces and particles, composites. Interactions of particles with matter, and detectors. SU(2), SU(3), models of mesons and baryons. QED, weak interactions, parity violation, lepton-nucleon scattering, and structure functions. QCD, gluon field and color. W and Z fields, electro-weak unification, the CKM matrix. Nucleon-nucleon interactions, properties of nuclei, single- and collective- particle models. Electron and hadron interactions with nuclei. Relativistic heavy ion collisions, and transition to quark-gluon plasma.

8.711 Nuclear Physics

Prereq: 8.321 and 8.701 G (Spring) 4-0-8 units

Modern, advanced study in the experimental foundations and theoretical understanding of the structure of nuclei, beginning with the two- and three-nucleon problems. Basic nuclear properties, collective and single-particle motion, giant resonances, mean field models, interacting boson model. Nuclei far from stability, nuclear astrophysics, big-bang and stellar nucleosynthesis. Electron scattering: nucleon momentum distributions, scaling, olarization observables. Parity-violating electron scattering. Neutrino physics. Current results in relativistic heavy ion physics and hadronic physics. Frontiers and future facilities.

8.712 Advanced Topics in Nuclear Physics

Prereq: 8.711 or permission of instructor G (Fall, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units Can be repeated for credit.

Subject for experimentalists and theorists with rotation of the following topics: (1) Nuclear chromodynamics-- introduction to QCD, structure of nucleons, lattice QCD, phases of hadronic matter; and relativistic heavy ion collisions. (2) Medium-energy physics-- nuclear and nucleon structure and dynamics studied with medium- and high-energy probes (neutrinos, photons, electrons, nucleons, pions, and kaons). Studies of weak and strong interactions.

8.751[J] Quantum Technology and Devices

Same subject as 22.51[J] Subject meets with 22.022 Prereq: 22.11 G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 22.51[J] .

P. Cappellaro

8.781, 8.782 Selected Topics in Nuclear Theory

Prereq: 8.323 G (Fall, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Presents topics of current interest in nuclear structure and reaction theory, with content varying from year to year. Subject not routinely offered; given when sufficient interest is indicated.

Consult E. Farhi

8.811 Particle Physics

Prereq: 8.701 G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Modern review of particles, interactions, and recent experiments. Experimental and analytical methods. QED, electroweak theory, and the Standard Model as tested in recent key experiments at ee and pp colliders. Mass generation, W, Z, and Higgs physics. Weak decays of mesons, including heavy flavors with QCD corrections. Mixing phenomena for K, D, B mesons and neutrinos. CP violation with results from B-factories. Future physics expectations: Higgs, SUSY, sub-structure as addressed by new experiments at the LHC collider.

8.812 Graduate Experimental Physics

Prereq: 8.701 G (IAP) Not offered regularly; consult department 1-8-3 units

Provides practical experience in particle detection with verification by (Feynman) calculations. Students perform three experiments; at least one requires actual construction following design. Topics include Compton effect, Fermi constant in muon decay, particle identification by time-of-flight, Cerenkov light, calorimeter response, tunnel effect in radioactive decays, angular distribution of cosmic rays, scattering, gamma-gamma nuclear correlations, and modern particle localization.

8.821 String Theory

Prereq: 8.324 Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units Credit cannot also be received for 8.251

An introduction to string theory. Basics of conformal field theory; light-cone and covariant quantization of the relativistic bosonic string; quantization and spectrum of supersymmetric 10-dimensional string theories; T-duality and D-branes; toroidal compactification and orbifolds; 11-dimensional supergravity and M-theory. Meets with 8.251 when offered concurrently.

8.831 Supersymmetric Quantum Field Theories

Topics selected from the following: SUSY algebras and their particle representations; Weyl and Majorana spinors; Lagrangians of basic four-dimensional SUSY theories, both rigid SUSY and supergravity; supermultiplets of fields and superspace methods; renormalization properties, and the non-renormalization theorem; spontaneous breakdown of SUSY; and phenomenological SUSY theories. Some prior knowledge of Noether's theorem, derivation and use of Feynman rules, l-loop renormalization, and gauge theories is essential.

8.851 Effective Field Theory

Prereq: 8.324 Acad Year 2023-2024: G (Spring) Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered 3-0-9 units Credit cannot also be received for 8.S851

Covers the framework and tools of effective field theory, including: identifying degrees of freedom and symmetries; power counting expansions (dimensional and otherwise); field redefinitions, bottom-up and top-down effective theories; fine-tuned effective theories; matching and Wilson coefficients; reparameterization invariance; and advanced renormalization group techniques. Main examples are taken from particle and nuclear physics, including the Soft-Collinear Effective Theory.

8.871 Selected Topics in Theoretical Particle Physics

Prereq: 8.323 Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units Can be repeated for credit.

Presents topics of current interest in theoretical particle physics, with content varying from year to year. Subject not routinely offered; given when sufficient interest is indicated.

8.872 Selected Topics in Theoretical Particle Physics

Prereq: 8.323 Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Fall, Spring) 3-0-9 units Can be repeated for credit.

8.881, 8.882 Selected Topics in Experimental Particle Physics

Prereq: 8.811 G (Fall, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units Can be repeated for credit.

Presents topics of current interest in experimental particle physics, with content varying from year to year. Subject not routinely offered; given when sufficient interest is indicated.

Space Physics and Astrophysics

8.901 astrophysics i.

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Size and time scales. Historical astronomy. Astronomical instrumentation. Stars: spectra and classification. Stellar structure equations and survey of stellar evolution. Stellar oscillations. Degenerate and collapsed stars; radio pulsars. Interacting binary systems; accretion disks, x-ray sources. Gravitational lenses; dark matter. Interstellar medium: HII regions, supernova remnants, molecular clouds, dust; radiative transfer; Jeans' mass; star formation. High-energy astrophysics: Compton scattering, bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, cosmic rays. Galactic stellar distributions and populations; Oort constants; Oort limit; and globular clusters.

8.902 Astrophysics II

Prereq: 8.901 G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Galactic dynamics: potential theory, orbits, collisionless Boltzmann equation, etc. Galaxy interactions. Groups and clusters; dark matter. Intergalactic medium; x-ray clusters. Active galactic nuclei: unified models, black hole accretion, radio and optical jets, etc. Homogeneity and isotropy, redshift, galaxy distance ladder. Newtonian cosmology. Roberston-Walker models and cosmography. Early universe, primordial nucleosynthesis, recombination. Cosmic microwave background radiation. Large-scale structure, galaxy formation.

M. McDonald

8.913 Plasma Astrophysics I

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

For students interested in space physics, astrophysics, and plasma physics in general. Magnetospheres of rotating magnetized planets, ordinary stars, neutron stars, and black holes. Pulsar models: processes for slowing down, particle acceleration, and radiation emission; accreting plasmas and x-ray stars; stellar winds; heliosphere and solar wind- relevant magnetic field configuration, measured particle distribution in velocity space and induced collective modes; stability of the current sheet and collisionless processes for magnetic reconnection; theory of collisionless shocks; solitons; Ferroaro-Rosenbluth sheet; solar flare models; heating processes of the solar corona; Earth's magnetosphere (auroral phenomena and their interpretation, bowshock, magnetotail, trapped particle effects); relationship between gravitational (galactic) plasmas and electromagnetic plasmas. 8.913 deals with heliospheric, 8.914 with extra-heliospheric plasmas.

8.914 Plasma Astrophysics II

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

8.921 Stellar Structure and Evolution

Observable stellar characteristics; overview of observational information. Principles underlying calculations of stellar structure. Physical processes in stellar interiors; properties of matter and radiation; radiative, conductive, and convective heat transport; nuclear energy generation; nucleosynthesis; and neutrino emission. Protostars; the main sequence, and the solar neutrino flux; advanced evolutionary stages; variable stars; planetary nebulae, supernovae, white dwarfs, and neutron stars; close binary systems; and abundance of chemical elements.

8.942 Cosmology

Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Thermal backgrounds in space. Cosmological principle and its consequences: Newtonian cosmology and types of "universes"; survey of relativistic cosmology; horizons. Overview of evolution in cosmology; radiation and element synthesis; physical models of the "early stages." Formation of large-scale structure to variability of physical laws. First and last states. Some knowledge of relativity expected. 8.962 recommended though not required.

8.952 Particle Physics of the Early Universe

Prereq: 8.323 ; Coreq: 8.324 Acad Year 2023-2024: Not offered Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Basics of general relativity, standard big bang cosmology, thermodynamics of the early universe, cosmic background radiation, primordial nucleosynthesis, basics of the standard model of particle physics, electroweak and QCD phase transition, basics of group theory, grand unified theories, baryon asymmetry, monopoles, cosmic strings, domain walls, axions, inflationary universe, and structure formation.

8.962 General Relativity

Prereq: 8.07 , 18.03 , and 18.06 G (Spring) 4-0-8 units

The basic principles of Einstein's general theory of relativity, differential geometry, experimental tests of general relativity, black holes, and cosmology.

8.971 Astrophysics Seminar

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-4 units Can be repeated for credit.

Advanced seminar on current topics, with a different focus each term. Typical topics: astronomical instrumentation, numerical and statistical methods in astrophysics, gravitational lenses, neutron stars and pulsars.

Consult D. Chakrabarty

8.972 Astrophysics Seminar

Advanced seminar on current topics, with a different focus each term. Typical topics: gravitational lenses, active galactic nuclei, neutron stars and pulsars, galaxy formation, supernovae and supernova remnants, brown dwarfs, and extrasolar planetary systems. The presenter at each session is selected by drawing names from a hat containing those of all attendees. Offered if sufficient interest is indicated.

8.981, 8.982 Selected Topics in Astrophysics

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units Can be repeated for credit.

Topics of current interest, varying from year to year. Subject not routinely offered; given when sufficient interest is indicated.

8.995 Practical Experience in Physics

Prereq: None G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

For Course 8 students participating in off-campus experiences in physics. Before registering for this subject, students must have an internship offer from a company or organization, must identify a Physics supervisor, and must receive prior approval from the Physics Department. Upon completion of the project, student must submit a letter from the company or organization describing the work accomplished, along with a substantive final report from the student approved by the MIT supervisor. Consult departmental academic office.

8.998 Teaching and Mentoring MIT Students (New)

Prereq: None U (Fall, Spring) 2-0-1 units

Designed for first-time physics mentors and others interested in improving their knowledge and skills in teaching one-on-one and in small groups, particularly TEAL TAs and graduate student TAs. Topics include: cognition, metacognition, and the role of affect; communication skills (practice listening, questioning, and eliciting student ideas); the roles of motivation and mindset in learning; fostering belonging and self-efficacy through peer mentorship; facilitating small-group interactions to enhance peer instruction and learning; physics-specific learning strategies, such as how to teach/learn problem solving; research-based techniques for effective mentorship in STEM. Includes a one-hour class on pedagogy topics, a one-hour weekly Physics Mentoring Community of Practice meeting, and weekly assignments to read or watch material in preparation for class discussions, and written reflections before class.

8.S301 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged

Covers topics in Physics that are not offered in the regular curriculum. Limited enrollment; preference to Physics graduate students.

A. Lightman

8.S372 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: None G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Covers topics in Physics that are not offered in the regular curriculum.

8.S396 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: None G (Spring; first half of term) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged [P/D/F]

8.S397 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: None G (Spring; second half of term) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged [P/D/F]

8.S421 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (IAP) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

W. Ketterle

8.S998 Special Subject: Physics

Prereq: None U (Fall, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-1 units

8.THG Graduate Physics Thesis

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Program of research leading to the writing of an SM, PhD, or ScD thesis; to be arranged by the student and an appropriate MIT faculty member.

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School of Science welcomes new faculty in 2023

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Last spring, the School of Science welcomed seven new faculty members.

Erin Chen PhD ’11 studies the communication between microbes that reside on the surface of the human body and the immune system. She focuses on the largest organ: the skin. Chen will dissect the molecular signals of diverse skin microbes and their effects on host tissues, with the goal of harnessing microbe-host interactions to engineer new therapeutics for human disease.

Chen earned her bachelor’s in biology from the University of Chicago, her PhD from MIT, and her MD from Harvard Medical School, and she completed her medical residency at the University of California at San Francisco. Chen was also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Hanna Gray Fellow at Stanford University and an attending dermatologist at UCSF and at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Chen returns to MIT as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology, a core member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and an attending dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Robert Gilliard ’s research is multidisciplinary and combines various aspects of organic, inorganic, main-group, and materials chemistry. The Gilliard group specializes in the chemical synthesis of new molecules that impact the development of new catalysts and reagents, including the discovery of unknown transformations of environmentally relevant small-molecules [e.g., carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and dihydrogen (H 2 )]. In addition, he investigates the design, characterization, and reactivity of boron-based luminescent and redox-active heterocycles for use in optoelectronic applications (e.g., stimuli-responsive materials, thermochromic materials, chemical sensors). Gilliard earned his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and his PhD from the University of Georgia. He completed joint postdoctoral studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) and Case Western Reserve University. He served on the faculty at the University of Virginia from 2017-22. Gilliard spent time in the MIT Department of Chemistry as a 2021-22 Dr. Martin Luther King Visiting Professor. He returns as the Novartis Associate Professor of Chemistry with tenure.

Sally Kornbluth is president of MIT and a professor of biology. Before she closed her lab to focus on administration, her research focused on the biological signals that tell a cell to start dividing or to self-destruct — processes that are key to understanding cancer as well as various degenerative disorders. She has published extensively on cell proliferation and programmed cell death, studying both phenomena in a variety of organisms. Her research has helped to show how cancer cells evade this programmed death, or apoptosis, and how metabolism regulates the cell death process; her work has also clarified the role of apoptosis in regulating the duration of female fertility in vertebrates.

Kornbluth holds bachelor’s degrees in political science from Williams College and in genetics from Cambridge University. She earned her PhD in molecular oncology from Rockefeller University in 1989 and completed postdoctoral training at the University of California at San Diego. In 1994, she joined the faculty of Duke University and served in the administration as vice dean for basic science at the Duke School of Medicine (2006-2014) and later as the university's provost (2014-2022). She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Inventors, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Daniel Lew uses fungal model systems to ask how cells orient their activities in space, including oriented growth, cell wall remodeling, and organelle segregation. Different cells take on an astonishing variety of shapes, which are often critical to be able to perform specialized cell functions like absorbing nutrients or contracting muscles. Lew studies how different cell shapes arise and how cells control the spatial distribution of their internal constituents, taking advantage of the tractability of fungal model systems, and addressing these questions using approaches from cell biology, genetics, and computational biology to understand molecular mechanisms.

Lew received a bachelor’s degree in genetics from Cambridge University followed by a PhD in molecular biology from Rockefeller University. After postdoctoral training at the Scripps Research Institute, he joined the Duke University faculty in 1994. Lew joins MIT as a professor of biology with tenure.

Eluned Smith uses rare beauty decays measured with the LHCb detector at CERN to search for new fundamental particles at mass scales above the collision energy of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Her group leverages data to elucidate the physics of beauty quarks, whose behavior cannot be explained by the Standard Model of particle physics. In doing so, her work aims to resolve whether the anomalies are misunderstood quantum chromodynamics or the first sign of beyond-the-Standard-Model-physics at the LHC.

Smith joins MIT as an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and the Laboratory for Nuclear Science. She earned her undergraduate and doctoral degrees at Imperial College London, which she completed in 2017. She did her first postdoc at RWTH Aachen before winning an Ambizione Fellowship from the Swiss National Science Foundation at the University of Zürich.

Gaia Stucky de Quay explores topographic signals and landscape evolution, in order to both de-convolve and quantify primary driving forces such as tectonics, climate, and local geological processes. She integrates fieldwork, lab work, modeling, and remote sensing to improve our quantitative understanding of such processes at compelling geological sites such as Martian valleys and lakes, the surfaces of icy moons, and volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

Stucky de Quay joins the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences as an assistant professor. Most recently, she was a Daly Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University. Previously, she was a postdoc at the University of Texas at Austin and a visiting student at the University of Chicago. Stucky de Quay earned her MS from the University College of London and a PhD from Imperial College London.

Brandon "Brady" Weissbourd uses the jellyfish, Clytia hemisphaerica , to study nervous system evolution, development, regeneration, and function. With a foundation is in systems neuroscience, his lab uses genetic and optical techniques to examine how behavior arises from the activity of networks of neurons; they investigate how the Clytia nervous system is so robust; and they use Clytia’s evolutionary position to make inferences about the ultimate origins of nervous systems.

Weissbourd received a BA in human evolutionary biology from Harvard University in 2009 and a PhD from Stanford University in 2016. He then completed postdoctoral research at Caltech and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He joins MIT as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and an investigator in The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory.

This fall, the School of Science welcomes nine new faculty members.

Facundo Batista studies the fundamental biology of the immune system to develop the next generation of vaccines and therapeutics. B lymphocytes are the fulcrum of immunological memory, the source of antibodies, and the focus of vaccine development. His lab has investigated how, where, and when B cell responses take shape. In recent years, the Batista group has expanded into preclinical vaccinology, targeting viruses including HIV, malaria, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2.

Batista is an MIT professor of biology with tenure as well as the associate director and scientific director of the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard. He received his PhD from the International School of Advanced Studies in Trieste, Italy, and his undergraduate degree from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prior to MIT, Batista was a tenured member of the Francis Crick Institute, a professor at Imperial College London, and a professor of microbiology and immunology at Harvard Medical School.

Anna-Christina Eilers is an observational astrophysicist. Her research focuses on the formation of the first galaxies, quasars, and supermassive black holes in the early universe, during an era known as the Cosmic Dawn. In particular, Eilers is interested in the growth of the first supermassive black holes which reside in the center of luminous, distant galaxies known as quasars, to understand how black holes evolve from small stellar remnants to billion-solar-mass black holes within very short amounts of cosmic time.

Previously, Eilers received a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Goettingen, a master’s degree in astrophysics from the University of Heidelberg, and a PhD in astrophysics from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg. In 2019, she was awarded a NASA Hubble Fellowship and the Pappalardo Fellowship to continue her research at MIT. Eilers remains at MIT as an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research.

Masha Elkin combines catalyst development, natural products synthesis, and machine learning to tackle important chemical challenges. Her group develops new transition metal catalysts that enable efficient bond disconnections and access to value-added compounds, leveraging these transformations for the synthesis of bioactive natural products that address outstanding needs in human health, and uses computational tools to explore all possible molecules and accelerate reaction discovery.

Elkin joins MIT as the D. Reid (1941) and Barbara J. Weedon Career Development Assistant Professor of Chemistry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis in 2014, and her PhD from Yale University in 2019, then began as a postdoc at the University of California at Berkeley.

Mikhail Ivanov ’s research has developed at the interface of theoretical physics and data analysis, bridging state-of-the-art theoretical ideas with observational data. The overarching aim of his research is to use Effective Field Theory in combination with astrophysical data in order to resolve fundamental challenges of modern physics, such as the nature of dark matter, dark energy, inflation, and gravity.

Ivanov joins MIT as an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and the Center for Theoretical Physics in the Laboratory for Nuclear Science. He obtained his PhD from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in 2019. During his PhD studies, he spent a year at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, as a fellow of the Swiss National Science Foundation. Subsequently, he was a postdoc at New York University and a NASA Einstein Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study.

Oleta Johnson joins the Department of Chemistry as an assistant professor. Efforts to target pathogenic proteins with drugs or chemical probes can often be analogized to a lock and key, where the protein target is the “lock” and the molecule is the “key.” However, what happens when the target is flexible or lacks a defined structure? In all living things, molecular chaperone proteins have evolved to support proper folding of these moving targets. Yet, protein misfolding and aggregation is a hallmark of many myopathies and neurodegenerative diseases. Johnson uses chemical and biophysical tools to understand and tune the activity of molecular chaperone proteins in protein misfolding diseases. Thus, her research group will reveal the molecular underpinnings of molecular chaperone dysfunction in a broad array of disorders including Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. These tools and finding will be further developed to develop novel treatments for patients of these diseases.

Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2013, and her PhD from the University of Michigan in 2018. Prior to MIT, Johnson completed postdoctoral research at the University of California at San Francisco.

Nicole Xike Nie is an isotope geo/cosmochemist using the chemical and isotopic compositions of extraterrestrial materials to understand the formation of our solar system. Her research is driven by fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of the early solar system. Leveraging geochemical methods, she wants to understand questions such as why all planetary bodies are depleted of volatile elements when their building block materials aren’t, and why the Earth’s chemical signatures are distinct from other planetary bodies.

Nie joins MIT as an assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. Nie received a BS in geology from China University of Geosciences in 2010, an MS in geochemistry from Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2013, and a PhD in geo/cosmochemistry from the University of Chicago in 2019. After graduating she was a Carnegie Postdoc Fellow at Carnegie Institution for Science and a postdoc researcher at Caltech.

Tristan Ozuch works in the field of geometric analysis and focuses on Einstein manifolds and Ricci flows. His work has shed light on the moduli space of Einstein metrics in four dimensions, addressing questions that have lingered since the 1980s. These questions originated from the systematic study of Einstein's equations and their degenerations since the 1970s, in both physics and mathematics.

After receiving a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and PhD from École Normale Supérieure, Tristan Ozuch joined MIT as a C.L.E. Moore Instructor of Mathematics. He continues in the Department of Mathematics as an assistant professor.

Climate scientist Talia Tamarin-Brodsky ’s research is driven by questions on the interface between weather and climate. In her work, Tamarin-Brodsky combines theory, computational methods, and observational data to study Earth’s climate and weather and how they respond to climate change. Her interests include atmospheric dynamics, temperature variability, weather and climate extremes, and subseasonal-to-seasonal predictability. For example, she studies how nonlinear wave breaking events in the upper atmosphere influence surface weather and extremes, and the mechanisms shaping the spatial distribution of Earth’s near-surface temperature.

Tamarin-Brodsky received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and geophysics as well as a master’s in physics from Tel Aviv University, Israel, before earning her PhD from the Weizmann Institute. She completed a postdoctoral project at the University of Reading, U.K., and a postdoctoral fellowship at Tel Aviv University. She joins the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Studies as an assistant professor.

John Urschel PhD ’21 is a mathematician focused on matrix analysis and computations, with an emphasis on theoretical results and provable guarantees for practical problems. His research interests include numerical linear algebra, spectral graph theory, and topics in theoretical machine learning.

Urschel earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Pennsylvania State University, then completed a PhD in mathematics at MIT in 2021. He was a member of the Institute for Advanced Study and a junior fellow at Harvard University before returning to MIT as an assistant professor of mathematics this fall.

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People : Thomas Heldt

77 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139

• PhD in Medical Physics, Health Sciences and Technology, MIT, 2004
• MS and MPhil in Physics, Yale University, 1996 and 1998

Thomas Heldt joined the MIT faculty in 2013 as a core member of the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES) and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Additionally, Thomas is a Principal Investigator with MIT’s Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE). He directs the Integrative Neuromonitoring and Critical Care Informatics Group in IMES and RLE.

Thomas’ interests began meandering between basic science and clinical medicine in his native Germany, where he started studying physics and medicine at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany. He subsequently received the MS and MPhil degrees in Physics from Yale University and the PhD degree in Medical Physics from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology in 2004. He completed postdoctoral training with the Laboratory for Electromagnetic and Electronic Systems at MIT before he co-founded and co-directed the Computational Physiology and Clinical Inference Group at RLE.

In addition to his MIT appointments, Thomas holds courtesy research appointments at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital (Neurology), Massachusetts General Hospital (Emergency Medicine), and Boston Medical Center (Neurosurgery).

Thomas’s research interests focus on signal processing, mathematical modeling, and model identification to support real-time clinical decision making, monitoring of disease progression, and titration of therapy, primarily in neurocritical and neonatal critical care. In particular, Thomas is interested in developing a mechanistic understanding of physiologic systems, and in formulating appropriately chosen computational physiologic models for improved patient care. His research is conducted in close collaboration with colleagues at MIT and clinicians from Boston-area hospitals.

Selected Honors/Awards/Societies

• Louis D. Smullin (1939) Prize for Teaching Excellence, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, MIT
• W.M. Keck Career Development Chair in Biomedical Engineering
• Distinguished Lecturer, IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society
• Burgess ('52) & Elizabeth Jamieson Award for Excellence in Teaching, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, MIT
• Visiting Professor, ETH Zürich
• Senior Member, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society

Selected Publications

• Imaduddin SM, Fanelli A, Vonberg FW, Tasker RC, Heldt T. “Pseudo-Bayesian model-based noninvasive intracranial pressure estimation and tracking.” IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering (In press)
• Filbin MR, Thorsen JE, Zachary TM, Lynch JC, Matsushima M, Belsky JB, Heldt T, Reisner AT. “Antibiotic delays and feasibility of a 1-hour-from-triage antibiotic requirement: Analysis of an emergency department sepsis quality-improvement database,” Annals of Emergency Medicine (In press)
• Imaduddin SM, LaRovere KL, Kussman BD, Heldt T. “ A time-frequency approach for cerebral embolic load monitoring ,” IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering (In press)
• Fanelli A, Vonberg F, LaRovere K, Walsh B, Smith E, Robinson S, Tasker RC, Heldt T. Fully automated, real-time, calibration-free, continuous noninvasive estimation of intracranial pressure in children . Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics (In press)
• Wadehn F, Weber T, Mack D, Heldt T, Loeliger H-A. A framework for model-based separation, detection, and classification of eye movements . IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering (In press)
• Lai H-Y, Saavedra-Peña G, Sodini CG, Sze V, Heldt T. Measuring saccade latency using smartphone cameras. IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics (In press)
• Heldt T, Zoerle T, Teichmann D, Stocchetti N. Intracranial pressure and intracranial elastance monitoring in neurocritical care. Annual Reviews of Biomedical Engineering 21:523-549, 2019.

Full list of Prof. Heldt’s publications can be found at http://www.rle.mit.edu/incci/publications/

Courses Taught

• HST.541/6.021 Cellular Neurophysiology and Computing (2013-2019, 2022)
• HST.521/6.022 Quantitative and Clinical Physiology (2014-2022, 2022)
• 6.011 Communication, Control, and Signal Processing (2015)