Carnegie Mellon University

Graduate Courses

For the most up-to-date information on current and upcoming courses, including course times and locations, visit the university-wide schedule of classes. All graduate courses at the University of Pittsburgh qualify for credit in our program.

Looking for undergraduate courses? View them here.

33-650: General Relativity

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Tiziana Di Matteo 2022-2023 Fall - 9 units Download
General Relativity is the classical theory of gravity. It is widely recognized as a beautiful theory - equating gravity and the geometry of spacetime leads to a profound conceptual change in the way we regard the universe. The predictions of the theory are relevant to systems as varied as high precision measurements of the earth's gravitational field or the strongly curved space-times around black holes. In this course, we will gradually develop an understanding of the geometries which are the solutions of the Einstein equation, with an emphasis on their relevance to physical situations. We will motivate the theory step by step and eventually introduce the Einstein equation itself.
Typical Textbook(s): Gravity, An Introduction to Einstein's General Relativity by James Hartle
Prerequisites: 33-211 and 33-339

33-652: Introduction to String Theory

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Ira Rothstein 2017-2018 Fall - 9 units N/A
The two triumphs of 20th century physics, quantum mechanics and general relativity, are monuments to the progress of science, yet they have to be synthesized into a theory of quantum gravity. A leading candidate for such a theory is "string theory", which not only accounts for gravity in a quantum mechanical setting but also unifies gravity with all the other fundamental forces. As such, it is sometimes called a "theory of everything". This course is an introduction to the theory of String Theory. A familiarity with tensors and Einstein summation as well as a basic level of understanding of quantum mechanics is expected.
Typical Textbook(s): A First Course in String Theory by B. Zwiebach
Prerequisites: 33-650

33-658: Quantum Computation and Quantum Information Theory

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Mike Widom 2022-2023 Fall - 10 units View
This course provides an overview of recent developments in quantum computation and quantum information theory. The topics include: an introduction to quantum mechanics, quantum channels, both ideal and noisy, quantum cryptography, quantum data compression, quantum error corrections and quantum gates. The class includes code writing on publicly available quantum computers.
Typical Textbook(s): Quantum Processes Systems and Information by Schumacher and Westmoreland
Prerequisites: 33-234

33-659: Quantum Hall Effect and Topological Insulators

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Grigory Tarnopolskiy 2022-2023 Spring - 12 units Download
This course will introduce students to the topic of topological insulators and related phenomena using the Berry phase a unifying concept. In the first half of the semester, we will cover basic concepts such as Berry phase, Dirac fermions, Hall conductance and its link to topology, and the Hofstadter problem of lattice electrons in a magnetic field. Linear response theory will be discussed in relation to the Hall conductance. In the second half, we will move on to explain topological phases of matter such as Chern insulators and two- and three-dimensional topological insulators. Various techniques to calculate the topological indices will be introduced and connection to real materials will be discussed. Numerical studies of various tight-binding models provide intuitive understandings and will be an essential part of this course.
Prerequisites: 33-448

33-755: Quantum Mechanics I

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Grigory Tarnopolskiy 2022-2023 Fall - 12 units View
This course is the first semester of a two-semester Quantum Mechanics sequence for graduate students. It introduces fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics as well as time evolution and quantum dynamics. Topics covered include wave mechanics and matrix mechanics, addition of angular momentum plus applications, bound states, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, etc.
Typical Textbook(s): Quantum Mechanics, Vol. I by Cohen-Tannoudji

33-756: Quantum Mechanics II

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Rachel Rosen 2022-2023 Spring - 12 units Download
This course is the second semester of a two-semester Quantum Mechanics sequence for graduate students. It focuses on qualitative methods and approximations in quantum mechanics, including time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, scattering and semiclassical methods as well as harmonic oscillator and quantized fields. Applications are made to atomic, molecular and solid matter. Systems of identical particles are treated including many electron atoms or entangled states.
Typical Textbook(s): Quantum Mechanics, Vol. II by Cohen-Tannoudji
Prerequisites: 33-755 and 33-759

33-758: Quantum Computation and Quantum Information Theory

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Robert Griffiths 2013-2014 Spring - 12 units Download

This course, taught in collaboration with the Computer Science Department, provides an overview of recent developments in quantum computation and quantum information theory. The topics include: an introduction to quantum mechanics, quantum channels, both ideal and noisy, quantum cryptography, an introduction to computational complexity, Shor's factorization algorithm, Grover's search algorithm, and proposals for the physical realization of quantum devices, such as correlated photons, ions in traps, and nuclear magnetic resonance. 3 hrs. lecture plus weekly seminar. A 10-unit version of the course, 33-658, does not include the seminar.

Typical Textbook(s): Quantum Computation and Quantum Information by Nielsen and Chuang

33-759: Introduction to Mathematical Physics I

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Tina Kahniashvili 2022-2023 Fall - 12 units Download
This course is an introduction to methods of mathematical analysis used in solving physical problems. Emphasis is placed both upon the generality of the methods, through a variety of sample problems, and upon their underlying principles. Topics normally covered include matrix algebra (normal modes, diagonalization, symmetry properties), complex variables and analytic functions, differential equations (Laplace's equation and separation of variables, special functions and their analytic properties), orthogonal systems of functions. 3 hrs. lecture and recitation.
Typical Textbook(s): Mathematical Methods for Physicists by G. Arfken

33-761: Classical Electrodynamics I

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Ira Rothstein 2022-2023 Fall - 12 units Download
This course deals with the static and dynamic properties of the electromagnetic field as described by Maxwell's equations. Among the topics emphasized are solutions of Laplace's, Poisson's and wave equations, effects of boundaries, Green's functions, multipole expansions, emission and propagation of electromagnetic radiation and the response of dielectrics, metals, magnetizable bodies to fields. 3 hrs. lecture.
Typical Textbook(s): Classical Electrodynamics by J.D. Jackson
Prerequisites: 33-339

33-762: Classical Electrodynamics II

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Riccardo Penco 2018-2019 Spring - 12 units Download
The applications of electromagnetic theory to various physical systems is the main emphasis of this course. The topics discussed include the theory of wave guides, scattering of electromagnetic waves, index of refraction, special relativity and foundation of optics. 3 hrs. lecture.
Typical Textbook(s): Classical Electrodynamics by J.D. Jackson

33-765: Statistical Mechanics

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Mike Widom 2022-2023 Spring - 12 units Download
This course develops the methods of statistical mechanics and uses them to calculate observable properties of systems in thermodynamic equilibrium. Topics treated include the principles of classical thermodynamics, canonical and grand canonical ensembles for classical and quantum mechanical systems, partition functions and statistical thermodynamics, fluctuations, ideal gases of quanta, atoms and polyatomic molecules, degeneracy of Fermi and Bose gases, chemical equilibrium, ideal para-magnetics and introduction to simple interacting systems.
Typical Textbook(s): An Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics by Swendsen
Statistical Physics of Particles by Kardar
Statistical Mechanics by McQuarrie

33-767: Biophysics: From Basic Concepts to Current Research

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Fangwei Si 2022-2023 Spring - 12 units Download
This course mixes lectures and student presentations on advanced topics in Biological Physics. In the course, students will gain a deep appreciation of the fact that very basic physical and chemical principles underlie many central life processes. Life is not only compatible with the laws of physics and chemistry, rather, it exploits them in ingenious ways. After taking the course, students should be able to name examples of such situations for which they can provide a coherent line of reasoning that outlines these connections. They will be able to explain key experiments by which these connections either have been found or are nowadays routinely established, and outline simple back-of-the-envelope estimates by which one can convince oneself of either the validity or inapplicability of certain popular models and ideas. They should also have become sufficiently familiar with the key terminology frequently encountered in biology, such that they can start to further educate themselves by consulting biological and biophysical literature.
Typical Textbook(s): Physics Biology of the Cell by Rob Phillips et al.

33-769: Quantum Mechanics III: Many Body and Relativistic Systems

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Ira Rothstein 2021-2022 Fall - 12 units N/A
The first main theme of this course is quantum mechanics applied to selected many-body problems in atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics. The second main theme is relativistic quantum mechanics. Creation and annihilation operators are introduced and used to discuss Hartree-Fock theory as well as electromagnetic radiation. The Dirac equation is introduced and applied to the hydrogen atom.
Prerequisites: 33-756 and 33-761

33-770: Field Theory I

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Riccardo Penco 2022-2023 Fall - 12 units Download
This is a first course in relativistic quantum field theory. Topics include canonical and path integrals, quantization of fields, the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equation, as well as photon fields, Feynman diagram techniques, calculation of scattering cross section, methods of renormalization, and quantum electrodynamics.
Prerequisites: 33-769

33-771: Field Theory II

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Ira Rothstein 2022-2023 Spring - 12 units Download
Modern techniques and recent developments in relativistic field theory are discussed. The topics include theory of renormalization, renormalization group equation, quantization of non-Abelian gauge theories, quantum chromodynamics (QCD), gauge theories of weak and electromagnetic interactions, and grand unification theory (GUT).
Typical Textbook(s): An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory by M. Peskin and D. Schroeder

33-775 & 33-776: Introduction to Research I and II

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Markus Deserno 2022-2023 Spring - 12 units

Fall and Spring Semester - 12 units.
Both semesters are designed to give the student opportunity to gain experience in modern experimental techniques either through participation in research laboratories or through formal instruction, depending on the students background. In the first semester, the student will also learn of the research of the department through lectures by the faculty on their work. All students are required to take the first semester, but those with post-graduate or unusual laboratory experience may not be required to take the second. However, it should be noted that for the M.S. degree, 12 units of laboratory are required.

33-777: Introductory Astrophysics

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Rachel Mandelbaum 2022-2023 Spring - 12 units Download
Introductory Astrophysics will explore the applications of physics to the following areas: (i) celestial mechanics and dynamics, (ii) the physics of solar system objects, (iii) the structure, formation and evolution of stars and galaxies, (iv) the large scale structure of the universe of galaxies, (v) cosmology: the origin, evolution and fate of the universe.

33-778: Introduction to Cosmology

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
 Scott Dodelson 2022-2023 Fall - 12 units Download
An introduction to modern cosmology that includes detailed description of the smooth expanding universe (e.g., nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background, and dark matter) and the perturbations that translate into the large scale structure of the universe.
Prerequisites: 33-232 and 33-234

33-779: Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Hael Collins 2021-2022 Spring - 12 units Download
An introduction to the physics of atomic nuclei and elementary particles. This course is suitable as a one-semester course for students not specializing in this area and also provides an introduction to further work in 33-780, 33-781. Topics included are symmetry principles of strong and weak interactions, quark model, classification of particles and nuclear forces.
Typical Textbook(s): Introduction to High Energy Physics by Perkins
Prerequisites: 33-769 (or concurrently)

33-780: Nuclear and Particle Physics II

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Ira Rothstein 2016-2017 Spring - 12 units N/A
This course covers the phenomenology of weak interactions, parton model for the deep inelastic scattering, and introduction to gauge theories of weak and electromagnetic interactions. Various topics of current interest in particle physics will also be included.
Prerequisites: 33-779 and 33-770 (or concurrently)

33-783: Solid State Physics

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Sara Majetich 2022-2023 Spring - 12 units Download
This course is designed to give advanced graduate students a fundamental knowledge of the microscopic properties of solids in terms of molecular and atomic theory, crystal structures, x-ray diffraction of crystals and crystal defects, lattice vibration and thermal properties of crystals; free-electron model, energy bands, electrical conduction and magnetism.
Typical Textbook(s): Solid State Physics by Ashcroft and Mermin
Prerequisites: 33-756

33-785: Special Topics in Condensed Matter

Professor Academic Year Course Semester Sample Syllabus
Mike Widom 2021-2022 Spring - 6 units View
This course is based on a series of talks by visiting speakers in theoretical and experimental Condensed Matter Physics that will bring candidates to campus to deliver talks on topics of current research. The instructor will give introductory previews of the topics to prepare students to better understand the subjects. Students will attend the talks and write short reflections about the content and presentation of the talks.
Prerequisites: 33-448 or 33-783 or permission of the instructor

33-794: Colloquium

Fall and Spring - 1 unit
The Physics Colloquium, held jointly with the University of Pittsburgh Physics Department, provides an opportunity for all physics faculty and students to hear invited lectures and discuss problems of current interest in physics. The talks are intended for physicists from all areas, and thereby constitute a unifying element for the department. Also, on occasion, talks of broad cultural interest are presented for the entire university community. Weekly one-hour lectures alternate between Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh.

33-795: Graduate Seminar in Quantum Computation and Information

Fall and Spring Semester - 2 units

33-796: Graduate Seminar in Nuclear Physics

Fall and Spring Semester - 3 units

33-797: Graduate Seminar in High Energy Physics

Fall and Spring Semester - 3 units

33-798: Graduate Seminar in Condensed Matter Physics

Fall and Spring Semester - 3 units

33-8xx: Supervised Reading in Various Areas

Fall and Spring Semester - Various units

33-996: Practicum in Physics

Fall and Spring Semester - Various units

33-997: Graduate Laboratory

Fall and Spring Semester - Various units

33-998: Thesis Research

Fall and Spring Semester - Various units