Apr 18, 2024  
Graduate Record 2011-2012 
    
Graduate Record 2011-2012 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Course Descriptions


 

Physics

  
  • PHYS 8310 - Statistical Mechanics


    Discusses thermodynamics and kinetic theory, and the development of the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles. Includes Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions, techniques for handling interacting many-particle systems, and extensive applications to physical problems.  Prerequisite: PHYS 7610.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8320 - Statistical Mechanics II


    Further topics in statistical mechanics.  Prerequisite: PHYS 8310.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8420 - Atomic Physics


    Studies the principles and techniques of atomic physics with application to selected topics, including laser and microwave spectroscopy, photoionization, autoionization, effects of external fields, and laser cooling.  Prerequisite: PHYS 7620 or instructor permission.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8450 - Computational Physics II


    Linear algebra and large sparse matrix methods applied to partial differential equations, with applications to 1+1 and 2+1 dimensional Schrodinger equations. The use of lattice gauge theory methods for introducing electromagnetic fields on a grid, and applications to the quantum theory of conductivity and the integer quantum Hall effect. Application of Monte Carlo simulation methods to statistical mechanical systems, quantum mechanics, and quantum field theory.  Prerequisite: PHYS 5630 or instructor permission



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8610 - Solid State Physics I


    The description and basic theory of the electronic properties of solids including band structure, electrical conduction, optical properties, magnetism and super-conductivity.  Prerequisite: PHYS 7620 or instructor permission.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8620 - Solid State Physics II


    A discussion of various topics and problems relating to the physical properties of crystalline solids.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8630 - Introduction to Field Theory


    Introduces the quantization of field theories, including those based on the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations. Derives perturbation theory in terms of Feynman diagrams, and applies it to simple field theories with interactions. Introduces the concept of renormalization.  Prerequisite: PHYS 7620.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8640 - Modern Field Theory


    Applies field theory techniques to quantum electrodynamics and to the renormalization-group description of phase transitions. Introduces the path integral description of field theory.  Prerequisite: PHYS 8630.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8710 - Nuclear Physics I


    Discusses nuclear theory and experiment from the modern perspectives of the fundamental theory of the strong interaction: Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD).



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8720 - Nuclear Physics II


    A continuation of the topics of PHYS 8710.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8750 - Elementary Particle Physics I


    Introduction to the Standard Model of Electroweak and Strong Interactions, to be followed by physics beyond the Standard Model, including aspects of Grand Unification, Supersymmetry, and neutrino masses.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8760 - Elementary Particle Physics II


    A continuation of the topics of PHYS 8750.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8810 - Selected Topics in Modern Physics


    Selected Topics in Modern Physics



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8820 - Ultracold Gases


    Ultracold Gases



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8880 - Quantum Optics and Quantum Information


    Studies the quantum theory of light and other boson fields with a special emphasis on the nonclassical physics exemplified by squeezed and entangled quantum states. Applications to quantum communication, quantum computing, and ultraprecise measurements are discussed.  Prerequisite: PHYS 7610 or instructor permission.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 8970 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Research


    For master’s research, taken before a thesis director has been selected.



    Credits: 3 to 12
  
  • PHYS 8999 - Master Thesis Non-Topical Research


    For master’s thesis, taken under the supervision of a thesis director.



    Credits: 3 to 12
  
  • PHYS 9010 - Introduction to Physics Research I


    Workshops given by UVA Physics faculty describing their research.  Restricted to Arts and Sciences graduate students in Physics only



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9020 - Introduction to Physics Research II


    Workshops given by UVA Physics faculty describing their research.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9260 - Research Seminar in Theoretical Physics


    Research seminar given on topics in Theoretical Physics. Restricted to Arts and Sciences Physics graduate students only.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9410 - Atomic and Molecular Seminar


    Atomic and Molecular seminars given by invited speakers from outside and within UVA. Restricted to Arts and Sciences Physics graduate students only.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9420 - Atomic and Molecular Seminar


    Studies the principles and techniques of atomic physics with application to selected topics, including laser and microwave spectroscopy, photoionization, autoionization, effects of external fields, and laser cooling.  Prerequisite: PHYS 7620 or instructor permission.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9610 - Condensed Matter Seminar


    Condensed Matter seminar given by invited speakers from outside and within UVA. Restricted to Arts and Sciences Physics graduate students only.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9620 - Condensed Matter Seminar


    Condensed Matter seminar given by invited speakers from outside and within UVA. Restricted to Arts and Sciences Physics graduate students only



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9710 - Nuclear Physics Seminar


    Nuclear Physics seminar given by invited speakers from outside and within UVA. Restricted to Arts and Sciences Physics graduate students only.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9720 - Nuclear Physics Seminar


    Nuclear Physics seminar given by invited speakers from outside and within UVA. Restricted to Arts and Sciences Physics graduate students only.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9810 - High Energy Physics Seminar


    High Energy Physics seminars given by invited speakers from outside and within UVA. Restricted to Arts and Sciences Physics graduate students only.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9820 - High Energy Physics Seminar


    High Energy Physics seminars given by invited speakers from outside and within UVA. Restricted to Arts and Sciences Physics graduate students only.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHYS 9998 - Pre-Qual Preparation for Doctoral Research


    For students who have not past the Qualifying exam for doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.



    Credits: 3 to 12
  
  • PHYS 9999 - PhD Thesis Non-Topical Research


    For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.



    Credits: 6 to 12

Physiology

  
  • PHY 5060 - Molecular Physiology: From Molecular Machines to Biological Information Processing


    Various aspects of molecular and cellular physiology and biophysics, including structural biology, quantitative studies of molecular interactions, biomolecular spectroscopy, proteomics, membrane biophysics, electron microscopy of large complexes, and advanced optical microscopy.



    Credits: 4
  
  • PHY 7040 - General Physiology


    Studies selected topics in cellular physiology, including the physiology of the human cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, and endocrine systems. Emphasizes the cellular mechanisms involved in the functions of the various organ systems, the roles of the organ systems in homeostasis, and the control of the organ systems by neural and hormonal mechanisms. Lectures, discussions, and clinical correlations.



    Credits: 8
  
  • PHY 8011 - Seminar in Physiology


    Topics of current interest in physiology and related sciences are presented and discussed.



    Credits: 2
  
  • PHY 8012 - Seminar in Physiology


    Topics of current interest in physiology and related sciences are presented and discussed.



    Credits: 2
  
  • PHY 8052 - Vascular Biology


    A broad interdisciplinary course considering the basis for vascular function from a physiological and pathophysiological perspective. Topics include basic microcirculatory function, smooth muscle and endothelial cell function and development, capillary exchange, inflammatory processes, leukocyte endothelial cell interactions, and the pathophysiology of atherogenesis. Prerequisite: One course in mammalian physiology and one in cell biology.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHY 8092 - Directed Readings in Physiology


    Readings in particular fields of physiology under supervision of the instructor.



    Credits: 1 to 3
  
  • PHY 8093 - Directed Readings in Physiology


    Readings in particular fields of physiology under supervision of the instructor.



    Credits: 1 to 3
  
  • PHY 8130 - Structure and Function of Biological Membranes


    A special topics course for advanced graduates that is an in-depth assessment of the structure and function of biological membranes. Includes lectures as well as directed discussions of papers from the literature. Topics include membrane and membrane protein structure, lipid protein interactions, ion channels and their regulation, and active transport and ion driven molecular motors. Emphasizes biophysical approaches in these areas with the primary literature the main source of reading. Students present a final paper that is written in the format of a grant proposal as well as an oral presentation of the proposal.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PHY 8160 - Neurophysiology


    Selected topics in neurophysiology, emphasizing synaptic organization of the brain: how neurons convert physical stimuli into the sensations they evoke and how movement is controlled through integrative neuronal action. Explores the mechanisms of learning and memory at the neuronal and molecular levels.



    Credits: 4
  
  • PHY 9995 - Research


    Directed research on an approved problem in physiology.



    Credits: 3 to 12
  
  • PHY 9998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research


    For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.



    Credits: 3 to 12
  
  • PHY 9999 - Non-Topical Research


    For doctoral dissertation.



    Credits: 3 to 12

Politics-American Politics

  
  • PLAP 5430 - Intergovernmental Relations


    Analyzes the contemporary relations of national, state, and local governments. Examines urban and metropolitan growth problems and their implications for public policy and administration in relation to the federal system. Prerequisite: Six credits of PLAP or fourth-year standing.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 5460 - Poltics of the Budgetary Process


    Explores the philosophy and processes of fiscal management and control, including budget preparation, legislative consideration and authorization, budget execution, debt management, and audit. Examines problems and proposals such as zero based budgeting, sunset legislation, program evaluation, policy analysis, and intergovernmental financial relationships.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 5526 - Special Topics in Public Policy or Public Administration


    Intensive analysis of selected issues in public policy or public administration. Prerequisite: Any PLA course or instructor permission.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 5993 - Selected Problems in American Politics


    Independent study under faculty supervision, for students who are preparing for intensive research on a specific topic. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 7000 - American Political Development


    Surveys the development of American politics over the history of the nation.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 7010 - American Political Institutions


    Provides a general introduction to the field of American political institutions. It is structured as a ‘survey’ course, providing both an overview of classic works and coverage of important new research in this subfield.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 7110 - American Political Behavior


    Introduces the fields of public opinion, mass media, political psychology, voting behavior, and other forms of political participation. Focuses primarily but not exclusively on research conducted in the United States.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 7410 - Survey of State and Local Government


    Readings and research on the institutions, processes, and interrelationships of state, local, and governmental units smaller than national in scope.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 7440 - Social Policy and the Politics of Inequality in the United States


    Investigates the political development of the American welfare state and offers competing perspectives on the causes and consequences of inequality in the United States. Examines how and why our social safety net is unique from other nations, public beliefs about income inequality and support for antipoverty measures, the implications of inequality for participation and influence, as well as consider several specific policies.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 7500 - Special Topics in American Politics


    Intensive analysis of selected issues and concepts in American politics.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 7600 - Public Administration


    General introduction to public administration at the graduate level, emphasizing the political and ecological influences upon it, the problems of internal organization and management, and the problems and methods of innovation and change.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 7660 - Policy Analysis


    Analyzes public policy problems. Emphasizes the use of program evaluation, public management, and decision analysis on national and local programs.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 7700 - Racial Politics


    Racial Politics



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 7770 - Groups in the Political Processes


    A critical survey of the roles of groups in the American political system.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8210 - The American Presidency


    Readings and research on special problems of the American political and administrative system that come to a focus in the presidency or arise out of the manifold responsibilities of the president.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8220 - The Party System and the Conduct of Government


    Readings and research, emphasizing the functions of parties in the conduct of government, and the evolution of the party system in response to changes in the broader economic, social, and political environment.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8250 - The American Congress


    Studies the legislative process in the U.S. Congress. Topics include the internal distribution of power, influences on legislative behavior, congressional relationships with other political institutions, the place of Congress in the American polity, and the problems associated with it.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8410 - Development of the American Party System


    Focuses on the development of the political party system in the United States, from the late 18th Century through the present day. Examines why political parties emerged in the U.S., both in Congress and at the mass level; why particular parties like the Federalists and Whigs collapsed; and how different “party systems” have developed historically.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8440 - Urban Politics


    Studies patterns of power and influence in urban decision-making. Topics include social, economic, and other factors influencing urban political institutions; patterns of leadership and political behavior in central cities and suburbs; issues of the exploding metropolis, including urban renewal, finances, transportation, education, reform, and state and federal intervention; and methodological problems.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8500 - Special Topics in American Politics


    Special Topics in American Politics



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8583 - Topics in Public Law


    Topics in Public Law



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8610 - Seminar in Public Administration


    Readings and research in public administration theory and practice and contemporary administrative problems.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8740 - Personnel Administration


    Studies the theories and application of public personnel systems and administration.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8840 - Seminar in Civil Rights and Liberties


    Explores the vexatious lines between the rights of individuals and those of the state in democratic society, focusing on such major issues as freedom of expression and worship; separation of church and state; criminal justice; the suffrage; privacy; and racial and gender discrimination. Focuses on the judicial process. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8850 - American Constitutional Law and Theory Seminar


    Examines the nature and parameters of the judicial function, focusing on law courts and jurists, with an emphasis on the political role of the Supreme Court of the United States. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLAP 8998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Research


    For master’s research, taken before a thesis director has been selected.



    Credits: 3 to 12
  
  • PLAP 8999 - Non-Topical Research


    For master’s thesis, taken under the supervision of a thesis director.



    Credits: 3 to 12
  
  • PLAP 9998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research


    For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.



    Credits: 3 to 12
  
  • PLAP 9999 - Non-Topical Research


    For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.



    Credits: 3 to 12

Politics-Comparative Politics

  
  • PLCP 5230 - Politics of Eastern Europe


    Introduction to the politics of Eastern and Central European countries. Considers political, social, and economic developments in these countries during the post-Versailles period. Subjects include the communist takeover at the end of World War II, uprising during the de-Stalinization era, and the collapse of communism at the end of the 1980s. Also deals with contemporary issues, including the process of democratization.



    Credits: 4
  
  • PLCP 5310 - Politics of Latin America


    Studies the constitutional, political, and administrative systems of the major countries of Latin America, the political implications of economic development and social reform, and nationalist theories of socio-political development. Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Latin America.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 5330 - Political Parties and Movements in Latin America


    Studies the origins, activities, and contemporary position of the major political parties and movements in Latin America and Spain, and their relationship to economic development, social reform, and the conduct of government in the principal Latin American states.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 5350 - Democratic Theory and Democratization in Latin America


    Investigates the various democratic theories and the democratization process in Latin America. Evaluates these theories and the democratization process in the contemporary global environment.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 5360 - Role of the Military in Latin America


    Studies the impact of the military on government and society, the conditions effecting military intervention against constitutional governments, and the circumstances in which military intervention occurs and is likely to occur in Latin America and Spain. Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Latin America.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 5410 - Islam and Democracy in the Middle East


    Studies the prospects for democratic transitions in Middle Eastern states, emphasizing the role of Islamic political movements. Prerequisite: PLCP 341 or equivalent.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 5550 - Causal Inference in Comparative Politics


    Provides a framework for conducting causal inference in comparative research. Research methods considered include: laboratory experiments, field experiments, matching, instrumental variables, and difference-in-difference techniques. The role of formal model building as a guide to causal explanation in the social sciences is also emphasized. Prerequisite: once course in statistics at the level of PLAD 7100 or by permission of instructor.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 5610 - Politics of China


    Studies the structure and process of the Chinese political system, emphasizing political culture, socio-economic development, and political socialization. Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of China.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 5630 - Politics of Vietnam


    Comprehensive introduction to Vietnamese politics, including its domestic political development and its international relations. Focuses on contemporary Vietnam, but also considers the historical development of Vietnamese politics. Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Asia.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 5993 - Selected Problems in Comparative Politics


    Independent study, under faculty supervision, for intensive research on a specific topic. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 6735 - Politics and Policymaking in European Union


    This graduate course offers an introduction to the history, institutions and politics of the European Union, with an emphasis on policymaking in the EU today. First, the class will review the process of European integration and enlargement since the Treaty of Paris in 1951, including a review of the major theories of European integration. Second, the structure and function of the EU institutions will be introduced. Prerequisites: Graduate Student



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 7000 - Comparative Politics Core Seminar


    Comparative Politics Core Seminar



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 7070 - Identity and the State


    What are identity politics, where do identity claims come from, and what is the relationship between identity and the state? To answer these questions this course investigates how identity categories are constructed and politicized, and then analyzes their relationship to social policy. Case studies include India, South Africa, Brazil, and the United States.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 7200 - Comparative Political Parties


    Examines political parties in a variety of institutional and socioeconomic settings, focusing on parties in the democratic political systems of Europe, the United States, and Japan.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 7500 - Special Topics in Comparative Politics


    Special Topics in Comparative Politics



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8060 - Formation of the Modern State in Europe


    Intensive analysis of classic and contemporary statements, both theoretical and historical, of the rise of the modern state in Europe, from medieval period to French Revolution. Emphasis on role of economic transformation and war on political change.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8061 - Post-Colonial Political Development


    Examination of major theoretical statements of causes of state-building in the post-colonial world, 1800 - 2000. Case material from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8140 - Origins of Democracy and Dictatorship


    Analyzes the major theories explaining transitions to democratic regimes and their consolidation or reversion to authoritarian regimes. Case material is drawn from the 19th and 20th centuries from all regions of the world.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8200 - Comparativ Legislatures & Electoral Institutions


    xamines electoral circuit of democratic representation, investigating such topics as decision-making within legislatures, links between legislators and voters, impact of electoral laws on legislative politics, and differences between parliamentary and presidential regimes. The course also assesses efforts to integrate formal and statistical analysis. Prerequisite: a graduate course in PLCP, research methods or permission of instructor.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8506 - Topics in Developmental Politics


    Seminar in selected issues of political development, including political mobilization, institutionalization, and breakdowns of political development.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8511 - Topics in the Government and Politics of Western Europe


    Studies the contemporary politics and society of a country or group of countries. 811A: Great Britain. 811B: France. 811C: Germany. 811D: Italy and Spain. 811E: Scandinavia. These courses are given on a rotating basis.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8521 - Topics in the Government and Politics of U.S.S.R. and Eastern Europe


    Topics in the Government and Politics of U.S.S.R. and Eastern Europe



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8531 - Topics in the Government and Politics of Latin America


    Topics in the Government and Politics of Latin America



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8542 - Topics in the Government and Politics of the Middle East


    Topics in the Government and Politics of the Middle East



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8551 - Topics in the Government and Politics of China


    Topics in the Government and Politics of China



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8553 - Topics in the Government and Politics of Japan


    Topics in the Government and Politics of Japan



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8559 - New Course in Comparative Politics


    This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject of comparative politics.



    Credits: 1 to 4
  
  • PLCP 8561 - Topics in the Government and Politics of South Asia


    Studies the development of political and administrative institutions and practices in modern India.



    Credits: 3
  
  • PLCP 8880 - Rational Choice and Democracy


    Provides a graduate-level survey of the contributions of rational choice analysis and game-theoretic modeling to topics of central concern in the subfield of comparative politics.



    Credits: 3
 

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