Dr. Calkins is interested in understanding many geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics problems, with particular emphasis on rotating convection and magnetic field generation as they apply to Earth’s liquid outer core and other planets. One of his main interests is developing simplified systems of equations that can be solved numerically for the purpose of understanding fluid dynamical regimes that are not accessible to direct numerical simulations of the full governing equations.
MATH 5030 - Intermediate Mathematical Physics 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Surveys classical mathematical physics, starting with complex variable theory and finite dimensional vector spaces. Discusses topics in ordinary and partial differential equations, the special functions, boundary value problems, potential theory, and Fourier analysis. Department enforced prerequisite: MATH 4001. Instructor consent required for undergraduates. Same as PHYS 5030.
PHYS 1115 - General Physics 1 for Majors
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
First semester of three semester sequence for physics, engineering physics and astronomy majors. Covers kinematics, dynamics momentum of particles and rigid bodies, work and energy, gravitation, and simple harmonic motion. Degree credit not granted for this course and PHYS 1110.
PHYS 1125 - General Physics 2 for Majors
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Three lect., one rec per week, plus three evening exams in the fall and spring semesters. Second semester of three semester introductory sequence for physics, engineering and astronomy majors. Covers electricity and magnetism, wave motion and optics. Normally is taken concurrently with PHYS 1140. Degree credit not granted for this course and PHYS 1120.
PHYS 2210 - Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Methods 1
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Theoretical Newtonian mechanics, including position and velocity dependent forces, oscillation, stability, non-inertial frames and gravitation from extended bodies. Ordinary differential equations, vector algebra, curvilinear coordinates, complex numbers, and Fourier series will be introduced in the context of the mechanics.
PHYS 3210 - Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Methods 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian treatment of theoretical mechanics, including coupled oscillations, waves in continuous media, central force motion, rigid body motion and fluid dynamics. The calculus of variations, linear algebra, tensor algebra, vector calculus, and partial differential equations will be introduced in the context of the mechanics.
PHYS 3310 - Principles of Electricity and Magnetism 1
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Fall 2019
Covers mathematical theory of electricity and magnetism, including electrostatics, magnetostatics, and polarized media, and provides an introduction to electromagnetic fields, waves, and special relativity.
PHYS 3320 - Principles of Electricity and Magnetism 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021
Continuation of PHYS 3310. Electromagnetic induction; magnetic energy; microscopic theory of magnetic properties; Ac circuits; Maxwell's Equations; planewaves; waveguides and transmission lines; radiation from electric and magnetic dipoles and from an accelerated charge.
PHYS 4230 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
Statistical mechanics applied to macroscopic physical systems; statistical thermodynamics, classical thermodynamics systems; applications to simple systems. Examines relationship of statistical to thermodynamic points of view.
PHYS 5030 - Intermediate Mathematical Physics 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
This course and its continuation, PHYS 5040, form a survey of classical mathematical physics. Studies complex variable theory and finite vector spaces, and includes topics in ordinary and partial differential equations, boundary value problems, potential theory, and Fourier analysis. Same as MATH 5030.
PHYS 6950 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021
Approved problem in theoretical or experimental physics under the direction of staff members. Intended to introduce the student to procedures in research and development work. Work of an original nature expected.
