FALL 2024
This course covers atomistic modeling fundamentals and the applications to the study of material properties. Topics include intro to clusters, quantum mechanics basics, Hartree-Fock, density function theory, molecular dynamics, and machine learning potential. Each topic contains both theory and hands-on software tutorials of deriving material properties using available softwares (e.g., VASP, PySCF, LAMMPS, DeePMD-kit). Students gain experience applying atomistic modeling to their individual areas of research interest. Individual projects are developed by students throughout the semester. No prior quantum mechanics background is required.
SPRING 2025
What makes Earth habitable? How have we unraveled the mysteries of planetary interiors? Using a physics-centered approach, we'll explore a range of captivating subjects in earth and planetary science, including the origin of solar systems, tectonic plates, mantle convection, earthquakes, and volcanoes. You will learn methods to study the inner structures and dynamics of planets, not just Earth, but also celestial neighbors like Mars, Venus, Mercury, the Moon, and even exoplanets.
Prior Semesters
Fall Courses
This course explores the fundamentals of atomistic modeling and its applications to the study of material properties. The theory section emphasizes a conceptual framework of atomistic modeling. The section on applications provides examples of deriving material properties using atomistic modeling with available codes/softwares. Students gain experience applying atomistic modeling to their individual areas of research interest, such as material sciences, mineral physics, seismology, geochemistry, and environmental sciences. Individual projects are developed by students throughout the semester.
Spring Courses
An Introduction to Earth and Planetary Physics. Planetary formation (accretion, cooling, heat transport) and evolution (mantle convection, deformation, plate tectonics). Rheology, and mineral physics (melting and differentiation). Techniques include gravity, magnetism, seismology and geodynamics, Taught in the context of the terrestrial planets (Earth, Mars and Venus).
What makes Earth habitable? How have we unraveled the mysteries of planetary interiors? Using a physics-centered approach, we'll explore a range of captivating subjects in earth and planetary science, including the origin of solar systems, tectonic plates, mantle convection, earthquakes, and volcanoes. You will learn methods to study the inner structures and dynamics of planets, not just Earth, but also celestial neighbors like Mars, Venus, Mercury, the Moon, and even exoplanets.
Course Review
Placeholders for the upcoming
A yearlong survey, in sequence, of fundamental papers in the geosciences. Topics in 505 (Spring) include the origin and interior of the Earth, plate tectonics, geodynamics, the history of life on Earth, the composition of the Earth, its oceans and atmospheres, past climate. Topics in 506 (Fall) include present and future climate, biogeochemical processes in the ocean, geochemical cycles, orogenies, thermochronology, rock fracture and seismicity. A core course for all beginning graduate students in the geosciences.