> semester_begins AUG_2026
> registration_status IN_PROGRESS
// SPRING_2026
Radio Astronomy Laboratory
RF circuit engineering and signal processing. Python based machine control and threaded programming. 4 distinct projects, focusing on utilizing different radio dishes, sampling techniques, and objectives. 2 projects can be found in the research section.
Relativistic Astrophysics & Cosmology
Special and general relativity, black holes, gravitational waves, and large-scale structure of the universe. Emphasis on Einstein's & Friedmann Equations, Inflation theory, CMB measurements, and methods for theory confirmation experiments.
Electromagnetism & Optics
Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, boundary conditions, waveguides, and optical phenomena. Emphasis on practical applications inside dielectric, capacitor, and inductor systems, radiation & scattering, Fourier optics, and diffraction theory.
The Drama of American Cultures
Survey of American theatre from Indigenous performance to contemporary drama; cultural identity on stage.
// FALL_2025
Intro to Optical Engineering (Graduate)
Geometrical and wave optics, aberrations, optical components, and laser resonator design, single photon microscopy. Emphasis on lens & mirror package design for different applications including holography and fiber optics. Intro into advanced laser fundamental physics.
Quantum Mechanics I
Hilbert space and superposition, Dirac notation and wavefunctions, operators and observables, measurements, time evolution and Schroedinger’s equation, Hamiltonians and energy, uncertainty principle, symmetries and conserved quantities. Analysis of two-state systems (qubits), spin-½ particles, Stern-Gerlach experiment. Other basic systems including a free particle, finite and infinite potential wells, the harmonic oscillator, 3D quantum mechanics, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Bipartite systems, density matrix and introduction to quantum entanglement, and interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Introduction to Quantum Computing I
Quantum gates, circuits, Shor's and Grover's algorithms, and error correction architectures. Emphasis on Bloch sphere visualization for oracles and error correction architectures. Original analysis of Shor's algorithm with error correction resource costs.
Marine Mammals
Biology, behavior, and conservation of marine mammals from molecular to ecosystem scales.
// SUMMER_2025
Arts & Culture in Armenia and the Diaspora
Post-Soviet Armenian cultural production, visual art, film, and identity since 1991.
How to Build a Global Internet
Design, economics, and policy of digital infrastructure: subsea cables, IXPs, and data centers. Original project for drafting a comprehensive design for a data center in a developing country, complete with engineering outline and local government policy compliance.
// SPRING_2025
Planetary Astrophysics
Formation and dynamics of planetary systems; exoplanet detection and atmospheric characterization. Focus on gravitational collapse and harmonics, magnetospheres, tidal forces, interior convection, and diagnostic tools for planetary measurements.
Supplementary Lower Division Mathematics
Finals Exam of 3D Vector Calculus
Introduction to Controlled Fusion
Plasma confinement, fusion reactions, reactor design, and controlled thermonuclear power systems. Analysis of ICF, MCF, and other approaches, and detailed physics for EM interactions inside each reactor type. Brief introduction to ICF laser physics and diagnostics techniques from LLNL NIF faculty.
Introduction to Statistical & Thermal Physics
Thermodyanamics, quantum states, condensed states, entropy, elementary kinetic theory of transport processes, and fluctuation phenomena. Homework included Python physics simulations of multi-particles systems.
Dante (in English)
The Divine Comedy in translation; medieval cosmology, theology, and literary structure.
// FALL_2024
Introduction to Astrophysics
Solar system topics include orbital mechanics, geology of terrestrial planets, planetary atmospheres, and the formation of the solar system. The study of stars will treat determination of observations, properties and stellar structure, and evolution. The physics in this course includes mechanics and gravitation; kinetic theory of gases; properties of radiation and radiative energy transport; quantum mechanics of photons, atoms, and electrons; and magnetic fields.
Linear Algebra & Differential Equations
Vector spaces, eigenvalues, ODEs, Fourier series, and applications to physical systems.
Physics for Scientists & Engineers
Electromagnetism, optics, and wave phenomena. Calculus-based introductory sequence.
Archaeology of East Asia
Material culture and technological development of East Asian civilizations from prehistory onward.
> General coursework completed at prior institution(s) and accepted as transfer credit toward the BA. Subjects: Physics · Mathematics · Biology · Chemistry