Teaching

Premi enjoys teaching very much, and here are some of the courses that she has taught in recent years:

 

Physics 502: Graduate Quantum Mechanics:

We begin with path integrals, an alternative approach to quantum mechanics. We then proceed to study several approximation methods, scattering theory and a semiclassical interaction of radiation with matter. We end with the Dirac equation (and its realization in experimental materials).

Physics 501: Graduate Electricity and Magnetism:

We study the implications of Maxwell’s equations including different approaches to electrostatics and to conducting, dielectric and magnetic matter. We also discuss electromagnetism as the first (classical) field theory that unifies electricity, magnetism and optics, and how it has served as the inspiration for many more in other areas of physics.

Physics 602: Graduate Solid State Physics II:

Adventures in Quantum Materials: A Selected Survey of Great Papers from Last Year and Last Century (and maybe even Last Week). We explore outstanding questions posed by quantum materials through discussion of key experimental and theoretical results from the 20th century to breakthroughs of today.

Physics 161: Elements of Physics:

We explore physics topics relevant for pharmacy students including mechanics, fluids, electrostatics and radioactivity. Here the idea is to provide conceptual underpinnings (e.g. energy, forces, fluids) towards critical thinking and problem-solving that will be foundational towards preparing for future developments in healthcare technologies.

Physics 140: The Greenhouse Effect:

In this class we discuss the basics of the greenhouse effect for a non-technical audience. A key goal of the course is for the students to develop energy literacy and quantitative literacy necessary to evaluate for themselves arguments presented in public policy discussions of global warming and climate change. An Active Learning setting will be used to encourage group interdisciplinary discussions, problem-solving and guess estimation exercises whenever possible.