Theoretical Physics Midterm Presentation

LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITYDEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCES: PHYSICS

PRESENTED BY: CERÉ L. RETTIG

Favorite Physics Courses

University Physics 1

Contemporary Physics

Contemporary Physics Lab

Quantum Mechanicshttp://www.fromquarkstoquasars.com/the-nature-of-scientific-understanding/

Lawrence Technological UniversityContemporary Physics Helmholtz Coils

Future Physics Courses

Analytical Mechanics

Thermal Physics Condensed Matter Physics

Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy Optics, Lasers, and Microcopy Lab

Pacific Institute for Theoretical Physicshttp://pitp.physics.ubc.ca/archives/CWSS/showcase/topics/cm.html

http://www.pitt.edu/~jdnorton/Goodies/Dome/

http://www.qioptiq.com/laser-industry.html

Career Goals

Obtain a Ph.D. in Theoretical Astrophysics

Research the formation and evolution of galaxies and black hole formation.

Tenured Professor at a University

Noble Prize someday.Center for Theoretical Astrophysics at UIUC

http://research.physics.illinois.edu/CTA/research/groups.html

Senior Project Ideas

Dr. Scott had many great idea’s but it took more work to find a project I was truly interested in.

Galaxy formation: analysis of galaxy rotation curves for both spiral and elliptical galaxies.

http://www.universetoday.com/24199/the-milky-way-spiral/ http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/S/SagDEG.html

Scope of Senior Project

Analysis of galaxy rotation curves for both: Spiral galaxies Elliptical galaxies

Research and obtain an understanding of genetic algorithms to apply to galaxy rotation curves. Can be applied to spiral galaxies what about elliptical?

Account for dark matter.

University of Notre Dame

http://bustard.phys.nd.edu/Phys171/lectures/dm.html

Required Resources

Lawrence Technological University Laptop

A lot of internet research.

Genetic Algorithm Software? Free if possible, or write my own.

Unsure of any additional resources.

http://www.obitko.com/tutorials/genetic-algorithms/

Advice from Dr. Scott Schneider

Start finding resources for:

galaxy rotation curves

genetic algorithms.

Advice from Dr. Valentina Tobos

The main focus of my senior project should be theoretical. Work on improving mathematical skills and obtain computational skills. Choose a programming language and learn it! Fortran or C++ are good possibilities. It will be essential to being successful in a theoretical Ph.D. program.

References

P. Charbonneau, The Astrophysical Journal Supplemental Series 309, 101 (1995).