Course Overview
This page focuses on the course 8.421 Atomic and Optical Physics I as it was taught by Professors Wolfgang Ketterle and Isaac Chuang in Spring 2014.
This graduate-level course is the first of a two-semester subject sequence that provides the foundations for contemporary research in selected areas of atomic and optical physics. Special attention is paid to topics relating to the interaction of radiation with atoms.
Course Outcomes
Course Goals for Students
The purpose of this two-semester subject sequence is to introduce graduate students to the concepts of atomic physics and to prepare them for cutting-edge research.
Possibilities for Further Study/Careers
Cold atoms are often used to address problems of condensed matter physics, so many students who take this subject sequence go on to take 8.511 Theory of Solids I and 8.512 Theory of Solids II. Some students take a course, taught by Eugene Demler at Harvard, called Special Topics in Condensed Matter Physics (PDF). Others go on to take courses in quantum computation.
Instructor Interview
In the following pages Wolfgang Ketterle describes various aspects of how he teaches 8.421 Atomic and Optical Physics I.
- Clicker Questions
- Web-based Problem Sets
- Using a Tablet During Lectures
- Assessing Students’ Writing
- Teaching Graduate Students
Learn more! In a video at the following Residential Digital Innovations page, Professor Ketterle describes how flipping his classroom transformed his teaching experience.
Curriculum Information
Prerequisite
Requirements Satisfied
This course may be applied toward a doctoral degree in physics with the approval of the candidate’s committee.
Offered
Atomic physics is taught every spring semester, alternating between 8.421 Atomic and Optical Physics I and 8.422 Atomic and Optical Physics II. Depending on when they matriculate, students begin with either 8.421 or 8.422. It is somewhat more logical to go from fundamental concepts to more advanced topics, but the reverse sequence also works well.
Assessment
The students’ grades were based on the following activities:
- 33% Problem Sets
- 33% Midterm Quiz
- 34% Term Paper
Instructor Insights on Assessment
Wolfgang Ketterle discusses how he assesses students’ writing.
Student Information
Enrollment
42 students.
Breakdown by Year
Predominantly graduate students
Breakdown by Major
Predominantly physics majors
Ideal Class Size
The class should include at least 10-15 students to allow for active discussions.
How Student Time Was Spent
During an average week, students were expected to spend 12 hours on the course, roughly divided as follows:
In Class / Lecture
- Met 2 times per week for 1.5 hours per session; 25 sessions total; voluntary attendance.
- Lectures typically began with a brief summary of previously covered content, an introduction to the focus of the current lecture, and a preview of what would be covered next.
- Lectures consisted of instructor-led presentations and questions from students.
- Clicker questions
were often used to gauge students’ understanding during lectures.
Recitation
- Met 1 time per week for 1 hour per session; 13 sessions total; voluntary attendance.
- Teaching assistants presented advanced topics and additional connections to research.
- Students received help with problem sets.
Out of class
- Students completed readints, problem sets, and a term paper.
Course Team Roles
Lead Instructor (Prof. Wolfgang Ketterle)
- Developed and delivered lectures
- Assessed students’ term papers
- Held office hours for consultations
Instructor (Prof. Isaac Chuang)
Online problem sets for the course were developed by Professor Chuang.
