Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics

PHYS 438 is where the quantum mechanics and electromagnetism you've already learned get aimed at a concrete target: explaining how real atoms and molecules absorb, emit, and respond to light and fields. You'll work through hydrogenic structure, fine and hyperfine splittings, multielectron coupling schemes, and then molecular rotation-vibration spectra, ending with how external fields and coherent light actually drive transitions in the lab. Assessment is two take-home midterms plus a final, so expect long calculation-heavy problems rather than memorization, and the course sits as a natural bridge from core quantum into laser physics, condensed matter, and any experimental research touching spectroscopy.