Physics

This course covers scientific laboratory techniques and the underlying physical principles of natural phenomena. Each class focuses on a particular experiment described in the lab manual, Laboratory Experiments in Physics. This is a one-credit hour class that meets almost once a week for about three hours.

This course introduces students to the mathematical theory of fluids via the Navier Stokes Equations. The equations can be used to successfully model almost any fluid on Earth, but our mathematical understanding of them remains limited. So much so, that a $1-million prize exists for anyone that can help to further our understanding of problems involving vortex reconnection, turbulence, and whether or not the equations are "well-posed." We will look at examples in inviscid flow theory which provide insight into physical phenomena such as flight, vortex motion, and water waves. Students also explore the basic fluid dynamics necessary to build mathematical models of the environment in which we live, focusing on problems such as climate change, pollution, or the spread of infectious aerosol droplets within our buildings.

The six-week summer lab research program at National Taiwan University places students in various science, engineering and social science research labs and/or projects under the supervision of faculty. Students spend approximately 30 hours per week in lab activities.

This course introduces the basic concepts and tools of Statistical Mechanics at equilibrium. Lectures provide an overview of the powerful methods used to describe systems with a large number of degrees of freedom, with many different examples. Students learn how to build an intuitive and physical understanding of technical and mathematical aspects developed in this course.