Mar 29, 2024  
2020 - 2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020 - 2021 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


Explanation of Course Descriptions

Graduate courses may be taken by persons other than regular or provisional graduate students in Arts and Sciences only with the consent of the chairperson of the department/program committee concerned.

Pairs of numbers (501,502) indicate continuous courses. A hyphen between numbers (501-502) indicates that the courses must be taken in the succession stated.

Courses involving laboratory or studio activity are so labeled. All others are classroom courses.

Semester hour credit for each course is indicated by numbers in parentheses.

 

 

Marine Science

  
  • MSCI 617 - Estuarine Water Quality Models


    Spring, even years as required Credits: (3) Wang. Prerequisite(s): MSCI 611  

    This course examines the principles of mass balance, physical transport processes, diffusion and dispersion in estuarine environments. Water quality processes, representation of biochemical transformations, dissolved oxygen modeling and survey of available models are other topics of discussion.

  
  • MSCI 620A - Coastal Environments I


    Fall, every three years Credits: (1) Kuehl. Note: To be offered again in 2021.

    Field experience examining modern and ancient coastal environments. Course rotates annually among three field environments. A 4-5 day field trip during the second half of the semester will be conducted to one of the three field areas each year.

    Barrier Islands and Beaches from Virginia to Georgia: This offering will examine coastal environments along the East Coast from Virginia to Georgia.  A 4-day field trip will highlight barrier-island and beach morphologies encountered along this stretch of the coast, and will also examine dunes, tidal flats, marshes, inlets and deltas.  This stretch of the East Coast is a natural laboratory for investigating the relative roles of physical and biological conditions in creating a remarkable gradient in coastal geomorphology, and also provides many examples of human modification to the natural system.

  
  • MSCI 620B - Coastal Environments II


    Fall, every three years Credits: (1) Kuehl. Note: To be offered in 2019.

    Field experience examining modern and ancient coastal environments. Course rotates annually among three field environments. A 4-5 day field trip during the second half of the semester will be conducted to one of the three field areas each year.

    Mississippi Delta: This course will examine the intersection of humans and natural processes at the mouth of the largest river system in North American, the Mississippi Delta.  Students will review the classic and modern literature on deltaic processes and wetlands issues of coastal Louisiana.  A 4-5 day field trip to the delta will examine the range of extant environments from the New River control structure, through the swamps and wetlands to the nascent Atchafalaya delta, the future major lobe of the Mississippi River system.  Class and field discussions will detail the geological and biological processes that conspire to create one of the world’s great delta systems, and explore the results of human modifications in this sensitive and highly dynamic setting.

  
  • MSCI 620C - Coastal Environments III


    Fall, every three years Credits: (1) Kuehl. Note: To be offered again in 2020.

    Field experience examining modern and ancient coastal environments. Course rotates annually among three field environments. A 4-5 day field trip during the second half of the semester will be conducted to one of the three field areas each year.

    Paleozoic Coastal Environments - Kentucky and West Virginia: This course will examine Paleozoic fluvial, deltaic and coastal sedimentary rocks.  A 4-day field experience will explore ancient examples of coastal/deltaic environments formed in epicontinental seas of the Paleozoic that are accessible through road and river cuts in West Virginia and Kentucky.  Easy access and extensive outcrop exposures provide a remarkable 3D perspective of preserved coastal sedimentary sequences.

  
  • MSCI 622 - Coastal Evolution


    Spring, odd years Credits: (3) Hein Prerequisite(s): MSCI 501C  or MSCI 521   Prereq/Corequisite(s): MSCI 501C  or MSCI 521  

    Long Title: Holocene Coastal Geomorphology and Evolution. This course will review the drivers of, and geomorphic responses to, change along open-ocean coastal sedimentary environments across a range of climatic zones and from the event scale to thousands of years.

  
  • MSCI 626 - Global Ocean Change Biology


    Fall, odd years Credits: (2) Rivest

    This course will provide (1) a scientific foundation of physical processes that shape climate (e.g. solar variability, greenhouse gases, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and volcanic aerosols) and (2) a scientific foundation of biological consequences of global environmental change. Evidence for past and present global environmental change will be discussed, including sea level change, variation in freshwater inputs, and shifts in temperature and acidity. Biological and ecological processes that result from changing ocean conditions will include range shifts, phenological shifts, acclimatization, and local adaptation.

  
  • MSCI 627 - Marine Organic Geochemistry


    Spring, odd years Credits: (3) Canuel Prerequisite(s): Organic Chemistry

    This course focuses on the characterization of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur in the marine environment. Modern methods of organic analysis that enhance our understanding of how organic materials cycle through the oceans will be discussed. Topics include the role of organic matter in the C, N, S and P cycles; chemical composition of marine organic matter; biogeochemistry; diagenetic transformations of organic materials; organic matter decomposition and preservation; and petroleum geochemistry.

  
  • MSCI 631 - Wetland Geomorphology and Ecology


    Spring Credits: (3) Kirwan

    This course focuses on the geomorphic and biological processes influencing coastal wetlands. The course examines interactions between sediment transport and plant growth in barrier islands, coastal lagoons, and estuarine headwater and tidal marsh environments.  Through a series of lectures, field trips, assigned readings and an independent project, students will examine geological and biological processes and learn how both natural and anthropogenic factors shape these coastal ecosystems.  One Saturday field trip to the Eastern Shore Laboratory is required.

  
  • MSCI 644 - Aquatic Epidemiology


    Spring, odd years Credits: (3) Wargo. Prerequisite(s): MSCI 504  or MSCI 554  

    This course will cover graduate level topics in Epidemiology. Students will gain the ability to critically assess epidemiological literature, design epidemiological studies, and analyze epidemiological data. Where possible, content will focus on aquatic environments and organisms, including human aquatic diseases. A preliminary working knowledge of basic statistics is required. Previous competency in R computing language is expected.

  
  • MSCI 649 - Ecosystem Modeling


    Fall, even years Credits: (3) Brush

    This course provides an introduction to quantitative modeling in marine science, with an emphasis on the process of constructing mechanistic models of biological, ecological, and biogeochemical processes. General topics include determination of modeling objectives and assumptions, model formulation and parameter estimation, determination of model accuracy through calibration, validation, and sensitivity analysis, and use of models to address scientific questions through simulation analysis. Types of models covered include compartmental ecosystem models, age/size-structured population models, and food web network analysis, with consideration of deterministic, stochastic, and spatially explicit approaches. Lectures are supplemented with readings from the primary literature and students receive hands-on experience building and using models through in-class lab exercises.

  
  • MSCI 650 - Estuarine Ecology


    Fall, odd years Credits: (3) Brush. Prerequisite(s): MSCI 503  

    This survey course will expose students to the key aspects of estuarine ecosystems. Topics covered will include both the abiotic settings of estuaries, including geological, physical, and chemical characteristics, and the biotic components and their interactions, including nutrient dynamics, biogeochemistry, microbial processes, primary production, ecosystem metabolism, secondary production, and food web dynamics. The course will end with overviews of current and emerging issues in estuarine science, including eutrophication and climate change. Bi-weekly class meetings will consist of interactive discussions led by the instructors based on readings from key estuarine ecology texts and the primary literature, supplemented with student-led discussions of primary literature and “virtual field trips” to a variety of well-studied estuaries. Students will work on a semester-long project to develop course materials into an estuary-focused wiki on the William & Mary wiki site. Each student will lead the development of materials for a select number of topics, and be responsible for contributing materials and editing content for all topics. Students will also lead field trips to local systems to illustrate class topics and synthesize existing datasets to conduct a comparative analysis of estuarine ecosystems.

  
  • MSCI 655 - Marine Physiology Ecology


    Fall Credits: (2) Rivest. Note: After Fall 2020, the course will be offered again in Spring 2022 (even years).

    To provide an introduction to foundational literature in marine physiological ecology - the study of how the function of marine organisms interacts with and is influenced by the surrounding environment. The course will incorporate comparative and evolutionary themes into physiological topics and will touch on molecular and cellular mechanisms. The course will emphasize the organismal, ecological, and evolutionary significance of physiological function.

  
  • MSCI 658 - Larval Ecology


    Spring, even years Credits: (3) Mann

    The course is based on a broad discussion of the following topics within the marine invertebrates: the concept of the larval form, spawning and developmental patterns, limitations on the fertilization process and embryology, the Reynolds number environment at typical larval size, feeding and nutrition in the larval size range, larval size and parental investment, larval dispersal and supply in maintaining community structure, roles of physical versus biological processes in inducing metamorphosis, early post-metamorphic survival, and larval ecology in extreme environments.

  
  • MSCI 663 - Deep-Sea Biology


    Spring, odd years Credits: (2) Vecchione

    Students will receive an introduction to the animals of the deep sea and characteristics of deep-sea and polar ecosystems. Lectures will survey the major metazoan groups found in deep-sea habitats, as well as physical characteristics of the environments and adaptations to life in these cold, dark, hyperbaric regions. An opportunity to participate in a deep-sea trawling cruise may be coordinated with the course.

  
  • MSCI 664 - Marine Conservation Biology


    Spring, even years Credits: (3) Lipcius

    This course focuses on the application of multidisciplinary scientific principles to the protection, enhancement and restoration of marine biodiversity (genetic, species, community and ecosystem). Ecological emphasis will be on the conservation of biodiversity threatened by habitat degradation and loss, overexploitation, invasive species, and global change. Social, legal, economic and political influences will be discussed. Also included will be practical application through case studies and training in population viability analysis. (Lecture and laboratory)

  
  • MSCI 666 - Ichthyology


    Fall, odd years Credits: (4) Hilton

    Fishes form a large, diverse group of vertebrates that are culturally, economically, and scientifically important, and they offer much for the study of evolutionary biology. This course provides an intensive overview of all aspects of the evolution of fishes, with an emphasis on their morphology and systematic relationships. The lectures cover the diversity and evolutionary history of fossil and living fishes, and discuss the evidence for different hypotheses of their phylogenetic relationships; other topics include the biogeography, functional anatomy, physiology, and behavior of fishes. The mandatory lab section emphasizes dissection-based anatomical study and the global diversity of fishes, and includes some field sampling.

  
  • MSCI 667 - Got Data, Now What? Inference, Experimental Design, and Data Analysis


    Spring, odd years Credits: (2-3) Lipcius; Prereq/Corequisite(s): MSCI 504  

    This course is aimed at students who have data from lab experiments, field surveys, or field experiments, and who are in the process of evaluating their experimental designs and analyzing their data. It is expected that students come with either potential or actual experimental designs for their research, and real data sets from their research to be analyzed during the course. The course will include (i) examination of scientific modes of inference, including classical/frequentist, Bayesian, and Information Theory (IT), with emphasis on IT; (ii) review of basic concepts of experimental design; (iii) evaluation of each student’s experimental design; and (iv) conduct of statistical analyses suited to the students’ research, such as survey design, ANOVA, linear/nonlinear regression, and GLMs/GAMs. Analyses will be conducted in R. (Lecture and laboratory)

  
  • MSCI 668 - Malacology


    Fall, odd years Credits: (3) Mann

    The course begins with a discussion of the ancestral mollusc form and the fossil record, proceeds through examination of the structure and function of the molluscan shell. It concludes with reviews of molluscan taxonomy, reproductive biology, physiology, ecology, and feeding mechanisms.

  
  • MSCI 669 - Linear and Generalized Linear Models in Ecology


    Fall Credits: (3) Fabrizio Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor, and ability to program in SAS or R

    This course emphasizes the design and analysis of field data (e.g., retrospective studies, experimental manipulations in the field), rather than design and analysis of controlled laboratory experiments. Students will gain a working knowledge of linear and generalized linear models useful in the analysis of ecological data. Both theoretical development and application of statistical methods will be presented.

  
  • MSCI 670 - Stock Assessment Methods


    Spring, even years Credits: (3) Hoenig

    This course will survey methods for assessing the status of exploited populations given various combinations of data types. Emphasis will be placed on deriving statistical methods using maximum likelihood and other analytical techniques, and on computing estimates for a variety of datasets. Population models will be used to integrate information on stock status in order to determine appropriate management measures. Additional topics include analysis of uncertainty in the assessment of results and implications of uncertainty for management, analysis of research surveys, commercial catch, fishing effort, and tagging data.

  
  • MSCI 671 - Fisheries Population Dynamics


    Fall, starting in 2020 Credits: (3) Latour

    This course provides an introduction to the fundamental processes governing fish population dynamics, with an emphasis on the theory and practical application of models used to characterize the factors influencing population abundance. Topics include the theory of mortality, growth, stock-recruitment (compensation, depensation), surplus production, VPA, statistical catch-at-age, tagging, and the introductory aspects of multispecies and fisheries ecosystem models. Lectures are supplemented with readings from the primary literature and students receive hands-on experience with nonlinear parameter estimation through computer laboratory sessions using the statistical software package R.

  
  • MSCI 672 - Ecology of Fishes


    Fall, even years Credits: (3) Weng

    This course will provide students with an understanding of fish ecology as related to vertebrate evolution and diversity, systematics, feeding and reproductive biology, early life history ecology, and fish community structure and biotic interactions.

  
  • MSCI 673A - Principles of Molecular Biology


    Spring, even years Credits: (2) Reece, McDowell, Song Corequisite(s): MSCI 673B  or MSCI 673C  

    This is a lecture, laboratory, and computer laboratory course covering the principles and practice of analyzing and interpreting genomic, metagenomic, population genetic and phylogenetic datasets. Overall, the course will cover the evolutionary processes responsible for the intra- and interspecific genetic relationships among marine organisms, with an emphasis on the application of current molecular methodologies. The course is modular with the first module (MSCI 673A, 2 credits) covering basic molecular genetic principles and molecular biology techniques during the first 6 weeks of the semester. For the second half of the semester students will choose one of two modules (MSCI 673B or MSCI 673C, 2 credits) focusing on molecular genetic studies and bioinformatic analyses of either prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms.

  
  • MSCI 673B - Metagenomics & Bioinformatics (Prokaryotes)


    Spring, even years Credits: (2) Song Corequisite(s): MSCI 673A  

    Refer to MSCI 673A  course description.

  
  • MSCI 673C - Principles of Molecular & Phylo-genetics (Eukaryotes)


    Spring, even years Credits: (2) McDowell, Reece Corequisite(s): MSCI 673A  

    Refer to MSCI 673A  course description.

  
  • MSCI 675 - Molecular Microbial Techniques


    Spring, odd years Credits: (1-2) Song

    This class will review primary literatures reporting various molecular biological techniques used in microbiome studies. Topics include PCR, FISH, T-RFLP, Real-time PCR, Stable Isotope Probing and Raman microspectroscopy and NanoSIMs.

  
  • MSCI 685 - Coastal Resource Management Clinic


    Fall Credits: (1-3) Hershner, Staff. Note: To be offered in 2019 only.

    This course will involve a survey of current issues in coastal resource management and practical engagement in one or more of those issues at the regional level. Through a combination of directed readings and lectures, students will learn about goals and objectives in a number of the large environmental management programs in the United States. The survey of management programs will alternate with a focus on the Chesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf coast in odd years, and the National Estuary Programs in even years. Management strategies will be reviewed and program designs will be assessed. Students will also learn about the practical aspects of environmental management by observation and engagement in ongoing local, state and regional programs. Students will write background papers, draft legislative proposals, prepare outreach materials, and participate in communication of these products as opportunities allow. Credit, which must be arranged in advance of registration, will depend on the complexity of the student’s engagement in clinic activities. Maximum enrollment is limited to six students. The course may be repeated once, provided the instructor determines there is no duplication of subject matter and clinic activities.

  
  • MSCI 687 - Environmental Policy


    Fall, odd years Credits: (3) Chaijaroen

    This course explores policy making for environmental problems and focuses on issues that are local, national, and international. This course will cover the application of welfare economics to environmental problems. Topics include differences in consumer surplus and other measures of economic welfare and techniques to measure the economic value of environmental resources. We examine national environmental policy, and how that policy is implemented at a local and regional level. We examine the U.S. laws and regulations as well as each agency’s approach for quantitatively assessing the benefits and costs of environmental policy. Cross-listed with PUBP 622  

  
  • MSCI 688 - Marine Policy & Management Seminar


    Spring Credits: (1) Schaffner

    Students will explore marine science-policy-management interfaces in a weekly seminar-style course and through field trips to Washington, D.C. (federal-level) and the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, (state-level). Through discussions with scientists and other professionals, students will learn how scientists are involved in policy development and management decisions.  They will have an opportunity to increase awareness of the critical professional skills and competencies scientists need for careers at translational marine science-policy-management interfaces and have opportunities to practice professional networking skills. Grading is pass/fail.

  
  • MSCI 689 - Public Policy for Science & Professions


    Fall Credits: (3) Rossiter

    This course examines what governments do and do not do. The class employs an engaging seminar format using provocative materials with practical applications. Students study the assumptions of public policy analysis, markets and government, tools for analysis, and political institutions (e.g., the executive, legislative branches and interest groups).This course is specifically designed for an interdisciplinary class of professional or graduate students from the Schools of Business, Education, Law, and Marine Science, as well as those in the School of Arts and Sciences who are not in a public policy degree program. Students will come to understand public policy as an academic discipline and as a systematic method of thinking about the design, development, and evaluation of public sector policies and programs. Cross-listed with PUBP 614  

  
  • MSCI 693 - Environmental Law


    As required Credits: (3) Law School Staff, Wall Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor

    A study of the nature and causes of environmental pollution and of the main legal techniques for its control. The course will consider the common law, the environmental impact assessment process (e.g., the National Environmental Policy Act), and the basic regulatory framework for air, water and solid and hazardous waste control (the Federal Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), with attention given under each statute to the basic regulatory framework and the main policy issues presented by it. Cross-listed with LAW 424 .

  
  • MSCI 694 - Land Use Control


    As required Credits: (3) Law School Staff, Butler Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor

    An analysis of the legal principles governing the use and management of land and the fundamental values underlying those principles. While focusing primarily on government regulation of land use, the course also will examine common law rules which affect the way that land is used. Topics that might be considered include judicial control of land use, zoning and the rights of landowners, zoning and the rights of neighbors, land use planning, public regulation of land development, aesthetic regulation, and the preservation of natural and historic resources. Cross-listed with LAW 425 .

  
  • MSCI 695 - Administrative Law


    As required Credits: (3) Law School Staff, Bruhl and Larsen Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor

    Administrative law establishes the legal controls over the operation of government and hence it relates to almost every legal practice, from security regulation to social programs to criminal justice. Indeed, administrative law is essential to justice in a modern society because administrative agencies generate most of the law that actually affects our lives and because administrative agencies adjudicate far more disputes than the traditional judiciary. This course is an introductory examination of the rules and procedures governing agency decision making. It explores (1) how agencies make policy and (2) how businesses, interest groups, and citizens challenge agency policymaking in court. Cross-listed with LAW 453 .

  
  • MSCI 696 - Distributed Courses in Marine Science


    Fall, Spring, and Summer Credits: (1-3) Staff

    This is an avenue through which students can participate in distributed courses to gain experience and training in topics not covered through regular catalog courses and not amenable to other special topics courses (MSCI 697 or 698). Distributed courses are those that are conducted on-line or through other distance-learning methods, that contain significant content from faculty outside of VIMS and William & Mary and for which no other mechanism for awarding credit is available (e.g., transfer of credit from another institution). VIMS faculty are responsible for coordinating the approval of the course and agree to take responsibility for delivery of course content, ensuring student participation, providing a mechanism for addressing questions from students, and assessing the student’s learning of the material. Subjects will be announced prior to registration and after approval by the Educational Policy Committee (EPC).

  
  • MSCI 697 - Problems in Marine Science


    Fall, Spring and Summer Credits: (1-4) Staff

    This is the avenue through which supervised projects may be selected to suit the needs of the graduate student, including those wishing to perform an internship as part of the Curricular Practical Training Program. Projects are chosen in consultation with the student’s major professor and the instructor. Acceptable research outlines and project reports are required, and the amount of credit depends upon difficulty of course. Examples of projects offered in recent years include management issues in shellfish sanitation; groundwater nutrient processes; bacterioplankton methods and techniques; pesticide analysis in environmental samples; marine molecular population genetics; and law and policy relating to the introduction of non-indigenous plants. Subjects will be announced prior to registration and after approval by the Educational Policy Committee (EPC).

  
  • MSCI 698 - Special Topics in Marine Science


    Fall, Spring and Summer Credits: (1-3) Staff

    This is the avenue through which subjects not covered in other formal courses are offered. These advanced courses are offered on an occasional basis as demand warrants. Subjects will be announced prior to registration and after approval by the EPC.

    Examples of courses offered in recent years include:

    • Bayesian Concepts and Methods
    • Coastal and Marine Policy Seminar
    • Contemporary Topics in Ecology
    • Data Analysis using MATLAB
    • Drone Applications for Marine Science
    • Environmental and Aquatic Animal Health
    • Landscape Genetics
    • Molecular Microbial Ecology
    • Project Management
    • Sediment Transport Models
    • SCHISM Modeling for Marshes

    Courses proposed to be offered in the near future:

    • Animal Husbandry
    • Bioavailability
    • Diseases in Molluscs
    • Fine Sediment Processes & Applications
    • HABs
    • Remote Sensing Using Unmanned Systems
    • Water Quality Observ & Data Analysis


  
  • MSCI 699 - Dissertation


    Fall, Spring and Summer Credits: (1-12) Major or Co-Major Advisor(s)

    This is the avenue for original research in biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography, environmental science, marine fisheries science and marine resource management. The doctoral project is chosen in consultation with the student’s major professor and the Associate Dean of Academic Studies.


Physics

  
  • PHYS 566 - Directed Studies


    Fall and Spring Credits: variable 3-4 credits Graded Pass/Fail

    No credits earned in this course may be applied to the number of credits required to satisfy graduate degree requirements. This course may be repeated.

  
  • PHYS 581 - Topics in Physics


    Fall and Spring Credits: (variable) Staff.

    Special topics of current interest. This course may be repeated for credit when the instructor determines there will not be a duplication of material.

  
  • PHYS 600 - Independent Study


    Fall and Spring Credits: (3,3) Staff.

    Course concerning special topics in physics not covered in regular course offerings.  This course may be repeated for credit if instructor determines there will be no duplication of material.

  
  • PHYS 601 - Classical Mechanics


    Fall Credits: 4 Qazilbash.

    The mechanics of particles and rigid bodies, methods of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, relativistic mechanics, approximation techniques.

  
  • PHYS 603 - Mathematical Physics


    Fall Credits: 4 Rossi.

    Complex variables and analytic functions. Vector spaces (finite dimensional and infinite dimensional), operators and matrix representations.

  
  • PHYS 610 - Classical Electricity and Magnetism-I


    Spring Credits: 4 Orginos.

    Electrostatics. Solution of boundary value problems. Green’s functions and direct solution of Laplace’s equation. Magnetostatics and steady currents. Maxwell’s equations and plane wave solutions.

  
  • PHYS 611 - Classical Electricity and Magnetism-II


    Fall Credits: 3 Cooke. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 610 .

    Waves inside conducting boundaries. Radiation from simple current systems, spherical waves and multipole radiation. Covariant formulation of electromagnetism. Interaction of radiation with matter.

  
  • PHYS 621 - Quantum Mechanics - I


    Fall Credits: 4 Krakauer.

    Axiomatic development of wave mechanics and the Schroedinger equation in one and three dimensions; wave packets; spin and angular momentum.

  
  • PHYS 622 - Quantum Mechanics - II


    Spring Credits: 4 Rossi. Prerequisite(s):  PHYS 621 .

    Scattering theory; matrix methods; symmetry; perturbation theory and other approximate methods; identical particles; relativistic wave equations and their applications.

  
  • PHYS 630 - Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics


    Spring Credits: 4 Vahala. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 601 , PHYS 621 .

    Statistical ensembles and averages, classical equilibrium, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, quantum statistics, kinetic theory and transport properties.

  
  • PHYS 651 - Teaching Physics


    Fall and Spring Credits: 2 Nelson and Yang. Graded Pass/Fail.

    Designed for entering students teaching a lab or tutoring one of our undergraduate courses. Respective faculty will instruct students in relevant ways. This course may be repeated for credit.

  
  • PHYS 685 - Colloquium


    Fall and Spring Credits: 0-2 Nelson. Graded Pass/Fail.

    Includes presentations by invited speakers on areas of active research in physics. The course also will include an overview of physics research at William and Mary and training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research.  No credits earned in this course may be applied to the number of credits required for a degree. This course may be repeated.

  
  • PHYS 690 - Advanced Topics in Physics


    Fall and Spring Credits: Hours and credits to be arranged. Staff.

    Special topics of current interest. This course may be repeated for credit when the instructor determines there will not be a duplication of material.

  
  • PHYS 694 - Directed Research Topics


    Fall and Spring Credits: (variable 3-12) Nelson.

    Students design and conduct research on a relevant topic with a faculty advisor.  This course may be repeated, but no more than 12 semester credit hours may be used to satisfy degree requirements.

  
  • PHYS 702 - Advanced Mathematical Physics


    Spring Credits: 3 Staff. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 603 .

    Differential equations, Green’s functions, some hypergeometric functions, group theory, representation of groups. 

  
  • PHYS 721 - Quantum Field Theory - I


    Fall Credits: 3 Monahan. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 622 .

    Canonical quantization of scalar, spinor and vector fields; interacting field theories and Feynman diagrams; scattering theory; quantum electrodynamics and introduction to radiative corrections.

  
  • PHYS 722 - Quantum Field Theory - II


    Spring Credits: 3 Erlich. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 721 .

    Functional integral quantization of field theories. Renormalization. Quantization of gauge theories. Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking and the Higgs mechanism.

  
  • PHYS 741 - Condensed Matter Physics


    Spring Credits: 3 Krakauer. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 622 , PHYS 630 .

    Introduction to the frontiers of condensed matter physics research; crystal structure, phonons, electrons, electric, optical, and magnetic properties, impurities, elementary excitations, band theory and experimental methods.

  
  • PHYS 742 - Advanced Condensed Matter Physics


    Spring Credits: 3 Prerequisite(s): PHYS 741  

    Selected topics from the frontiers of condensed matter physics research that may include semiconductors, magnetism, superconductivity, topological states of quantum matter.  Discussions of modern experimental and theoretical methods.

  
  • PHYS 761 - Atomic and Molecular Processes


    Fall and Spring Credits: 3 Staff. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 622 .

    Theory of atomic structure; emission and absorption of radiation; fine and hyperfine structure; coupling schemes. Molecular structure and intermolecular forces; atomic and molecular collisions. Modern applications.  

  
  • PHYS 762 - Atomic and Molecular Processes


    Fall and Spring Credits: 3 Staff. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 622 .

    Theory of atomic structure; emission and absorption of radiation; fine and hyperfine structure; coupling schemes. Molecular structure and intermolecular forces; atomic and molecular collisions. Modern applications. 

  
  • PHYS 766 - Directed Studies


    Fall and Spring Credits: (1-12) Nelson. Graded Pass/Fail

    No credits earned in this course may be applied to the number of credits required to satisfy graduate degree requirements.  This course may be repeated.

  
  • PHYS 772 - The Standard Model of Particle Physics


    Spring Credits: 3 Stevens. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 721  .

    Gauge theory. Electroweak interactions and unification. Quantum Chromodynamics. Particle phenomenology.

  
  • PHYS 773 - Topics in Nuclear and Particle Physics


    Fall Credits: 3 Staff. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 772 .

    Topics of current interest in strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions. This course may be repeated for credit when the instructor determines there will not be duplication of material.

  
  • PHYS 783 - Plasma Physics


    Fall Credits: 3 Staff.

    An introduction to plasma physics and magnetohydrodynamics. Particle orbit theory, macroscopic equations, waves in collisional and collisionless plasmas. Vlasov equation. 

  
  • PHYS 784 - Advanced Plasma Physics


    Spring Credits: 3 Staff. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 783 .

    Selected topics such as plasma waves in a magnetic field, waves in a bounded plasma, plasma kinetic theory, and plasma radiation. 

  
  • PHYS 786 - General Relativity and Cosmology


    Spring Credits: 3 Erlich.

    Introduction to general relativity, tensor analysis, gravitational field equations, gravitational waves, Schwarzschild and Kerr solutions, cosmological models, gravitational collapse.

  
  • PHYS 790 - Advanced Topics in Physics


    Fall and Spring Credits: Hours and credits to be arranged. Staff.

    Special topics of current interest. This course may be repeated for credit when the instructor determines there will not be a duplication of material.

  
  • PHYS 795 - Directed Dissertation Research


    Fall and Spring Credits: (3-12) Graded Pass/Fail. Note: Students who are not submitting a dissertation may not use this course to satisfy degree requirements.

    Students design and conduct research in support of their dissertation under the direction of a faculty advisor.  This course may be repeated, but no more than 12 semester credit hours may be used to satisfy degree requirements for a student submitting a dissertation.

  
  • PHYS 800 - Dissertation


    Fall and Spring Credits: (1-12) Staff. Note: Grade of either G or U converts to P upon successful completion of a defense and submission and acceptance of the dissertation.

    Students finish the research for and the writing of their dissertation under the direction of a faculty advisor. Students who are not submitting a dissertation may not use this course to satisfy degree requirements. This course may be repeated, but no more than 24 semester credit hours may be used to satisfy degree requirements for a doctorate (only).


Psychological Sciences

  
  • PSYC 500 - Topics in Psychology


    Fall and Spring Credits: (3) Staff.

    Course concerning special topics not covered in detail in regular course offerings. This course may be repeated for credit when the instructor determines there will be no duplication of material.

  
  • PSYC 566 - Directed Studies


    Fall and Spring Credits: (variable 3-4 credits) Graded Pass/Fail

    No credit earned in this course may be applied to the number of credits required to satisfy graduate degree requirements. This course may be repeated for credit.

  
  • PSYC 618 - Professional Development Seminar


    Fall Credits: (2) Dickter.

    This course will foster the professional development of our M.S. students by holding weekly seminars over the first two semesters of the M.S. program. They will consist of readings and discussions of philosophy of science, research methodology and design, research ethics including fabrication, falsification and plagiarism, critical analysis of published studies, research presentation and applying to Ph.D. programs.

  
  • PSYC 619 - Professional Development Seminar


    Spring Credits: (2) Dickter.

    This course will foster the professional development of our M.S. students by holding weekly seminars over the first two semesters of the M.S. program. They will consist of readings and discussions of philosophy of science, research methodology and design, research ethics including fabrication, falsification and plagiarism, critical analysis of published studies, research presentation and applying to Ph.D. programs.
     

  
  • PSYC 631 - Advanced Statistics I


    Fall Credits: (3) Kirkpatrick, Hilimire, Staff. Corequisite(s): PSYC 631L .

    The first part of the advanced two-course statistics sequence covering topics from basic descriptive and inferential statistics through multiple regression, analysis of variance, and the general linear model.

  
  • PSYC 631L - Advanced Statistics I Laboratory


    Fall Credits: (0) Kirkpatrick, Hilimire, Staff. Corequisite(s):   

  
  • PSYC 632 - Research Methods


    Fall Credits: (3) Forestell, Staff.

    This course provides in-depth coverage of experimental and correlational approaches to quantitative research. A primary aim is to facilitate publication in respected journals by helping students to anticipate the kinds of critiques likely to arise during the peer-review process. Topics include hypotheses, theory, and meta-theory; assessment; psychometrics; causal inference; threats to internal/external validity; experimental and statistical controls; strengths and weaknesses of particular cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental designs; and acceptance criteria of peer-reviewed journals.

  
  • PSYC 633 - Advanced Statistics II


    Spring Credits: (3) Kirkpatrick, Hilimire, Staff. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 631   Corequisite(s): PSYC 633L .

    The second part of the advanced two-course statistics sequence covering topics from basic descriptive and inferential statistics through multiple regression, analysis of variance, and the general linear model. 

  
  • PSYC 633L - Advanced Statistics II Laboratory.


    Spring Credits: (0) Kirkpatrick, Hilimire, Staff. Corequisite(s): PSYC 633 .

  
  • PSYC 660 - Proseminar in Developmental Psychology


    Fall Credits: (3) Dallaire, Zeman, Vishton, Forestell, Staff. Prerequisite(s): An overview of seminal and current theoretical and empirical work in developmental science in the domains of cognitive, linguistic, moral, social, and emotional development.

  
  • PSYC 661 - Proseminar in Cognition


    Spring Credits: (3) Ball, Kieffaber, Stevens, Staff. Prerequisite(s): Review of theoretical and empirical investigations of major topics in the field of cognition including perception, attention, memory, language, reasoning, decision making, problem solving, cognitive neuroscience, and applied cognitive psychology.

  
  • PSYC 662 - Proseminar in Personality.


    Fall Credits: (3) Moloney, Takkala, Bravo, Staff.

    This course provides an overview of historical and contemporary developments in the field of personality psychology, which encompasses individual differences, intrapsychic factors responsible for those differences, within-person processes, and the interface between the person and the social environment. Topics include personality traits, motives/goals, implicit/explicit processes, authenticity, emotion/affect, and well-being.

  
  • PSYC 663 - Proseminar in Behavioral Neuroscience


    Fall Credits: (3) Burk, Hunt, Barnet, Staff. Prerequisite(s): The study of behavior in the context of the physiology of the organism. Selected topics will be used to illustrate the research techniques and investigative procedures commonly employed by physiological psychologists.

  
  • PSYC 664 - Proseminar in Social Psychology


    Spring Credits: (3) Dickter, Thrash, Moloney, Takkala, Bravo, Staff.

    A survey of classic and contemporary theory and research in social psychology. Topics include social cognition, interpersonal relationships, attitudes, emotions, group performance, the self, and stereotyping.

  
  • PSYC 668 - Proseminar in Clinical Psychology


    Spring Credits: (3) Zeman, Quinn, Staff.

    Selected topics in clinical psychology, theory, research, and practice.

  
  • PSYC 671 - Statistical Modeling


    Spring Credits: (3) Thrash, Staff.

    This course provides an introduction to advanced statistical modeling techniques. Primary objectives of this course are (1) to provide a big-picture overview of diverse statistical modeling techniques (e.g., multiple regression, mediation/path models, factor analysis, structural equation modeling, multilevel modeling, cluster analysis) and their applications; (2) to provide a thorough introduction to structural equation modeling; and (3) to show how structural equation modeling encompasses and extends a variety of other statistical techniques.

  
  • PSYC 672 - Computer Applications in Psychological Science


    Spring Credits: (3) Kieffaber, Staff.

    Computer proficiency is essential for anyone involved in the psychological sciences. This course will review a variety of software applications in the context of the professional activities of psychological scientists. Topics will include APA-style document processing, reference management, basic programming concepts and computer-assisted acquisition of research data, data management, and statistical analysis.

  
  • PSYC 674 - Applied Decision Theory


    Spring Credits: (3) Langholtz, Staff.

    The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with applied techniques for decision making, and to explain decisions as cognitive processes. Decision-making will be explored in terms of both psychological theory and real-world applications.

  
  • PSYC 685 - Colloquium


    Fall and Spring Credits: (variable 0-2) Dickter. Graded Pass/Fail.

    No credits earned in this course may be applied to the number of credits required for a degree. This course may be repeated.

  
  • PSYC 690 - Directed Readings


    Fall and Spring Credits: (1-3) Dickter.

    Credit will be from one to three hours depending upon work undertaken. This course may be repeated for credit.

  
  • PSYC 693 - Introduction to Graduate Research


    Fall and Spring Credits: (3 or 6) Dickter, Staff.

    This course introduces students to graduate research. Students design and conduct research with a faculty advisor.  This course may be repeated once, only for 3 semester credit hours, and only if no more than 3 semester credit hours have been earned already for 693.

  
  • PSYC 700 - Thesis


    Fall and Spring Credits: (variable 1-12) Faculty Advisor. Note: Grade of either G or U converts to P upon successful completion of a defense and submission and acceptance of the thesis.

    Students finish the research for and the writing of their master’s thesis under the direction of a faculty advisor.  Students who are not submitting a master’s thesis may not use this course to satisfy degree requirements. This course may be repeated, but no more than 6 semester credit hours may be used to satisfy degree requirements for a thesis master’s (only).


Public Policy

  
  • PUBP 500 - Mathematics for Public Policy Analysis


    Fall Credits: 1 McBeth. Graded Pass/Fail. Prerequisite(s): College-level algebra.

    An introduction to mathematical methods applied to economics and policy analysis. The emphasis is on learning the techniques rather than proving theorems. Topics include: linear algebra, comparative static analysis, and optimization problems.

  
  • PUBP 514 - Topics in Public Policy


    Fall and Spring Credits: (1-3) Staff. Graded Pass/fail.

    Topics change each semester.  Please consult Open Course List for the current listing of topics offered. This course may be repated for 6 credits.

  
  • PUBP 566 - Directed Studies


    Fall and Spring Graded Pass/Fail

    No credits earned in this course may be applied to the number of credits required to satisfy graduate degree requirements. This course may be repeated.

  
  • PUBP 590 - Policy in Practice


    Spring Credits: 1 McBeth. Graded Pass/Fail.

    An introduction to the practice of public policy. Students must complete a portfolio of experiences involving the practice of public policy outside of the classroom. A passing grade requires that the portfolio contain a written synthesis of the student’s observations of policy in practice and how their experiences have shaped their views on public policy. Those experiences must include, at a minimum, the following three elements: (1) participation in the Washington Program, normally in the fall of the first year of study; (2) completion of an approved 10-week full-time internship, normally occurring between the first and second year of study; and (3) participation in at least three Policy Dialogues offered by the program.

  
  • PUBP 595 - William & Mary Policy Review


    Fall and Spring. Credits: (1-3) McBeth. Graded pass/fail.

    Preparation and editing of comments and notes for the William & Mary Policy Review; editing of professional articles. Limited to the board and staff members of the Review. May be repeated for credit.

  
  • PUBP 600 - Independent Study


    Fall and Spring Credits: Variable credit, 1 to 3 credits Staff. Graded Pass/Fail or letter graded.

    Course content varies: special topics courses; independent supervised research; experimentation with new seminars. This course may be repeated for 6 credits.

  
  • PUBP 601 - The Political Environment


    Fall Credits: 3 Gilmour, Tierney

    An introduction to the political environment in which policy making occurs. Major themes include the impact of electoral incentives on the design of policy instruments, the importance of institutional structure, and the roles played by uncertainty and expertise in the political process. Sections will focus either on the U.S. Political Environment or Comparative Political Environments.

  
  • PUBP 602 - Quantitative Methods I


    Fall Credits: 3 Manna.

    An introduction to the methods and techniques of statistical analysis with emphasis on public policy applications. Topics include: descriptive statistics; probability; sampling; survey design; hypothesis testing; correlation; regression; and introduction to multiple regression. This course includes training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research, including discussions of the proper use of data and reporting of results in order to avoid fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

  
  • PUBP 603 - Quantitative Methods II


    Spring Credits: 3 Savelyev. Prerequisite(s): PUBP 602 .

    An introduction to theory and practice of econometrics with emphasis on techniques most useful to policy analysts. Topics include: regression estimation and the theory of least squares including examination of Gauss-Markov assumptions, properties of estimators, and estimation issues when Gauss-Markov assumptions are violated.

  
  • PUBP 604 - Microeconomics of Public Policy


    Fall Credits: 3 Pereira.

    This course develops basic concepts of microeconomic theory, with an emphasis on the economics of the public sector. Topics include: market economy, prisoner’s dilemma, preferences, constrained choice, consumer demand, profit maximization in a competitive market, market failure, and the effects of taxes, subsidies, and regulations.

  
  • PUBP 605 - Macroeconomics for Public Policy


    Spring Credits: 3 Han. Graded Pass/Fail. Note: PUBP 605 and PUBP 651 can be taken instead of PUBP 606

    This course provides a broad based-based understanding of macroeconomic concepts and an introduction to the tools of global macroeconomic policy analysis.  It starts with the role of government policy in promoting long-term growth. In addition, the focus lies on the role of fiscal, monetary, and exchange rate policies in both developed and developing countries.  The impact of policies is studied both domestically and internationally with emphasis on the interdependence and global repercussions of specific policy choices.

 

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