Fundamental and advanced thermal radiation concepts, ranging from blackbody radiation to the radiative transfer equation and fluctuational electrodynamics. Key topics include radiative properties of materials and their relation to optical constants, radiative exchange between real surfaces, radiative transfer in participating media, radiative transfer in nanoscale geometries, and contemporary research topics. Proficiency in a programming language such as MATLAB, Python, Fortran, etc. [such asCOMP SCI 220] is required. Knowledge of intermediate heat transfer [such asM E 564] or knowledge of photonics [such asE C E 434] is required.
Covers basic plasma physics including collective phenomena, fluid models, waves, and kinetic theory, with examples from fusion, astrophysics, and materials processing.
The reviewer rated the course difficulty as 4 out of 5, noting that the instructor spent at least double the usual time preparing lectures for the online format.
Covers principles of magnetic confinement and heating of plasmas for controlled thermonuclear fusion, including field structures, orbits, stability, transport, and concepts like tokamaks and stellarators.
An introduction to the physical principles underlying solid-state electronic and photonic devices, including elements of quantum mechanics, crystal structure, semiconductor band theory, carrier statistics, and band diagrams. Offers examples of modern semiconductor structures. Prior experience with MATLAB [such asE C E 203] is strongly encouraged but not required.
Gregory Pac’s course included five midterms with the lowest score dropped. Some students found the midterms difficult to study for, noting that practice questions did not always match the exam style.
Introduction to macroeconomic measurement, aggregate demand and supply models, and the role of fiscal and monetary policy in addressing unemployment, inflation, and economic growth.
Exams consisted of multiple choice and free response questions, and students were allowed to use a cheat sheet. Homework was generally easy, with many answers provided in discussion sections.
Quantitative Tools for Economics refines math skills for advanced econ, applying algebra, financial mathematics, and calculus to models and optimization problems.
The class involves weekly problem sets that can be long and challenging, alongside a 75-minute lecture format that delivers a high volume of information.
Intermediate macroeconomic theory covering national income determination, savings, consumption, investment, and their relation to employment, inflation, and stabilization.
Past student reviews · Simeon Alder, Ananth Seshadri
Simeon Alder’s exams featured chain-linked questions with no margin for error, while Ananth Seshadri’s exams were described as harder than any advanced economics course. Seshadri’s exams were extremely difficult but came with a generous curve.
Statistics: Measurement in Economics introduces analysis of economic data using descriptive statistics and statistical inference, including hypothesis testing and estimation for economic research.
David Hansen's midterms were very hard, making up 30% of the grade with the option to drop one. The final exam was described as grueling, though homework and Stata assignments were considered easy.
Advanced treatment of intermediate macroeconomic theory using a mathematical approach to national income, savings, consumption, investment, employment, inflation, and stabilization.
The course required significant effort with a large volume of homework, including proof and Excel assignments. Students reported the derivations and overall workload were demanding, with one noting it was among the hardest classes they had taken.
Examines historical and contemporary causes of racial and ethnic economic inequality in the U.S., covering healthcare, education, labor, housing, wealth, and criminal justice.
Introduction to applied econometrics covering statistical methods for evaluating empirical relationships and testing economic theory, with emphasis on applying these methods to real-world data using modern statistical software.
The course was conceptually challenging, with problem sets serving as excellent preparation for exams. Students noted that weekly homeworks did not take too long to complete.
Analyzes public sector problems in education, urban areas, welfare, natural resources, and environment, applying economic analysis tools to domestic issues.
The course did not assign much homework, but students emphasized that attending lectures was necessary for success. Weekly problem sets and chapter study guides served as the main preparation for tests.
Addresses current issues in modern macroeconomic policymaking, covering fiscal and monetary policy, financial and sovereign debt crises, and financial regulation.
Exams and homework were described as predictable and similar to problem sets, yet one student reported tests were extremely difficult with class averages around 45%.
Students found exams challenging, noting they were harder than class practice or handouts and required a deeper understanding than repeat homework problems.
Behavioral Economics examines empirical departures from rational decision-making norms and alternative theories using psychological enrichments, covering topics like loss aversion and time-inconsistent preferences.
One student estimated that the reading alone took at least five hours per week, noting that the assignments were extensive even if they rarely appeared on exams.
A student reported two weekly homework assignments involving reading 28-53 pages of material, each typically taking at least two hours. The final paper demanded extensive industry analysis and was considered the most challenging aspect.
Covers international macroeconomics, focusing on the exchange of financial instruments like currencies and bonds, and analyzing how national policies create spillover effects in global markets.
The course involved a heavy volume of content and formulas that students were expected to memorize. Some found the first month particularly intense, while others noted that missing a lecture made catching up difficult.
Examines laboratory and field experiments for economic questions, focusing on experiment design, result interpretation, and applications in policy, development, markets, and behavior.
Introduction to data underlying quantitative economic analysis. Covers formulating research questions, accessing economic data sources, conducting preliminary and formal analysis, and reporting findings professionally.
A student described the class as essentially coding econometrics in Python with almost no code explanation, finding it impossible without prior CS220 and econometrics training.
Investigates how markets allocate scarce resources through prices, rationing, search, matching, auctions, and contests, using real-world examples and formal theoretical models.