Department of Physics
Dr. William Thorne
Professor of Physics
Faculty profile
About Dr. William Thorne
William Thorne teaches physical chemistry sequences covering chemical thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy. His theoretical research focuses on molecular orbital calculations and quantum dynamics in molecular systems. He advises physics and chemistry students on computational modeling and mathematical physics.
Dr. William Thorne is a member of the Department of Physics in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Areas of expertise
- Chemical physics
- Quantum mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Molecular spectroscopy
Contact
- Office
- Meridian Science Center 410
- Building
- Meridian Science Center
Fall 2026 office hours
- Monday & Thursday, 10:00–11:30 a.m.
In person, Meridian Science Center 410 - Wednesday, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Virtual (Zoom link posted in Canvas)
Also available by appointment. Office hours follow Faculty Handbook §5.3.
2026–27
Teaching
| Course | Title | Credits | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 330 | Physical Chemistry I: Thermodynamics & Kinetics | 4 | Instructor, Fall 2026 |
| CHEM 331 | Physical Chemistry II: Quantum & Spectroscopy | 4 | Instructor, Spring 2027 |
| PHYS 410 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 | Instructor, Fall 2026 |
| PHYS 420 | Advanced Laboratory & Instrumentation | 3 | Instructor, Spring 2027 |
| PHYS 490 | Senior Physics Capstone Research | 3 | Instructor, Spring 2027 |
Department chairs make teaching assignments each year (Faculty Handbook §5.1). Multi-section courses have many instructors; the coordinator works with them on shared requirements, and your own section's instructor is listed in AlkimiHub.
Meeting with faculty
At least 3 hours per week during the semester, across at least 2 days, with at least 1 hour available virtually. Times are on each course syllabus in Canvas.