Course Description:
In the first decades of the 20th century physics went through a revolution.
The "classical" or "Newtonian" physics of the 19th century was increasingly
unable to account for some of the more puzzling experimental results of the
time. The controversial new theories of relativity and quantum mechanics showed
surprising success, however, in explaining many of these phenomena. These two
theories, which have been extensively tested and verified since their
introduction, now form the basis of what we term modern physics, and are
central to our current methods of studying the physical world and universe
around us. In this course we will examine the origins of modern physics, the
experimental evidence that led to this revolution in understanding, and the
ongoing consequences of such research up to the present day. Following a
quantitative introduction to relativity and quantum physics, we will apply
these theories to such systems as atoms, nuclei, elementary
particles, and examine their relevance in several current topics in
condensed matter physics, astrophysics and cosmology.
Course Prerequisites:
The material covered in this one-semester course
requires that the student has already taken at least 10 credit hours of
introductory general physics, with a corresponding background in basic calculus.
Course Grading:
Emphasis will be placed on regular problem sets,
due approximately weekly. These may occasionally be supplemented or replaced by
short essays or reports on selected topics under discussion.
Each student
in this course will be required to obtain an individual computer account and
e-mail address, as some class assignments may involve short research
projects using the World Wide Web, and some assignments will be submitted to
the instructor via electronic mail.
Note: Study groups to work together on weekly problem sets are allowed, even encouraged, for the mutual benefit and uderstanding of all. Keep in mind, however, that each individual class member is ultimately responsible for his or her own work. It will be greatly to your benefit to understand fully all of the homework problems assigned, as problems on tests will in most instances be similar to those assigned as homework.
Final grades for this course will be determined as follows: