Modern Physics

Catalog description

This class explores the central revolutionary ideas of special relativity and quantum mechanics. After learning the foundations and formulations of these ideas, students will be exposed to their applications in atomic, condensed-matter, nuclear, and particle physics. The success of many of these applications will be demonstrated by laboratory experiments. Students give an oral presentation and submit a written essay on a particular topic in relativity or quantum mechanics. This course may serve as the capstone for the Tier III minor in Natural Sciences.