MODERN PHYSICS

Catalog description

This course takes a student on a journey of the physics after 1905. Emphasis is placed on the shortcoming of classical physics at the turn of the century leading to the discoveries of the modern era. The special theory of relativity and foundations of quantum mechanics serve as the cornerstone of the course. Extensions of these topics will include the modern view of the atom, nuclear physics, wave-particle duality of light and mass, space time structure and GPS implementation of relativity. The emphasis of the class is to gain a strong mathematical and conceptual understanding of post-Newtonian physics and its applications as well as the development of specific problem solving skills, including the use of calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra. Prerequisites: MATH1850 or MATH1875 ; and PHYS1750 (4 credits)