PHY 243 will cover the following modern-physics topics: Special and General Relativity, Cosmology, Elements of Quantum Mechanics with applications to the Hydrogen atom. Semiconductor Theory and Devices, Atomic, Nuclear, and Elementary Particle Physics. This is a fully distance-learning course, in which lectures and laboratories are replaced by an independent study using an electronic textbook and related materials. It requires completing online assignments on a fixed weekly schedule. Students are expected to have computers and a reliable, fast access to the internet 24/7.

The following are required for entry into this course:

• PHY 232 or equivalent
• ENG 111 satisfactory placement score

The main objective of this course is to familiarize you with some aspects of Modern Physics, including the experimental basis, the theoretical approach, as well as some of the most important applications. You will:

• learn Einstein's postulates: the Principle Relativity and the constancy of the speed of light
• be familiar with the experiments that lead to the formulation of Quantum Mechanics
• describe the dual nature of light and discuss Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
• use the Schrödinger wave equation to explain tunneling through potential barriers and to calculate electron-radius probabilities in the Hydrogen atom
• understand the basis of energy bands in semiconductors
• learn about nuclear forces, types of nuclear radioactive decay, nuclear interactions and applications in nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
• know the main ideas of the Standard Model
• talk about hot topics in General Relativity, Cosmology, and Modern Astrophysics including Black Holes, the Big Bang, and stellar evolution.

Your course grade will be determined according to the following percentages.

Your final grade will be based on the following scale.

Grade Formula: Grade = 0.60 * Test average + 0.25 Lab average + 0.15 Homework

There are 3 exams in this course.

Last Updated: March 25, 2013