Oct 10, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2022-23 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2022-23 [Archived Catalog]

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PHYS 2053 - Contemporary Physics: Relativity and Quantum Phenomena


Introduction to relativity and quantum theory: selected topics in atomic, solid state, nuclear, particles, and cosmology. Einstein’s theory of special relativity, the uncertainty principle, Schroedinger’s wave equation with applications, atomic structure, nuclear structure, elementary particles and a short introduction to cosmology.

Requisites: PHYS 2052 or (2056 and 2057) or (EE 2104 and MATH 2302)
Credit Hours: 3
OHIO BRICKS Arch: Natural World
General Education Code (students who entered prior to Fall 2021-22): 2NS
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:
  • Students will be able to explain terminology, concepts, observational, mathematical methods and applications of modern physics.
  • Students will be able to discuss how scientific hypotheses and theories of modern physics were established and tested, and the historical context of their development.
  • Students will be able to critically state and describe the difference between the world described by classical physics and the world described by modern physics.
  • Students will be able to describe the basics of nuclear structure and nuclear quantum number, elementary particle physics and cosmology.
  • Students will be able to explain the basis of quantum mechanics and the uncertainty principle.
  • Students will be able to calculate kinematics for objects moving near the speed of light and compare them to the motion of slow objects.
  • Students will be able to solve Schroedinger’s equation in both one dimension and three dimensions.
  • Students will be able to describe the electron shell structure of simple atoms and their quantum numbers.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate appropriate methods of solving problems, provide all the steps necessary for their solutions, and cite the relevant physical principles.
  • Students will be able to use calculus methods in their solutions to problems, where appropriate



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