RELATIVITY AND QUANTUM MECHANICS

RELATIVITY AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
Course Code
PX 2510
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr G Dunn

Pre-requisites

PX 1014 and either MA 1002 or (MA 1004 and MA 1504).

Notes

Cannot be taken with PX 2512.

Overview

This is a foundation course on the principles of modern physics. Observations that identified the limitations of classical physics are discussed together with the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics that sought to remedy them. The relativity component of the course deals with the postulates of relativity, inertial frames and the development of the Lorentz transformation. The quantum mechanics component of the course deals with the postulates of quantum mechanics, wave functions and the Schrodinger equation. The consequences of the Schrodinger equation are investigated through applications to the quantum behaviour of simple one-dimensional systems.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment. Resit: Same.