- Course Code
- PX 2512
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr J M S Skakle
Pre-requisites
TS 1001 or PX 1512 or PX 1014 or equivalent.
Notes
Cannot be taken with PX 2510.
Overview
The twin subjects of special relativity and quantum mechanics have had an impact right across the sciences. The course discusses how and why these topics emerged from classical physics, outlines what they are about and some of their fundamental results. Concepts such as time dilation, energy-mass equivalence, wave-particle duality, the Pauli exclusion principle and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle are introduced. This then leads to related topics in modern physics: nuclear and particle physics.
The course then goes on to describe the modern physical view of the Universe at large. It discusses the Big Bang theory of the origin of the Universe and how this theory makes predictions that can be tested by observation, such as the cosmic microwave background and its irregularities. The course looks at several cosmological issues such as General Relativity, Olbers paradox and the size of the fundamental constants of physics. Large-scale astronomy is discussed including the evolution of galaxies, different kinds of stars and their evolution, the abundance of the elements in the universe and the presence of 'exotic' objectives such as quasars and black holes.
Structure
2 one-hour lectures per week and a total of 12 sessions of either study assignment from the course web site or a tutorial.
Assessment
1st Attempt: One two-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).
Resit: One two-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).