Module PHYS3522: FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICS 3

Department: PHYSICS

PHYS3522: FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICS 3

Prerequisites

• Foundations of Physics 2 (PHYS2511).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module is designed primarily for students studying Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.
• It builds on the Level 2 modules Foundations of Physics 2 (PHYS2511) and Mathematical Methods in Physics (PHYS2521) and provides a working knowledge of classical mechanics, nuclear and particle physics, quantum and atomic physics, statistical mechanics and modern optics appropriate to Level 3 Physics students.

Content

• The syllabus contains:
• Classical Mechanics: Generalised co-ordinates and momenta, Lagrange's equations of motion, Hamilton's equations, symmetries and conservation laws, centrifugal and Coriolis forces. Moments of inertia and rotational motion of a rigid body.
• Quantum and Atomic Physics: Review of quantum mechanics, Dirac's notation, the variational method and the ground state of helium, non-degenerate and degenerate perturbation theory, fine structure and hyperfine structure of atomic levels, time-dependent perturbation theory, scattering theory, interaction of atoms with light, selection rules, lasers.
• Nuclear Physics: Properties of nuclei, successes and failures of models of the nucleus, The deuteron, nucleon scattering, isospin and the nuclear force.
• Particle Physics: Electromagnetic, strong and weak interactions, quark model, mesons and baryons.
• Statistical Physics: Entropy and 2nd law of thermodynamics, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions, partition functions, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, black body radiation.
• Modern Optics: Fourier methods for interference and diffraction.

Learning Outcomes

• Having studied this module students will be familiar with some of the key results of quantum mechanics including perturbation theory and its application to atomic physics and the interaction of atoms with light.
• They will have developed an appreciation of the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics and be able to describe the rotational motion of a rigid body.
• They will be able to describe the properties of nuclei and how nucleons interact and have an appreciation of the key ingredients of the Standard Model of particle physics.
• They will understand the use of statistical concepts such as temperature and entropy and models to describe systems with a large number of weakly interacting particles.
• They will be able to use Fourier methods to describe interference and diffraction and their applications in modern optics.

• In addition to the acquisition of subject knowledge, students will be able to apply the principles of physics to the solution of complex problems.
• They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching will be by lectures and example classes.
• The lectures provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module. The lecture material will be explicitly linked to the contents of recommended textbooks for the module, thus making clear where students can begin private study. When appropriate, the lectures will also be supported by the distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
• Regular problem exercises and example classes will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through two examinations and regular problem exercises. The examination and problem exercises will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.
• The problem exercises and example classes provide opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Example classes and problems solved therein.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University