Modern Physics II, 4 credits (TFYA74)

Main field of study

Applied Physics, Physics

Course level

First cycle

Advancement level

G2X

Course offered for

• Physics and Nanotechnology
• Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering - International, M Sc in Engineering
• Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering, M Sc in Engineering

Entry requirements

Note: Admission requirements for non-programme students usually also include admission requirements for the programme and threshold requirements for progression within the programme, or corresponding.

Prerequisites

Calculus, Mechanics, Wave Motion and Electromagnetic Field Theory

Intended learning outcomes

In Modern physics II applications of the foundations of relativity and quantum physics given in Modern Physics I are included. After completion of this course the student will be able to:

• outline the main ideas and theories in the more applied areas of modern physics
• solve problems in modern physics by choosing appropriate methods and assess the plausibility of the results obtained
• formulate and evaluate mathematical models describing physical problems
• explain the significance of the Swedish and English terms used in the field
• perform simple measurements and computer simulations of importance in modern physics

Course content

Modern physics is essentially the physics of the twentieth century, and has a huge range, from the smallest building blocks of the universe and everything in between. In this course we focus on the more applied parts of quantum physics and to some extent the theory of relativity and apply them to:

• Molecular physics: chemical bonds, molecular orbitals, hybridization, rotation and vibration, molecular spectra
• Solid State Physics: crystal structures and bonding, electronic structure, semiconductor physics and semiconductor devices
• Exotic materials and states of matter: fullerenes, laser, superconductivity, Bose-Einstein condensate
• Numerical solution of quantum mechanical problems: the principle of variation, computational materials science, quantum chemistry
• Quantum information theory: qubits, quantum computers and quantum cryptography
• Elementary particle physics: the standard model and beyond
• Cosmology: the Big Bang theory, the expansion of the universe, black holes
• Laboratory exercises in quantum physics and nuclear physics

Teaching and working methods

Lectures, problem solving exercises, laboratory exercises

Examination

LAB1	Laboratory work with written assignment	U, G	1 credits
TEN1	Written examination	U, 3, 4, 5	3 credits

Grades

Four-grade scale, LiU, U, 3, 4, 5

Other information

Supplementary courses: Nanotechnology, Physics of Condensed Matter, Experimental Physics, Semiconductor Technology, Surface Physics, Analytical Mechanics, Theory of Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Cosmology, Medical Radiation Physics

Department

Institutionen för fysik, kemi och biologi

Director of Studies or equivalent

Magnus Johansson

Examiner

Rickard Armiento

Course website and other links

Education components

Preliminary scheduled hours: 52 h
Recommended self-study hours: 55 h

Course literature

Randy Harris: Modern Physics, 2a upplagan., Pearson international edition, 2008 (ISBN-13: 978-0-321-52667-0)