TTU Physics Department.

Welcome to the PHYS 2402 Modern Physics :: Spring 2014

[PHYS 2402] Principles of Physics III
Prerequisite: PHYS 2401.
Study of atomic, molecular, and nuclear phenomena. Relativity, quantum effects, hydrogen atom, many electron atoms, some molecular physics. Includes laboratory.
Course Syllabus::    Syllabus

Instructor:
  • Dr. Beth Thacker

Class Schedule:
  • TR 11:00 am - 12:20 pm @ SC 118

Course Texts:
  • Spacetime Physics, Edwin Taylor and John Archibald Wheeler, W. H. Freeman; 2nd edition (March 15, 1992), SBN-10: 0716723271, ISBN-13: 978-0716723271.

  • Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles, Robert Eisberg and Robert Resnick, Wiley; 2nd edition (January 1985), ISBN-10: 047187373X, ISBN-13: 978-0471873730.

    • The Nature of the Course:
    • The course will be taught interactively. You will sometimes be asked to read ahead and be prepared to discuss the reading in class. You may be asked to make predictions or solve problems during class, often working with other students. The focus of the course is on understanding the development of the theories of special relativity and quantum mechanics based on experimental evidence and the application of those theories to make predictions and solve problems. When solving problems, the process by which you solve a problem will be more important than the final answer and you will be graded on your problem-solving process on homework, quizzes and exams.

    Expected Learning Outcomes:
    • Students should be able to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered by their ability to solve problems and answer questions on the content covered. They should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the development, use and predictive power of models and theories that are consistent with experimental evidence.

    Methods of Assessing Expected Learning Outcomes:
    • Learning outcomes will be assessed through quiz, homework and exam problems that require students to show their calculation and explain their reasoning and in-class discussions with their peers.