Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- F345
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics
Join a physics Department of international renown - and explore the mathematical and theoretical sides of the subject.
- Typical A-level offer: A*A*A including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Quantum Physics and Relativity
Unit code | PHYS10121 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 1 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Quantum Physics and Relativity
Aims
- To explain the need for and introduce the principles of the Special Theory of Relativity.
- To develop the ability to use the Special Theory of Relativity to solve a variety of problems in relativistic kinematics and dynamics.
- To explain the need for a Quantum Theory and to introduce the basic ideas of the theory.
- to develop the ability to apply simple ideas in quantum theory to solve a variety of physical problems.
Learning outcomes
On completion successful students will be able to:
- define the notion of an inertial frame and the concept of an observer.
- state the principles of Special Relativity and use them to derive time dilation and length contraction.
- perform calculations using the Lorentz transformation formulae
- define relativistic energy and momentum, and use these to solve problems in mechanics.
- perform calculations using four-vectors.
- use the ideas of wave-particle duality and the uncertainty princple to solve problems in quantum mechanics.
- perform calculations using the quantum wave- function of a particle moving in one dimension, including making use of the momentum operator.
- use the Bohr formula to calculate energies and wavelengths in the context of atomic hydrogen.
Syllabus
Relativity
- Galilean relativity, inertial frames and the concept of an observer.
- The principles of Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity
- Lorentz transformations: time dilation and length contraction.
- Velocity transformations and the Doppler effect.
- Spacetime and four-vectors.
- Energy and momentum with applications in particle and nuclear physics.
Quantum Physics
- Basic properties of atoms and molecules. Atomic units. Avogadro’s number.
- The wavefunction and the role of probability.
- Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle and the de Broglie relation.
- The momentum operator and the time-independent Schrödinger equation: the infinite square well.
- Applications in atomic, nuclear and particle physics: energy levels spectra and lifetimes.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Other | 10% |
Written exam | 90% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be offered by tutors on students’ written solutions to weekly examples sheets, and model answers will be issued.
Recommended reading
Recommended text
Forshaw, J.R. & Smith, G, Dynamics & Relativity (John Wiley & Sons)
Young, H.D. & Freedman, R.A., University Physics (Addison-Wesley)
Supplementary texts:
Cox, B.E. & Forshaw, J.R. Why does E=mc²? (and why should we care?) (Da Capo)
Cox, B.E. & Forshaw, J.R. The Quantum Universe (Allen Lane)
Rindler, W. Relativity: Special, General & Cosmological (Oxford)
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
Lectures | 22 |
Tutorials | 6 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 70.5 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Jeffrey Forshaw | Unit coordinator |
Brian Cox | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
* 10% Tutorial Work/attendance