Unit name | Foundations of Modern Physics |
---|---|
Unit code | PHYSM0023 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Tony Short |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
Anti-requisite: PHYSM3407 Current Topics in Physics |
School/department | School of Physics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The aim of this course is to enable students, who usually will already have detailed modular knowledge of topics, to appreciate physics as a whole through its foundations and fundamental assumptions. The lectures are divided into Classical, Spacetime and Quantum Physics, but their interrelation is emphasised. The course focuses on the theoretical motivation and understanding of physical laws, and aims to provide an overview of the discipline rather than a rigorous treatment of the details.
Emphasis is placed on students developing an appreciation of the foundations of different areas of physics, and the unit assessment involves students writing an essay whose detailed subject is partly decided by the student. The problems class workshops provide an environment where students can begin to explore these ideas in class exercises.
Aims:
Students should be able to:
Lectures, problems classes and directed reading.
Students will be encouraged to discuss preliminary essay ideas with the lecturer. Assessment will be based on a single essay of approximately 2,000 words (100%).