Unit information: Foundations of Modern Physics in 2020/21

Unit name	Foundations of Modern Physics
Unit code	PHYSM0023
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
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

Description including Unit Aims

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:

• to introduce students to an overview of the Foundations of Physics, to gain an appreciation of how different fields fit together, and develop a writing style which can articulate these ideas.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:

• demonstrate a mature overview of the fundamental approach to physics
• critically evaluate ideas presented in lectures, reference books and research papers
• write an essay on a fundamental topic in scientific language.

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through a combination of

• asynchronous online materials, including narrated presentations and worked examples
• synchronous group problems classes, workshops, tutorials and/or office hours
• asynchronous directed individual formative exercises and other exercises
• guided, structured reading

Assessment Information

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%).

Reading and References

• The Feynman Lectures on Physics
• The Road to Reality, Roger Penrose
• Philosophical Concepts in Physics, Cushing.