PHY3063: HONORS MODERN PHYSICS

In the first part, the course will introduce students to the foundations of modern physics, namely relativity, quantum mechanics and statistical physics. In the second part, applications of the concepts will be presented in various areas of solid-state, nuclear, and particle physics, with additional extensions to astrophysics and biological physics.

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Day(s)   Room Times
Tuesday, Thursday Lecture 1011 NPB

Periods 2 and 3
8:30 AM - 10:25 AM

Tuesday, April 29 Final Exam 1011 NPB

Period 29D: 3 PM - 5 PM

Tuesday, Thursday Office Hours My Office: 2237 NPB Period 4
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM


REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

The required text for this course is Modern Physics (6th edition), by Paul A. Tipler and Ralph A. Llewellyn (W.H. Freeman & Co., New York, 2009). However, there aren't many differences between the 6th, 5th and 4th edition, and you're welcome to use either - just be forewarned that some problems/material may be different. Past instructors have found these textbooks in general to be rife with errors and misprints. I will do my best to point these out as we proceed through the semester.
  • 6th Edition
  • 5th Edition


    • ADDITIONAL TEXTBOOK

    There are two main textbooks for modern physics at the college level. The first is our required text. The second is Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers (2nd edition), by Taylor, Zafiratos, and Dubson. I will draw heavily from this second text to supplement material in our book and our lectures. This second text often provides derivations missing from our book, while our book expands topics found in the TZD book.


    ATTENDANCE

    Attendance in class is definitely expected since material outside the textbook may be presented. You are responsible for all material covered in the text and in class. All of this material is relevant for any examination and quiz, unless otherwise stated.

    ONLINE EVALUATIONS

    Students are expected to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing online evaluations here. Evaluations are typically open during the last two or three weeks of the semester, but students will be given specific times when they are open. Summary results of these assessments are available to students at this site.