Department of Physics
PHYS420-Principles of Modern
Physics
Class Hours:
Tuesdays
and Thursdays
Classroom:
4220 PHYS
Course Instructor: Prof. Ichiro Takeuchi
Department
of Materials Science and Engineering
and
Center for Superconductivity Research, Department of Physics
Office:
Room 2309, Building 90 (Chemical and Nuclear Engineering - CHE)
Extension:
56809, e-mail: takeuchi@squid.umd.edu
Office Hours: TBA, second week
Textbook: Modern Physics by Serway,
Moses and Moyer, Second Edition
(Available
at the University Bookstore)
Course Website on ajconline (www.ajconline.umd.edu)
TA:
TBA
Grading Scheme:
Homework:
30%
Midterm
I: 20% (tentative: 3/16 Tuesday)
Midterm
II: 20% (tentative: 4/15
Thursday)
Final:
30% (5/19 Wednesday
Homework:
Problem
sets will be handed out on Tuesdays, and they are due the following Thursdays.
Topics Approximate
# of lectures Chapter
Relativity (Lectures by Dr. T. Shiokawa) 2 1
Quantum Theory of Light 3 2
Matter Waves 4 4
Quantum, Mechanics in One Dimension 4 5
Tunneling Phenomena 3
6
Quantum Mechanics in Three Dimensions 4 7
Atomic Structure 3 8
Total
number of lectures 29
The
purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of
quantum theory and modern physics. Topics include birth and development of
quantum mechanics. Physical and mathematical basis for understanding quantum
mechanics will be presented. Some experimental techniques and contemporary
topics will be covered.