STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Explain the basic postulates of special and general relativity and derive the conclusions that stem from them.

 2. Describe the basic principles of quantum mechanics and explain the theory that results from them.

 3. Apply the mathematics of probabilities to the theory of quantum mechanics.

 4. Identify the evidence that supports the claims of relativity and quantum mechanics.

 5. Explain the structure of the atom and the principles of atomic physics.

 6. Discuss selected topics in solid state physics, semiconductor physics, nuclear physics and radioactivity.

 7. Solve problems in all subject areas using appropriate mathematical techniques.

 8. Explain the connection between the equations and mathematical solutions of modern physics problems to real physical processes.

 9. Discuss how the advances of twentieth century physics have changed our view of physical reality.

 

 

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. Relativity

 A. Galilean Relativity

 B. The Michelson-Morley Experiment

 C. Special Relativity

 D. General Relativity

 II. Atoms

 A. Discoveries – the electron and the neutron

 B. The Photoelectric Effect and quantization

 C. The Bohr Model

 III. Quantum Mechanics

 A. Wave functions and probability

 B. Heisenberg

 C. Schrodinger

 D. One-dimensional quantum mechanics

 E. Quantum tunneling

 IV. Atomic and Nuclear Physics

 A. Radioactivity

 B. Lasers

 V. Solid State Physics

 A. Solids

 B. Semiconductors

 VI. Cosmology

 A. The early universe and unification theories

 B. The structure and fate of the universe