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Introduction to relativistic mechanics, including space-time transformations, dynamics and collisions of relativistic particles. Introduction to quantum physics, bringing out its applications, including wave-particle duality, one dimensional barriers and wells, electron spin, electron configuration of atoms, lasers, semiconductors and quantum dots.
Provide a conceptual understanding of the physical principles of quantum mechanics, together with the technical understanding for applying these principles to determine the quantitative properties of physical systems where quantum physics is applicable. Provide a thorough knowledge of relativistic dynamics and its application to various physical situations.
Students will:• Have acquired a conceptual understanding of the principles of quantum mechanics and their implications for physical measurements•Have mastered the mathematical techniques used to solve the Schrödinger equation in simple situations, and quantitatively describe physical observables in related systems•Have developed and be able to demonstrate writing and associated communication skills.•Have mastered space-time transformations for reference frames travelling at relativistic speeds.•Have mastered techniques to calculate the dynamics of relativistic particles and collisions between relativistic particles.•Have developed and be able to demonstrate competency to solve appropriate physics problems in the concepts of the course
(1) PHYS102 or (PHYS101 and CHEM211); (2) MATH102 or EMTH118 or MATH199. These prerequisites may be replaced by a high level of achievement in level 3 NCEA Physics and Mathematics with Calculus or other background approved by the Head of Department. RP: MATH103 or EMTH119.
PHYS222
MATH103 or EMTH119.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Daniel Sando
Michael Albrow
Serway, R A; Moses, C J; Moyer, C A; Modern physics ; 3rd; 2005 ((There are two copies on 3-hour loan in the Engineering and Physical Sciences Library.)).
French, Anthony P; Special Relativity ; Norton, 1968.
French, Anthony P. and Taylor, Edwin F; An Introduction to Quantum Physics ; W.W. Norton, 1978.
Kittel, Charles et al.,; Mechanics ; 2nd edition; McGraw-Hill, 1973 ((Berkeley Physics Course Vol 1),).
Krane, Kenneth S.,; Modern Physics ; 2nd; J. Wiley & Sons, 1996.
Thornton, Stephen T. and Rex, Andrew; Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers ; 4th; Brooks/Cole, 2012.
(Note: the last two books are very similar to Serway, Moses and Moyer)
Course information and content (PDF 2887KB)
General Course Information (PDF 163KB)
Domestic fee $1,099.00
International fee $5,388.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Physical & Chemical Sciences on the departments and faculties page .