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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 thorough knowledge of relativistic dynamics and its application to various physicalsituations. Provide a conceptual understanding of the physical principles of quantummechanics, together with the technical understanding for applying these principles todetermine the quantitative properties of physical systems where quantum physics isapplicable.
Students will:Have mastered space-time transformations for reference frames travelling atrelativistic speeds.Have mastered techniques to calculate the dynamics of relativistic particles andcollisions between relativistic particles.Have acquired a conceptual understanding of the principles of quantummechanics and their implications for physical measurementsHave mastered the mathematical techniques used to solve theSchrodinger equation in simple situations, and quantitively describephysical observables in related systemsHave developed and be able to demonstrate competency to solve appropriatephysics problems in the concepts of the courseHave developed and be able to demonstrate writing and associatedcommunication skills.
(1) PHYS102 or (PHYS101 and CHEM211); (2) MATH102 or EMTH118. 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.
David Wiltshire
Chris Gordon
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 and content (56KB)
General Physics and Astronomy InformationPlease consult the document General Information for Physics and Astronomy Students on thePhysics and Astronomy Web Page:http://www.phys.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/specifically:http://www.phys.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/general.pdf
Domestic fee $883.00
International fee $4,000.00
* 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 .