Modern Physics
Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 1TE078
- Code
- 1TE078
- Education cycle
- First cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Physics G1F
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 27 January 2023
- Responsible department
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Entry requirements
40 credits in science/engineering including Linear Algebra and Geometry, Thermodynamics, a basic course in Mechanics as well as Mechanics II/Electrical Power Transmission Systems. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Classify the smallest constituents of matter and their interactions,
- explain the subatomic structure of matter based on conservation laws,
- perform calculations of nuclear reactions and particle decays and explain how they occur spontaneously or artificially and explain how they can be detected,
- perform simple experiments in semiconductor and nuclear physics,
- classify and identify cubic crystal structures,
- explain the basic concepts that are used to describe the structure and physical properties of
crystalline substances,
- explain thermaland electrical properties of solid materials based on models of electronic structure and phonons,
- use physical models perform calculations of the properties of solids.
Content
Nuclear and Particle Physics:
Structure: early universe and Big Bang theory, atomic nucleus, , hadrons, baryons, mesons, fundamental particles, antiparticles and antimatter.
Reactions: relativistic kinematics, nuclear reactions, cross-section, radioactivity and nuclear reactions.
Interactions: the electroweak interaction and bosons, the strong interaction and gluons.
Solid State Physics:
Building blocks of crystals : Bravais lattices, crystal structure (cubic structures and their lattice).
Periodicity in a crystal: the concept of reciprocal lattice and Brillouin zones.
How to measure periodicity: Diffraction - Theory and experimental methods.
Thermal properties of a solid in terms of lattice vibrations and phonons, specific heat and thermal conductivity.
Electrical conduction in solids: free electron model, energy bands, metals and semiconductors.
Instruction
Lectures, lessons and laboratory supervision.
Assessment
Written exam (4 credits). Oral and written presentation of laboratory work (1 credit).
If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.
Other directives
The course cannot be included in a degree together with 1TE045 - Quantum Physics Continuing Course, or 1TE701 - Quantum Physics II.
Reading list
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2023
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2022
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2019
- Reading list valid from Spring 2017
- Reading list valid from Spring 2016
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2012, version 2
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2012, version 1
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2011, version 2
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2011, version 1