PHYS 3710: Modern Physics

3 Credit Hours

Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or higher in PHYS 2212 and PHYS 2212L
The topics covered in this course constitute the most fundamental background in modern physics. The main objective of this course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the physical laws and phenomena that constitute the framework leading to quantum mechanics. Students will strengthen their knowledge of special relativity and explore aspects of the quantum theory of wave/particle duality and the probabilistic interpretation. Students will learn the Schrödinger’s equation, its solutions for simple potentials, and properties of the one-electron atom. Students will also study applications of quantum principles to atomic, molecular and nuclear structures.