MPE 530: Modern Physics

Credits 2.0

Broad coverage of the three central areas of modern physics that emphasize the wonder and interconnections at the conceptual level appropriate for secondary school educators. Topics include: Quantum Physics (postulates, Schrodinger and Dirac formalisms, implications and interpretations), Special and Introduction to General Relativity (the four-vector, space-time, invariants, time dilation and length contraction), and Thermo/Statistical Physics (macroscopic variables, equation of state, state functions, response functions, microscopic variables, statistical approach, ensembles, the partition function).