Principles of Modern Physics
| Structure Type: | Study unit |
|---|---|
| Code: | IITA0303 |
| Type: | Compulsory / Professional Studies |
| Curriculum: | I-IT 2010 |
| Level: | Bachelor of Engineering |
| Year of Study: | 2 (2011-2012) |
| Credits: | 3 cr |
| Responsible Teacher: | Mäkinen, Seppo |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
Courses During the Academic Year 2011-2012
| Impl. | Group(s) | Study Time | Teacher(s) | Language | Enrolment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I-IT-2N | 2011-10-24 – 2011-12-23 | Seppo Mäkinen | English | 2011-10-03 – 2011-10-30 |
Learning Outcomes
The student learns the physical models, which are used to describe mechanical and electromagnetic oscillators - as well as the associated laws of nature. By combining individual oscillators, the student will be able to study both mechanical and emg wave motion. The student will become familiar with the properties of sound waves and emg waves. The course will give an understanding of the phenomena, which lead to the beginning of the era of quantum physics. The most important results of quantum physics, such as those related with the photon, the atom and the atomic nucleus will be studied in the course. The student will understand the energy band structure of crystalline solids, the difference between metals and semiconductors, as well as the most important technical applications of semiconducting materials. The student will learn the basic phenomena of quantum physics and the related technical devices. In addition to the theoretical understanding, the student will learn how to apply his/her knowledge experimentally in laboratory environment. The results are analysed, together with thorough error calculations with some experiments. Each student will write 2 reports on the measurements.
Student's Workload
The total amount of student's work is 81 h, which contains 42 h of contact studies.
Prerequisites / Recommended Optional Courses
Electricity and Magnetism.
Contents
Simple harmonic oscillations, damped oscillations, wave motion, sound, electromagnetic oscillations and the associated wave motion, interference and diffraction, basics of quantum physics, the photon, Bohr ’s atomic model, applications of atomic physics, atomic nuclei, radioactivity and its applications, nuclear energy.
Recommended or Required Reading and Other Learning Resources/Tools
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett: "Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics", Thomson Books/Cole.
Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
The relevant theories of physics, together with associated problems and applications, are studied on a course of lectures. In addition, the student will individually solve a number of given homework exercises. Students will also take part in laboratory measurements. The measurements are done in groups of 3 students.
Assessment Criteria
Grade 1: The student knows those subjects of the course, which are necessary for the forthcoming studies and working life.
Grade 3: The student is well-abled to utilize the course contents.
Grade 5: The student is able to apply creatively the contents of the course.
Assessment Methods
The assessment is based on an examination, homework exercises and laboratory work. A student must solve at least 25 % of the given homework exercises, and (s)he must complete all the associated experiments in the laboratory of Physics, as well as write two reports on the measurements.