Module: Modern Physics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Modern Physics
Module Code	PHY1004 (ITS: PS476L)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will develop the student's understanding of fundamental concepts and ideas in modern physics, specifically the use and application of the Schroedinger equation, and the priciples of special relativity.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define key concepts in modern physics including wave function, probability amplitude, reference frame, invariance.
2. Solve the Schroedinger equation for 1-dimensional potential wells.
3. Apply the 3-d Schroedinger equation to the hydrogen atom.
4. Apply the basic relationships of special relativity to high energy particles.
5. Derive, from given premises, relevant relationships between physical variables.
6. Solve problems, from information given, requiring the calculation of the values of physical variables in quantum mechanics and relativity.
7. Explain the relevance of quantum theory and relativity in modern views of the physical universe.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 hours of asychronous lectures per week accessed as pre-recorded videos
Online activity	24	2 hours of scheduled synchronous online activities per week.
Tutorial	24	Student learning support facilitated through small-group tutorials with flexible provision.
Independent Study	53	Student self directed learning
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10034	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Eilish McLoughlin	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Completion of online activity	Solve physics problem based on mathematical/quantitative aspects of module concepts.	50%	As required
In Class Test	Solve physics problem based on mathematical/quantitative aspects of module concepts.	50%	Once per semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Wave mechanics
De Broglie's hypothesis, wave functions and probability amplitudes, the Heisenberg Uncertainty principle. The Schroedinger wave equation: simple solutions in one dimension, transmission, reflection and penetration at a barrier, tunnelling, potential wells, the harmonic oscillator.

The Schroedinger equation in three dimensions
the hydrogen atom, quantisation of angular momentum, spatial quantisation, the Zeeman effect.

Spin
the fourth quantum number, the Pauli exclusion principle.

Special Relativity
Relativistic dynamics, relativistic mass and momentum, total energy, mass/energy equivalence. Spacetime: spacetime diagrams, introduction to four-vectors. Application of relativistic dynamics to particle beam devices and collision experiments.

Nuclear Physics
Nucleons and nuclear models, nuclear spin nuclear reactions and cross-sections. Introduction to elementary particles and the Standard Model.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Young and Freedman: 2020, University Physics with Modern Physics,, 15 Ed.,,, https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Young-Modified-Mastering-Physics-with-Pearson-e-Text-Standalone- Access-Card-for-University-Physics-with-Modern-Physics-15th-Edition/PGM2485469.html,
Eugenia Etkina, Gorazd Planinsic and Alan Van Heuvelen: 2019, College Physics: Explore and Apply,, 2nd Ed. [ISBN: 978- 01346018],
Taylor J.R. Zafiratos, C.D. Dubson M.A.: 2004, Modern Physics For Scientists and Engineers, Prentice Hall,
Blatt F.J.: 1992, Modern Physics, McGraw-Hill,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Simulations, Phet simulations,