Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2004 - 2005
Module Title |
Relativity, Astronomy and Particle Physics
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Module Code |
PS207
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School |
School of Physical Sciences
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Online Module Resources
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Module Co-ordinator | Dr Paul van Kampen | Office Number | N143 |
Level |
2
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Credit Rating |
5
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None
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Module Aims
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7 To provide a comprehensive introduction to the modern physics topics of special relativity, nuclear physics and elementary particle physics
7 To give the student an appreciation of the consequences of Einsteins postulates: time dilation, length contraction, synchronization errors, relativistic mass, etc.
7 To strengthen basic problem-solving skills
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Learning Outcomes
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7 The students have a working knowledge of the main concepts of special relativity, nuclear physics and particle physics
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Indicative Time Allowances
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Hours
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Lectures |
18
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Tutorials |
18
|
Laboratories |
0
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Seminars |
0
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Independent Learning Time |
39
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Total |
75
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Placements |
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Assignments |
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NOTE
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Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.
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Indicative Syllabus
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* Special Relativity:
· Historical development
· Einstein's postulates
· Length contraction, time dilation, synchronization
· Addition of velocities
· Relativistic mass, momentum and energy· Space-time diagrams
· Twin paradox, pole-in-barn paradox
* General Relativity and Cosmology:
· Equivalence principle
· Curved space-time and consequences
· Hubble's Law
* Nuclear Physics
· Historical overview
· Mass and binding energy
· Nuclear models· Radioactivity
· Fusion and fission
· Medical applications
* Elementary particle physics:
· Leptons, baryons, hadrons
· Eightfold Way
· Conserved quantities
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Assessment | Continuous Assessment | 0% | Examination Weight | 100% |
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Indicative Reading List
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7 Essential:
Physics: Principles with Applications by D.C. Giancoli
7 Supplementary:
o Space and Time in Special Relativity by N.D. Mermin
o University Physics by Young and Freedman (10th Ed), Addison Wesley.
o Relativity: An introduction to space-time physics by S. Adams
o Six Not-So-Easy Pieces by R.P. Feynman
o Mr. Tompkins in Paperback by G. Gamow
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Programme or List of Programmes
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AP | BSc in Applied Physics |
PHA | BSc in Physics with Astronomy |
SE | BSc Science Education |
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