|
Module Title |
Relativity, Nuclear and Particle Physics
|
|
Module Code |
PS207
|
|
School |
School of Physical Sciences
|
Online Module Resources
|
| Module Co-ordinator | Dr Paul van Kampen | Office Number | N143 |
|
Level |
2
|
Credit Rating |
5
|
|
Pre-requisite |
None
|
|
Co-requisite |
None
|
|
|
Module Aims
|
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
|
|
Learning Outcomes
|
7 The students have a working knowledge of the main concepts of special relativity, nuclear physics and particle physics
|
|
Indicative Time Allowances
|
|
|
Hours
|
|
Lectures |
18
|
|
Tutorials |
18
|
|
Laboratories |
0
|
|
Seminars |
0
|
|
Independent Learning Time |
39
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
75
|
|
Placements |
|
|
Assignments |
|
|
|
NOTE
|
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.
|
|
Indicative Syllabus
|
|
* 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
|
| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 30% | Examination Weight | 70% |
|
|
Indicative Reading List
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Programme or List of Programmes
|
| AP | BSc in Applied Physics |
| BSSA | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| BSSAO | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| ECSA | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| ECSAO | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| HMSA | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| HMSAO | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| PHA | BSc in Physics with Astronomy |
| SE | BSc Science Education |
| SHSA | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SHSAO | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| Archives: | |
