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Module Title |
Relativity, Nuclear 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 | Prof Miles Turner | Office Number | N105 | | Module Co-ordinator | Prof Miles Turner | Office Number | N105 |
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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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- To provide a comprehensive introduction to the modern physics topics of special relativity, nuclear physics and elementary particle physics
- To give the student an appreciation of the consequences of Einstein’s postulates: time dilation, length contraction, synchronization errors, relativistic mass, etc.
- To strengthen basic problem-solving skills
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Learning Outcomes
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- 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 |
12
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Laboratories |
0
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Seminars |
0
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Independent Learning Time |
45
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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
- Introduction to Feynman diagrams
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| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 20% | Examination Weight | 80% |
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Indicative Reading List
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Essential:
Physics:
Principles with Applications by D.C. Giancoli
Harris Introduction to Modern Physics
Supplementary:
Space and Time in Special Relativity by N.D. Mermin
University Physics by Young and Freedman (10th Ed), Addison Wesley.
Taylor Wheeler Spacetime Physics
Six Not-So-Easy Pieces by R.P. Feynman
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 |
| 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 |
| SHSA | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SHSAO | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SMPSC | Single Module Professional Science |
| Archives: | |
