Download Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus
Department: Science & Technology
Date: February, 2013
I. Course Prefix and Number:
Course Name:
PHY 253
Physics III: Waves and Modern Physics
Credit Hours and Contact Hours: 4 credit hours – 6 contact hours
Catalog Description including pre- and co-requisites: supporting data required for grade prerequisite of ‘C’ or
higher.
The continuation of the General Physics sequence. Topics include wave equation, electromagnetic
radiation, interference, diffraction, relativity, and introduction to quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: PHY
152 and MAT 273. Co-requisite: MAT 274 or permission of the instructor.
Relationship to Academic Programs and Curriculum including SUNY Gen Ed designation if applicable:
The primary audiences for this course are students pursuing A.S. degree in Engineering Science and other
transfer programs which require calculus-based modern physics course. A student should verify the
appropriateness of this course for her / his program with her / his advisor.
II. Course Student Learning Outcomes: State the student learning outcome(s) for the course (e.g. Student will be
able to identify…)
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
1) Demonstrate ability to model problems related to Relativity and Quantum Physics.
2) Demonstrate proficiency in problem solving methodology.
3) Demonstrate proficiency in teamwork, including assessment of learning process.
4) Demonstrate an ability to relate mathematics to physical reality and vice a versa.
5) Estimate margins of errors in measurements and calculations.
6) Assess limitations of what they know, and know how to seek further knowledge pertinent to the subject
matter.
College Learning Outcomes Addressed by the Course:
writing
x computer literacy
oral communications
ethics/values
reading
citizenship
x mathematics
global concerns
critical thinking
information resources
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III. Assessment Measures (Summarize how the college and student learning outcomes will be
assessed): For each identified outcome checked, please provide the specific assessment measure.
List identified College Learning Outcomes(s)
Specific assessment measure(s)
Mathematics
Students will complete assignment modeling physics
using Differential Equations.
Computer Literacy
Students will complete computer simulation
assignment for physics.
IV. Instructional Materials and Methods
Types of Course Materials:
1. Text
2. Supplementary material, specified by instructor.
Methods of Instruction (e.g. Lecture, Lab, Seminar …):
Lectures/Demonstrations, Discussions, Team Activities, Experiments, and Use of Computers.
V. General Outline of Topics Covered:
Waves
Superposition of Waves
Maxwell's Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
Interference and Diffraction
Coordinate Transformations for Linear and Rotational Displacement
Relativity: Lorentz Transformation
Relativity: Length Contraction and Time Dilation
Relativity: Addition of Velocities
Relativity: Momentum, Kinetic Energy and The Rest Mass Energy
Black Body Radiation and Planck's Hypothesis
Photoelectric Effect
Compton Scattering
Bohr's Theory
de Broglie's Hypothesis
Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
Schrodinger's Equation
Particle in a "Box": Infinite Potential Well
Particle in a Finite Potential Well
Quantum Tunneling
Application of Tunneling: Scanning Tunneling Microscope
The Harmonic Oscillator
Hydrogen Atom
Rotational and Vibrational Spectra of Molecules
2
Band Theory
The p-n junction diode
Fractals & Chaos
Self-organization
Cellular Automata
Superconductivity
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