PHYS 142
Foundations of Modern Physics Spring 2015
Division III Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
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Newtonian Mechanics, spectacular as it is in describing planetary motion and a wide range of other phenomena, only hints at the richness of behaviors seen in the universe. Special relativity has extended physics into the realm of high speeds and high energies and requires us to rethink our basic notions of space and time. Quantum mechanics successfully describes atoms, molecules, and solids while at the same time calling into question our notions of what can be predicted by a physical theory. Statistical physics reveals new behaviors that emerge when many particles are present in a system. This course will survey some of these important ideas, and can serve either as a terminal course for those seeking to complete a year of physics or can serve as the basis for more advanced study of these topics.
The Class: Format: lecture, three hours per week; laboratory, three hours per week;
Limit: 22 per lab
Expected: 30
Class#: 3561
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: evaluation will be based on weekly homework, labs, two hour tests, and a final exam, all of which have a substantial quantitative component
Prerequisites: PHYS 141 and MATH 130 (formerly 103), or equivalent; students may not take both PHYS 142 and PHYS 151; PHYS 131 may substitute for PHYS 141 with the permission of instructor
Distributions: Division III Quantitative/Formal Reasoning

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