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ASTRONOMY & QUANTUM PHYSICS

Module code: EP203
Credits: 5
Semester: 2
Department: EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
International:
Coordinator: Dr Marcin Lukasz Gradziel (EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS)

	Overview
	The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of those areas of modern physics that reach beyond the everyday experiences in terms of scales. On one end, the micro-world, the origins and fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics are formally introduced, on the other (cosmological scales) the students are familiarized with a range of topics in modern astronomy. Synergies between modern astronomy and quantum physics are also explored. This module specifically addresses the following topics of the Core of Physics, as defined by Institute of Physics: - Trigonometric and hyperbolic functions; complex numbers - Black body radiation - Photoelectric effect - Wave-particle duality - Heisenberg�s Uncertainty Principle - Wave function and its interpretation - Standard solutions and quantum numbers, to the level of the hydrogen atom - Tunnelling - Quantum structure and spectra of simple atoms - Waves in linear media to the level of group velocity - Doppler effect

Overview

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of those areas of modern physics that reach beyond the everyday experiences in terms of scales.

On one end, the micro-world, the origins and fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics are formally introduced, on the other (cosmological scales) the students are familiarized with a range of topics in modern astronomy. Synergies between modern astronomy and quantum physics are also explored.

This module specifically addresses the following topics of the Core of Physics, as defined by Institute of Physics:

- Trigonometric and hyperbolic functions; complex numbers

- Black body radiation

- Photoelectric effect

- Wave-particle duality

- Heisenberg�s Uncertainty Principle

- Wave function and its interpretation

- Standard solutions and quantum numbers, to the level of the hydrogen atom

- Tunnelling

- Quantum structure and spectra of simple atoms

- Waves in linear media to the level of group velocity

- Doppler effect

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Describe the classification and basic properties of astronomical objects. Discuss time measurements, coordinate frames and distance scales used in astronomical observations. Discuss observations that have helped verify astrophysical theories as well as those that challenged the established physical theories at the beginning of the 20th century and prompted the development of quantum mechanics. Discuss the early quantum theories and models: Planck's model, Einstein's model of photo-electric effect, Compton's model of X-ray scattering, Bohr's model of the hydrogen atom. Describe how the observed particle-wave dualism leads to the notion of particle wavefunction, the Uncertainty Principle and Born's interpretation of quantum mechanics. Write the Schr�dinger equation in simple one-dimensional models. Solve simple numerical problems relevant to astronomy and early quantum theories using appropriate units. Carry out relevant laboratory experiments to demonstrate and test physical principles and report the results.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes University scheduled written examination (Autumn): 120 minutes Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? No Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? No

	Pre-Requisites
	1st Year Experimental Physics/Physics with Astrophysics or equivalent

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the Experimental Physics Department.

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Courses / Module

ASTRONOMY & QUANTUM PHYSICS