Syllabus
PHYS 3305: Physics of the Micro World and the Cosmos
Spring Semester 2009
Dr. Nikolaos Kidonakis, Dept. of Biology & Physics
Office: Science 432; phone: (770) 423-6607; nkidonak@kennesaw.edu
Lectures: TBA
Office hours: TBA
Textbook: Nonclassical Physics, by Harris
Prerequisite: “C” or better grade in MATH 2202 and PHYS 2212 (or equivalent)
Course description
PHYS 3305. Physics of the Micro World and the Cosmos. 3-0-3.
This course focuses on topics in non-classical physics. The students will be exposed to the main
ideas of 20th and 21st century physics. Special relativity will be covered in some detail and the
broad ideas of general relativity will be introduced. The framework of quantum mechanics will
be presented and applications to the study of the atom and nucleus will be made. More recent
advances in particle physics and cosmology will be described. Connections with other fields of
physics and to applications to real life and technology are made when appropriate to broaden,
deepen, and strengthen students' physical insights and understanding.
Course Objectives
I. Knowledge and Conceptual Objectives:
 A solid understanding of Einstein’s theory of special relativity.
 Exposure to Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
 An introduction to quantum mechanics, and more in-depth study of the Schrodinger
equation, well potentials, and the simple harmonic oscillator.
 A thorough understanding of the application of quantum mechanics to the study of
the hydrogen atom.
 Understanding of angular momentum in quantum mechanics.
 Introduction to atomic and nuclear physics through quantum mechanics.
 Introduction to particle physics and cosmology. Learning about the elementary
particles and fundamental interactions in nature and the history of the universe.
II. Skills Objectives
 Be able to understand and work with theory of special relativity
 Be able to understand and work with theory of quantum mechanics
 Demonstrate the ability to understand and relate various physical situations.
Grading:
Homework 16%
Tests 60% (3 tests, 20% each)
Final Exam 24%
Grades: A >90%; B 80%-90%; C 70%-80%; D 60%-70%; F <60%
Academic Integrity
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct,
as published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section II of the Student Code of
Conduct addresses the University's policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding
plagiarism and cheating, unauthorized access to University materials,
misrepresentation/falsification of University records or academic work, malicious removal,
retention, or destruction of library materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities
and/or services, and misuse of student identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic
misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the University Judiciary
Program, which includes either an "informal" resolution by a faculty member, resulting in a
grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the Code of
Conduct's minimum one semester suspension requirement.
Attendance & Participation
Students are expected to attend the lectures, take all tests and the final exam, and complete all
homework assignments.
Withdrawal
Last day to withdraw without academic penalty is TBA. The university's withdrawal policy is
explained http://www.kennesaw.edu/registrar/withdrawalpolicy.shtml.
Tentative Schedule
Week 1: Special Relativity
Chapter 1: Sects. 1.1-1.7 Homework: Chapter 1: Problems 2,3,9,20,25,28,30,37,38
Week 2: Special and General Relativity
Chapter 1: Sects. 1.8-1.13 Homework: Chapter 1: Problems 42,47,48,64,65,69,75,77,81
Week 3: Quantum Physics
Chapter 2: Sects. 2.1-2.5 - Chapter 3: Sects. 3.1-3.2 Homework: Chapter 2: Problems
1,3,5,8,13,15,17,22,24,25
Week 4: Review; Test 1
Week 5: Schrodinger equation
Chapter 3: Sects. 3.3-3.7 - Chapter 4: Sects. 4.1-4.3 Homework: Chapter 3: Problems
3,12,13,19,20,21,26,28,45,46,47
Week 6: Well Potentials; Simple Harmonic Oscillator
Chapter 4: Sects. 4.4-4.11 Homework: Chapter 4: Problems 6,8,10,20,26,27,28,33,34,38
Week 7: Tunneling; Review
Chapter 5: Sects. 5.1-5.4 Homework: Chapter 5: Problems 9,13,18,20,22
Week 8: Test 2; Quantum Mechanics in three dimensions
Chapter 6: Sects. 6.1-6.3 Homework: Chapter 6: Problems 2,4,5,8
Week 9: The Hydrogen Atom
Chapter 6: Sects. 6.4-6.6 Homework: Chapter 6: Problems 16,17,24,54 and problems given in
class
Week 10: Angular momentum; Photon emission
Chapter 6: Sects. 6.7-6.11 Homework: Chapter 6: Problems 13,14,15,22,23,26,32,38
Week 11: Atomic Physics
Chapter 7: Sects. 7.1-7.4,7.7 Homework: Chapter 7: Problems 4,6,9,15,20 and problems given in
class
Week 12: Review; Test 3
Week 13: Nuclear Physics
Chapter 10: Sects. 10.1-10.7 Homework: Chapter 10: Problems 1,4,5,7,11,12,21,32,34,38
Week 14: Particle Physics
Chapter 11: Sects. 11.1-11.4 Homework: Chapter 11: Problems 1,2,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13-16,2325, and problem given in class
Week 15: Particle Physics and Cosmology
Chapter 11: Sects. 11.5-11.7