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Semester I, 2004/05
Level: Enrichment / Cross Faculty / General Education
Prerequisite: O-level pass in Physics
Timetable: Monday and Thursday, 10:00-11:30 a.m., LT 32
Synopsis:
Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum theory form the two great
pillars of modern physics, upon which all other branches of physics are
built. They have also occupied a major place in the intellectual and
cultural history of the twentieth century, and have proved to be of
wide interest to non-physicists.
This module will introduce the student to these two important theories.
It is designed for non-physics majors, and proceeds mainly by analogy and
contrast with the familiar. Concepts will be emphasised, while omitting
the technical details. The use of mathematics will be kept at
secondary-school level.
At the end of the course, the student should be able to understand and
intelligently discuss the following topics, amongst others:
- The concept of absolute and relative space and time
- The twin paradox
- Black holes and wormholes
- The wave-particle duality of matter
- The meaning of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
- The problem of Schrödinger's cat
- The ultimate constituents of matter
- Grand unification and superstrings
- How can relativity and quantum theory contribute towards the
technology of tomorrow?
The student should also be able to keep abreast of future developments
in cosmology, elementary-particle physics and quantum technology, at
the level described in science columns of newspapers and magazines
such as New Scientist
and Scientific American.
Textbooks:
- A.J.G. Hey and P. Walters, Einstein's Mirror
Cambridge University Press (1997)
[NUS library]
- A.J.G. Hey and P. Walters, The Quantum Universe
Cambridge University Press (1987)
[NUS library]
Other recommended reading (for term paper):
- G. Gamow, Mr. Tompkins in Paperback
Cambridge University Press (1993) [NUS library]
- R. Stannard, The New World of Mr. Tompkins
Cambridge University Press (1999) [NUS library]
- R. Gilmore, Alice in Quantumland
Copernicus (1995) [NUS library]
- R.T. Hammond, From Quarks to Black Holes: Interviewing the Universe
World Scientific (2001) [NUS library]
Some of these books are also available at the Science Co-op.
Slides:
- Lecture 0: Introduction [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 1: A revolution in time [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 2: The nature of light [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 3: Light and time [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 4: The ultimate speed [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 5: E=mc² [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 6: Relativity in action [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 7: Down to Earth [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 8: Warped space [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 9: Death of a star [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 10: Black holes [ppt,
html]
- Bonus Lecture: Time travel [ppt,
html,video]
- Lecture 11: The big bang [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 12: Waves versus particles [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 13: Heisenberg and uncertainty [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 14: Schrödinger and matter waves [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 15: The hydrogen atom [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 16: Quantum tunnelling [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 17: Pauli and the elements [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 18: Quantum cooperation and superfluids [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 19: Relativity and quantum mechanics [ppt,
html]
- Lecture 20: Weak photons and strong glue [ppt,
html]
Assessment:
Assessment will be based on
There will be no end-of-semester examination.
Enquiries:
Edward Teo (Lecturer)
- Email:
eteo@nus.edu.sg
- Tel: 6874 6351
- Office: S13 03-10
- Consultation hours:
- 12-2 p.m. Thursdays
- 2-4 p.m. Fridays
Kenneth Hong (Teaching Assistant)
- Email:
phyhcmk@nus.edu.sg
- Tel: 6874 2631
- Office: S13 04-03
- Consultation hours:
- 10-12 noon Tuesdays
- 10-12 noon Fridays
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