2026-2027 Catalog

PHYS 240 Foundations of Modern Physics

Introduction to the physics revolution of the twentieth century, emphasizing special relativity and elementary quantum mechanics. Includes the breakdown of classical concepts; light quanta and matter waves; Schrödinger equation and solutions in 1 and 3 dimensions; hydrogen atom, exclusion principle and the periodic table. Other topics include a selection from atomic nuclear particle and condensed-matter physics. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week.

Credits

4 units

Prerequisite

PHYS 107, PHYS 110 or PHYS 115, and PHYS 125 or PHYS 230

Corequisite

PHYS 240L

Core Requirements Met

  • Laboratory Science