Textbook: University Physics, Young and Freeman, or similar
Textbook: Perspectives in Modern Physics Beiser (required)
Prerequisites: Physics 252, 252L, Calculus III
Class: (253) 10:00-10:50 MWRF Witmer Hall 115   Lab: (253L) 3:00-450 M Witmer Hall   208

syllabus

This course is prerequisite for most upper-division Physics

The objective is to learn about the surprising developments in physics during the 20^th century, upon which much of modern life depends. In broad categories, this includes the theory of relativity, quantum theory and statistical mechanics. For engineers, chemists and physicists it is not enough to know only disconnected facts and formulas, so the course will concentrate on connections between things. We shall see how to get from one result or formula to another by algebra, or how one thing implies another logically. This is so that you can start at any point in the subject and get to anywhere else with your own hands. In this way the subject will be alive in your head and you will really be able to use it.

The course is an overview of or first introduction to some theories and phenomena that one would study in more detail in upper-level physics courses such as quantum mechanics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, statistical mechanics, etc.