Physics and Astronomy |
|
Physics Home | Study here | Our Teaching | Our Research | Our Centres | News | Work here | EMPS |
Back to top
PHY2220 Space-Time, the Universe and the Quantum World2007-2008Code: PHY2220Title: Space-Time, the Universe and the Quantum World Instructors: Prof. T. Naylor, Prof. J.C. Inkson and Prof. C.P. Winlove CATS credits: 15/20 ECTS credits: 7.5/10 Availability: only to non-physics students Level: 2 Pre-requisites: N/A Co-requisites: N/A Background Assumed: suitable for non-science students Duration: Semesters I and II Directed Study Time: 15 lectures and 3 seminars Private Study Time: 52/62 hours (directed reading) Assessment Tasks Time: 80/120 hours Observation report: 2002/03 MRB (CPW) AimsThe module treats the central concepts of three great pillars of twentieth-century physics: Einstein's theories of special and general relativity, cosmology, and the quantum theory. The module is designed for students outside the School of Physics, with little or no mathematical background, and proceeds mainly by analogy and contrast with the familiar. Such little mathematics as is required is explained in the course of the module. The topics covered occupy major places in the intellectual and cultural history of the twentieth century, and have proved to be of wide interest to nonphysicists. Students taking this module will acquire a broad understanding of modern cosmology, of quantum-theoretical ideas, and of the space-time that both provides the backcloth for the physical world and is itself profoundly influenced in its structure by the distribution of matter in the physical world. Intended Learning OutcomesStudents will be able to: Module Specific Skills
Discipline Specific Skills
Learning and Teaching MethodsFor each of the three sections of the module there will be five lectures, together with arranged one-hour follow-up seminars. The lectures cover all the topics in the three sections of the syllabus, and also provide the necessary preliminary background to the reading that is recommended. The seminars provide the opportunity to discuss the lecture material and the recommended reading in more depth, and to clarify any aspects or concepts that students may still find challenging. There will be a feedback tutorial after the practice essay, and a preparation tutorial before each assessed essay. AssignmentsReading assignments are set, and the students must write a 1200-word practice essay. AssessmentFor 20 credits (PHY2220A): Three 2000-word essays (100%). For 15 credits (PHY2220B): Two 2000-word essays (100%). Note: Referred assessment, in the form of essays written under examination conditions, is available for this module. See also the School of Physics Examination Conventions. Syllabus Plan and Content
Core TextNot applicableSupplementary Text(s)(1985), QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter, Penguin Books, ISBN 0-14-0125050-1 (UL: 530.141 FEY)(1988), A Brief History of Time, Bantam Press, London, ISBN 0-521-29087-2 (UL: 115 HAW) (1997), Intelligences extra-terrestres English (2nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-45340-2 (UL: 520 HEI) (1989), Niels Bohr's Philosophy of Physics, Cambridge University Press (UL: 530.092/BOH MUR) (1989), The Emperor's New Mind, Oxford University Press (UL: 001.535 PEN) (1994), Shadows of the Mind, Oxford University Press (UL: 001.535 PEN) (1982), Quantum Theory and the Schism in Physics, Unwin Hyman (UL: 530.12 POP) (1996), A Short History of the Universe, Scientific American Library (UL: 523.1 SIL) (1997), Life of the Cosmos, Phoenix, London, ISBN 0-75380-123-X (UL: 523.1 SMO) (1992), Space, Time, and Gravity (2nd edition), University of Chicago Press (UL: 523.1 WAL) , The First Three Minutes, (UL: 523.12 WEI) Formative MechanismsThe practice essay is marked with comprehensive comments, and important points raised are discussed in follow-up seminars. Evaluation MechanismsThe module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment. |