Module Description

PHY3145 Topics in Theoretical Physics

2010-2011

Code: PHY3145
Level: 3
Title: Topics in Theoretical Physics
InstructorsProf. G.P. Srivastava
CATS Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credit Value: 5
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
DurationM1-M11
Availability: unrestricted
Background Assumed: -
Directed Study Time: 22 lectures
Private Study Time: 78 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: -

Aims

This module discusses some advanced topics in theoretical physics. The student will gain insight into the background of topics in relativistic quantum mechanics, astrophysics, gauge theory, and condensed matter physics. The module will introduce important new concepts relevant to these areas and show how these can be developed to provide understanding of physical phenomena and processes. The approaches adopted will illustrate some of the skills required when pursuing theoretical research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, the student should be able to:

Module Specific Skills

Discipline Specific Skills

Personal and Key Skills

Learning / Teaching Methods

Lectures (20×1hr), handouts, directed reading of relevant research papers and review articles, problems classes (2×1hr).

Assignments

Problems sheets

Assessment

One 90-minute examination (100%).

Syllabus Plan and Content

  1. Relativistic quantum mechanics and its applications (5 lectures)
    Klein-Gordon equation; Dirac equation; concept of positrons; charge conjugation operator; Feynman's interpretation; applications.
  2. Elements of field theories (5 lectures)
    Concept of classical and quantum fields. Lagrangian density, Hamiltonian density, and energy density. Quantisation of elastic or lattice waves, electromagnetic field, and electron waves in solids. Examples will include at least two of the following: coupled oscillators on a linear chain; radiation field; Schrodinger equation; Klein-Gordon equation; phonon-impurity scattering; electron-phonon interaction.
  3. Gauge theory and its applications (5 lectures)
    Gauge transformations of 1st- and 2nd-kinds; gauge invariance; Aharonov-Bohm effect; Berry phase; superconducting quantum interference devices.
  4. Many-body theory and its applications (5 lectures)
    Classical many-body theory; many-body hamiltonian; the adiabatic approximation; Hartree equation; Hartree-Fock equation; Kohn-Sham equation; density-functional theory; self-energy operator.

Core Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Text(s)

Feynman R.P., Leighton R.B. and Sands M. (1963), Lectures on Physics, Vol. II, Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-02117-X (UL: 530 FEY/X)
Goldstein H., Poole C. and Safko J. (2002), Classical Mechanics (3rd edition), Addison Wesley, ISBN 0-201-65702-3 (UL: 531 GOL)
Griffiths D.J. (1999), Introduction to Electrodynamics (3rd edition), Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-805326-X (UL: 537 GRI)
Inkson J.C. (1984), Many Body Theory of Solids, Plenum, ISBN 0-306-41326-4 (UL: 530.144 INK)
Schiff L.I. (1968), Quantum mechanics (3rd edition), McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-070-55287-8 (UL: 530.12 SCH)
Srivastava G.P. (1999), Theoretical Modelling of Semiconductor Surfaces, World Scientific, ISBN 9-810-23306-X (UL: 537.622 SRI)
Ziman J.M. (1969), Elements of Advanced Quantum Theory, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 521-07458-4 (UL: 530.12 ZIM)

Formative Mechanisms

Students are able to monitor their own progress by attempting problems sheets provided in the lectures. Students with specific problems should approach the lecturer.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The 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.

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