615.665.81 - Modern Physics

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Course Modules on the left menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Each module runs for a period of seven (7) days, and each module will incorporate a short quiz covering the material in that module. Problem sets will be assigned after most modules and must be completed at the end of the module week. You may find it easiest to complete the problem sets with paper and pencil, then scan your work in order to submit it via the Blackboard assignment tool. Two exams will be given: a midterm exam and a comprehensive final exam. References for reading material are provided for each module, and you should study this material as you find helpful. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates. Participation in the Blackboard Discussion Forum is periodically required, but regular participation throughout the course is recommended.

Course Topics

• Special Relativity and Historical Perspective
• Introduction to Four-Vectors, Minkowski Space, and General Relativity
• General Relativity and Cosmology and Relativisitic Dynamics
• Introduction to the Atom and the Quantization of Matter
• Blackbody Radiation and the Quantization of Energy
• Quantization of Light
• Nuclear Model of the Atom
• The Bohr Model of the Hydrogen Atom and Atomic Processes
• Matter Waves
• Uncertainty Principle and Wave Mechanics
• Quantum Mechanics: A Particle in a Box and Expectation Values
• Barriers and the Hydrogen Atom
• Spectroscopy and the Quantization of Angular Momentum
• Atomic Structure and Total Angular Momentum; Review

Course Goals

To gain an appreciation of the extensive changes that took place in physics at the turn of the twentieth century.  To develop the skills necessary to solve problems of modern physics and its applications and provide sufficient background for the student to pursue advanced work in materials, optics, and other applied sciences.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Identify and describe the changes in physics that took place near the end of the 19th century
• Analyze and solve problems related to the main physical concepts and theories of the 20th century
• Compare and contrast the “old” versus “new” physics and identify the regimes of validity where each applies
• Use advanced analysis and mathematical methods for advanced studies or application in the practical world

Textbooks

Recommended Thornton, S. T., Andrew Rex, and Carol Hood (2021). Modern physics for scientists and engineers (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN 13: 978-337-91945 ISBN 10: 1-337-91945-4. 

Note - Although the latest edition is the recommended text, earlier editions of this text have very few modifications. For example, Thornton, S. T., and Rex, A., Modern physics for scientists and engineers (4th ed.).  Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 978-1-133-10372-1 ISBN-10: 1-133-10372-3 and are perfectly acceptable.

Textbook information for this course should be available online through the bookstore website: https://bncvirtual.com.

Other Materials & Online Resources

Useful References

French, A. P., (1968). Special relativity (Print Edition).  New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. ISBN 13: 978-0748764228 ISBN 10: 0-7487-6422-4

Einstein, A. (1961). Relativity. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press. ISBN 13: 978-051788441-6 ISBN 10: 0-517-88441-0

Eisberg, R. & Resnick, R. (1985). Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei, and particles. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., ISBN 13: 978-0471873730 ISBN 10: 0-471-87373-X

Anderson, E. (1971). Modern physics and quantum mechanics. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. ISBN 13: 978-0721612201 ISBN 10: 0-7216-1220-2

Brehm, J. J., & Mullin, W. J. (1989). Introduction to the structure of matter. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 13: 978-0471605317 ISBN 10: 0-471-60531

Woodgate, G. K., (1989). Elementary atomic structure (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ISBN 13: 978-0198511564 ISBN 10: 0-19-851156-6

Required Software

Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheet, or equivalent)

You will need access to a spreadsheet program or similar tool for making plots and simple regression analysis.

Student Coursework Requirements

This course will consist of four basic student requirements:

1. Preparation and Participation (Module Discussions) (15% of Final Grade Calculation)
   
   

   You are responsible for studying the assigned reading material from the course text, and any supplemental material, including the course notes (PowerPoint). You are encouraged to post questions/comments to the discussion board throughout the course; however, you are required to post a comment with respect to your “muddiest” point after modules 3, 9, and 12, and you must respond to at least one of your classmate’s muddiest points. I will be monitoring the discussion board and will respond to questions and comments throughout the week for each module.

   Preparation and participation are graded as follows:

   100–90 = A—Timeliness [regularly participates; all required postings; early in discussion; throughout the discussion]; Critical Thinking [rich in content; full of thoughts, insight, and analysis].

   89–80 = B—Timeliness [frequently participates; all required postings; some not in time for others to read and respond]; Critical Thinking [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place].

   79–70 = C—Timeliness [infrequently participates; all required postings; most at the last minute without allowing for response time]; Critical Thinking [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace].

   
   

2. Module Quizzes (15% of Final Grade Calculation)
   
   Short quizzes are given after each module to help focus your attention on the material, and in particular, areas in which you may wish to spend extra time studying. The quizzes are to be taken online and may only be taken one time.
   
   The format of the quizzes is largely multiple-choice and quantitative grading will be as follows:
   
   100–90 = A
   
   89–80 = B
   
   79–70=C
   
   <70=F

3. Assignments (35% of Final Grade Calculation)
   
   After each module, problem sets will be assigned and must be scanned and submitted via Blackboard to the instructor prior to the start of the next module. Late assignments will not be accepted. Graded assignments will be returned to you via Blackboard within one week and the solutions will be reviewed the following week during Office Hours.
   
   Assignments are graded as follows:
   
   100–90 = A—Effort and completeness [substantial thought put into each problem, and sufficient work shown to justify the answer]; Accuracy [correct answer]; Neatness/legibility [solutions easy to read and arguments easy to follow. Any plots/figures thoroughly labeled.]
   
   89–80 = B— Effort and completeness [substantial thought put into each problem, and sufficient work shown to justify the answer]; Accuracy [minor algebraic mistake leads to wrong answer, but approach correct]; Neatness/legibility [solutions easy to read and arguments logically ordered; plots/figures mostly labeled]
   
   79–70 = C— Effort and completeness [problem not fully addressed or parts of solutions not attempted]; Accuracy [significant mistakes in logic or algebra]; Neatness/legibility [solutions cannot be followed; plots/figures missing or not labeled]
   
   

4. Exam[s] (35% of Final Grade Calculation, 15% Midterm and 20% for Final)
   
   A midterm exam will be distributed after Module 7 and the final exam will be available after Module 13. You will have seven (7) days to complete the midterm, but fourteen (14) days to complete the final exam. Each exam will be due exactly at midnight, seven days after the release of the midterm, and fourteen days after release of the final. You may use the course text and notes to complete the exams. All work should be independent.
   
   The exams are evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Completeness and level of effort (30%)
2. Accuracy of solution and work shown (60%)
3. Neatness/legible responses, labeling of any plots and figures (10%)

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar and Assignments items in the corresponding modules. Typically this means weekly problem sets and completion of the module quizzes. I will post grades no later than one week after assignment due dates.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.

Note that EP uses a +/- grading system (see “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

Final grades will be determined by the following weighting:

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.