2017-2018 / PHYS2009-1

Modern Physics

Duration

30h Th, 25h Pr

Number of credits

 Bachelor in physics5 crédits 

Lecturer

Laurent Dreesen

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course is divided in two parts : quantum physics and nuclear physics.

The first part of the course is an introduction to quantum mechanics. The experiments leading the physicists to reconsider the classical physics are discussed. Main chapters : the models of atoms and the first quanta theory, quantum mechanics and quantum mechanics of atoms.


The second part is an introduction to nuclear physics. The aim is to familiarize the students with elementary concepts. The main investigated subjects are the nuclei, the radioactive decay, the different decays, the interactions between matter and particles. Various applications are also discussed: fission, fusion, dating, material analysis, medical techniques,..

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

- Explain to the students the reasons having conducted scientists to introduce quantum physics.

- Initiate the students to nuclear physics and some of its applications.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Physics and mathematics learned during 1st bachelor.

Physics and mathematics learned during 1st bachelor.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Theoretical courses
Exercices sessions
Modern physics laboratories : Hall effect, Franck and Hertz, Thomson, Millikan and photoelectric effect experiments.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

Quantum physics : Theory : 5 x 2 h Lab and training sessions : 15 h + 5 h.
Nuclear physics Theory : 10 x 2 h Training sessions : 5 h.
The courses are given the 1st period.

Recommended or required readings

Slide copies (pdf). Exercises and laboratories booklets (pdf).

Assessment methods and criteria

Theory : oral exam (2st and 2nd session). 50% of the final quotation.
Exercices : written exam (2st and 2nd session). 25% of the final quotation.
Laboratory reports are quoted; the quotation is taken into account at a level of 1/4. The laboratory quotation will be transfer for the 2nd period exams.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

In case of non-attendance at a laboratory session, the student should contact the coordinator (Mr C. Becco) to perform it at latter.

Contacts

Professor
Laurent DREESEN, Institut de Physique, B5 - Sart Tilman, Tel : 04/366.30.36, fax : 04/366.36.29, e-mail : Laurent.Dreesen@ulg.ac.be
Secretary :Mrs Maria Bruno (e-mail : m.bruno@ulg.ac.be); Mr Alexis Ortega (e-mail : a.ortega@ulg.ac.be)