Syllabus Application
PHYS 211
Modern Physics
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
Semester
Spring 2025-2026
Course
PHYS 211 -
Modern Physics
Time/Place
Time
Week Day
Place
Date
08:40-10:30
Mon
FENS-L061
Feb 16-May 22, 2026
08:40-09:30
Tue
FENS-L061
Feb 16-May 22, 2026
Level of course
Undergraduate
Course Credits
SU Credit:3, ECTS:6, Basic:6
Prerequisites
NS 101 and MATH 101
Corequisites
-
Course Type
Lecture
Instructor(s) Information
Ünal Ertan
- Email: unal@sabanciuniv.edu
Course Information
Catalog Course Description
Special relativity. Historical experiments and theoretical foundations in quantum mechanics. Quantum theory of light, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton effect. Bohr model of atoms, Frank Hertz experiment. De Broglie waves, the wave particle duality, uncertainty principle. The Schrödinger equation. Tunneling phenomena. Quantization of angular momentum, electron spin. Pauli exclusion principle. Fundamentals of statistical physics, Maxwell Boltzmann distribution, indistinguishability and quantum statistics. Selected topics from atomic and solid state physics, complex systems. The course includes demonstration experiments in which the students are involved in performing as well the data analysis.
Course Learning Outcomes:
| 1. | Describe the Einstein's postulates of special relativity and explain their consequences. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Explain Lorentz transformation of coordinates and velocities. |
| 3. | Discuss the historical developments and experiments leading to quantum theory of light. |
| 4. | Explain Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. |
| 5. | Explain the wave particle duality and uncertainty principle. |
| 6. | Describe the meaning of Schrödinger equation and its simple applications. |
| 7. | Explain the quantization of physical quantities. |
| 8. | Discuss Pauli Exclusion Principle. |
| 9. | Discuss basic principles of quantum statistics. |
Course Objective
Refer to the course content
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Related to This Course:
| Decent Work and Economic Growth | |
| Sustainable Cities and Communities |
Course Materials
Resources:
Reference Books:
Arthur Beiser, "Concepts of Modern Physics",
R. A. Serway, J. J. Moses, C. A. Moyer, "Modern Physics"
Arthur Beiser, "Concepts of Modern Physics",
R. A. Serway, J. J. Moses, C. A. Moyer, "Modern Physics"
Technology Requirements:
Projector, Computer, Wacom