This course is devoted to the basic quantum mechanical concepts and phenomena required for a fundamental understanding of the world around us: atoms, molecules, electromagnetic waves, the structure and properties of materials. These phenomena and concepts are far from everyday experience and require thorough studying in order to be grasped fully.

It is highly advisable to read the assigned text both before and after active participation in the lectures (listening attentively, taking notes, and asking questions). The assignments in this course should not be the starting point of your real work. Advance reading and lecture attendance are required.

Prior knowledge required to take full advantage of the course includes "classical" physics concepts such as Newtonian and Galilean mechanics, waves and basics of electrodynamics (as taught in General Physics). Mathematics commensurate with these topics (Calculus) is a prerequisite.

Lecturer: Dr. Olga Novgorodova

Telephone: 463 32414

E-Mail: Olga.Novgorodova{at}tu-dresden.de

You are strongly encouraged to ask questions during the discussion sessions to improve your understanding of Modern Physics.

Attendance to all scheduled discussion sessions is required.

Discussions, lectures and assignments:

1. Assignments handed after the deadline are not accepted.

2. Your papers are marked.

3. Your papers are official documents. They must be written with blue or black pen. Pencil is forbidden. Writing homework in pencil will result in half the points for each problem.

4. You should be prepared to present your solution on the blackboard.

5. You are encouraged to ask questions during the discussion sessions.

6. During the discussion sessions problems can be solved together with your participation at the blackboard.

7. At the end of some discussion sessions or lectures there will be a quiz.

Responsible for the Modern Physics Discussions:

M.Sc. Nico Madysa

Phone: 463 42370

e-mail: Nico.Madysa{at}tu-dresden.de

Attendance at all scheduled laboratories is required. You are expected to read the instructions and complete any pre-laboratory assignments before you arrive at the lab. Use a bound lab book with a square grid on each page to record all data, observations, interim analyses, unusual procedures, and difficulties encountered. Have the teaching assistant sign your work before you leave the lab. You are expected to prepare your report at home and submit it one week after the lab.

The report should consist of:

1. A brief summary of the purpose of the experiment and the experimental approach taken;

2. Well-organized tables of the raw data that you obtained and intermediate results derived from it, including appropriate graphs;

3. A clear statement of your final results with an assessment of the factors affecting their accuracy;

4. Answers to all questions asked in the laboratory manual;

5. A brief discussion of what you personally learned from doing the experiment.

If you missed a lab for good, documented reason (e.g. illness) you are allowed to repeat it on a dedicated day, that will be announced later (presumably in July). Note that only one lab can repeated.

Responsible for the Modern Physics Lab:

M.Sc. Maximilian Hils  

Phone: 463 37666

e-mail: maximilian.hils{at}tu-dresden.de