COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND OBJECTIVES

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

ADVICE FOR DISCUSSION SESSIONS

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.

Discussion lecture 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 will gain 1 point if you show the solution of one problem at the blackboard.

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

7. Attendance to all discussion sessions is required.

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

9. At the end of some discussion sessions there will be a quiz.

Responsible for the Modern Physics Lab:

Dipl.-Phys. Lorenz Hauswald 

Phone: 463 42370

e-mail: lorenz.hauswald{at}mailbox.tu-dresden.de

 


ADVICE FOR LABORATORY WORK

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 on Tuesday, July 16). Note that only one lab can repeated at this date.

Responsible for the Modern Physics Lab:

Dipl.-Phys. Dirk Duschinger 

Phone: 463 42370

e-mail: dirk.duschinger{at}mailbox.tu-dresden.de


MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY

Pre-Lab:

Monday 16:40 - 18:10 (only the Monday before a Lab)
Room: 

Labs:

2014-04-15 - PHY/D210 - Millikan
2014-04-29 - PHY/D310 - Photoeffect
2014-05-13 - PHY/D307 - Electron diffraction
2014-05-27 - PHY/D310 - Atomic Spectra
2014-06-24 - PHY/D018 - Atomic Excitation

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

Extra homework (voluntary)
Preparation for the exam
How to propagate errors using partial derivatives
Test yourself in differentiation