Module Information

This module will provide a systematic understanding of the principles of modern physics from its origins to classical physics. The two strands will be used to develop the central concepts of dynamics, and energy, momentum and rotational motion embodied in Newton's Laws and the way in which these are altered in Einstein's theory of Special Relativity. The counter-intuitive concepts of Quantum Physics like wave-particle duality will be formulated and contrasted with the concepts of Classical Physics. Both approaches will be used to accurately predict physical phenomena in space and time, both on the macroscopic and on the microscopic scale. This will enable uncertainty and ambiguity to be understood at the quantum level and the precise orbits of the planets to be appreciated on astronomical scales. It will also provide the conceptual framework for understanding the fundamental properties of atoms, molecules and materials.