Quantum Mechanics and Particle Physics

Course Description:

This course will focus on the modern physics that developed during the last century and will give a profound understanding to the students of quantum physics. The course will then continue with particle physics. We will discuss the Standard Model and try to understand why new theories are needed such as String Theory. We will see how CERN, the big hadron collider of Europe, works and what’s its importance to the world. We do not have any prerequisites, yet we recommend students have a basic background in mechanics (classical physics).

Course Goals:

• To understand the foundations of today’s sciences and to learn physics beyond the high school curriculum.

• To increase students’ interest in modern physics and motivate them more on taking an active role in quantum related school events

Course Outline:

Week 1: Black body radiation, Planck’s constant

Week 2: Wave-particle duality (double-slit experiment and photoelectric effect)

Week 3: Schrödinger’s Wave Equation, Quantum Interpretations

Week 4: Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle

Week 5: Standard Model

Week 6: Problems in the Standard Model and new theories