Study-unit MODERN PHYSICS AND ITS TEACHING

Course name Mathematics
Study-unit Code A002585
Curriculum Didattico-generale
Lecturer Luca Gammaitoni
Lecturers
  • Luca Gammaitoni
Hours
  • 42 ore - Luca Gammaitoni
CFU 6
Course Regulation Coorte 2022
Supplied 2022/23
Supplied other course regulation
Learning activities Affine/integrativa
Area Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector FIS/08
Type of study-unit Opzionale (Optional)
Type of learning activities Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction ENGLISH
Contents

A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE PHYSICS OF THE XXTH CENTURY AND TO ITS TEACHING IN THE HIGH SCHOOL

Reference texts

MODERN PHYSICS: AN INTRODUCTORY TEXT - PFEFFER & NIR - IMPERIAL COLLEGE
(or any other Modern Physics Text)

Educational objectives

To provide the information and tools for the knowledge and teaching of modern physics, that is, the physics that develops since the early twentieth century and that is not usually covered in high school programs. All quantum physics, special relativity theory, general theory of relativity, advanced electromagnetism, field theory, condensed matter physics and other specific phenomenologies, such as superconductivity theory, theory of semiconductors at the basis of modern microelectronics and the physics of matter at the nanoscale. As we can see, this is a large spectrum of contents developed approximately in the last 100 years. The course does not claim to cover all these contents but rather to orient the student, providing the knowledge bases (quantum physics) and then letting ourselves be guided by the curiosity of those attending the course, we will deepen some of these issues.

Prerequisites
Good knowledge of classical physics, in particular of classical mechanics (traditional program of PHYSICS I) and of electromagnetism (traditional program of PHYSICS II).

Teaching methods
The course is divided into 21formal lectures. After the first lectures dedicated to the presentation of the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, we will proceed to the participatory selection of some topics to be explored, letting ourselves be guided by the curiosity of the students.

Other information
The student is encouraged to develop a "curiosity driven" approach to this discipline.

Learning verification modality
The exam includes an interview in person (conditions permitting) during which the student is invited to discuss the topics proposed by the teacher. The purpose of the interview is to verify the degree of understanding and mastery of the topics solicited.
For information on support services for students with disabilities and / or SLD, visit the page http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa

Extended program

1) The experimental bases of modern physics. New evidences at the turn of the XIX century.
2) Elements of quantum physics. Historical perspective.
3) Elements of quantum physics. Modern approach
4) Elements of statistical physics. Entropy according to Boltzmann and Gibbs
5) Elements of randomness and fluctuations
6) Elements of special relativity
7) Elements of general relativity
8) Advanced topics (quantum field theory, gravitational waves, quantum computing, .)