PHYSIC 211: Introduction to Contemporary Physics

This class is the gateway to all the upper-level physics classes. It gives an introduction to quantum mechanics and relativity (both developed in the 20th century), as well as statistical mechanics. When Offered: This class is offered in the Fall semester each year. Topics Covered: Special Relativity: the Lorentz tranformation and the relationship between mass and energy; Quantum mechanics: waves and particles, Schroedinger's equation and atomic structure; Statistical Mechanics: microstates, macrostates, entropy and temperture. Prerequisites: PHYSIC 114 or permission of instructor. UMass Boston Course Search page