This is an advanced course in Physics, often abstract and heavily mathematical. The mathematics
will never obscure the important physics that we uncover. The pair of subjects in the course's
name are the twin pillars of modern theoretical physics. Using
Tipler & Llewellyn's Modern Physics (4th edition) (abbreviated T&L),
we begin with Einstein's theory of
special relativity, in which space and time are intermingled in most peculiar ways. The
meanings of energy and momentum are also transformed. We will not do his general theory
of relativity.
Then, with Griffiths's Quantum Mechanics (2th edition) (abbreviated G), we'll take on
a much more mathematical handling of what was introduced in PHYS302 (Modern Physics).
Quantum Mechanics is a very big subject -- we will tackle some of it, working through a good
fraction of the text. We omit some of the approximation methods toward the end.
Along the way you'll recall a lot of modern physics, and T&L's text will serve as a very useful
reference as well.