0% found this document useful (0 votes)
42 views70 pages

Introduction to Modern Physics Concepts

Uploaded by

nelnickynel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
42 views70 pages

Introduction to Modern Physics Concepts

Uploaded by

nelnickynel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Lecture Zero : Pc1101

Introduction & Nomenclature : Frontiers of Physics


Assoc. Prof. Phil Chan
Big Picture Module
What are the problems & questions that physicists are probing ?
Lecture Zero : Pc1101
PC1101 : A Gateway Module (A Taster Module)
An Unusual Physics Module
Module Description for PC1101 :
In this module, we will give students with different scientific backgrounds
the opportunity to understand the under pinnings and development of
modern physics. Students will be exposed to the big ideas and
fundamental concepts in modern physics with necessary depth, learn
about the key historical experiments as well as the revolutionary ideas at
the frontiers of physics, including Einstein’s theory of relativity and
quantum physics.

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 4


Learning Outcomes for PC1101 :
After learning this module, students should be able to :

(1)appreciate in depth the fundamental ideas of modern physics,


(2)understand the methodologies of physics with mathematics used as a
necessary tool,
(3)solve basic problems in special relativity using Lorentz
transformations,
(4)connect matter wave phenomena and energy quantization with
Schrödinger equations.

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 5


Course outcome
Participants would be able to discuss modern physics (20th - 21st Century)
meaningfully and intelligently with others.

Participants would be able to keep up with future discoveries and


technologies, from magazines such as Scientific American, New Scientist,
Physics World, Economist … etc
Scientific TV Channels & Documentaries : Discovery Science or National
Geographic, Wikipedia, Scientific blogs … etc

Participants would be able to appreciate and enjoy the mysteries and


beauties of mother nature.
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 6
Pre-requisite for PC1101 : H1 Maths
SYLLABUS AIMS :
The aims of H1 Mathematics are to enable students to:
(a) acquire mathematical concepts and skills to support their tertiary studies in business
and the social sciences.

(b) develop thinking, reasoning, communication and modelling skills through a


mathematical approach to problem-solving.

(c) connect ideas within mathematics and apply mathematics in the context of business and
social sciences.

(d) experience and appreciate the value of mathematics in life and other disciplines.

Singapore–Cambridge General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level Higher 1 (2022), Mathematics (Syllabus 8865)

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 7


List of H1 Mathematics applications & contexts:

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 8


Taster Module in the spirit of Liberal Arts
A human being is a part of the whole, called by us
“universe,” a liberal arts education is not specifically tied
to the arts and does not imply being liberal ... is one that
samples liberally (that is, broadly) from the various
domains of knowledge.
George Bishop
ST, Tuesday May 31th 2011

i.e. Interdisciplinary student learning and encourage student to make connections ... social awareness
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 9
More than a General Education module ?
a) General Education strives to develop and integrate a student’s
knowledge, attitudes, skills and experiences in order to enable the
student to engage in life long inquiry and decision making.

b) Provides a more satisfying life and a more effective citizen for


society ... Also prepare students to succeed in today’s knowledge
economy and global workforce.

M. R. Hall, S. M. Culver & P. L. Burge, Project Muse ... General Education Curriculum.
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 10
Widening circle of Awareness
A human being is a part of the whole, called by us “Universe,” a part limited
in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as
something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his
consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our
personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task
must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of
compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole nature in its
beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such
achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner
security. A. Einstein (Nobel Laureate)
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 11
Possible Topics to be Discussed
Galilean, Newtonian and Einsteinian Relativities, Principle of Relativity,
Special & General Relativity, E = mc2, Nature of Space, Time & Light, Twin
Paradox, Blackholes stars and Wormholes, Big Bang, Dark Matter & Dark
Energy., etc.

Quantum Physics (or Quantum Mechanics), Schrodinger Equation, Wave-


particle duality, the uncertainty principle, probability waves, atoms, particle
physics and Quantum Entanglement.

Some discussions : Unification of Relativity and Quantum Mechanics,


Particle Physics & 4 fundamental forces, Quantum Field Theory & the
Higg’s Particle.

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 12


What this Taster Module is not !
… but it is a “thinking” module to be enjoyed.
… no examination
What this Taster Module is not !
It is not :
a) a light module whereby students can cramp it as the
6th or 7th module after having registered a full load of 5
modules.

b) Just another introductory 1st year module ... there is


no advanced knowledge nor need for deeper thinking
since there is no rigour ... “Intellectually undemanding”

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 14


A Paradox on Rigour
Mistaking process for understanding.

“Just because a student can perform a technique that


solves a difficult problem doesn’t mean that he or she
understands the problem.”

Feynman

Surely You’re joking, Mr. Feynman !: Adventures of a Curious Character


LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 15
Why are we here ?
You like …

to read and think (& reflect) a lot ... evaluate ideas … to always keep an
open mind (do not memorize unnecessarily !) to think privately first and
discuss (using IVLE Forum) new ideas (discussed in lectures & tutorials)
with others socratically & wholistically.

Advice : What is the ratio to keep for private study ? 1 : 2 hrs

… be polite at the LUMINUS Forum Discussions


Group project work ! (no individual project … minus marks)

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 16


Why are we here ?
a) We want to learn about the frontiers of physics, namely Relativity
& Quantum Theory from a different angle and catch on the
excitement of these 2 great discoveries with more depth through the
controversies surrounding them.
b) Stretch our minds and increase intellectual horizon … make life
more meaningful; more connected to mother nature.
c) We need to fulfil a requirement.

d) No Examination … Open Book Tests (MCQ & Short Questions)

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 17


About References & Books
Additional pdf e-materials will be uploaded from time to
time
Students who have little Physics Background
A good book for those who do not
have ‘O’ level Physics.

Students are expected to do simple


mathematics (algebra & calculus)

A educated & literate person must


also be numerate ! Author : Paul [Link]
Publisher : Pearson
ISBN : 9780321684929

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 19


Inexpensive Oxford Books
Russell Stannard,
Relativity, Oxford U. Press

John Polkinghorne,
Quantum Theory, Oxford U. Press

Good to own these 2 little books !


LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 20
Quantum & Relativity Book
Let There Be Light:
The Story Of Light From
Atoms To Galaxies

Quantum Adventure:
The: Does God Play Dice?

A. Montwill and Ann Breslin, Let There Be Light, Imperial College Press. World Sci. (2008)
A. Montwill and Ann Breslin, Quantum Adventure, Imperial College Press. World Sci. (2011)
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 21
Relativity Book : from the Horse’s Mouth
With commentaries from :

Robert Geroch is Professor of Physics at the University of


Chicago.
Roger Penrose is Emeritus Rouse Ball Professor of
Mathematics at Oxford University.
David C. Cassidy is a Professor in the Natural Science
Program at Hofstra University. Pearson Education (2005)

A. Einstein, Relativity, Penguin Classics, (2006)


S. Hawking, The Universe in a Nutshell (with lots of nice pictures but serious discussions) Bantam
Books, 2001
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 22
Why should we read ?
To hold that you know a thing when you know it and to hold that you do not
know when you really do not know. … that is knowledge.
Confucius (551-479 BC)

Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writing so that you
shall come easily by what others have laboured for.
Socrates (469-399 BC)

Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.


Carl Sagan (1934-1996)

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 23


The Art of Reading
The art of reading is among other things, is the art of adopting the
pace of the author has set. Some books are fast and some are
slow, but no book can be understood if it is taken at the wrong
speed.
There is no substitute for hard work.
Thomas. A. Edison

Reading also helps one to think critically ! ΦL

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 24


About Lectures
Introduction & Nomenclature
Our Method of Enquiry 1
Socrates Thoughts, 469 to 399 BC Greek Philosopher
He initiated a method of teaching through questions and answers whereby man
could get to know himself. His method is characterized by philosophical method
of instructions and arguments. His theories have survived only through the
writings of Plato, his most important student and to a lesser extent of Xenophon

The Universal Dictionary
“Studying philosophy in Athens in Greece, I was taught that to really learn
anything one had to throw away one’s textbooks and notebooks … and rely on
one’s ability to critically think through a situation … No campus required.
Thinkers like Plato wandered about Athens engaging their students in mind
stretching debates …”
Prof Vicky Phillips
The Straits Times, April 6th 1999

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 26


Our Method of Enquiry 2
Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler …
A. Einstein (1879 – 1955)
After all, analogy is a time–honored method of learning …
K. L. Chung, Probability Theory, 1978

Occam’s Razor
A principle of scientific and philosophical discussion urging the use of the
most economical and least complex assumptions terms and theories. It is
usually formulated as “Entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily”
a variant of Ockham’s razor.
Students may expect some very simple algebra, matrices & calculus.

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 27


Our Method of Enquiry 3
To understand a science it is necessary to know its history.
Auguste Comte (1798 – 1857)
Positive Philosophy

There are times, what history should not teach is what one should think.
Rather history should also teach one how to think. The present situation is
such, that a lot of people do not understand how mankind got to such a
situation, and without proper comprehension how are we going to solve
future physics problems.

Physics World 2008, England, UK p37


LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 28
History & Philosophy of Science
Physics with History
Furthermore, Maxwell noted the value of history of science in teaching:
“The history of the development … of ideas is of all subjects that in which
we, as thinking men, take the deepest interest.”

In the lecture, Maxwell said, “It must be one of our most constant aims to
maintain a living connexion between our work and the other liberal
studies of Cambridge, whether literary, philosophical, historical or
philosophical.” His idea of interdisciplinary study is fully consistent with
the view of science education espoused today by liberal arts colleges.

Genrikh Golin, J.C. Maxwell, A Modern Educator, Physics Today June 2013
Gutenberg eBook : J.C. Maxwell, Five of Maxwell’s Papers (2004)
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 30
Physics with Philosophy
“Physics without philosophy would be blind; philosophy without
physics would be lame” … this sentiment, adapting Einstein’s
famous comment on Science and Religion.

Albert Einstein
Nobel Laureate, 1879–1955

Newtonian Physics was also called Natural Philosophy.


Genrikh Golin, J.C. Maxwell, A Modern Educator, Physics Today June 2013
Gutenberg eBook : J.C. Maxwell, Five of Maxwell’s Papers (2004)
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 31
The philosophy that we now call Science
In their study of the ancients, Galileo and his fellow scientists went back
beyond the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC) to Plato and others.
However, their work was not just a revival of ancient learning, nor was it
simply an attack against the opinions common in their day. Galileo
represents those who developed a new philosophy, the philosophy that we
now call Science.

“Truth” is the drive at the center of Science; It (Science) must have the habit
of truth, not dogma, but as a process. This truth is something that can be
applied in operations and actions in the actual world, not something that
exists only in some logically consistent intellectual world of its own.
J. Ballif and W. Dibble, Conceptual Physics, John Wiley & Sons (1969)

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 32


Example : Sir Anthony Leggett
Nobel Laureates (2003)
Physics & Philosophy
“In the next 20 to 30 years, there are likely to be major revolutions in science,
particularly in physics.” he said.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of a varied approach to learning. Sir
Anthony himself read Latin, Greek and philosophy as a first degree in Oxford before
later studying physics. Philosophy proved particularly useful later in his career as a
physicist. “It taught me never to take anything for granted and constantly question
many of the scientific ideas which, at the time, were well established ideals.

Report by A. Gunasingham
Straits Times Jan 20 2009
International Science Youth Forum at Hwa Chong Institution, 90th HCI Anniversary, Jan 2009
LECTURE 2 : INTRODUCTION TO EINSTEIN’S SPECIAL RELATIVITY 33
Example : C.N. Yang
“When I was nine or ten years old, Father had already observed that I was
gifted in mathematics. When I reached the junior high school at age
eleven, my ability in this direction was quite obvious. Looking back at those
days, had he taught me analytic geometry or calculus at that time, I would
certainly have made rapid headway which would probably have greatly
pleased him. But he did nothing of this sort. During the summer vacation
between grades seven and eight, I was instead coached by a Mr. Ding
Zeliang, who was a student in the history Department of Tsing Hua
University. Father asked him to teach me Mencius.

C.N. Yang, Father and I, Inst. Adv. Studies Supp. Newsletter, NTU (2013) P49-63
Nobel Laureate 1957, The Chinese Hong Kong University, Hong Kong
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 34
The benefits of studying philosophy for
science education
Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad
philosophy needs to be answered.

The Weight of Glory


C. S. Lewis, Oxford U
Greek Philosopher
Socrates

Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge


Carl Sagan (1934-1996)
Prof. Andrew Loke, Hong Kong University
[Link]

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 35


Mathematics … the Language of Science
Caveat : As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are
not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to
reality. Albert Einstein

Sir Michael Berry: [Link]


About doing Science (Physics) …
“One should have a knowledge of mathematics in order to
become a physicist, but not too much,

one must be critical of earlier theories, but not too much,

one must have the capacity for original thinking, but not too
much.”
A . Einstein

(profited from discussions with a few of his colleagues (mainly from Besso) who were
unknown to the world of physics)

LECTURE 2 : INTRODUCTION TO EINSTEIN’S SPECIAL RELATIVITY 37


In fact, the glory of Mathematics is that we do not
have to say what we are talking about. R. Feynman

In Mathematics, you don’t understand things, you


just get used to them. Von Neumann
Our Pedagogy
Forest & Trees
That’s why I always try to show my students the forest, rather
than take them up and down ever y single tree. W. Lewin (MIT)
Our Pedagogy in this module
Our approach to the principle of physics is essentially conceptual rather the
mathematical … often the equations follow a qualitative discussion of the principle
being considered. The concepts we discuss are not trivial, and lack of mathematics
does not necessarily make them easy.

… to impress the students with the precision of certain physical laws. Too much time
spent with problems, however, can lead to omission of too many important
principles.

… is written is a successful high school graduate who has probably had some
algebra, but is not skillful at algebraic manipulations.

J. Ballif and W. Dibble, Conceptual Physics, John Wiley & Sons (1969)

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 40


What is Physics ?
Uncovering the Physical Laws : Matter (macro & micro) in
Motion : provide theories about them.
In this Basic Module

LECTURE 3 : SYMMETRIES 42
Six Core Theories of Modern Physics
For Physics Majors

1) Classical Mechanics
2) Electricity & Magnetism
3) Quantum Mechanics
4) Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics
5) Special Relativity
6) Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
The Language of Physics is Mathematics

C. Stevens, The Six Core Theories of Modern Physics, MIT Press (2002)

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 43


Ensure that you do not have
time-table clashes
2 Tests will be on Tuesday Lecture Slots (4:00pm to 6:00pm)
2 MCQ Term Tests (Tuesday Lecture Slot)
Test 1: Tuesday, 27th Sept. 2022 (7th week after Recess)
Test 2: Tuesday, 8th Nov. 2022 (13th week)

Duration: 1 Hour plus (Please do not be late)


~ 35-40 MCQ + ~ 7-10 short Questions
(4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Tuesday lecture slot)

Mode: LumiNus MCQs, short Questions; require short Answers


◦ include some Open ended Questions

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 45


About Term Tests
Of course, our ability to retrieve information from our memories is a function
of how well it was learned in the first place.

But the Art of Questioning ...


Most teachers waste their time by asking questions which are intended to
discover what a pupil does not know whereas the true art of questioning has
for its purpose is to discover what the pupil knows or is capable of knowing.

A. Einstein (1879 - 1955)


LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 46
(CA)
Continual Assessment
Prepare and be active during Tutorials and LumiNUS Forum
About CA
There are 5 Tutorials (fortnightly) (begins 3rd week)
Class Assignments: 20% (hand in immediately after tutorials)

Tutorial Attendance: 5%
(LUMINUS Forum): 5% (min. of 10 meaningful posts)

One Lab. Assignment 5% (after week 7 … take home type)


Tutorial 1 5% (to be handed in on week 6)

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 48


About our Tutorials
To gain Learning or
Knowledge is to …

学问
[xué wèn]
Learn to Ask ? S. Chandrasekhar
(1983 Nobel Laureate)

Story : Did you ask a good question ?


LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 49
How should one approach your tutorials ii ?
Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers. Voltaire

Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of … … ... a vigorous


mind.
Samuel Johnson, The Rambler, (1709 - 1784)

One must learn by doing the things; for though you think you know it, you have no
certainty until you try.
Sophocles, Greek Dramatist (495-406 BC)
Reminder: There is no substitute for hard work. Thomas. A. Edison

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 50


How should one approach your tutorials i ?
Creative Teaching and Learning . . .
Students must be allowed to make and learn from their own mistakes. It amazes me
how quickly you can turn off students by telling them the answer to their questions
rather than having them do experiment and listen to nature’s response to their
question.
When students become accustomed to hearing about and working with things that
they do not completely understand, they are well on their way to becoming practicing
scientists.
The role of the teacher in this system is to show the student how to decide what are
important questions, and to listen to and evaluate the answers that nature gives.
After all, there is no higher authority in physics than nature itself.

Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics, Sigma Pi Sigma, Vol. 12 #1

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 51


A Latin proverb attributed to Seneca
“Docendo discimus”,
which means "by teaching, we learn ".
(CA)
Small Assignments
… to be handed-in during Tutorials
Imagination is more important than
knowledge. A. Einstein

One must learn by doing the things; for though you think you know it, you
have no certainty until you try … experimentation !
Sophocles (495 – 406 B.C.)
Greek Dramatist
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 54
About Reading too much !
Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from
its creative pursuits.

Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little
falls into lazy habits of thinking.

A. Einstein
Quote from an interview with G.S. Viereck, "What Life Means to Einstein," Saturday Evening Post, October 26, 1929; re-printed in
Viereck, Glimpses of the Great, 437.

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 55


Reading too much !
This isn’t exactly the best known quote by Einstein and I doubt many teachers quote this to
their students. Reading is generally a good thing, but if it starts becoming a substitute for
thinking on your own it can hold you back from reaching your potential.

This quote touches on a problem that holds many people back from actually accomplishing
things. It is easy to spend so much time researching that you never actually execute. That
doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read, do research and try to learn from others, but at some
point you have to decide that you’ve gathered enough data and the time has come to do
something. That may be starting your own business, writing a book or even repainting your
living room. You have a very finite lifespan. Some people spend their life preparing for what
they want to do without ever actually doing what they want to do. Sometimes the most
helpful situations are the ones that force you to go ahead and do something by removing
the option to try to collect more information.
[Link]

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 56


(CA)
About LumiNUS Forum
Think about the ideas presented (in Zoom Lectures &
Tutorials) by yourself and participate in Forum discussions.
Scientific Scholarship : change your position
In science it often happens that scientists say, “ you know that’s a
really good argument; my position was mistaken,” and then they
would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view
from them again. They really do it. It doesn’t happen as often as it
should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes
painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time
something like that happened in politics or religion ….

Carl Sagan
Astronomer

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 58


Group Project & Term Paper
Undergraduate Research Projects in Science, UROPS
Group Project (2 or 3 students)
A Critical Paper Review (Papers: Relativity or Quantum Physics or both)
in terms of an Essay : ~ 2000 (2 students) or 3000 (3 students)
or a short ~ 5-6 mins filmlet /short movie clip

Note : We will give the recommended list of papers to review after Test 1 (week 7)
Your group need only to choose one paper to review for the project

Due date:
Only on (Friday lecture slot), 4th Nov 2022 (12th week) 6:00 pm
(submit softcopy essay or video in Luminus (Turnitin) for plagiarism check)
So sorry … no late submissions will be entertained (minus marks)
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 60
Term Paper Etymology
The noun “essay” derives from the Old French essai, “trial”. It’s original 16th
century meaning in English was “an attempt, an endeavour”. The verb
“essay”, meaning “to test the quality of ”, is an alteration of assay, by
association with Old French essayer: this is based on late Latin exagium
‘weighing’, from the base of exigere ‘ascertain, weight’ ’’
The Oxford Dictionary of Word History

Essay: to weigh facts : to attempt an argument; to ascertain and probe; to


place thought on Trial.
“On Words” by Janadas Devan

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 61


Term Paper Etymology
Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted;
nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.

Francis Bacon,
1561 – 1626
Lord Chancellor, Cambridge University

F. Bacon, Of Studies; English Essayist 1625.

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 62


Term Project Paper or Filmlet
A title page: state :
Your names, Matric # & Degree/major, email
A short Abstract / Summary

State: Is it a Paper Review in terms of Essay or Filmlet ?


(state the Relativity and Quantum Physics paper )

Content pages (Optional); good to have footnotes

A Reference / Bibliography page / Websites / Acknowledgement

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 63


How should one approach the term
paper or filmlet ? i
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein

The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.

L. Pauling, Nobel Laureate

In work; is the chance to find yourself. ΦL

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 64


How should one approach the term
paper or filmlet ? ii
What I cannot create ... I do not understand.
R. Feynman, Nobel Laureate

Creative Imagination
The formulation of a problem is often more essential than its solution ...
To raise new questions, new possibilities to regard old questions from a new
angle requires creative imagination.
A. Einstein and Infeld

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 65


How should one approach the term
paper or filmlet ? iii
Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.

Samuel Johnson
Why do physicists write papers for publication ?
These journals provided not only a means for storing data, but a means
for exploring their thoughts and ideas. They in fact learned through writing

… a few people are beginning to realise that writing is an important
learning tool as well as a means of communication.
S. J. Farlow
University of Maine
LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 66
Assessment
Total Assessment Summary
Tut. Attend. + 5 class Assignments : 5 % + 20 % (starts on week 3)
Tutorial 1 & one Lab. Assignment : 5 % + 5 % (due at lecture on week 5 & 9)
Forum : 5% (starts on week 2)
MCQ Test 1 (Tue Lecture slot): 20 % (on 7th week, after recess)
Project & Term Paper: 20 % (due on 12th week, Friday)
MCQ Test 2 (Tue Lecture slot): 20 % (on 13th week)
Final Grade : 100 %

Note: No Examination but “Active” participation in the module activities


LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 68
Our Contacts
Assoc. Prof. Phil Chan Mr. Pulkit Agarwal (Tutor)
Theo. High Energy Particle Physicist Mr. Alvin Leow (Tutor)

Office : S12-03-08 Office : Physics Block S12, Mezzanine floor

Email: phycahp@[Link] Emails:


[Link]@[Link]
alvinleow@[Link]>

Consultation : Consultation : Tutorial slots: NUS (PhD


Before or after class or whenever you candidates) Research Scholars in High
can find me in office or through email Energy Particle Physics; Large Hadron
appointment. Collider(LHC, CERN, Geneva in Switzerland)

LECTURE ZERO : INTRODUCTION & NOMENCLATURE 69


Lecture Zero : Pc1101
PC1101 : A Gateway Module (A Taster Module)
An Unusual Physics Module : Histor y, Philosophy, Maths, Physics

You might also like