1B23: PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS
Quantum and Atomic Physics
Wave-particle duality (Planck and de Broglie). Uncertainty
principle. The Schroedinger equation. Quantum numbers. Structure of atoms.
The exclusion principle. Fermions and bosons.
Stars
Luminosity, effective temperature, stellar classification,
H-R diagram. Thermonuclear fusion. Solar neutrino problem. Outline of stellar
evolution. End states of stars - white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes.
Supernovae - detection of neutrinos.
Galaxies
Structure of the Milky Way. Hubble Classification scheme,
Hubble's Law. Distribution of galaxies in clusters and superclusters. Active
galaxies and Quasars.
Condensed-Matter Physics
Interatomic forces. Crystal structures. Energy bands, band gaps. Nanotechnology
and atomic manipulation. Quasiparticles. Superconductors.
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Nuclear binding, fission and fusion. The particle spectrum.
The four forces, particle exchange and and Feynman graphs. The standard
model - and beyond.
General Relativity
General concepts. The equivalence principle.
Effects of Relativity, including orbit of Mercury, gravitational lensing
of stars and galaxies.
Cosmology
Friedmann models of the Universe - assumptions and solutions.
Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation including COBE results. Cosmic Nucleosynthesis.
Success and failures of the Big Bang Model of the Universe. The Inflationary
Universe. Formation of Structure in the Universe and Dark Matter.
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