PHYS 3300 Modern Physics
This course is a transition between introductory and advanced physics courses for science majors. The basic subject matter includes the two principal physical theories of the twentieth centuryrelativity and quantum mechanics. Included are the following: the Lorentz transformation, kinematic consequences of relativity, origin of the quantum theory, one-dimensional quantum mechanics, quantum mechanics of a particle in three dimensions, applications to the hydrogen atom and to more complex atoms, molecules, crystals, metals, and semiconductors.
Course overview
- Department
- Physics
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 4
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Spring
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- PHYS3100
Requirements fulfilled
- Mathematics B.S.: Natural science, computer science, or economics corequisites (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Applied Physics B.S.: Required Physics Courses (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Physics B.S.: Required Physics Courses (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Physics: Required Physics Courses (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.92 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 3.90 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Benedetta Flebus | 3.8 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 3.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 19 of 21 |
| Spring 2025 | Benedetta Flebus | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4–6 hrs/week | 15 of 21 |
| Spring 2024 | Benedetta Flebus | 3.1 | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 16 of 21 |
| Spring 2023 | Ziqiang Wang | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4–6 hrs/week | 14 of 19 |
| Spring 2022 | Ziqiang Wang | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4–6 hrs/week | 4 of 12 |