Physics Modules

Course Code: PHYS 11512

Title: Mechanics and Properties of Matter

Pre-Requisites : A/L Physics

Co-Requisites: PHYS 11521

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the students will be able to demonstrate (i) basic understanding on fundamental concepts of physics in mechanics and properties of matter and (ii) skills in relevant applications and solving problems.

Course Content:

Units and Measurements. Coordinate Systems, Scalars and Vectors. The Force and Linear Motion. Work and Energy, Power. Conservation of Energy and Momentum. Gravitation. Circular Motion and Rotational dynamics; Torques and Moments of Inertia, Angular Momentum, Periodic Motion, Precession, Gyroscope, Rotating Frames of Reference, Inertial forces. Mechanics of Fluids: Buoyancy and Archimedes’ Principle, Bernoulli's Equation and Applications. Elasticity; Elastic Constants, Poisson's Ratio, Bending of a Beam, Surface Tension, Viscosity.

Method of Teaching and Learning:

Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment:

End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

Giancoli, D. C. (2013). Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition), Prentice Hall.

* Halliday D., Resnick, R. and Walker. J. (2010). Fundamentals of Physics (9th Edition), John Wiley.

* Young, H. D & Freedman, R. A, (2014). University Physics with Modern Physics (13th Edition), Addison Wesley.

* Sears, F. W. (1951). Mechanics, Heat, and Sound, Addison Wesley Co.

* Feynman, R. P. (1964). Feynman Lectures on Physics.

Course Code: PHYS 11512

Title: Electric Circuit Fundamentals

Pre-Requisites: A/L Physics

Co-Requisites: PHYS 11531

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the students will be able to analyze AC and DC circuits and explain their steady states with relevant calculations.

Course Content:

Introduction of electrical circuit, Network theorems, Understand the steady state behavior of electrical circuits, Passive energy storage elements, steady state behavior of and inductor and a capacitor, Time constant, First order and Second order circuits, AC steady state analysis.

 Method of Teaching and Learning:

Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment:

End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Floyd T.L. (2003). Principles of Electric Circuits, Seventh Edition, Prentice Hall.

* Alexander and Sadiku. (2007). Fundamentals of Electric Circuits, Third Edition, Mc Graw Hill.

* Nilsson J.W. (2005). Electric Circuit, Sixth Edition, Prentice Hall.

* Boylestad R. (2001). Introductory Circuit Analysis, Prentice Hall Inc.

* Charles J. Monier., “Electric Circuit Analysis”, Prentice Hall, 2002.

* Shepherd, J., Morton, A.H. & Spence, L.F. (1998). Higher Electrical Engineering, Prentice-Hall.

* Lurch, E.N. (1979). Electric Circuit Fundamentals, Prentice-Hall.

* Mithal, G.K. & Mittal, R. (1990). Basic semiconductor electronics.

* Carper, D. (1975). Basic Electronics, Charles E. Merrill Publishing.

* Mehta, V.K. (1997). Principles of electronics, S. Chand & Co.

Course Code: PHYS 11521

Title: Elementary Physics Laboratory-I

Co-Requisites: PHYS 11512 and PHYS 11522

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate (i) skills gained in handling apparatus and in manipulation of experimental techniques through a systematic foundation of experimental work and (ii) ability in preparing a complete technical report based on experimental data.

Course Content:

Basic measuring instruments and measuring techniques, Venire concept, Uncertainties and errors of observations, Data acquisition, Analysis and presentation. Verifications of basic laws in mechanics, heat, optics, waves & vibrations, electricity & magnetism and modern physics.

Method of Teaching and Learning:

Three hours of laboratory classes per week.

Assessment:

Continuous assessments and the practical examination at the end-of-course.

Recommended Reading:

* Tyler, F. (1977). A Laboratory Manual of Physics, Prentice Hall.

Course Code: PHYS 12542

Title: Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Pre-Requisites: A/L Physics

Co-Requisites: PHYS 12561

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding on the development of modern science through the introduction of atomic and nuclear physics.

Course Content:

Plasma state of matter, Discovery of the electron, Charged particles in electric and magnetic fields, Thompson’s and Millikan’s experiments, Positive rays, Mass spectrometer, Interaction of radiation with matter, Planck’s quantum hypothesis, Structure of atom, Rutherford scattering, Bohr theory, Atomic spectra, X-rays, Structure of the nucleus, Nuclear stability, Nuclear binding energy, Radioactivity, Fission and fusion, Nuclear reactors, Nuclear reactions, Particle accelerators, Detection of charged particles, Cosmic rays, Elementary particles, Quark model.

 Method of Teaching and Learning:

Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment:

End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Giancoli, D. C. (2009). Physics for scientists & engineers with modern physics, Pearson Education, Inc., New Jersey.

* Young, H.D., Freedmann, R.A. and Ford, A.L. (2014) University Physics with Modern Physics, Pearson Publishing.

* Krane, K. S. (1988). Introductory Nuclear Physics, John Wiley.

* Burcham, W. E. (1973). An introduction to Nuclear Physics, Longman.

* Semat, H. and Albright, J.R. (1973). Introduction to Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Chapman and Hall.

* Halliday, D., Resnick, R. and Walker, J. (2010). Fundamentals of Physics, John Wiley.

Course Code: PHYS 12552

Title: Special Theory of Relativity and Quantum Mechanics

Pre-Requisites: PHYS 11522

Co-Requisites: PHYS 12561

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will gain a basic understanding on the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics, and be able to apply them in various applications.

Course Content:

Special Theory of Relativity

Classical mechanics and its limitations, Galilean transformation, Michelson Morley experiment, Postulates of special theory of relativity, Lorentz transformations, Length contraction, Time dilation and Twin paradox, Relativistic velocity transformation, Relativistic dynamics, Equivalence of mass and energy, Space-time and geometrical representation.

Quantum Mechanics

Inadequacies of classical physics and evolution of quantum concept. Wave-particle duality. De Broglie hypothesis. Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Wave function, probability and probability density. Operators, commutators, eigen functions and eigenvalues. Time dependent Schrödinger equation and time independent Schrödinger equation. Application of Schrödinger equation in potential step, square potential well and ‘particle in a box’. Explanation of quantum tunneling and simple harmonic oscillator. Angular momentum and hydrogen atom

Method of Teaching and Learning:

Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment:

End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Young H. D., Freedmann R.A. & Ford A. L. (13th edition). (2014). University Physics with Modern Physics, Pearson Publishing.

* French, A. P. (1991). Special Relativity, Chapmon and Hall.

* Messiah, A. (1985), Quantum Mechanics Volumes I, North Holland.

* Schiff, L.I. (1965) Quantum Mechanics, McGraw Hill.

* Greiner, W (1994) Quantum Mechanics, Springer.

* Punyasena, M. A. (2013). An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Stanford Lake (pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka.

Course Code: PHYS 12561

Title: Elementary Physics Laboratory-II

Pre-Requisites: PHYS 11531

Co-Requisites PHYS 12542 and PHYS 12552

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate (i) skills in electricity and magnetism experiments (ii) skills in writing technical reports based on experimental data.

Course Content:

This is a continuation of PHYS 11531 with a different set of experiments.

Method of Teaching and Learning:

Three hours of laboratory classes per week.

Assessment:

Continuous assessments and the practical examination at the end-of-course.

Recommended Reading:

* Tylar, F. (1977). A Laboratory manual of Physics, Prentice Hall.

Course Code: PHYS 21513

Title: Waves and Optics

Pre-Requisites: PHYS 11512

Co-Requisites: PHYS 21521

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the student will be able show (i) basic understanding on the fundamental concepts of vibrations and waves, optical physics and their applications and (ii) skills in applications and solving problems.

Course Content:

Waves: Free Vibrations: Simple harmonic oscillations (SHO), Superposition of two SHO in 1-D and 2-D, Lissajues, Figures, Coupled Oscillators: Normal Modes. Damped Vibrations: Light, Heavy and Critical Damping, Amplitude decay. Forced Vibrations: Transient and steady state behavior, Resonance, Q value, bandwidth. Vibration insulation. Waves: Transverse and Longitudinal Waves: Wave equations, Characteristic impedance. Wave Phenomena: Particle, Phase and Group velocities, Beats, Dispersion, Energy Propagation, Intensity and pressure amplitudes. Reflection and transmission, Impedance matching, Amplitude and Frequency modulations. Waves in transmission lines, Coaxial cables. Fourier analysis.

Optics : Reflection and refraction at spherical surfaces, Prisms, Dispersion, Thin lenses, Lens makers’ formula, Compound lenses, Thick lenses, Aberration, Optical instruments. Displacement, Intensity, wave front, Hygen’s Principle, Superposition Theorem. Interference of Light: Concept of Optical Path, Young’s Double Slit Experiment. Fresnel’s Biprism. Lloyd’s Mirror. Interference Involving Multiple Reflections. Formation of Newton’s Rings. Non-reflecting Films. Interferometers. Fraunhofer Diffraction; Single Slit, Double Slit, Diffraction Grating, Circular Aperture. Chromatic Resolving Power. Fresnel Diffraction; Fresnel’s Half-Period Zones, Vibration Curve, Circular Aperture, Circular Obstacle. Zone Plate. Cornu’s Spiral. Fresnel’s Integrals. Polarization of Light; Polarization by Dichroic Crystals, Double Refraction, Interference and Analysis of Polarized Light. Lasers; Resonance Radiation. Production of Laser Light. Holography. Applications of Lasers.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Young H. D., Freedmann R.A. & Ford A. L. (13th edition). (2014). University Physics with Modern Physics, Pearson Publishing.

* French, A. P. (9th edition). (1971). Vibrations and Waves, WW Norton & Company.

* Pain, H. J. (3rd edition). (1985). The Physics of Vibrations and Waves, John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

* Subrahmanyyam, N. & Lal, B. (2nd edition). (2001). Waves and Oscillations, Vikas Publishing.

Course Code: PHYS 21521

Title: General Physics Laboratory-I

Pre-Requisites: PHYS 12561

Co-Requisites PHYS 21513

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate skills in (i) handling instruments and performing experiments in mechanics, properties of matter, and optics (ii) data analysis and (iii) technical writing based on experimental data.

Course Content:

Measurements with advanced optical spectrometers and related measuring techniques, Performing set experiments in mechanics, properties of matter, and optics, Data analysis including uncertainties of observations and related error calculations, Technical writing of reports on experiments performed.

Method of Teaching and Learning:

Three hours of laboratory classes per week.

Assessment:

Continuous assessments and the practical examination at the end-of-course.

Recommended Reading:

* Amarasekara, C. D. and Punyasena, M. A. (1998). Physics Laboratory Manual.

* Worsnof, B. L and Flint, H. J. (1965). Advanced Practical Physics for Students, Jerrold & Sons Ltd.

Course Code: PHYS 22533

Title: Solid State and Thermodynamics

Pre-Requisites: PHYS 21513

Co-Requisites: PHYS 22541

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of solid-state physics and Thermodynamics.

Course Content:

Solids, liquids and gasses, atomic bonding, amorphous and crystalline solids, Lattices, Primitive Cell, Bravais Lattices, Crystal planes and Miller indices, Packing Arrays, simple Crystal Structures, X-ray diffraction, Bragg’s Law, Form factor and Structure Factor, Material and Structure identification, , X-ray diffraction pattern calculation, Electrical Conductivity of materials, Drude’s model, Thermal conductivity and Electrical conductivity, Free electron theory, Density of states, Fermi level, Fermi-Dirac Distribution, Band theory of solids. Metals, Insulators and semiconductors, Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, Hall Effect, n and p type doping. Optoelectronic devices.

Temperature and Zeroth law of thermodynamics, Thermometers, Macroscopic description of an ideal gas, Energy transfer mechanisms, Kinetic theory of gases, Behaviour of real gases, Molecular interpretation of temperature, Distribution of molecular speeds, Irreversible and reversible processes of Thermodynamics, Work and heat in thermodynamic processes, First law of thermodynamics, Specific heat of an ideal gas, Enthalpy of a gas, Pressure, volume and temperature relationships, Heat and entropy of ideal gases, Second law of thermodynamics, Change of entropy of perfect gases during various thermodynamic processes, Refrigerators and heat pumps, Thermodynamic cycles, Thermal efficiency of an engine operating in Otto cycle and in Diesel cycle, Power delivered by multi- cylinder gasoline engine and diesel engine, Helmholtz and Gibbs functions, Maxwell’s relations with applications.

Method of Teaching and Learning:

Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment:

End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Young H. D., Freedmann R.A. & Ford A. L.(13th edition)(2014). University Physics with Modern Physics, Pearson Publishing.

* Azroff, L. V. (1977). Introduction to Solids

* Lovell, M. C., Avery, A. J. and Vernon, M. W. (1976). Physical Properties of Materials.

* Ashcroft, N. W. and Mermin, N. D. (1976). Solid State Physics, Saunders College.

* Streetman, B. (1995). Solid State Electronic Devices, Prentice Hall.

* Williams, R. E. (1984). Gallium Arsenide Processing Techniques, Artech House Inc.

* Zemansky M.W., Zemansky M. and Dittman R.(1981), Heat and Thermodynamics, Tata McGraw Hill Education.

* Callen H.B. (1985),Thermodynamics and an introduction to thermostatistics, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

* Sonntag R. E. (2012), Fundamentals of thermodynamics, 8th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

* Gyttopoulos E.P. and Beretta G.P. (2010), Thermodynamics: Foundations and applications, Dover Publications, Inc.

Course Code: PHYS 22541

Title: General Physics Laboratory-II

Pre-Requisites: PHYS 21521

Co-Requisites: PHYS 22533

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the students will be able to show skills of (i) handling instruments and performing experiments in mechanics, properties of matter, and optics (ii) data analysis (iii) technical writing based on experimental data.

Course Content:

This is a continuation of PHYS 21521 with an advanced set of experiments. Measurements with advanced optical spectrometers and related measuring techniques, Performing set experiments in mechanics, properties of matter, and optics, Data analysis including uncertainties of observations and related error calculations, Technical writing of reports on experiments performed.

Method of Teaching and Learning:

Three hours of laboratory classes per week.

Assessment:

Continuous assessments and the end-of-course practical examination.

Recommended Reading:

* Tylar, F. (1977). A Laboratory manual of Physics.

* Worsnof, B. L and Flint, H. J. (1965). Advanced Practical Physics for Students, Jerrold & Sons Ltd.

* Amarasekara, C. D. and Punyasena, M. A. (1998). Physics Laboratory Manual.

Course Code: PHYS 22553

Title: Environmental Physics

Pre-Requisites: A/L Chemistry or Physics

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate (i) knowledge and understanding on the physical aspects of the environment and (ii) awareness of precautionary measures against environmental pollution and natural hazards.

Course Content:

Man and the environment, Basics physical processes of the sun, Emission spectrum of the sun, Solar radiation, Structure of the earth, Plate tectonics, Earthquakes, Structure of the atmosphere, Earth energy balance, Greenhouse effect, Global warming, Ozone layer, Atmospheric circulation of winds, Elements of weather and climates, Cloud formation, Thunderstorms and lightning, Energy, World energy demand, Energy resources, Environmental impact of energy production, Renewable energy, Basic Acoustics, Physics of hearing, Human perception, Noise pollution, Reducing the transmission of sound, Sri Lankan Standards of pollution control.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Boeker, E. and van Grondelle, R., (1996). Environmental Physics, John Wiley & Sons.

* Mason, N and Hughes, P. (1998). Introduction to Environmental Physics, Taylor and Francis Inc. New York.

* Ahrens, C. D., (1998). Essentials of Meteorology, Wadsworth Publishing.

* Turburk, E. J. and Lutgens, F. K. (1999). Earth, Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

Course Code: PHYS 31512

Title: Electromagnetic Theory

Pre-Requisites: PHYS 22533

Co-Requisites: PHYS 31521

Learning Outcomes: 

At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate (i) knowledge and understanding on the fundamental concepts of electromagnetism (ii) ability of solving problems in relevant applications.

Course Content:

Electrostatics: Vector analysis, Divergence theorem, Stokes’s theorem, Coulomb’s law, Electric field, Gauss’s law and its applications, Electric potential, Poisson’s equation, Laplace’s equation, Electrostatic energy, Conductors, Electrostatic boundary conditions, Separation of variable, Laplace’s equation in Cartesian coordinate  system and spherical coordinate system,  Boundary value problems, Electric dipole, Method of imagers, Electric fields in dielectric media, Polarization, Gauss’s law in dielectric media,  Boundary conditions on D and E.

Magnetostatics: Current densities. Conservation of charge, the Biot-Savart law, Lorenz force, The divergence of B, Ampere’s law, Magnetic dipole, Magnetic vector potential and scalar potential. Magnetic materials, The magnetization, Current densities of magnetized body, Magnetic field intensity and Ampere’s circuital law, Magnetic susceptibility and permeability, Boundary conditions of B and H,  Methods of solving boundary value problems in magnetostatics.

Electromagnetic Theory: Faraday’s law of induction, Energy in the magnetic field, Maxwell equations, Poynting’s theorem and conservation of energy and momentum, Plane electromagnetic waves in non-conducting medium, Properties of the electromagnetic waves, Energy and momentum of electromagnetic waves.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Griffiths, D. J. (2012) 6th edition, Introduction to  Electrodynamics, Addison-Wesley.

* Sears, F. W. (1951). Electricity and Magnetism, Addison-Wesley.

* Purcell, E. M. (1965). Electricity and Magnetism Berkeley Physics Course, McGraw-Hill.

* Jackson, J. D. (1998) 3rd edition. Classical Electrodynamics, John Wiley.

Course Code: PHYS 31521

Title: General Physics Laboratory III

Pre-Requisites: PHYS 22541

Co-Requisites: PHYS 31512

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate (i) skills in electricity and magnetism experiments (ii) skills in writing technical reports based on experimental data.

Course Content: Use of oscilloscope, Determination of galvanometer constants, Specific resistance of a copper wire, Self-inductance and resistance of a given coil, Mutual inductance between two coils, Capacitance and effective resistance of a capacitor, Investigate the characteristics and the performance of a transformer, Study of the permeability of Iron.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Three hours of laboratory classes per week.

Assessment: Continuous assessments, the practical examination at the end-of-course and the presentation.

Recommended Reading:

* Worsnof, B. L and Flint, H. J. (1965). Advanced Practical Physics for Students.

* Shepherd, J., Mortan, A. H. and Spence, L. F. (1998). Higher Electrical Engineering.

* Sears, F. W. (1951). Electricity and Magnetism, Addison-Wesley.

Course Code: PHYS 31532

Title: Introductory Biophysics

Pre-Requisites: A/L Chemistry or Physics

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate (i) understanding of how mechanical properties of biomaterials and dynamic properties of networks guide and constraint life (ii) apply statistical-mechanical concepts to understand some basic properties of biological systems.

Course Content:

Physical basis of life; Components of biological systems; Length, time, and energy scales that are important in biological systems; Physics of human body in macroscopic scale; Physics of sensory organs; Thermodynamic basis of life; Use of concepts in probability and statistical mechanics to understand some biophysical processes such as diffusion of molecules; Mechanical properties of DNA, membranes, and other cellular components; Formation of electric circuits in cellular environments; Nucleic acid and genetic information; Physics of neuron structure and synaptic transmission.

Method of Teaching and Learning:

Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment:

End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* J. R. Claycomb and J. Q. P. Tran (2011). Introductory Biophysics: Perspectives on the Living State,

Jones and Bartlett Learning.

* Richard P. McCall, (2010). Physics of the Human Body, Johns Hopkins University Press.

* Donald T. Haynie., (2008). Biological Thermodynamics, Cambridge University Press.

Course Code: PHYS 31544

Title: Mathematical Methods in Physics

Pre-Requisites: All Level – 1 and Level – 2 PHYS compulsory course units

Learning Outcomes: At the successful completion of the course, the students will be able to demonstrate basic understanding on mathematical techniques widely used in theoretical physics.

Course Content: Preliminary algebra, Preliminary calculus, Complex numbers and hyperbolic functions, Series and limits, Partial differentiation, Multiple integrals, Vector algebra, Matrices and vector spaces, Vector calculus, Line, surface and volume integrals, Fourier series, Integral transforms, First-order ordinary differential equations, Higher-order ordinary differential equations, Special functions, Quantum operators, Partial differential equations: general and particular solutions, Partial differential equations: separation of variables and other methods, Complex variables and Applications, Calculus of variations, Tensors, Numerical methods.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Richard Courant and D. Hilbert, (1989). Mathematical Methods in Physics, Wiley-vch.

* K. F. Riley, M. P. Hobson and S. J. Bence, (2006), Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering, Cambridge University Press

* Mary L. Boas, (2006) Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences (3rd Ed.), John Wiley.

* Hans J. Weber, George B. Arfken (2003). Essential Mathematical Methods for Physicists, Academic Press.

* Peter B. Kahn, (1996). Mathematical Methods for Scientists and Engineers, Wiley.

Course Code: PHYS 44764

Title: Classical Mechanics

Pre-Requisites: All Level – 1 and Level – 2 PHYS compulsory course units

Learning Outcomes: The students, at the end of the course, will be able to demonstrate conceptual understanding on fundamentals of Physics and develop skills in problem solving related to Classical Mechanics.

Course Content: Review of Newtonian and Relativistic Mechanics. D'Alembert's Principle. Generalized Coordinates. Hamilton’s Principle. Lagrange’s Equations of Motion. Central-force Motion. Rigid-body Kinematics. Small Oscillations and Normal Modes. Coupled Oscillators. Canonical Transformations. Hamilton-Jacobi Theory.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Goldstein H., Poole C., Safko J. CLASSICAL MECHANICS (Third Edition), Addison Wesley.

* Landau L. D., Lifshitz E. M., Mechanics, Pergamon.

* Gupta S. L., Kumar V., Sharma H. V. Classical Mechanics (Paperback), Pragati Prakashan.

* Stephen T. Thornton  and Jerry B. Marion (2003), Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems (5th Ed.),

Cengage Learning.

Course Code: PHYS 44774

Title: Quantum Mechanics

Pre-Requisites: All Level – 1 and Level – 2 PHYS compulsory course units

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will gain an advanced knowledge of Quantum Mechanics and be able to understand and describe physical phenomenon more accurately and apply them in real world situation.

Course Content: Formalism of quantum mechanics. Linear harmonic oscillator. Angular momentum. Three dimensional motions in centrally symmetric field. Hydrogen atom. Matrix formulation, eigen values and eigen functions. Total angular momentum. Spin, system of identical particles, exclusion principle. Time independent perturbation theory and applications; spin- orbit effect, Zeeman effect and Stark effect. Time dependent perturbation theory; transition probability and rates, application in EM radiation field and explanation of LASER, Golden rule. Variational principle. WKB approximation. Scattering theory and partial wave analysis. Relativistic wave equation. The Dirac equation and solution for a free particle.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

1. Greiner, W (1994) Quantum Mechanics, Springer.

2. Messiah, A. (1985), Quantum Mechanics Volumes I&II, North Holland.

3. Schiff, L.I. (1965) Quantum Mechanics, McGraw Hill.

4. Punyasena, M. A. (2013). An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Stanford Lake (pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka.

Course Code: PHYS 44784

Title: Advanced Electronics

Pre-Requisites: All Level – 1 and Level – 2 PHYS compulsory course units

Learning Outcomes: After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge on advanced concepts of digital electronics including recent technological trends, practical applications and fault finding; fundamental concepts of operational amplifiers and applications including Digital-to-Analogue and Analogue-to-Digital Conversions. 

Course Contents: Brief introduction to digital concepts; Number systems, operations and codes, logic operations and functions; basic operational characteristics of TTL and CMOS gates and their characteristics comparison, interfacing logic families and fan-out; MSI logic circuits (adders, comparators, decoders, encoders, multiplexers, demultiplexers, parity generators/checkers); Sequential circuits (latches, edge-triggered flip-flops, flip-flop operating characteristics, applications and designing of counters (asynchronous, synchronous, up/down shift registers); Introduction to Programmable logic; Field Effect Transistors and power amplifiers; Operational amplifier characteristics and applications (architectures, stages [Gain, differential and output]); Digital-to-Analogue and Analogue-to-Digital Conversion and applications; Power controllers.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered   discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Floyd, T. L. (2009). Digital Fundamentals, 10th Edition, Pearson Prentice-Hall.

* Floyd, T. L. (2008). Electronic Devices (Electron Flow Version), 8th Edition, Pearson Prentice-Hall.

* Clayton, G and Winder, S. (2003). Operational Amplifiers, Newnes Publications.

* Crecraft, D. J. and Gorham, D. (2003). Electronics. Nelson Thornes Ltd.

Note: PHYS 44034 is offered for students who have not followed Electronics as a subject.

Course Code: PHYS 43793

Title: Advanced Physics Laboratory-I

Pre-Requisites: All PHYS Compulsory Course Units

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate skills in (i) advanced experimental techniques through laboratory work on advanced electromagnetic theory, properties of matter, quantum mechanics, and modern physics (ii) designing and planning of laboratory experiments (iii) writing comprehensive laboratory reports and presenting results based on the analysis of experimental data.

Course Content: Selected advanced experiments in areas of electromagnetic theory, properties of matter, quantum mechanics, and modern physics.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Six hours of laboratory classes per week.

Assessment: Laboratory work will be continuously assessed.

Recommended Reading:

* Worsnof, B. L and Flint, H. J. (1965). Advanced Practical Physics for Students, Jerrold & Sons Ltd.

* Whittle, R. M. and Yarwood, J. (1973). Experimental Physics for Students.

Course Code: PHYS 44804

Title: Statistical Physics

Pre-Requisites: All Level – 1 and Level – 2 PHYS compulsory course units

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the student will be able demonstrate basic understanding of physical concepts and methods appropriate to describe the systems of many particles, within the context of statistical mechanics and kinetic theory, from a unified and modern point of view.

Course Content: Introduction; Basic probability concepts; Binomial, Gaussian and Poisson distributions; Statistical description of systems of particles; Interaction between macroscopic systems; Statistical thermodynamics; Macroscopic parameters and their measurements; Degeneracy function; Simple applications of macroscopic thermodynamics; Basic methods and results of statistical mechanics; Simple applications of statistical mechanics; Partition function and their properties; Ideal monatomic gas; The equipartition theorem; Paramagnetism; Kinetic theory of dilute gases in equilibrium; Equilibrium between phases or chemical species; Quantum statistics of ideal gases; Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics; Ideal gas in the classical limit; Black body radiation; Conduction electrons in metals; Systems of interacting particles; Magnetism and low temperature.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Reif, F. (1985) Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics. McGraw-Hill.

* Reif F. (1967) Statistical Physics, Berkeley Physics course Vol 5.

* Landau L.D. and Lifshitz E.M. (1980) Statistical Physics 3rd Edition Part 1, Pergamon Press

* Pathria, K.R. and Beale, P.D. (2007) Statistical Mechanics, Academic Press

Course Code: PHYS 44814

Title: Special Topics in Physics

Pre-Requisites: All PHYS Compulsory Course Units

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the students will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding in some of the areas of contemporary applied physics.

Course Content: Topics will be selected from the following list, depending on the availability of staff. New topics may be introduced from time to time.

Atmospheric Physics, Biophysics, Cosmic rays, Geophysics, High Energy Particle Physics, Introduction to Fibre Optics and Optical Fibre Communication, Laser Physics, Magnetic Materials, Mathematical Modelling in Meteorology, Medical Physics, Nanoscience, Physics of Sensors, Physics of Telecommunication, Plasma Physics, Solar Physics, Solid Electrolytes, Superconductivity.

Method of Teaching and Learning: A combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorial discussions.

Assessment: End of course written examination.

Recommended Reading:

* Reading material relevant to each topic will be given at the beginning of the course.

Note: PHYS 44814 is offered for students who have  followed Electronics as a subject

Course Code: PHYS 44824

Title: Condensed Matter Physics

Pre-Requisites: All Level – 1 and Level – 2 PHYS compulsory course units

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the students will be able to demonstrate (i) knowledge on the properties exhibited by atoms and molecules because of their regular arrangement in crystals (ii) understanding of them through simple models (iii) knowledge on recently developed areas in condensed state of matter.

Course Content: Introduction to crystal structure; Periodic array of atoms; Fundamental types of lattices; Introduction to crystallographic point groups and space groups; Different types of crystal structures; Index system for crystal planes; Crystal diffraction and reciprocal lattice; Geometric structure factor; Experimental diffraction methods; Brillouin zones; Crystal binding; Lattice vibrations; Linear monatomic & diatomic lattices; Phonons; Density of modes of vibrations; Debye approximations; Specific heat of solids; Einstein’s theory and Debye model of lattice heat capacity of solids; Free electron theory of metals; Wiedermann-Franz ratio; Electrical conductivity; Fermi energy level; Electron heat capacity; Thermal conductivity of metals; Band theory of solids with periodic potential; Conductors; Dielectrics; Semiconductors; Impurity semiconductors; Concentration of electrons and holes in semiconductors; Intrinsic conductivity; Photoconductivity of semiconductors; Hall effect; Fundamentals of superconductivity; Introduction to diamagnetism; Paramagnetism & ferromagnetism; Susceptibility.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the

course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Kittel, C.(1976). Introduction to Solid State Physics, John Wiley and Sons.

* Keer, H. V.(1993). Principles of the Solid State, John Wiley and Sons.

* Dekker, A. J.(1957). Solid State Physics, Prentice Hall.

* Ashcroft, N. W. and Mermin, N. D.(1976). Solid State Physics, Saunders College.

* Hook, J.R  and Hall, H.E.(1986). Solid State Physics, Jhon Wiely & Sons

Course Code: PHYS 44834

Title: Theory of Relativity and Cosmology

Pre-Requisites: All Level – 1 and Level – 2 PHYS compulsory course units

Learning Outcomes: After following the course, the student will be able to demonstrate conceptual understanding of the Theory of Relativity and Cosmology.

Course Content: The nature of light, Postulates of special theory of relativity, Mass energy equivalence,

Lorentz-Einstein transformations and their physical realization, Concept of space-time continuum,

Minkowski diagrams, Measurement of length and time intervals in relativity, Relativistic Doppler shift,

Four vector notation, Matrix and tensor representations of relativistic transformations, Invariants

under the relativistic transformation, Relativistic kinematics, Relativistic dynamics, Electromagnetic

theory and relativity, Maxwell's equations in corvariant form, Charge conservation and four

current density, Transformations of electromagnetic field, Lorentz invariance of the field equations,

Invariance of electric charge, Motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field, Field due to a moving charge.

Effect of gravity on space-time continuum, Equivalence Principle,   Robertson-Walker Metric,

Riemannian space-time, Motion of a mass point in a gravitational field, Schwarzschild metric,

Experimental test of Einestein's theory of gravitation. Geodesics and curved spaces. Implosion

of Stars; Chandrasekhar's mass limit, Black holes and pulsars, Quantum mechanics and the inflationary

big bang theory, Cosmic microwave background radiation. Nuclear synthesis in the early universe.

Life in the universe. The future of the universe; Existing theories.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the  course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Pathria, R. K. (1974). The Theory of Relativity, Pergamon Press Ltd.

*Friedman, M. (1983). Foundation of Space-Time Theories: Relativistic Physics and Philosophy of Science

* French, A. P. (1991). Special Relativity, Chapmon and Hall.

* Thorne, K. S. (1994) Black Holes and Time Warps-Einstein's Outrages Legacy, W. W. Norton & Co.

* Berry, M. V. (1989). Principles of Cosmology and Gravitation, IOP publishing Ltd.

* Chaisson, E. and McMillan, S. (2002). Astronomy Today

Course Code: PHYS 44854

Title: Electrodynamics

Pre-Requisites: All Level – 1 and Level – 2 PHYS compulsory course units

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of electromagnetic theory and application of the theories to solve related advanced problems.

Course Content: Mathematical tools utilized in electromagnetic theory, Introduction to electrostatics, separation of variable, Laplace’s equation in Cartesian, spherical and cylindrical coordinate systems,  Boundary value problems, Method of imagers, Green function, Introduction to magnetostatics, The divergence and curl of magnetic induction B, Ampere’s law, Magnetic dipole, Magnetic vector potential and scalar potential, Methods of solving boundary value problems in magnetostatics, Maxwell equations, Poynting’s theorem and conservation of energy and momentum, Propagation of Plane electromagnetic waves at plane interface between dielectrics, Demonstration of the validity of Snell’s law, laws of reflection and refraction, the Fresnel’s equations, Polarization by reflection and total internal reflection,  Propagation of Plane electromagnetic waves in conducting media, Reflection and Refraction at the surface of a conductor, Radiation pressure at normal incidence on a good conductor, Guided waves, TE, TM and TEM waves, Hollow rectangular wave guides, Boundary conditions at the surface of metallic wave guides, Energy transmission, Attenuation,  Propagation of plane electromagnetic waves in ionized gases, Plasma frequency, wave propagation at high frequencies and low frequencies.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Jackson, J. D. (1998) 3rd edition. Classical Electrodynamics, John Wiley.

* Lorrain, P., and Corson, D. (1970). Electromagnetic Fields and Waves, W. H. Freeman & Co.

* Reitz, R. and Milford, F. J. (1967). 2nd Edition. Foundations of Electromagnetic Theory, Addison  Wesley.

* Griffiths, D. J. (2012) 6th edition, Introduction to Electrodynamics, Addison-Wesley

Course Code:

PHYS 44864

Title:

Nuclear Physics and Fundamental Particles

Pre-Requisites:

All Level – 1 and Level – 2 PHYS compulsory course units

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the students will be able to demonstrate conceptual understanding on fundamentals of Nuclear Physics and Fundamental Particles together with problem solving ability.

Course Content: Passage of Particle Radiation through Matter; Interaction Probability, Mean Free Path, Energy Loss, Bathe-Bloch Formula, Bremsstrahlung, Radiation. Photon Interactions in Matter; Photoelectric Absorption, Compton Scattering, Pair Production, Electromagnetic Shower. Particle Detectors; Scintillation Detectors, Gaseous Detectors, Other Detector Types, Nuclear Properties; Charge and Matter Distribution, Skin Thickness, Electron Elastic Scattering, Nuclear Binding Energy, Angular Momentum and Parity, Nuclear Spin, Isospin. Mirror Nuclei; Muonic Atom, Isobaric Analogue States, Pauli Principle, Nuclear Electromagnetic Moments; Deformed Nuclei, Nuclear Electromagnetic Multipole Transitions. Nuclear Force; Deuteron, Nucleon-Nucleon Interaction. Nuclear Models. Harmonic Oscillator Potential, Woods-Saxon Potential, Nuclear Excited States. Nuclear Reactions; Cross Sections, Scattering Experiments, Nuclear Pion Production. Nuclear Decay and Radioactivity, Fermi Golden Rule. Basic Building Blocks of the Universe; Quarks and Leptons. Fundamental Interactions and Forces; Exchange Bosons. Classification of Particles; Quark Model and Gluons, Antiparticle Concept, Conservation Laws of Nature. Production of Leptons and Hadrons. The Standard Model; Symmetry Groups, Collision Reactions. Applications of Nuclear and Particle Physics.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Lectures, assignments, seminars and student-centered discussions.

Assessment: End-of-course written examination and other assessments announced at the beginning of the course unit.

Recommended Reading:

* Krane, K. S. (1988). Introductory Nuclear Physics, John Wiley & Sons.

* Frauenfelder, H., Henley, E. M. (1974) Subatomic Physics, Prentice Hall.

* J.-L. Basdevant, J. Rich, M. Spiro (2004) Fundamentals in Nuclear Physics, Springer.

* Halzen, F. and Martin, A. D. (1984). Quarks and Leptons: An Introductory Course in Modern Particle Physics, John Wiley & Sons.

* Perkins, D. H. (1974). Introduction to High Energy Physics.

* Muirhead, H. (1965). The Physics of Elementary Particles, Pergamon Press.

* Tassie, L. J. (1973). The Physics of Elementary Particles, Longman.

Course Code: PHYS 43875

Title: Advanced Physics Laboratory-II

Pre-Requisites: All PHYS Complusary Course Units

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the students will be able to demonstrate skills in (i) using advanced experimental techniques through laboratory work (ii) writing technical reports and presenting results based on analysis of experimental data.

Course Content: Selected advanced experiments in areas of electromagnetic theory, properties of matter, quantum mechanics, and modern physics.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Twelve hours of laboratory work per week on assigned experiments.

Assessment: Laboratory work will be continuously assessed. Six hour practical examination will be held at the end of academic year.

Recommended Reading:

* Worsnof, B. L and Flint, H. J. (1965). Advanced Practical Physics for Students, Jerrold & Sons Ltd.

* Whittle, R. M. and Yarwood, J. (1973). Experimental Physics for Students.

Course Code: PHYS 43888

Title:Research Project

Pre-Requisites: All PHYS Complusary Course Units

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate competence in (i) planning and carrying out a research project (ii) writing a dissertation on the research findings and (iii) presentation of the results.

Method of Teaching and Learning: Experimental or theoretical research projects are assigned to students under the supervision of senior staff at the beginning of the Fourth Year. Students should identify the relevant reading material through a literature survey and carry out research work on the given topic.

Assessment: A dissertation should be submitted and the results should be presented at a seminar of one-hour duration. The project will be evaluated on the dissertation and seminar.

Recommended Reading:

* Reading material relevant for research topic(s).