Study information

Principles of Theoretical Physics - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEPrinciples of Theoretical Physics CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY3068 MODULE CONVENERDr Andrey V Shytov (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 19
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module reviews the most important concepts of theoretical physics, in particular: the action, symmetries, and conservation laws. It shows how they help physicists to think about seemingly disconnected topics, ranging from mechanics to quantum field theory. The module is recommended as an option for students who wish to specialise in theoretical physics, and who are intending to take level 7 theory option(s), such as PHYM013 Quantum Many-Body Theory. The topics covered will be also of interest to the students who want to understand the language of theoretical physics without making it their field of research.

Pre-requisite modules:  PHY2022 AND EITHER PHY3051 OR PHY3055 OR equivalent modules.

AIMS - intentions of the module

Theoretical physics aims to organise our knowledge about the physical world using a compact set of principles that are expressed mathematically.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. use symmetry principles to determine the form of the action of a physical system;
2. derive equations of motion and conservation laws using the action;
3. apply the concept of energy-stress tensor to a range of problems;
4. describe the relation between least-action principle in classical theory and path integral approach in quantum theory;
5. solve quantum-mechanical problems involving magnetic field;
6. use the semiclassical approximation in quantum mechanics to solve problems;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
7. apply the ideas and approaches of theoretical physics to a wide range of problems;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
8. devise a well-structured solution with clearly explained reasoning;
9. use a range of resources in order to learn through independent study.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Analytical dynamics
least action principle, Euler-Lagrange equations, symmetries, Noether's theorem, conservation laws.
II. Relativistic mechanics
geometry of space time, Lorentz symmetry, action, equations of motion, particle in external fields, scalar and vector potentials.
III. Classical field theory
scalar field, its action and conservation laws, sound waves in gases and solids as an example.
IV. Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic field tensor, action for electromagnetic field, Maxwell's equations, gauge invariance and charge conservation. Electromechanical analogy and the effective action.
V. Quantum theory
Schrödinger equation and its Green function, Heisenberg representation, path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, path integral treatment of quantum harmonic oscillator
VI. Semiclassical Methods
Semiclassical approximation in quantum mechanics, the saddle point method.
VII. Electromagnetic fields in quantum theory
Gauge invariance, Aharonov-Bohm effect, Landau levels
VIII. Introduction to Quantum Field Theory
Interactions mediated by virtual particles
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 20 20×1-hour lecture
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 2 2×1-hour problems/revision classes
Guided independent study
 30 5×6-hour self-study packages
Guided independent study
 16 4×4-hour problem sets
Guided independent study
 82 Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Guided self-study 5×6-hour packages (fortnightly) 1-9 Discussion in class
4 × Problems sets 4 hours per set (fortnightly) 1-9 Solutions discussed in problems classes.

 

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 100 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Final Examination 100 2 hours 30 minutes 1-8 Written, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Final Examination Written examination (100%) 1-8 Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
An original assessment that is based on both examination and coursework, tests, etc., is considered as a single element for the purpose of referral; i.e., the referred mark is based on the referred examination only, discounting all previous marks. In the event that the mark for a referred assessment is lower than that of the original assessment, the original higher mark will be retained.
 
Physics Modules with PHY Codes
Referred examinations will only be available in PHY3064, PHYM004 and those other modules for which the original assessment includes an examination component - this information is given in individual module descriptors.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Supplementary texts:

  • Feynman R.P., Leighton R.B. and Sands M. (1963), Lectures on Physics, Vol. II, Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-02117-X (UL: 530 FEY/X)
  • Feynman R.P. and Hibbs A.R. (1965), Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals, McGraw Hill, ISBN 0-07-020650-3 (UL: 530.12 FEY)
  • Goldstein H., Poole C. and Safko J. (2002), Classical Mechanics (3rd edition), Addison Wesley, ISBN 0-201-65702-3 (UL: 531 GOL)
  • Griffiths D.J. (2014), Introduction to Electrodynamics (4th edition), Pearson Education, ISBN 978-0-321-85656-2 (UL: 537.6 GRI)
  • Inkson J.C. (1984), Many Body Theory of Solids, Plenum, ISBN 0-306-41326-4 (UL: 530.144 INK)
  • Jackson J.D. (1998), Classical Electrodynamics (3rd edition), Wiley, ISBN 0-471-30932-X (UL: 537.6 JAC)
  • Landau L.D. and Lifshitz E.M. (1975), Classical Theory of Fields (Vol. 2) (4th edition), Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN 978-0-750-62768-9 (UL: 530.141 LAN)
  • Landau L.D. and Lifshitz E.M. (1976), Mechanics (Vol. 1) (3rd edition), Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN 978-0-750-62896-9 (UL: 531 LAN)
  • Schiff L.I. (1968), Quantum mechanics (3rd edition), McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-070-55287-8 (UL: 530.12 SCH)
  • Schwinger J., Deraad L.L., Milton K.A., Tsai W. and Norton J. (1998), Classical Electrodynamics, Perseus Books, ISBN 9-780-738200-56-9 (UL: 537.6 SCH)
  • Shepherd P.J. (2013), A Course in Theoretical Physics, Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-118-48134-9 (UL: eBook)
  • Ziman J.M. (1969), Elements of Advanced Quantum Theory, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 521-07458-4 (UL: 530.12 ZIM)

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Wednesday 13th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 15th May 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Fields; Quantum; Action; Equations; Electromagnetic; Theory; Conservation; Principles; Mechanics; Scalar.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.