Innovating with Modern Physics

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

What does modern physics do for you? What possibilities has it opened up for us? What limits does it constrain us to? While physicists continue to develop our understanding of general relativity and quantum mechanics, the ideas presented in these two areas inspire many. Science fiction creators imagine worlds based on our current understanding and gaps in that understanding. Engineers and innovators are provided with the seeds to develop new technologies. In this course, we will examine the fundamentals of both relativity and quantum mechanics and how this science has led to the development of technologies like GPS and MRI. Our first exploration will be into Einstein’s theory of relativity. We will pay particular attention to how motion and gravity alter time and its role in GPS. We will look at some of the ways that science fiction has presented time travel and discuss both the alignment with general relativity and the constraints physics places on travel in space and time. Our second exploration in quantum mechanics will examine the properties of magnets, how atomic nuclei behave in magnetic fields and how that behavior is utilized in magnetic resonance imaging. We will connect physics and philosophy to discuss quantum interpretations and their possible implications. This course will provide opportunities to practice science process skills (e.g. by engaging in hands-on experiments and reading scientific articles), to learn about the nature of science, and to connect physics ideas to your life. The course assumes no prior experience with physics and will be conceptually focused.