Information Package / Course Catalogue
Concepts of Modern Physics
Course Code: EE203
Course Type: Required
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: English
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 3
Objectives of the Course

Modern Physics course aims to introduce the concepts of space-time and the principles of modern physics that explain phenomena where classical physics is insufficient. Students learn the foundations developed by scientists such as Einstein, Planck, and Heisenberg, gaining a better understanding of the physical basis of technologies including sensors, semiconductors, communication, and energy systems. The course covers fundamental topics such as wave-particle duality, the concept of photons, quantum tunneling, quantized energy levels, and the limitations of classical physics. This knowledge supports core electrical and electronics engineering courses and helps students better understand the physical principles behind modern engineering applications.

Course Content

Geometric optics, physics optics, wave concept, sound waves, EM waves, interference and diffraction, interferometers, resolution power of an optic device, Einstein’s special theory of relativity, necessity of new physics laws and quantum physics, quantum and quantization concept, photoelectric and Compton effects, weave mechanics and introduction to quantum physics, fundamental engineering applications.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Assoc. Prof. Coşkun DENİZ
Learning Outcomes
1.To understand the geometric optics and physics optics concepts, the wave concept, resolution power concept, interference and diffraction concepts
2.To understand principles of optical devices and interferometers
3.To understand the nature of sound waves and EM waves, the wave and particle duality of matter
4.To understand Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity
5.To understand the necessity of new physics laws, namely, quantum mechanics, and understand its basic concepts, outcomes and engineering applications
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Serway and Jewett, Physics for scientists and engineers, 9th ed., ISBN-13: 978-1133947271, Brooks Cole (2013)
2.A. Beiser, Concepts of modern physics, 6th ed., McGraw-Hill (2003)
3.K. S. Krane, Modern Physics, 3rd ed., Wiley (2012)
4.J. Bernstein, P. M. Fishbane and S. Gazirowicz, Modern Physics, Prentice Hall (2000).
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Oscillatory motion and Wave Motion
Week 1 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 15, 16
Week 2 - Theoretical
Sound waves and ultrasound, doppler effect
Week 2 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 17
Week 3 - Theoretical
Superposition and standing waves
Week 3 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 18
Week 4 - Theoretical
The nature of light, EM waves, laser, and the fundamental principles of ray optics
Week 4 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 35
Week 5 - Theoretical
Geometric optics and image formation, optics devices (magnifier, microscobe, telescobe, etc.)
Week 5 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 36
Week 6 - Theoretical
Wave optics, Young’s double slit experiment and interference patterns, interference in thin films
Week 6 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 37
Week 7 - Theoretical
Wave optics, Newton fringes, interferometers and engineering applications
Week 7 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 37
Week 8 - Theoretical
Diffraction patterns, resolution power of optical devices, polarization of light and engineering applications
Week 8 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 38
Week 9 - Theoretical
Einstein’s special theory of relativity and relativistic mechanics
Week 9 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 39, Beiser, Chapter 1
Week 10 - Theoretical
Outcomes of Einstein’s special theory of relativity, new physics laws and engineering applications
Week 10 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 39, Beiser, Chapter 1
Week 11 - Theoretical
Bremsstrahlung effect and production of X-rays, De Broglie waves, and necessity of new physics laws (the quantum physics)
Week 11 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter 40, Beiser, Chapter 1
Week 12 - Theoretical
Introduction to Quantum Physics: Fundamental concepts of wave mechanics, Schroedinger’s wave equation and probability waves
Week 12 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter: 420,41, Beiser, Chapter: 4-6
Week 13 - Theoretical
Introduction to Quantum Physics-continuing: Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, concepts of potential well, potential barrier and particle tunneling, engineering applications
Week 13 - Preparation Work
Serway, Chapter: 40,41, Beiser, Chapter: 4-6
Week 14 - Theoretical
Introduction to Quantum Physics-continuing: Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, concepts of potential well, potential barrier and particle tunneling, engineering applications
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Assignment1%10
Term Assignment1%5
Midterm Examination1%25
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory141356
Assignment1617
Midterm Examination1224
Final Examination1628
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)75
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
OÇ-1
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
OÇ-2
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
OÇ-3
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
OÇ-4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
OÇ-5
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026