Modern Physics & Quantum Phenomena

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Chidi Okoro (Associate Professor of Physics)
• Email: cokoro@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Meridian Science Center 412
• Office Hours:
  • Monday & Thursday: 1:00–2:30 p.m. (In person, Meridian Science Center 412)
  • Wednesday: 2:00–3:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Special relativity, the photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality, the Bohr atom, the Schrödinger equation in one dimension, atomic structure, nuclear physics, and an introduction to particle physics. PHYS 221 bridges classical physics and the modern quantum and relativistic paradigm, establishing the theoretical framework for advanced studies in physical science. We explore Einstein's special theory of relativity, the experimental failures of classical mechanics, early quantum models, and wave-particle duality. The central portion of the semester is devoted to solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation in one dimension for bound and scattering states, followed by extensions to the hydrogen atom, atomic spectroscopy, nuclear stability, and elementary particle classifications.

Prerequisites

PHYS 122 and MATH 141.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of PHYS 221, students will be able to:

1. Apply Special Relativity: Calculate time dilation, length contraction, relativistic velocity additions, relativistic energy, and relativistic momentum in inertial reference frames.
2. Analyze Quantum Phenomena and Wave-Particle Duality: Explain key historical experiments including blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and electron diffraction.
3. Solve the One-Dimensional Schrödinger Equation: Formulate boundary conditions and solve the time-independent Schrödinger equation for infinite and finite square wells, potential barriers (tunneling), and the harmonic oscillator.
4. Examine Three-Dimensional Quantum Systems and the Hydrogen Atom: Characterize quantum numbers (principal, orbital, magnetic, spin), electron orbital shapes, and energy spectra in hydrogenic atoms.
5. Evaluate Multi-Electron Atoms and the Periodic Table: Apply the Pauli exclusion principle, Hund's rules, and angular momentum coupling to atomic electron configurations and fine structure.
6. Investigate Nuclear and Particle Physics Fundamentals: Calculate nuclear binding energies, decay rates, and Q-values, and classify elementary particles and conservation laws in the Standard Model.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Thornton, Stephen T., and Andrew Rex. Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 5th ed., Cengage Learning, 2020. Approx. $55 for digital rental; approx. $135 for print purchase.
2. Scientific calculator with scientific and exponential functions. Approx. $15 to $25.
3. Total estimated cost: $15 to $160.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), PHYS 221 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use AI tools to visualize Lorentz transformations, explore numerical solutions to the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation, clarify physical interpretations of quantum paradoxes, and generate extra conceptual practice problems.
• What is prohibited: You may not submit AI-generated derivations or problem solutions as your own work, use AI to complete computational homework assignments without attribution, or access any AI or network tools during midterm or final examinations.
• Disclosure: For each written problem set, include a statement identifying any AI tools consulted and detailing how you verified the mathematical derivations, or declare that no AI tools were used.

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Exam 1: 20% (In class, Friday, September 25)
• Midterm Exam 2: 20% (In class, Friday, October 30)
• Weekly Problem Sets: 25% (Due Fridays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas (weeks 2–13; lowest dropped))
• Computational Physics Exercises: 10% (Biweekly numerical modeling assignments due Wednesdays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas)
• Final Comprehensive Examination: 25% (Monday, December 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No extra credit assignments are offered in PHYS 221.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance at all four weekly lecture meetings is required. Modern physics introduces abstract mathematical and philosophical concepts best developed through real-time dialogue and problem derivation. If you are absent due to illness or approved university business, notify Dr. Okoro via email in advance. More than four unexcused absences may reduce your course grade. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Problem sets submitted up to 24 hours late receive an automatic 20% point reduction. Problem sets submitted more than 24 hours past the deadline will not be evaluated as complete solutions are posted immediately. To account for emergencies, the lowest weekly problem set score is dropped.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Monday, December 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).