Ateneo - UPO

Special relativity: concept of space-time; Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics and dynamics;Overview of electromagnetism and its covariant formulation;Relativistic quantum mechanics: spin, antimatter and applications;Introduction to general relativity: the theory of the evolution of the universe, black holes, Big Bang, gravitational waves;Gauge theories: applications to the theory of fundamental interactions.

V. Barone: Relatività (Bollati Boringhieri);  R. Resnick: Introduzione alla Relatività ristretta (CSA); J.J. Sakurai, J. Napolitano: Meccanica Quantistica Moderna (Zanichelli);  T. Regge, Spazio tempo, relatività (Loescher); Sean Carrol: Spacetime and geometry (Benjamin Cummings); A. Ferrari: Stelle, galassie e universo. Fondamenti di astrofisica (Springer).

To provide an overview of the developments in modern physics based on the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, in the fields of particle physics and the theory of gravity.

The knowledge normally acquired in the courses of Fundamental Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Structure of Matter and Mathematical Methods of Physics is required.

Frontal lessons at the blackboard integrated with exercises and simulations with the participation of students.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam consists of an oral test during which the student be asked to illustrate three themes chosen from the topics covered in class, both from both a physical and a mathematical point of view. At the end of the exam, a final grade will be assigned (out of 30). To pass the test the student must demonstrate that they know and understand the basic concepts and their application to problem solving. A passing grade is achieved if at least two questions are answered satisfactorily. Honors are awarded if the answers to all questions are complete and exhaustive.

Special Relativity: invariance of the speed of light, space and time, Lorentz transformations and their consequences; relativistic paradoxes;Classical electromagnetism: Maxwell's equations and their transformation properties, covariant formulation of Maxwell's equations; concept of electromagnetic field.Relativistic Quantum Mechanics: Dirac equation and its properties; solutions and implications;General relativity: equivalence principle; geometry of space-time, connection and curvature; Einstein’s equations; Schwarzschild’s solution and black holes; gravitational waves; elements of cosmology;Gauge theories and their applications to the physics of fundamental interactions.

Knowledge and understanding: the course aims to provide some basics of modern physics both for the teaching of physics in the last years of secondary schools, and to understand the scientific news that are disseminated and to pave the way towards a master's degree.Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: the course aims to provide the ability to apply the knowledge acquired for teaching, dissemination and scientific consultancy.Communication skills: being able to provide both orally and in writing the notions learned in the course.Learning skills: acquisition of a certain mastery of the literature on the topics studied, in order to be able to update personal knowledge by following scientific advances. This course contributes to the educational objectives of the "Communication of Physics" profile.