GEK1508/PC1325 Einstein's Universe and Quantum Weirdness

Module Description
This module will give a gentle introduction to two of the most important developments in modern physics: relativity and quantum theory. It would cover topics such as: the concept of absolute and relative space and time, the twin paradox, black holes and wormholes, wave-particle duality of matter, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, Schrodinger's cat, the ultimate constituents of matter, grand unification and superstrings, and how these theories can contribute to the technology of tomorrow. It is designed for non-physics students, and proceeds mainly by analogy and contrast with the familiar. Concepts will be emphasised, while omitting the technical details.

Lecture Topics
- Einstein Special Relativity
- Einstein General Relativity
- Star Nomenclature
- Black Holes
- Classical Mechanics to Quantum Mechanics
- End of Determinism: Rise of Probabilistic Mother Nature
- What is Real?
- The standard model
- Lepton
- Antimatter

This module is mind blowing.

Workload
Two two-hours lecture
Lectures were taught by Prof Phil Chan. He is VERY PASSIONATE. Easily the best lecturer of the semester.

5 Odd or even week one-hour tutorial
Tutorial will NOT last more than 45 minutes. Do remember to sign attendance. The tutor will go through problems during tutorial. There will be assignments at the last 10-15 minutes of the tutorial. Don't be too worried about them. It's not too difficult.

Textbook is not compulsory. I don't think you need it as well because the lecture notes are really sufficient.

Lectures were webcasted.

Assessment 
5% Attendance
15% In-Class Assignment
5% IVLE discussion
5% Star Gazing
20% MCQ Test 1
20% MCQ Test 2
30% Term Paper

Term Paper is a group project of 2-3 students. We had to either write a story using relativistic or quantum ideas or a critical group review. So those of you who can write very well can choose to write a story.

5% star gazing is an interesting component of this module. You can either go on a short weekend astronomy trip to Punggai / Johor or the NUS football field.

MCQ Test 1 includes Einstein's Relativity. MCQ Test 2 will include the second half of the module. Prof will ask you to take it easy and have fun during the paper. Nevertheless the papers were still mind blowing. This whole module is mind blowing.

Sorry I do not have any past year papers