Understanding Modern Physics III: Simplicity and Complexity
Explore advanced concepts in modern physics, from action principles to complexity. Learn about particle physics, entropy, and chaos theory.
Explore advanced concepts in modern physics, from action principles to complexity. Learn about particle physics, entropy, and chaos theory.
This course, the third in the Understanding Modern Physics series, delves into advanced topics that bridge the gap between simplicity and complexity in modern physics. It covers four main areas: the action principle, fundamental particle physics, entropy and information, and complexity. The curriculum begins with an in-depth look at the action principle, including Fermat's Principle, functionals, and the Euler-Lagrange equation. It then moves on to explore elementary particles, the quest for unification in physics, and the challenges of quantum gravity. The third module focuses on entropy and information, discussing statistical entropy, the arrow of time, and information content. The course concludes with an examination of complexity, introducing concepts such as chaos theory and fractals. Throughout, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge of calculus and general physics to understand these advanced topics. The course aims to provide a comprehensive view of how simple principles can lead to complex phenomena in the physical world.
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What you'll learn
Understand and apply the action principle in various physical systems
Explore the fundamentals of particle physics and the challenges of quantum gravity
Analyze the concept of entropy in relation to time and information
Investigate complexity in physical systems, including chaos theory and fractals
Apply calculus and general physics knowledge to advanced physics concepts
Understand the connection between simple physical laws and complex phenomena
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
6 Hours PreRecorded video
4 assignments
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FullTime access
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There are 4 modules in this course
This course offers an advanced exploration of modern physics, focusing on the interplay between simplicity and complexity in physical phenomena. Structured into four modules, it covers a broad range of topics that are crucial to understanding the frontiers of contemporary physics. The first module introduces the action principle, a fundamental concept in theoretical physics, covering topics from Fermat's Principle to the Euler-Lagrange equation and symmetries in physics. The second module delves into particle physics and the quest for unification, discussing elementary particles, quantum gravity, and string theory. The third module explores entropy and information, addressing the arrow of time, Maxwell's demon, and information entropy. The final module introduces complexity, covering chaos theory, logistic maps, and fractals. Throughout the course, students are challenged to apply their knowledge of calculus and general physics to grasp these advanced concepts. By connecting fundamental principles to complex phenomena, the course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how simple rules can lead to intricate behaviors in nature. This course is ideal for students who have completed the previous courses in the series and are ready to tackle more advanced topics in modern physics.
Action Principle
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
Particles and Strings
Module 2 · 1 Hours to complete
Entropy and Information
Module 3 · 1 Hours to complete
Complexity
Module 4 · 1 Hours to complete
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Instructor
Associate Professor of Physics
Dr. Yi Wang is an Associate Professor at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), specializing in theoretical physics with a focus on the early universe, dark energy, and black holes. He has published over 90 papers in leading physics journals, including Physics Reports and Physical Review Letters. Recognized for his research excellence, he received the Early Career Award from the Research Grant Council of Hong Kong SAR and support from the Excellent Young Scientist Scheme of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. In addition to his research, Dr. Wang is celebrated for his teaching, having been voted "the teacher I like" by HKUST students and awarded the Teaching Award by the School of Science. He actively contributes to nurturing young talent in physics, having led the Hong Kong team in International Physics Olympiad Competitions. Dr. Wang teaches several courses on modern physics, including Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology, Understanding Modern Physics II: Quantum Mechanics and Atoms, and Understanding Modern Physics III: Simplicity and Complexity, aiming to inspire future generations through engaging educational practices.
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4.8 course rating
26 ratings
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