Departments Supervised by the Rectorate · İZÜ Seçmeli Dersler · Undergraduate
Course Objective
The aim of this course is to shed light on the nature of the magnificent universe with extremely simple approaches and in a way that everyone can understand.
First, a brief history will be given and then the fundamental forces and the role played by particles will be explained.
Mind-boggling concepts, such as the Theory of Relativity, which shows how time and space are stretched and curved, and Quantum Physics, which includes the mysterious behaviors of particles and light, will be explained.
Finally, recent discoveries in science such as black holes, dark matter, dark energy and gravitational waves that gently ripples through space-time will be covered.
Course Content
What is the Universe?; The birth of the Universe; Understanding the physics of our Universe; The most important equations explaining physical events in the Universe; The Higgs boson and the Standard Model; Quantum mechanics; Fundamental laws and symmetries; Fundamental forces and elementary particles; The periodic table and the origin of the elements; The truth about space and time (Special Relativity); Space and time in the theory of General Relativity; Light and quantum mechanical concepts; Black holes, Dark matter and Dark energy.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Understanding the Physics of our Universe
- Start to understand the key questions about the universe
- Light and the concepts of quantum mechanics
Core Area Distribution
Teaching Methods
Assessment & Evaluation
ECTS / Workload
| Activity | Quantity | Duration (h) | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Duration (Including Exam Week) | 14 | 2 | 28 |
| Out of Class Study Period | 14 | 2 | 28 |
| Midterm | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assignment | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Practice | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 10 | 10 |
Course Schedule
| Week | Subject | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | In Pursuit of the Unknown: 17 Equations That Changed the World | None |
| 2 | In Pursuit of the Unknown, 17 Equations That Changed the World | None |
| 3 | Higgs Boson and Standard Model | None |
| 4 | Higgs Boson and Standard Model | Notes from Week 3 |
| 5 | History of the Universe, Dark Matter and Dark Energy | None |
| 6 | History of the Universe, Dark Matter and Dark Energy | Notes from Week 5 |
| 7 | Gravity and String Theory - 1 | None |
| 8 | FINAL EXAM | Studying the course materials covered |
| 9 | Gravity and String Theory - 2 | Materials from Week 7 |
| 10 | Quantum Mechanics, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and Wave Behavior of Matter | None |
| 11 | Quantum Mechanics, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and Wave Behavior of Matter | Notes from Week 10 |
| 12 | Periodic Table and Origin of the Elements | None |
| 13 | Periodic Table and Origin of the Elements | Notes from Week 12 |
| 14 | The Universe and Elementary Forces | None |
| 15 | The Universe and Elementary Forces | Notes from Week 14 |
| 16 | FINAL EXAM | Studying all previous course materials |