Quantum mechanics and theory of relativity for the layperson

Knowledge of modern physics belongs to common knowledge. It forms the basis of the technological development and addressing the challenges of energy consumption and production and global warming. Still, there is very little modern physics content in the upper secondary school curriculum. This course complements the general education of high school physics studies and supports the preparation for matriculation examination regarding modern physics. The course focuses on illustrating the concepts of quantum mechanics and relativity theory with the help of simulations and simple mathematical models.

Contents of quantum mechanics:

• A quantum mechanical state and its equation of motion
  
• Bound states, imprecision principle and tunneling
  
• Superposition and entanglement
  
• Schrödinger's cat and quantum computing
  

Contents of the theory of relativity

• Einstein's principle of relativity
  
• Relativity of motion and time
  
• Length contraction and time dilation
  
• General relativity, gravitational waves, and black holes