33-211 Physics III: Modern Essentials

10 units, Carnegie Mellon University

Physics III is primarily for third-semester students of physics, including all physics majors, but is open to any qualified student who wants an introduction to the physics of the 20th century. The course will have a strong component of Special Relativity, dealing with kinematics and dynamics, but not electricity and magnetism. It will introduce students to a conceptual theory, which is mathematically simple but (initially) non-intuitive. The course also provides a broad exposure to quantum phenomena and early quantum theory without getting overly mathematical. It leads into the more formal Quantum Physics course (33-234).

Prerequisites: 33-142 or 33-152 or 33-122

Offered: Spring 2027, Fall 2026, Spring 2026, Fall 2025

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