Modern Physics Course | IIT Guwahati | Prof. Saurabh Basu | Free Online
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 62 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Physics |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Building Blocks of the Universe: A Guide to the “Elements of Modern Physics” Course
Have you ever wondered how lasers work, what holds an atom's nucleus together, or why quantum mechanics is so revolutionary? The answers lie in the fascinating world of Modern Physics. For students and aspiring scientists, building a strong foundation in these concepts is crucial. A new, comprehensive online course, “Elements of Modern Physics”, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, provides the perfect pathway.
Designed and taught by Prof. Saurabh Basu, an acclaimed researcher in Condensed Matter Physics, this 12-week program is a masterclass in the fundamental principles that define our understanding of the physical world post-1900. It’s more than just a course; it’s a structured journey from the twilight of classical physics to the frontiers of particle physics.
Why This Course is a Must for Aspiring Scientists & Engineers
Modern Physics forms the backbone of contemporary science and technology. From semiconductors in your phone to MRI machines in hospitals, its applications are everywhere. This course stands out because it consolidates a vast spectrum of essential topics—often scattered across multiple textbooks—into a single, coherent curriculum.
Intended Audience & Benefits:
- Undergraduate Students (B.Sc Physics/Chemistry): An ideal supplement for first and second-year students, providing clarity and depth beyond standard textbooks.
- Postgraduate Students (M.Sc): Serves as an excellent refresher and foundation builder for advanced specializations.
- Competitive Exam Aspirants: Tailored content is highly beneficial for preparation for exams like CUET (UG & PG), civil services, and various national-level fellowship tests.
- Industry Professionals: Engineers in fields like nanotechnology, materials science, and quantum computing will find the core concepts invaluable.
Your Instructor: Learn from an IIT Expert
The course is led by Prof. Saurabh Basu of IIT Guwahati. With a research portfolio spanning graphene, topological insulators, and quantum Hall effects, Prof. Basu brings cutting-edge insight into teaching fundamental concepts. He is a seasoned educator with a proven track record on MOOC platforms, having successfully offered popular courses on Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Superconductivity, and the Quantum Hall Effect. His ability to demystify complex topics makes him the perfect guide for this intellectual journey.
A Detailed 12-Week Roadmap to Modern Physics
The course is meticulously structured to build knowledge step-by-step. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of what you will learn:
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2: Foundations | Review of Classical Physics, Special Relativity (Time Dilation, E=mc²), and the Old Quantum Theory (Bohr Model, Atomic Spectra). |
| Week 3-4: Quantum Revolution | Wave-Particle Duality, Uncertainty Principle, and the Postulates of Quantum Mechanics. Solving the Schrödinger equation for key systems like the particle in a box. |
| Week 5-6: Advanced Quantum Concepts | The Hydrogen atom, Perturbation Theory, Stimulated Emission (basis of LASERs), and Electron Spin with Spin-Orbit Coupling. |
| Week 7: Electromagnetism | Maxwell’s Equations and propagation of electromagnetic waves, linking classical and modern physics. |
| Week 8-9: Statistical Physics | Ensemble theory, and the critical Bose-Einstein, Fermi-Dirac, and Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics governing different particles. |
| Week 10: Solid State Physics | Lattice vibrations, semiconductors (p-n junction), and introductions to magnetism and superconductivity. |
| Week 11: Nuclear Physics | Nuclear models, binding energy, radioactivity (α, β, γ decay), and the principles behind fission and fusion. |
| Week 12: Particle Physics | A primer on the Standard Model, exploring quarks, leptons, and the fundamental forces. |
Essential Learning Resources
To complement the video lectures, the course recommends three classic textbooks, ensuring you have reliable reference material:
- Concepts of Modern Physics by A. Beiser
- Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei by R. M. Eisberg and R. Resnick
- Modern Physics by K.S. Krane
Who Should Enroll and How It Will Help You
This course is a strategic investment for your academic and professional future. It is perfectly pitched at the Undergraduate level but offers immense value to a broader audience. By completing this course, you will:
- Gain a unified, conceptual understanding of 20th-century physics breakthroughs.
- Develop strong problem-solving skills in quantum and statistical mechanics.
- Prepare robustly for university exams and national-level competitive tests.
- Build the necessary foundation to pursue advanced research in cutting-edge fields like quantum computing, nanomaterials, or high-energy physics.
In a world driven by technology rooted in modern physics, this course from IIT Guwahati is not just an academic offering; it's a key to unlocking a deeper understanding of the universe and your potential within the scientific community. Enroll to begin your journey from classical intuition to quantum reality.
Enroll Now →