This book presents the basic elements of theoretical physics in a highly accessible
captivating way for university students in the third year of a degree in physics. It covers
analytical mechanics thermodynamics and statistical physics special and general relativity
and non-relativistic quantum theory fully developing the necessary mathematical methods beyond
standard calculus. The central theme is scientific curiosity and the main focus is on the
experimental meaning of all quantities and equations. Several recent verifications of General
Relativity are presented with emphasis on the physical effects - why they were predicted to
exist and what signals they were seen to produce. Similarly the basic reasons why
superconductors have zero resistance and are perfect diamagnets are pinpointed. Quantum Eraser
Experiments and Delayed Choice Experiments are described. Many statements of Quantum Theory are
a challenge to common sense and some crucial predictions have often been considered hard to
believe and have been tested experimentally. The book examines the EPR paradox Bell states and
teleportation. To show the beauty and richness of the subject various topics from different
areas of Physics are covered. These include: discrete quantum models and lattices (periodic and
not) Casimir effect Anyons Fano Resonances the Hanbury Brown and Twiss effect the
Aharonov-Bohm effect the Meitner-Auger effect Squeezed Light the Rabi model neutrino
oscillations aspects of Quantum Transport Quantum Pumping and Berry phases black holes and
cosmological problems.
