Subject Database

Subject Code:	PHY2MOD
Subject Short Title:	MODERN PHYSICS
Credit Points:	15
Subject Description:	On completion of this subject, students will be able to solve problems in modern physics which provide a basis for further study in physics, engineering or another science. They will be able to use the essential apparatus in a physics laboratory to take and analyse measurements, and understand the vocabulary and concepts of modern physics. Two key areas of modern physics, special relativity and quantum mechanics are explored. Special relativity considers Einstein's postulates, including simultaneity, mass-energy equivalence, causality, and electromagnetism. In quantum mechanics, students develop their understanding of quantisation, wave-particle duality, expectation values and operators, stationary and time-dependent states, quantisation of angular momentum and spin. Students will conduct three experimental investigations related to these topics. Knowledge and competence in the material presented in PHY1SCA, PHY1SCB, MAT1CNS and MAT1CLA is assumed.
Prerequisites:	PHY1SCA and PHY1SCB and MAT1CNS and MAT1CLA, or equivalent, or approval from the Department of Physics adviser of studies.
Incompatibles:	PHY2SCA, PHY20SCI, PHY21SCA
Class Requirements:	Two 1-hr lectures, one 1-hr tutorial and one 3-hr laboratory class per week.
Work Experience Indicator:	Student is not undertaking work experience in industry
Available to 'Study Abroad' students:	Y

Assessment:

Assessment Type	%	Comments
Exam	60
Assignments	20
Labs	20

Readings:

Reading Type	Title	Author	Publisher
Prescribed	Modern Physics, 4th Edition	Tipler, P. A., and R. A. Llewellyn	W. H. Freeman and Co., New York, ISBN-10: 0716743450, 2002.

Subject Coordinator: Dr Brian Abbey

Subject Availability
BENDIGO
	Semester 1, Day. Dr Katherine Legge (K.Legge@latrobe.edu.au)
BUNDOORA
	Semester 1, Day. Dr Brian Abbey (B.Abbey@latrobe.edu.au)