MODERN PHYSICS

PHY2MOD

2014

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

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 or MAT1NLA and MAT1CLA or MAT1CDE is assumed.

Faculty: Faculty of Science, Tech & Engineering

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Chanh Tran

Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Exchange Students: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: PHY1SCA and PHY1SCB and MAT1CNS or MAT1NLA and MAT1CLA or MAT1CDE, or equivalent, or approval from the Department of Physics adviser of studies.

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: PHY2SCA, PHY20SCI, PHY21SCA

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsModern Physics, 4th EditionPrescribedTipler, P. A., and R. A. LlewellynW. H. FREEMAN AND CO., NEW YORK, ISBN-10: 0716743450, 2002.

Bendigo, 2014, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Katherine Legge

Class requirements

Laboratory ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%
Assignments20
Exam60
Labs20

Melbourne, 2014, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Chanh Tran

Class requirements

Laboratory ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 11 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%
Assignments20
Exam60
Labs20