phy2mod modern physics
MODERN PHYSICS
PHY2MOD
2016
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.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorChanh Tran
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
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-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PHY2SCA, PHY20SCI, PHY21SCA
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Modern Physics, 4th Edition | Prescribed | Tipler, P. A., and R. A. Llewellyn | W. H. FREEMAN AND CO., NEW YORK, ISBN-10: 0716743450, 2002. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Diagrammatically represent, analyse and / or solve conceptual and mathematical problems related to modern physics.
- Activities:
- Students are assessed via four assignments, submitted via the LMS. In these assignments, students generate answers of around 5 handwritten pages in length to conceptual and mathematical questions. Students sit a final end of semester exam comprising short answer questions to problems.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
02. Use accurate terminology and appropriate units to describe physical phenomena related to modern physics.
- Activities:
- Students are required to use appropriate terminology and units in all assessment elements (namely assignments, laboratory reports and exam).
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
03. Perform experiments related to modern physics using standard physics laboratory techniques, equipment and software and assess the data to check for inappropriate, irrelevant or spurious results.
- Activities:
- Students complete three extended laboratory experiments of nine hours in total for each experiment, and submit a report that indicates their ability to detail and assess experimental data. Students follow written and verbal laboratory instructions to conduct the experiments accurately and safely.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
04. Explain and interpret laboratory results in the context of modern physics.
- Activities:
- Students submit three laboratory reports detailing their interpretation of the results. The laboratory report mark contains a writing component. Students conduct an oral interview with a laboratory demonstrator at the completion of each experiment where their understanding of the underlying physics concepts, experimental approaches, data and error analysis, and maturity in diagnosing and solving problems are assessed. Students give an oral presentation about one of the first two experiments they have conducted where they explain and interpret their results to a peer group and the lecturer.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
05. Collaborate, in pairs, to complete laboratory experiments and prepare and deliver the oral component of laboratory assessment. Ethically distinguish between collaborative and individual work.
- Activities:
- The relative participation of each student in completing the experiment and in the preparation and execution of the oral component of the laboratory assessment are assessed. It is repeatedly stressed via the subject materials and orally that students in the group are expected to contribute equally to these activities. Students are expected to submit their own work (laboratory reports). If they fail to do so, they are counselled after the first occasion by the demonstrator. For subsequent plagiarism, no marks are awarded and they are interviewed by the subject coordinator.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
Subject options
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Bendigo, 2016, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorKatherine 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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 20 | 01, 02 | |
| Exam | 60 | 01, 02 | |
| Labs | 20 | 03, 04, 05 |
Melbourne, 2016, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorChanh Tran
Class requirements
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.
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.
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.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 20 | 01, 02 | |
| Exam | 60 | 01, 02 | |
| Labs | 20 | 03, 04, 05 |