MODERN PHYSICS

PHY2MOD

2020

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject, you will explore two of the most important concepts in modern physics; special relativity and quantum mechanics. Special relativity considers the consequences of Einstein's postulates of the finite speed of light and its' constancy in different frames of reference including simultaneity, mass-energy equivalence (E = mc^2), causality and the possibility of inter-stellar space travel. In quantum mechanics, you will consider the consequences of the wave nature of matter such as particles which appear in two places at once. You will learn the essential mathematics of quantum mechanics used to describe expectation values and operators, stationary and time-dependent states, quantisation of angular momentum, and spin. On completion of this subject you will be able to apply the concepts of modern physics to solve problems in special relativity and quantum mechanics. By undertaking three experimental investigations related to these topics you will develop your conceptual understanding and laboratory skills. Knowledge and competence in the material presented in pre-requisite PHY1SCB or MAT1NLA and MAT1CDE is assumed.

School: Molecular Sciences (Pre 2022)

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Andrew McDonald

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Exchange Students: No

Available as Elective: No

Learning Activities: N/A

Capstone subject: No

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: MAT1CDE AND MAT1NLA AND PHY1SCB

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Quota Management Strategy: N/A

Quota-conditions or rules: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Minimum credit point requirement: N/A

Assumed knowledge: N/A

Learning resources

Modern Physics

Resource Type: Book

Resource Requirement: Prescribed

Author: Tipler, P. A., and Llewellyn, R. A.

Year: 2019

Edition/Volume: 6th edition

Publisher: W. H. FREEMAN AND CO., NEW YORK

ISBN: N/A

Chapter/article title: N/A

Chapter/issue: N/A

URL: N/A

Other description: N/A

Source location: N/A

Career Ready

Career-focused: No

Work-based learning: No

Self sourced or Uni sourced: N/A

Entire subject or partial subject: N/A

Total hours/days required: N/A

Location of WBL activity (region): N/A

WBL addtional requirements: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Creativity and Innovation

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Leadership and Teamwork

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Predict the outcomes of observations of systems moving at speeds approaching the speed of light using the framework of special relativity.

02. Analyse quantum mechanical systems, whose length scales approach that of the hydrogen atom to determine their mechanical properties and consider how they differ from those described by classical theory.

03. Verify the relationships described in the theoretical section of the subject through performing detailed experiments.

04. Describe and explain, in appropriate written and verbal style, the findings from laboratory experiments performed by the student. Answer verbal queries about the findings as presented in the context of modern physics.

05. Communicate key findings from experimental investigations in the form of a detailed written report.

Bendigo, 2020, Semester 2, Blended

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information: N/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Russell Anderson

Class requirements

Laboratory ClassWeek: 32 - 41
Six 3.00 hours laboratory class per study period on weekdays during the day from week 32 to week 41 and delivered via face-to-face.

Lecture/WorkshopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.00 hours lecture/workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.00 hours unscheduled online class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.

Assessments

Assessment element	Comments	Category	Contribution	Hurdle	%	ILO*
2-hour written exam (2000 word equivalent)	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	50	SILO1
Two lab reports (1500 word equivalent total)	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	20	SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5
Short assignments (500 word equivalent total)	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	20	SILO1
Online quizzes (500 word equivalent total)	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	10	SILO2, SILO3, SILO4

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 2, Blended