PHYSICS OF QUANTUM MATTER
PHY3PQM
2020
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject you will explore fundamental quantum physics and apply it to solve problems involving the electronic and thermal properties of matter. You will further develop concepts in classical and modern physics previously considered in PHY2CLP and PHY2MOD. This subject is one of four such subjects at third year level that together constitute the physics major in the Bachelor of Science.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorAlex Schenk
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites PHY2CLP and PHYMOD and MAT2VCA and MAT2LAL
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PHY5PQA
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Introduction to the Structure of Matter: A Course in Modern Physics | Prescribed | John J. Brehm and William J. Mullin, 1985 | John Wiley & Sons |
| Readings | Elements of Quantum Optics | Prescribed | Meystre, Pierre, Sargent, Murray | Springer Berlin Heidelberg |
| Readings | Introductory Quantum Optics | Prescribed | Christopher Gerry and Peter Knight | Cambridge University Press |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Correctly use the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics in the context of atomic systems including the use of operators and the Hamiltonian to derive the Schrodinger equation.
- Activities:
- Students apply the tools of quantum mechanics to solve fundamental problems of measurement and observation. Students are shown in lectures how these tools can be derived mathematically from 5 fundamental postulates.
02. Appropriately apply the tools of quantum mechanics to predict the fundamental electronic properties of crystalline systems through the application of the tools of quantum mechanics to systems of condensed matter.
- Activities:
- Students use problem solving techniques modelled in lectures and tutorials to write solutions to problems posed in assignments and the final exam.
03. Use standard technical software to implement computational solutions to problems too complex for analytical mathematical solutions.
- Activities:
- Computational skills will be developed in workshops by students writing an extended program in Matlab to model and thus solve a problem in quantum matter.
04. Design solutions to complex problems in solid state physics integrating diverse aspects of quantum mechanics.
- Activities:
- Students use problem solving techniques modelled in lectures and tutorials to write solutions to problems posed in assignments and the final exam.
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Bendigo, 2020, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorRussell Anderson
Class requirements
WorkShop
Week:
10
-
22
Six 3.0 hours workshop per study period
on weekdays
during the day
from week 10 to week 22
and delivered via face-to-face.
Lecture
Week:
10
-
22
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 10 to week 22
and delivered via face-to-face.
Tutorial
Week:
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* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-hour end of semester written exam (2000 word equiv | 50 | 01, 02 | |
| Four written assignments (1800 word equiv) | Solutions to short essay questions including mathematical analysis. | 40 | 01, 02, 04 |
| One computational assignment (700 word equiv) | Marks will be awarded for both the appropriateness of the program design and quality of in-line documentation. | 10 | 03 |
Melbourne, 2020, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAlex Schenk
Class requirements
WorkShop
Week:
10
-
22
Six 3.0 hours workshop per study period
on weekdays
during the day
from week 10 to week 22
and delivered via face-to-face.
Lecture
Week:
10
-
22
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 10 to week 22
and delivered via face-to-face.
Tutorial
Week:
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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-hour end of semester written exam (2000 word equiv | 50 | 01, 02 | |
| Four written assignments (1800 word equiv) | Solutions to short essay questions including mathematical analysis. | 40 | 01, 02, 04 |
| One computational assignment (700 word equiv) | Marks will be awarded for both the appropriateness of the program design and quality of in-line documentation. | 10 | 03 |