phy2mod modern physics
MODERN PHYSICS
PHY2MOD
2019
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-ordinatorAndrew McDonald
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites PHY1SCB and MAT1NLA and MAT1CDE
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Modern Physics, 5th Edition | Prescribed | Tipler, P. A., and Llewellyn, R. A., 2002 | W. H. FREEMAN AND CO., NEW YORK, ISBN-10: 0716743450 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Analyse, visualize and solve written conceptual and mathematical problems related as described by modern physics.
- Activities:
- Students are introduced to concepts and problem solving skills in on-line activities. They bring their work to the face to face classes to deepen their understanding and explore practical examples.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Critically review and analyse modern physics research data and compare and interpret the results with reference to the scientific literature.
- Activities:
- Students prepare two individual written lab reports which accurately and ethically describe the experiments, any findings, and draws appropriate conclusions. Students are provided with a template on which to base their report.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Perform experiments related to modern physics using standard physics laboratory techniques, equipment and software which produce conclusive and accurate results.
- Activities:
- Students conduct, in pairs, two extended laboratory experiments of nine hours duration each in close consultation with a staff demonstrator, who assists them in the design and conduct of the experiment.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
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.
- Activities:
- 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 then submit a written laboratory report detailing their interpretation of the results.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Bendigo, 2019, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorRussell Anderson
Class requirements
Laboratory ClassWeek: 32 - 41
Six 3.0 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 2.0 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 3.0 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 | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 2-hour written exam | 50 | 01 | |
| Two lab reports (1500 word equivalent total) | 20 | 02, 03, 04 | |
| Short assignments (500 word equivalent total) | 20 | 01 | |
| Online quizzes (500 word equivalent total) | 10 | 01 |
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAndrew McDonald
Class requirements
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours unscheduled online class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
Lecture/WorkshopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture/workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 32 - 41
Six 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 32 to week 41 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 2-hour written exam | 50 | 01 | |
| Two lab reports (1500 word equivalent total) | 20 | 02, 03, 04 | |
| Short assignments (500 word equivalent total) | 20 | 01 | |
| Online quizzes (500 word equivalent total) | 10 | 01 |