PHS1022 - Fields and quantum physics

Overview

This unit forms part of mainstream physics. You will study the foundations of rotational dynamics, the gravitational field, electrostatics, magnetism and quantum physics. Together these topics underpin interactions in our universe at sub-atomic to cosmic scales. In electrostatics, you will explore the electric field, potential and energy for various situations, and the behaviour of capacitors and dielectrics. In magnetism, you will cover the relation between currents, magnetic fields and induced emfs, inductance, LCR resonance, and an introduction to Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. In waves and quantum physics you will learn about superposition, interference and diffraction, wave-particle duality for matter and light, quantisation, wave functions and probabilities, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, the hydrogen atom, and the particle-in-a-box model

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Kavan Modi

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Kavan Modi

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Explain and understand concepts taught in the unit such as fields, electromagnetic phenomena, waves and quantum mechanics;

Apply your knowledge to solve problems related to these concepts;

Evaluate and appraise novel situations in terms of fields, electrostatics, magnetic interaction and quantum effects;

Execute experiments involving simple apparatus and analyse, interpret and evaluate the results arising from them;

Present and communicate results of others and one's own experimentations in a scientific form.

Teaching approach

Active learning

Expositional material is presented in the form of assigned pre-reading and/or pre-viewing videos, so that all face to face hours may be utilised to explore the nuanced detail and meaning of the material, to explore and build connections, and to gain a fundamental and concept-driven understanding of the material. Problem solving in small groups aided by a demonstrator or lecturer will facilitate building conceptual understanding, while collaborative laboratory investigations will demonstrate the material in action and test your ability to link theory to practice.

Assessment

1 - Experimental work

2 - Tests/Assignments

3 - Examination (3 hours and 10 minues)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Laboratories

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Required resources

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
Scientific non- programmable calculator Required - $30
Miscellaneous items required (Printing, Stationery) - $20

Availability in areas of study

Astrophysics
Materials science
Physics
Physiology