School of Physics and Astronomy
SECOND YEAR MODULE
CHOICE
HANDBOOK
2014-15
HEAD OF YEAR: Dr Nicola Wilkin
CHOOSING YOUR MODULES FOR THE COMING SESSION VERY IMPORTANT NOTE
Almost all modules in Years 2, 3 & 4 have 'prerequisites', i.e. modules that
you must have taken before starting your chosen module. This means that if
you do not make sensible choices in earlier years, you may find yourself
barred from taking your preferred modules in later years. A full list of
modules for all 4 years, together with their prerequisites is shown in this
booklet.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PLAN YOUR PATH THROUGH THE
ENTIRE DEGREE PROGRAMME.
Useful information can be found on:
1
https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/student/index.aspx
2
Table of Contents
An Introductory Meeting for all second year students will take place at the start
of the term, all details to be confirmed. All Year 2 students are required to
attend. ................................................................................................. 4 Important: The Module Choice Form must be completed by Friday 20th June
2014 Option Forms can be found at: ..................................................... 4 https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/eps/eps-school-intranets/physicsastronomy/students/undergraduate/modules/index.aspx ...................... 4 Head of Year and Degree Programme Co-ordinator Details.................... 5 MODULE DESCRIPTIONS 2014-15 ................................................ 7 LI Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2 .................................................... 8 LI Eigenphysics ..................................................................................... 9 LI Electromagnetism 2 ......................................................................... 11 LI Electronics ...................................................................................... 12 Mathematics for Physicists 2 ................................................................. 17 LI Modern Optics ................................................................................. 19 LI Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos .......................................................... 22 LI Observing the Universe .................................................................... 24 LI Physics and Communication Skills 2 .................................................. 26 Module Title ........................................................................................ 29 LI Physics Laboratory 2 ................................................................... 29 Module Title ........................................................................................ 30 LI Physics Project ................................................................................ 30 LI Nanotechnology Research Report ..................................................... 34 LI Quantum Mechanics 2 ...................................................................... 35 LI Statistical Physics and Entropy .................................................. 36 MODULES FROM THE SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS ............................ 39 LI Analytical Techniques ....................................................................... 39 LI Applied Mathematics ........................................................................ 39 LI Linear Algebra ................................................................................. 41 PROGRAMME STRUCTURES ............................................................. 42 BSc/MSci Physics ................................................................................. 43 BSc Physics (International Study) ......................................................... 44 BSc/MSci Physics and Astrophysics........................................................ 45 BSc Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) ................................ 46 MSci Physics with Nanoscale Physics ..................................................... 47 BSc/MSci Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology ........................... 48 BSc/MSci Theoretical Physics ................................................................ 49 BSc/MSci Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics .......................... 50 3
An Introductory Meeting for all second year students will take place at the start of the term,
all details to be confirmed. All Year 2 students are required to attend.
Important: The Module Choice Form must be completed by Friday 20th June 2014 Option
Forms can be found at:
https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/eps/eps-school-intranets/physicsastronomy/students/undergraduate/modules/index.aspx
4
Head of Year and Degree Programme Co-ordinator Details
Head of Year
Email for an appointment
Dr Nicola Wilkin
East 406
n.k.wilkin@bham.ac.uk
In the absence of the Head of Year, please contact Eleanor Taylor
Teaching Support Administrator
Eleanor Taylor
TSO
e.taylor.1@bham.ac.uk
Co-ordinators of Degree Programmes
Physics
Dr Robert A Smith
East 411
ras@th.ph.bham.ac.uk
Physics and Astrophysics
Professor Trevor
Ponman
West 236
tjp@star.sr.bham.ac.uk
Physics with Particle Physics
and Cosmology
Dr Chris Hawkes
West 212
c.m.hawkes@bham.ac.uk
Physics (International Study)
Dr Chris Mayhew
East 209a
c.mayhew@bham.ac.uk
Theoretical Physics
Professor Mike Gunn
East 404
j.m.f.gunn@bham.ac.uk
Theoretical Physics and Applied
Mathematics
Dr Martin Long
East 419
mwl@th.ph.bham.ac.uk
Physics with Nanoscale Physics
Professor Richard
Palmer
East 107
r.e.palmer@bham.ac.uk
Natural Sciences
Professor David Evans
West 214
d.evans@bham.ac.uk
5
List of Modules & Staff Contact Details
Classical Mechanics &
Relativity 2
Professor D Evans
West 320
de@hep.ph.bham.ac.uk
Eigenphysics
Professor J M F Gunn
East 404
j.m.f.gunn@bham.ac.uk
Electromagnetism 2
Dr C Mayhew
East 213b
c.mayhew@bham.ac.uk
Electronics
Dr J Wilson
West 217
j.a.wilson@bham.ac.uk
Particles and Nuclei & A
Quantum Approach to Solids
Dr A Watson/ Dr
Elizabeth Blackburn
West 218
/ East 207
atw@hep.ph.bham.ac.uk /
e.blackburn@bham.ac.uk
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian
Mechanics
Dr D Gangardt
East 407
d.m.gangardt@bham.ac.uk
Mathematics for Physicists 2
Dr R Smith
East 411
ras@th.ph.bham.ac.uk
Modern Optics
Professor K Bongs
East 404
k.bongs@bham.ac.uk
Neutrinos
Dr E Goudzovski
West 215
eg@hep.ph.bham.ac.uk
Nuclear Physics
Professor M Freer
East 307
m.freer@bham.ac.uk
Observing the Universe
Dr G Smith
West 233
gps@star.sr.bham.ac.uk
Physics and Communication
Skills 2
Professor M Freer
East 307
m.freer@bham.ac.uk
Physics Laboratory
Dr M Colclough
East 209b
m.s.colclough@bham.ac.u
k
Quantum Mechanics 2
Professor P Jones
East 306
p.g.jones@bham.ac.uk
Statistical Physics and
Entropy
Dr N Thomas
East 206
n.thomas@bham.ac.uk
Structure in the Universe
Professor W Chaplin
West G34
wjc@bison.ph.bham.ac.uk
6
MODULE DESCRIPTIONS
2014-15
7
Module Title
Module Code
Member of Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Pre-requisites
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Texts
Checked
LI Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2
03 17272
Professor D Evans
Intermediate Level
10
1
24
Lectures, directed reading
03 19748 Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1
This module develops the principles of mechanics and of special relativity,
introduced in the first year. In this second phase, Newton's Laws are
developed to handle more realistic problems. Starting with point-like
particles, techniques are developed for handling many particle systems and
extended rigid bodies. Damped simple harmonic motion is described and
the behaviour of such a system under a periodic driving force is discussed.
The module progresses from translational to rotational motion. Motion under
a central, conservative force is described in and the effects of energy and
momentum conservation are discussed. Motion in a rotating frame is
discussed. In special relativity, the transformations of momentum and
energy are reviewed with emphasis on the Lorentz invariants and their use
in describing collisions.
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
calculate the positions of the centre of mass and evaluate the moments of
inertia of simple extended bodies; describe quantitatively simple harmonic
motion and extend the discussion to include damping and also periodic
driving forces; hence understand what is a resonance? and how it can be
described in terms of the Q factor; understand the vector nature of angular
momentum and hence describe gyroscopic motion; understand the concept
of effective potential and describe in detail motion under a central
conservative force; understand what is meant by a non-inertial frame and
how motion in a rotating frame can be described in terms of centrifugal and
Coriolis forces; use four-momentum squared to describe relativistic
collisions.
1 x 1 hour 30 minutes written examination (80%) and continuous
assessment, problem sheets (20%)
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
May 2014
8
Module
LI Eigenphysics
Title
School
Physics and Astronomy
Department Physics & Astronomy
Module Code
Module Lead
Level
Credits
Semester
Pre-requisites
Contact Hours
Description
Learning
Outcomes
03 00746
Prof J M F Gunn
Intermediate Level
10
Semester 2
Mathematics for Physicists 1 B - (03 19753) Mathematics for Physicists 1A - (03 19751)
Lecture-24 hours
Seminar-0 hours
Tutorial-0 hours
Project supervision-0 hours
Demonstration-0 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-11 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-0 hours
Fieldwork-0 hours
External Visits-0 hours
Work based learning-0 hours
Guided independent study-65 hours
Placement-0 hours
Year Abroad-0 hours
The equations describing many important physical phenomena are linear differential
equations. For example, in quantum mechanics the Schrödinger equation contains no
power of the wavefunction or its derivatives greater than the first, and so is a linear
differential equation. Similarly Maxwell's equations contain no power of the electric and
magnetic fields or their derivatives greater than the first, and so Maxwell's theory of
electromagnetism is also linear. One consequence of a linear theory is that the sum of any
two independent solutions is also a solution; this leads to the phenomenon of interference in
both optics and quantum mechanics. What is more surprising is that the solutions may be
regarded as ‘vectors”, where the “angle” between them is important.
In this module we shall study the mathematics which underlies and is common to all these
different linear systems. The mathematical techniques and ideas are illustrated by drawing
on familiar examples from both classical and quantum physics.
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
Understand the axiomatic development of mathematical structures such as groups, fields
and vector spaces;
Understand the ideas of vector space, function space and inner product and test a given
system against the relevant axioms;
Understand and test for linear independence and linear dependence of a set of vectors or
functions;
Understand the ideas of basis, orthogonal basis and orthonormal basis;
Construct an orthonormal basis by the Gram-Schmidt process;
Understand the idea of a linear operator and construct its matrix representation in a given
basis;
Understand change of basis and construct and use a change of basis matrix;
Understand the idea of an operator eigenvalue problem;
Convert second-order differential equations into Sturm-Liouville form;
Use power series solutions to solve differential equations;
Use power series solutions and boundary conditions to find eigenvalues of Sturm-Liouville
problems;
Be able to use generating functions for orthogonal polynomials;
Be able to use Rodrigues formulae for orthogonal polynomials;
Understand and use the Rayleigh-Ritz variational method to estimate the lowest eigenvalue
9
Assessment
Assessment
Methods &
Exceptions
Reading List
Checked
of a given problem;
Apply the above mathematical techniques to problems of classical and quantum mechanics.
00746-01 : Exam : Exam (CT) - Written Unseen (80%)
00746-02 : Examples sheets : Coursework (20%)
One 1.5hr written examination (80%); Continuous assessment via weekly problem sheets
(20%)
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743
May 2014
10
Module Title
Module Code
Member of Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Pre-requisites
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Texts
LI Electromagnetism 2
03 00953
Dr Chris Mayhew
Intermediate Level
10
2
24
lectures, whole-class teaching
03 19750 Electromagnetism 1 and Temperature & Matter
The 19th century saw mankind's greatest advances in the understanding of
electricity and magnetism thanks to pure research carried out by the likes of
Faraday, Ampère and Maxwell. Indeed, according to Feynman, the most
significant event of the 19th century was Maxwell's four equations for
electromagnetic fields published between 1855 and 1865. These four
equations described the whole of electricity and magnetism and, for the first
time, unified the electric and magnetic forces into one theory of
electromagnetism. Maxwell also used these equations to show that light was
an electromagnetic wave and accurately predicted the velocity of light. His
equations also showed that electromagnetic waves were Lorentz invariant
some forty years before Einstein.
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
apply the laws of Gauss, Faraday and Ampère to problems involving
charges and magnetic fields; have a firm grounding of Maxwell's equations
and their origins; apply and solve Maxwell's equations to electromagnetic
problems; show that electric and magnetic fields can travel as waves in free
space and media; calculate the major laws of optics using electromagnetic
theory; apply Maxwell's equations in order to derive the conductivity of
conductors and plasmas; Use Poynting's vector to calculate the power in an
electromagnetic wave.
1 x 1 hour 30 minutes written examination (80%); Continuous assessment,
problem sheets (20%)
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
11
Module Title
LI Electronics
Module Code
Member of Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Description
03 17489
Dr John Wilson
Intermediate Level
10
2
24
22 lectures. Assessed and non-assessed problems are set throughout.
The module discusses the basic principles of analogue and digital
electronics.
It is important to recognise that it is analogue electronics that often provides
the interface between a measuring device and the physical world.
Therefore the first stage of an electronics circuit is to preserve and amplify a
signal faithfully with minimal distortion. When we digitise an analogue signal
we trade in our continuous physical signal for one in which only certain
values are allowed. This sacrifices some information, but comes with some
major advantages, such as errorless data transmission. Digital electronics is
at the very heart of the telecommunications revolution that has given us the
digital computer, the Internet and, more recently, digital radio and television.
Learning
Outcomes
The analogue part of the course focuses on the frequency response of
simple circuits and on the versatility of operational amplifiers. We shall
investigate the advantages and potential problems of negative feedback.
We will also look at the problem of noise and signal recovery and the
problems associated with the process of analogue-to-digital conversion.
Uses of digital electronics ranges from small-scale tasks possible with just a
few logic gates up to the complexity of large computer farms. This section
starts with an introduction to binary arithmetic, logic gates and the laws of
Boolean algebra. Techniques for designing and improving logic are then
introduced and illustrated with examples. Various types of logic families will
be discussed together with how to make logic gates from semiconductors.
Finally, the various types of devices and flip-flops and their applications are
explored.
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
Understand the concept of complex impedance.
Be able to derive the transfer function of simple circuits.
Be able to draw and derive information from Bode plots.
Know the basic characteristics of an operational amplifier.
Appreciate the advantages and potential problems of negative feedback.
Be able to study the behaviour of some common op-amp circuits.
Be able to use Bode plots to determine the stability of amplifier circuits.
Be able to design an oscillator using the concept of positive feedback.
Know the physical origin of different types of noise and the techniques used
to remove them.
Understand the problems associated with digitising an analogue signal.
Recognise the need for anti-aliasing and anti-imaging filters in DSP
applications.
Be able to write any number in binary or hexadecimal form.
Be aware of error handling and correction.
Have a firm grounding of basic logic gates and their applications.
Be able to perform and manipulate basic Boolean algebra.
Be able to design logic to perform simple functions.
12
Assessment
Texts
Checked
Be able to use Karnaugh maps to simplify Boolean functions.
Be aware of different types of flip-flops and their applications.
1 x 1 hour 30 minutes exam (80%),continuous assessment problem sheets
(20%)
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
May 2014
13
Module
Title
LI Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
Physics and Astronomy
Department Physics & Astronomy
Module
03 00539
School
Code
Module
Lead
Level
Credits
Semester
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Restriction
s
Contact
Hours
Dr D Gangardt
Intermediate Level
10
Semester 2
Mathematics for Physicists 1 B - (03 19753) Mathematics for Physicists
1A - (03 19751)
none
Lecture-24 hours
Seminar-0 hours
Tutorial-0 hours
Project supervision-0 hours
Demonstration-0 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-11 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-0 hours
Fieldwork-0 hours
External Visits-0 hours
Work based learning-0 hours
Guided independent study-65 hours
Placement-0 hours
Year Abroad-0 hours
Description Newton's conventional formulation of Classical Mechanics focuses
attention on the forces acting on a system of particles and the second law
of Newton then provides a way of calculating the subsequent position and
motion of all the particles making up the system. This process can at
times be rather awkward - particularly if there are constraints on the
system. If we have, for example, a bead which is constrained to slide
along a wire of known shape then the forces which constrain the bead to
remain on the wire - the forces of constraint - are usually the reaction
forces and they must be calculated using Newton's Laws for motion in say
the x, y and z directions. Such a calculation may be awkward. However
these constraint forces can be thought of as providing a purely
geometrical constraint on the motion of the bead on the wire. If we can get
away from having to work out the reaction forces, by using any convenient
coordinate which incorporates the geometry of the problem (such as the
14
Learning
Outcomes
distance moved along the wire) then we need never calculate the reaction
(or constraint) forces. This elegant and beautiful reformulation of classical
mechanics due to Lagrange and Hamilton, does exactly this and lies at
the centre of the thinking about much modern physics. It allows us to
choose any convenient set of coordinates to describe a problem and
focuses on energies of a system- usually much easier to write down than
the forces.
We are thus are provided with a convenient and very practical way of
analysing the motion of quite complicated systems. It also provides
remarkable insights into the relations between the symmetries in a system
and the conservation laws which hold. We can after all observe a
conservation law in a scattering experiment and use this to deduce the
symmetry of the underlying forces of nature. As a general rule in physics,
a reformulation of any problem will usually offer new insights into its
solution. We shall see also that the beautiful methods developed by
Lagrange and Hamilton for Classical Mechanics are very close in spirit to
the outlook of both Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics and
Dirac's classic text on Quantum Mechanics draws heavily on the ideas
which we shall develop in this module. Latterly the language and ideas of
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics have found fruit in the description
of the behavior of certain Chaotic systems. The section of the module on
the Calculus of Variations provides the mathematical background needed
for a study of the General Theory of Relativity in year 4.
By the end of the module students should be able to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Identify the number of degrees of freedom in a mechanical system,
select appropriate generalised coordinates and write down the
kinetic and potential energies and a Lagrangian in terms of these
generalised coordinates and generalised velocities;
Identify the cyclic coordinates and all conserved quantities and
write down the relevant conjugate canonical momenta and the
Hamiltonian Integral and use these (together with Lagrange's
equations) to solve mechanical problems;
Analyse the central force problem and Kepler's gravitational
problem using standard equations in polar coordinates;
Determine the equilibrium configurations of a system with several
degrees of freedom;
Determine the frequencies and motions associated with the normal
modes of small amplitude oscillations about equilibrium;
Set up and solve for the extremals of straightforward problems in
the Calculus of Variations and understand and use the links
between the Calculus of Variations and Lagrangian Mechanics;
Describe a system in terms of the generalised coordinates and the
conjugate canonical momenta and write down the Hamiltonian of a
15
•
•
•
•
Assessme
nt
Assessme
nt
Methods &
Exception
s
Other
Reading
List
system, starting from its Lagrangian;
Solve Hamilton's equations in appropriate circumstances and use
Conservation Laws;
Construct a Canonical Transformation, calculate a Poisson Bracket
and understand and the use of the Poisson Bracket in a Canonical
Transformation;
Write down the time evolution of a function of the dynamical
variables in terms of the Poisson Brackets;
Understand and solve the Hamilton Jacobi Equation in
straightforward circumstances.
00539-01 : Exam : Exam (CT) - Written Unseen (80%)
00539-02 : Examples sheets : Coursework (20%)
1 x 1.5 hour exam (80%) and continuous assessment (weekly problem
sheets) (20%)
none
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
16
ModuleTitle LI Mathematics for Physicists 2
School
Department
Module Code
Module Lead
Level
Credits
Semester
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Restrictions
Contact Hours
Exclusions
Description
Physics and Astronomy
Physics and Astronomy
03 12497
Dr R A Smith
Intermediate Level
20
Full Term
Mathematics for Physicists 1A – (03 19751)
None
Lecture - 66 hours
Seminar - 0 hours
Tutorial – 0 hours
Project Supervision – 0 hours
Demonstration – 0 hours
Practical Classes and Workshops – 22 hours
Supervised Time in Studio/Workshop – 0 hours
Fieldwork – 0 hours
External Visits – 0 hours
Work-based Learning – 0 hours
Guided Independent Studies – 112 hours
Placement – 0 hours
Year Abroad – 0 hours
None
Mathematics is the natural language in which physics is expressed, and it is
therefore important that any working physicist should be fluent in it. This module is
the last compulsory mathematics module in all except theory programmes, and
contains the remaining core mathematics needed for all physics modules in future
years.
The module is roughly divided into two pieces: calculus (~15 credits) & matrices
and linear algebra (~5 credits). These are further sub-divided as shown below:
1. Calculus: Vector Calculus
Distributions
Fourier Series
Fourier Transforms
Partial Differential Equations
2. Matrices and Linear Algebra: Basic Matrix Algebra
Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
Most of the equations encountered in physics are linear partial differential
equations (p.d.e.’s), and the calculus section is focussed on the techniques needed
to formulate and solve these equations, using examples from physics. Vector
calculus is the language in which both the Maxwell equations of electromagnetism,
and the Navier-Stokes equation of fluid mechanics are written; the Laplacian
derived in vector calculus is also at the heart of most p.d.e.’s found in physics.
Fourier series and Fourier transforms involve splitting periodic and non-periodic
functions respectively into their frequency components. They are extensively used
in many areas of physics, including optics and wave phenomena, classical
mechanics, and quantum mechanics. Finally the section on p.d.e.’s introduces the
method of separation of variables, which reduces a p.d.e. to a set of ordinary
differential equations (o.d.e.’s); the solution of such odes is largely beyond the
scope of this module, and is a main part of the Eigenphysics module.
17
Matrices arise in the analysis of many physical situations; examples include
moments of inertia in rigid bodies, normal modes in coupled oscillators, Lorentz
transformations in special relativity, and perturbation theory in quantum mechanics.
In this module the properties of matrices are developed from basic algebra to the
solution of eigenvalue problems, using appropriate examples from physics.
Learning
Outcomes
By the end of the module the student will be able to:
Calculate the gradient, divergence, curl, and Laplacian in cartesian or other
orthogonal coordinate systems
• Prove the standard vector calculus identities
• Test a coordinate system to see if it is orthogonal
• Evaluate line, surface and volume integrals
• State the divergence and Stokes theorems, and verify them in a particular
situation
• Define and use Heaviside and Dirac delta functions, including delta
functions of non-trivial argument
• Derive the formulae for real and complex Fourier series, including
Parseval’s theorem
• Represent a given periodic function as a Fourier series
• Write down the formulae for Fourier transform, inverse Fourier transform
and Parseval’s theorem
• Write down the formulae for Fourier sine and cosine transforms, and higher
dimensional Fourier transforms
• Evaluate the Fourier transform of simple functions
• Explain the role of the Fourier transform in Fraunhofer diffraction, and use it
to evaluate diffraction patterns
• Separate variables in partial differential equations
• Solve partial differential equations using a variety of Fourier techniques
• Add, multiply and find the determinant and inverse of a matrix
• Use Gaussian elimination to solve simultaneous linear equations
• Diagonalise a small matrix, determining both the eigenvalues and
eigenvectors
• Define and identify symmetric, anti-symmetric, Hermitian, anti-Hermitian,
orthogonal, unitary, and normal matrices
12497-01 Exam: Exam (CT) – Written Unseen (80%)
12497-02 Examples Sheets: Coursework (20%)
1 x 3 hour exam (80%)
10 fortnightly problem sheets (20%)
•
Assessment
Assessment
Methods &
Exceptions
Reading List
Checked
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
May 2014
18
Module
Title
LI Modern Optics
School
Department
Module Code
Module Lead
Level
Credits
Semester
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
Contact
Hours
Physics and Astronomy
Physics & Astronomy
03 22748
Professor K Bongs
Exclusions
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Assessment
Methods &
Exceptions
Reading List
Checked
10
Semester 2
None
Lecture-24 hours
Seminar-12 hours
Guided independent study-64 hours
Optical devices are commonplace in the modern world, from digital cameras and
optical mice to the Hubble space telescope. This module aims to provide an
understanding of the basic optical principles underpinning such devices.
A physicist working in research from astrophysics to ultracold atoms, but also in
companies in fields such as aerospace, engineering, ICT, biomedical or
environmental sciences will encounter optical systems of varying complexity for
observation, imaging, manipulation, inspection, testing, quality control and many
others. This module aims to provide understanding of principles and a bridge
towards applications at a level appropriate for the professional in this field. It
focuses on the design, characterisation and application of optical systems, the
effects of polarization and modern applications.
By the end of the module the student will be able to:
• Calculate optical systems using the ABCD Matrix formalism;
• Understand the working principle and key parameters of imaging systems;
• Explain the optical and pixel limitations in CCD- cameras;
• Use the individual components in quantum optics, ultracold atom or
quantum information experiments such as dielectric mirrors, acousto-optical
and electro-optical modulators as well as optical diodes;
• Understand example applications such as binoculars or LCD screens .
22748-01 : Exam : Exam (CT) - Written Unseen (80%)
22748-02 : Continuous Assessment : Coursework (20%)
80% 1.5 hour written examination; 20% continuous assessment
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
May 2014
19
Module Title
School
Department
Module Code
Module Lead
Level
Credits
Semester
Pre-requisites
Contact
Hours
Description
LI Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
Physics and Astronomy
Physics & Astronomy
03 26017
Dr A. T. Watson & Dr E. Blackburn
10
Semester 1
Special Relativity and Probability and Random Processes - (03
19749) Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 - (03 19748)
Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter - (03 19750)
Lecture-24 hours
Seminar-0 hours
Tutorial-0 hours
Project supervision-0 hours
Demonstration-0 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-0 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-0 hours
Fieldwork-0 hours
External Visits-0 hours
Work based learning-0 hours
Guided independent study-76 hours
Placement-0 hours
Year Abroad-0 hours
Particles and Nuclei:
This module introduces the fundamental (as we understand them)
constituents of matter and the forces through which they interact.
The conservation laws which constrain which reactions are possible
are discussed. The experimental evidence leading to and
supporting the theories will be discussed. Natural units are
explained, and relativistic invariance used to study reaction
kinematics. Nuclear binding energies and masses, and the
properties of the forces, are used to explain nuclear decays, fission
and fusion.
A Quantum Approach to Solids:
This half of the module introduces the experimental and theoretical
bases for explaining observed properties of materials such as heat
capacity and thermal conductivity. Following a brief introduction of
bonding and crystal structure, a theory for lattice vibrations is
20
Learning
Outcomes
developed and used to explain experimental observations of the
heat capacity. This leads naturally to the concept of electrons
moving in materials, leading to explanations of metals and
semiconductors.
By the end of the module students should be able to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assessment
Assessment
Methods &
Exceptions
Reading List
Checked
Describe the Standard Model of particle physics, the quark
model of hadrons, and explain how the properties of the
forces are related to those of the vector bosons
Apply conservation laws to particle interactions and perform
calculations using relativistic kinematics to evaluate
energies, momenta and masses
Describe nuclear stability and reactions in terms of binding
energy and apply selection rules to radioactive decays
Describe the basic properties of crystalline solids, and how
to identify their structure
Explain vibrations in materials and relate these to physically
observable properties, such as the heat capacity and
thermal conductivity
Develop and critique physical models for the heat capacity of
solids
Demonstrate an understanding of the distribution of
electrons as a function of electron energy and the FermiDirac distribution function
26017-01 : Examination : Exam (School Arranged) - Written
Unseen (80%)
26017-02 : Particles and Nuclei Assessed Problems : Coursework
(10%)
26017-03 : A Quantum Approach to Solids Assessed Problems :
Coursework (10%)
Assessments: 1.5 hour written examination (80%), assessed
problems (20%)
Reassessment: 100% written examination
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
May 2014
21
Module Title
Module Code
Member of
Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Co-requisites
Pre-requisites
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Texts
LI Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos
03 17301
Prof Martin Freer (Nuclear Physics) and Dr Evgueni Goudzovski (Neutrinos)
Intermediate Level
10
2
24
Lectures
03 17300 Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
(compulsory)
03 01326 Quarks & Leptons (advised)
Nuclear Physics – This course provides an introduction to the topic of
nuclear physics. It will explore what the mass of a nucleus reveals about the
strong interaction; examine how the nuclear size and shape is measured,
and the key decay mechanisms; alpha, beta and gamma decay and the
associated selection rules and Q-values (energy release). The role of
nuclear reactions in the synthesis of the elements will be described,
including: proton burning, CNO cycle, rp-process, s-process and r-process.
The process of energy generation using nuclear fusion and fission will be
described together with medical applications and detection of nuclear
radiation.
Neutrino Physics – The course provides an introduction to neutrino physics
and related issues. It starts with a revision of the foundations of the
Standard Model of particle physics (kinematics, particles and forces,
conserved quantum numbers). It describes key experiments that
demonstrated the existence of the three lepton generations and the finite
neutrino mass. The principles and processes involved in the neutrino
detection are reviewed. A number of neutrino detection techniques
(including water Cherenkov, radiochemical and tracking calorimeter
detectors) are discussed. The phenomenon of neutrino mixing and
oscillations is introduced. Recent experiments with atmospheric, solar,
accelerator and reactor neutrinos and the future developments in the field
are presented.
By the end of the module the students should be able to: describe neutrino
properties and interactions; discuss the production and detection of
atmospheric, solar, accelerator and reactor neutrinos; describe neutrino
detection principles and techniques involved in key experiments; describe
the recent neutrino experiments and their results; demonstrate an
understanding of the nature of the strong force and its effect on nuclear
properties such as mass, and the determination of the nuclear size and
shape; show an understanding of the of the key decay processes (alpha,
beta and gamma) and to be able to use selection rules and Q-values;
describe stellar nucleosythesis processes and calculate the energy
production associated with reactions in stars; demonstrate an understanding
of energy production by fusion and fission and perform simple calculations;
describe the functionality of a range of radiation detectors; demonstrate an
awareness of a range of applications of nuclear techniques.
1 x 1 hour 30 minutes exam (80%), Continuous assessment, problem
sheets (20%)
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
22
23
Module Title
School
Department
Module
Code
Module Lead
Level
Credits
Semester
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Restrictions
Contact
Hours
Exclusions
Description
LI Observing the Universe
Physics and Astronomy
Physics & Astronomy
03 21280
Dr GP Smith
Intermediate Level
10
Semester 1 and 2 (Midterm to midterm)
Some knowledge of astronomy at the level of L1 Introduction to
Astrophysics will be helpful, though not essential. Some additional
reading will be recommended to students with no prior knowledge of
Astronomy.
Lecture-24 hours
Seminar-0 hours
Tutorial-0 hours
Project supervision-0 hours
Demonstration-0 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-0 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-0 hours
Fieldwork-0 hours
External Visits-0 hours
Work based learning-0 hours
Guided independent study-76 hours
Placement-0 hours
Year Abroad-0 hours
Our view of the history and current nature of the Universe has
changed dramatically over the last two decades, largely due to the
development of sophisticated telescopes and instruments, capable of
observing astronomical objects from the ground and from space. In
this module, we will study the physics of astronomical observations,
looking in detail at telescopes and instruments for observing over a
wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum - from the traditional
instruments for observing at optical and radio wavelengths, to
modern instruments for observing and the infrared, x-ray and
gamma-ray regions of the spectrum. We will pay particular attention
to the complexities of observing from space. We will study imaging
methods using digital detectors, spectroscopic techniques using
prisms and gratings, and methods of interferometry and aperture
24
synthesis for higher resolution. We will also study some emerging
technologies, for instance the detection of gravitational waves.
Module website: www.sr.bham.ac.uk/~gps/observingtheuniverse
Learning
Outcomes
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assessment
Assessment
Methods &
Exceptions
Reading List
Checked
Plan astronomical observations by selecting the appropriate
ground or space based observatory and instrument
configuration;
Compare and contrast the telescopes built for optical, radio
and high-energy astronomy, used in ground and space-based
applications;
Demonstrate an understanding of the physical principles used
to detect photons in different regions of the electromagnetic
spectrum, and the technical challenges associated with them,
and assess the quality of the signal and various sources of
noise;
Distinguish between methods of imaging at optical, radio and
X-ray wavelengths;
Display a good working knowledge of how diffraction gratings
can be used to obtain useful spectra from astronomical
sources;
Solve simple numerical problems related to the design of basic
instruments used in space and ground-based astronomy and
the associated reduction of data.
21280-01 : Exam : Exam (CT) - Written Unseen (80%)
21280-02 : Examples sheets : Coursework (20%)
1 x 1.5 hour exam (80%) and continuous assessment (weekly
problem sheets) (20%)
http://www.readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/752
May 2014
25
Module Title
Module Code
Member of Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Pre-requisites
Restrictions
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Texts
LI Physics and Communication Skills 2
03 01149
Professor Martin Freer and Dr Neil Thomas
Intermediate Level
10
1
24
The workshop is based on a series of training sessions encompassing
problem solving in physics, oral and written communications alternated with
four class tests. The latter involve general problems on topics learned during
the first year.
03 00976 Phys & Comm Skills 1 OR 0611235 Comp & App Phys
Compulsory for all programmes
The ability of concisely and effectively communicating ideas, both in written
form and via oral presentations, is essential in everyday life and job. The
ability of posing and successfully solving general problems is one of the key
outcomes of the training of a physicist. In this module we will provide a
guide to make oral and written presentations of scientific work. We will also
address how to pose, attack and solve general problems in physics.
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
deliver a talk about a scientific topic; make a written presentation of scientific
work; tackle general problems in physics; have a firm grounding in the key
concepts of classical mechanics and be able to solve problems related to
these topics; have a firm grounding in the key concepts of thermodynamics
and be able to solve problems related to these topics; have a firm grounding
in the key concepts of electromagnetism and be able to solve problems
related to these topics; have a firm grounding in the elementary concepts of
quantum mechanics and be able to solve problems related to these topics.
Oral presentation skills 10%, Written skills assignment 10%, Computational
laboratory assignments 40%, General problems examination 20%, Class
Tests 20%.
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
26
Module Title
LI Physics and Communication Skills 2
(Nuclear)
School
Department
Module Code
Module Lead
Level
Physics and Astronomy
Physics & Astronomy
03 26252
Professor Martin Freer
Credits
Semester
Pre-requisites
Contact Hours
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Intermediate Level
10
Semester 1
Physics and Communication Skills - (03 00976)
Lecture-14 hours
Seminar-1 hours
Tutorial-0 hours
Project supervision-0 hours
Demonstration-0 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-0 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-0 hours
Fieldwork-0 hours
External Visits-0 hours
Work based learning-5 hours
Guided independent study-80 hours
Placement-0 hours
Year Abroad-0 hours
The ability of concisely and effectively communicating ideas, both
in written form and via oral presentations, is essential in everyday
life and job. The ability of posing and successfully solving general
problems is one of the key outcomes of the training of a physicist.
In this module we will provide a guide to make oral and written
presentations of scientific work. We will also address how to
pose, attack and solve general problems in physics.
By the end of the module students should be able to:
•
•
•
•
deliver a talk about a scientific topic;
make a written presentation of scientific work; tackle general
problems in physics;
have a firm grounding in the key concepts of classical
mechanics and be able to solve problems related to these
topics;
have a firm grounding in the key concepts of
thermodynamics and be able to solve problems related to
27
these topics;
Assessment
Assessment
Methods &
Exceptions
have a firm grounding in the key concepts of electromagnetism
and be able to solve problems related to these topics;
26252-01 : Examination : Exam (CT) - Written Unseen (20%)
26252-02 : Class tests : Class Test (20%)
26252-03 : Computational Lab Assignments : Practical (40%)
26252-04 : Essay : Coursework (10%)
26252-05 : Oral Presentation : Presentation (10%)
Oral presentation skills 10%, Written skills assignment 10%,
Computational laboratory assignments 40%, General problems
examination 20% (2 hours), Class Tests 20%.
28
Module
Title
LI Physics Laboratory 2
School
Department
Module Code
Module Lead
Level
Credits
Semester
Prerequisites
Restrictions
Contact
Hours
Physics & Astronomy and Astronomy
Physics & Astronomy
03 00943
Dr M S Colclough
Intermediate Level
10
Semester 1
Physics Laboratory 1 - (03 19752)
Description
none
Lecture-0 hours
Seminar-0 hours
Tutorial-0 hours
Project supervision-0 hours
Demonstration-0 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-60 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-0 hours
Fieldwork-0 hours
External Visits-0 hours
Work based learning-0 hours
Guided independent study-40 hours
Placement-0 hours
Year Abroad-0 hours
In this laboratory, students investigate a variety of
physical phenomena relevant to the level I syllabus,
and study some of their applications. A range of
experimental techniques is introduced, allowing
students develop skills that will be helpful in future
work, for example project work in years 2 and 3.
Topics covered include: computer-based data
acquisition and analysis, component-level analogue
and digital electronics, physical optics and
spectroscopy, and other topics relevant to the level I
syllabus.
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Assessment
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
1 Demonstrate skills in the building and using of
electronic and optical systems.
2 Apply computer-based data acquisition and analysis
to the recording and interpreting of physical
phenomena.
Total mark : Practical (100%)
Continuous assessment
29
Module
Title
LI Physics Project
School
Department
Module Code
Module Lead
Level
Credits
Semester
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
Contact
Hours
Physics and Astronomy
Physics & Astronomy
03 01381
Dr Mark Colclough,
Intermediate Level
10
Semester 2
Physics Laboratory 2 - (03 00943) Physics Laboratory 1 - (03
19752)
Exclusions
Description
none
Lecture-0 hours
Seminar-3 hours
Tutorial-0 hours
Project supervision-0 hours
Demonstration-0 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-54 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-0 hours
Fieldwork-0 hours
External Visits-0 hours
Work based learning-0 hours
Guided independent study-43 hours
Placement-0 hours
Year Abroad-0 hours
none
Projects are a vital part of developing independent
research skills in the physical sciences. A project is
normally done by a pair of students, who either submit a
project proposal for approval, or choose from an
extensive list of staff proposals. Projects usually have a
substantial experimental component, and can address
any area of physics for which the year 2 laboratory, and
the student, are equipped. Students registered for
specialised Physics degree programmes will normally
undertake a project relevant to their specialism. .
A project is different from a standard laboratory
experiment in that there is no prescribed apparatus or
experimental procedure. Students are expected to find
out about the theoretical basis of their project, and plan
their own investigation, in consultation with staff. Projects
typically involve the designing and building of apparatus,
acquiring and interpreting data, and refinement of the
plan as work proceeds. Students report on their progress
30
by reports, talks and demonstrations. Some typical
project themes include: a laser beam profiler, earthquake
protection, measuring G, an analogue of the quantum
eraser, a stroboscopic clock, a search for particles in LHC
collisions, physical and pseudo- randomness.
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Assessment
Methods &
Exceptions
Checked
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
1 Plan a new investigation in a physics laboratory.
2 Conduct an independent investigation, analyse
the resulting data, and make appropriate
refinements to the plan.
3 Report on the progress and conclusions of an
investigation by means of presentations and formal
reports.
01381-01 : Physics Project : Practical (100%)
Written Reports (50%), Continuous assessment (40%)
, oral presentation (10%)
May 2014
31
Module Title
School
Department
Module Code
Module Lead
Level
Credits
Semester
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
Contact Hours
Exclusions
Description
LI Astro Project
Physics and Astronomy
Physics & Astronomy
03 01078
Dr I R Stevens
Intermediate Level
10
Semester 2
none
Lecture-0 hours
Seminar-0 hours
Tutorial-0 hours
Project supervision-66 hours
Demonstration-0 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-0 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-0 hours
Fieldwork-0 hours
External Visits-0 hours
Work based learning-0 hours
Guided independent study-34 hours
Placement-0 hours
Year Abroad-0 hours
none
The projects are a vital part in developing research skills in
astrophysics. A project is normally done by a group of 3
students. The
students undertake a project on a topic chosen from a list, or on
an
approved idea of their own. However, the projects are quite
open-ended and the students will play a major role in shaping
the
final direction of the project.
The projects available span a wide range of astrophysics.
Recent
examples include using the University Observatory to study the
surface brightness profiles of nearby galaxies, the ages of star
clusters,
the luminosity of supernovae and the structure of clusters of
galaxies.
These projects require the students to learn how to use the
telescope.
There is plenty of scope for the students to come up with their
own
32
targets to observe.
Non-observatory projects can involve using on-line databases
such
as the SDSS or 2MASS to study some astrophysical class of
objects,
or data from the Kepler satellite to study extrasolar planets.
Computational projects are also available, for example,
developing
numerical techniques to detect gravitational waves from
coalescing
black-holes in synthetic data. A more practical project involves
using
a small radio telescope to investigate radio emission from the
Galactic Plane or the Sun.
A successful project will require substantial amount of
background
reading, the design of suitable observations or data collection
and
intelligent analysis and final production of a full report.
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Assessment
Methods &
Exceptions
Checked
To develop skills of planning, undertaking, interpreting and
reporting
on a project on a topic relevant to astrophysics.
01078-01 : Written Reports (50%) Continuous Assessment
(40%),
Oral Presentation (10%)
Project report and oral presentation
May 2014
33
Module Title
Module Code
Member of Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Restrictions
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Texts
LI Nanotechnology Research Report
03 22742
Dr Wolfgang Theis
Intermediate Level
10
2
20
Observation, discussion, report
Only available to those on the Physics with Nanophysics course
The students will investigate a research topic in the field of nanotechnology,
with reference to research projects underway in the Nanoscale Physics
Research Laboratory and as reported in the research literature. The
students will produce two written reports, one 500-word summary suitable
for the interested layperson and a longer 3,000±500 word report which
describes: (a) the state of the art in a selected research area; (b) the basic
physics underpinning this research area; and (c) opportunities and
challenges for future research developments. This should be accessible to a
1st year Physics student. The students will also give two oral presentations,
one discussing a key research paper of the chosen topic and the second a
longer presentation introducing and discussing research findings and
technical aspects of the topic investigated.
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the investigative research process;
Demonstrate an understanding a particular research topic;
Write a report at
a basic level, through (a) understanding the concepts of report writing and
(b) developing scientific writing skills;
Produce and present coherent and
informative oral presentations;
Demonstrate enhanced ability to work as a
member of a team.
500 word report (20%), `journal club' oral presentation (30%), 3000 word
research report (30%) and a research presentation (20%).
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
34
Module Title
Module Code
Member of Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Pre-requisites
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Texts
Checked
LI Quantum Mechanics 2
03 17273
Professor Peter Jones
Intermediate Level
10
1
24
Lectures, directed reading.
03 19718 Quantum Mechanics 1 + Optics & Waves
Quantum Mechanics describes the behaviour of matter on sub-microscopic
scales and, together with relativity, is one of the two foundations of modern
physics. Quantum systems are often described as having both wave-like
and particle-like aspects to their behaviour, and are famous for producing
results that defy common-sense intuition based on observations at
everyday scales. In this module we will introduce Schrödinger's wave
equation and use it to investigate the behaviour of simple quantum systems,
from a free particle through to single-electron atoms. We will discuss the
wavefunction, which describes the state of a system, how to interpret it, and
how making a measurement changes the wavefunction. We will illustrate
some of the non-intuitive behaviour of quantum systems, show how it
arises, and how, in the limit of large energies, it tends towards classical
behaviour. We will discuss how mathematical operators are used to
represent physical quantities, and see where the Uncertainty Principle
comes from. We will introduce the quantum treatment of angular
momentum and show how an additional property of the electron (spin) is
required to describe atomic states. We will consider the special properties
of quantum states consisting of more than one electron, and show how the
existence of complex chemistry depends on these.
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
perform approximate calculations using the de Broglie relation and the
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle; normalise a wavefunction; use
wavefunctions to calculate expectation values and the probabilities of
different outcomes of measurements; show how measurement changes the
wavefunction; be familiar with the use of hermitian operators to represent
physical quantities in quantum mechanics and the properties of their
eigenvalues and eigenfunctions; explain the physical significance of each
element of an eigenvalue equation; be familiar with the time-dependent and
time-independent Schrödinger equations; solve the time-independent
Schrödinger equation for simple 1-D and 3-D potential problems; describe
the main features of the solutions for a range of problems; evaluate the
commutator of two operators and explain its physical significance; be aware
of how the Pauli exclusion principle arises and be able to apply it to multielectron systems; describe the properties of angular momentum in quantum
mechanics; relate the quantum numbers of atomic electrons to physical
variables and know how their different values are related; explain why the
concept of electron spin is required to explain experimental observations.
1 x 1 hour 30 minutes written examination (80%), Continuous assessment,
problem sheets (20%)
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
May 2014
35
Module Title
Module Code
Member of Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Pre-requisites
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Texts
Checked
LI Statistical Physics and Entropy
03 17296
TBD
Intermediate Level
10
2
24
Lectures plus directed reading
03 19750 Electromagnetism 1 and Temperature & Matter
The laws of Thermodynamics underpin everything from life itself to the
evolution of the universe. Moreover, they also address fundamental
problems such as the “arrow of time”. Although Thermodynamics was
developed in the nineteenth century, modern developments have reinforced
Einstein’s view that it is "the only physical theory of universal content which I
am convinced will never be overthrown.” Whilst statistics allow us to
calculate the macroscopic properties of a system from microscopic theory,
Thermodynamics has a power all of its own, even when we don’t
understand the microscopic physics. The central idea that links the two
approaches is the concept of entropy, the understanding of which lies at the
heart of this module. The main topics are organised as follows:
1. Statistical Physics: Kinetic theory and molecular collisions; Mean freepath, diffusion and the random walk; Binomial, Poisson and Gaussian
distributions.
2. Thermal Equilibrium: Microstates, macrostates and Boltzmann entropy;
Temperature and the Boltzmann distribution; Equipartition, harmonic
oscillators, black-body radiation, stimulated emission and lasers.
3. Classical Thermodynamics: 1st Law and 2nd Law (Clausius & Kelvin);
Reversible & irreversible processes; Reversible heat, latent heat and heat
capacity; Carnot cycle, heat engines and refrigerators; Functions of state,
Gibbs & Helmholtz free energies and enthalpy; Thermodynamics of rubber
elasticity, surface tension and liquid-vapour equilibrium; Maxwell Relations
and Joule-Kelvin effect; Absolute Zero and the 3rd Law of Thermodynamics.
4. Advanced Topics: Perpetual Motion and Maxwell’s Demon; Information,
Gibbs entropy and negative temperatures; Introduction to quantum statistics
of identical particles.
Analyse simple physical systems using Boltzmann statistics;
Solve problems for molecular collisions, diffusion and the random walk;
Find microstates, macrostates and Boltzmann entropy of simple systems;
Find entropy changes for reversible and irreversible processes;
Use 1st & 2nd laws to analyse ideal heat engines and refrigerators;
Find Gibbs free energy, entropy and enthalpy of simple systems;
Derive and apply Maxwell Relations where needed;
Apply the 3rd Law to systems near Absolute Zero.
1 hour 30 minutes exam (80%) + Assessed problem sheets (20%)
Essential text: Mandl, F. 1971 Statistical Physics (Wiley).
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
May 2014
36
Module
Title
School
Departme
nt
Module
Code
Module
Lead
Level
Credits
Semester
Prerequisite
s
Corequisite
s
Restrictio
ns
Contact
Hours
Descripti
on
Structure in the Universe
Physics and Astronomy
Physics & Astronomy
03 00554
Professor Bill Chaplin
Intermediate Level
10
Semester 2
None
Lecture-24 hours
Seminar-0 hours
Tutorial-0 hours
Project supervision-0 hours
Demonstration-0 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-0 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-0 hours
Fieldwork-0 hours
External Visits-0 hours
Work based learning-0 hours
Guided independent study-76 hours
Placement-0 hours
Year Abroad-0 hours
The Universe is full of structure. Most of the matter we can see is
gathered into large, hot spheres, accompanied in most cases by
planetary systems. The stars are grouped into galaxies, and these in
turn are distributed in a network of clusters and filaments. In this
lecture module, we will survey the properties of astrophysical
structures and try to understand them in terms of the physics at play.
We shall pay particular attention to the importance of rotation, and
angular momentum, in systems, e.g., the orbital motions in galaxies
and planetary systems. In this context, we will examine the evidence
for dark matter in galaxies, and explore in detail the various methods
37
Learning
Outcome
s
now being used to find extra-solar planets. Finally, we will apply the
principles of Newtonian dynamics to examine the expanding
Universe, to address basic cosmological questions like how old the
Universe is and how fast it is expanding.
By the end of the module the student should:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assessm
ent
Assessm
ent
Methods
&
Exceptio
ns
Other
Reading
List
Have a firm grasp of the concept of a stable system and how
forces balance in typical astrophysical systems;
Display a good working knowledge of the principles governing
the behaviour of rotational systems, and the application of the
concept of conservation of angular momentum, in particular in
the context of the dynamics of planetary systems and binary
systems;
Be familiar with the various methods used to detect exoplanets,
and the strengths and weaknesses of each method dependent
upon the intrinsic and observational properties of exoplanet
systems;
Be able to apply familiar laws of dynamics to simple spherically
symmetric distributions of matter, and apply them to
understand the dynamical evidence for dark matter in galaxies;
Be familiar with the Virial equation, and be able to apply it, both
qualitatively and quantitatively, in several astrophysical
contexts;
Be able to manipulate, and discuss the physical significance of,
equations describing simple Newtonian cosmologies.
00554-01 : Exam : Exam (CT) - Written Unseen (80%)
00554-02 : Examples sheets : Coursework (20%)
1 x 1.5 hour exam (80%) and continuous assessment (weekly
problem sheets) (20%)
Materials for the module are available on CANVAS.
http://147.188.128.11:8080/talislist/rl_content.jsp?courseID=90&s=45
50&s=4563#L4563
38
MODULES FROM THE SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS
These have not yet been checked.
Module Title
School
Module Code
Member of Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Pre-requisites
LI Analytical Techniques
Assessment
Text
School of Mathematics
06 22488
Dr J Kyle
Intermediate Level
10
1+2
27
22 hours lectures, 5 hours example classes
06 11225 Mathematics Core 1 or 06 23601 Calculus and Algebra 1
06 11228 Mathematics Core 2 or 06 23602 Calculus and Algebra 2
This module develops further the basic topics of the differential and integral
calculus met in pre-requisites Mathematics Core 1 and 2.
The concepts of differentiation and integration are extended to cover
functions of several real variables. The module includes an introduction to
the more important classical differential equations; series expansions and
transform methods of solution; boundary value problems.
By the end of the module the student will be able to: use the notation and
basic manipulative techniques of the calculus of functions of several real
variables; apply a variety of analytic and numerical techniques to solve
problems in the calculus of several real variables, eg to find and analyse the
stationary points of functions of more than one variable; set up and solve
simple variational problems; set up and solve boundary value problems for
ordinary differential equations using a variety of techniques.
3 hour examination (80%), coursework and/or class test (20%)
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
Module Title
LI Applied Mathematics
Description
Learning
Outcomes
School
Module Code
Member of Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Pre-requisites
Description
School of Mathematics
06 22504
Dr Warren Smith
Intermediate Level
10
1&2
27
22 lectures, 5 hours example classes
06 11225 Mathematics Core 1 OR 06 23601 Calculus and Algebra 1
06 11228 Mathematics Core 2 OR 06 23602 Calculus and Algebra 2
06 11235 Computational and Applied Mathematics 1 AND 06 11240
Computational and Applied Mathematics 2 OR 06 22482 Vector Algebra,
Elementary Mechanics and Computational Mathematics
In this module the concept of a phase space will be developed, with
39
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
Text
particular emphasis on the phase plane. We examine the theory of rigid
body motions in three-spatial dimensions. We consider the time-optimal
control of linear odes. Key theorems relate vector fields to their sources and
give a precise characterisation of conservative vector fields. Vector calculus
will be used to derive partial differential equations of mathematical physics.
Methods of solving these equations will be introduced, using separation of
variables. Calculus of variations will be introduced.
By the end of this module the student should be able to: use phase-plane
methods to analyse second-order non-linear ordinary differential equations;
formulate and analyse equations governing the motion of rigid bodies;
determine the time-optimal control for a linear system of ordinary differential
equations; evaluate grad, div, curl and Laplacian in both Cartesian and
orthogonal curvilinear coordinates; understand and evaluate line integrals;
use the integral theorems of vector analysis (Stokes', divergence and
Green's theorems); recognise conservative vector fields and their
properties; apply vector methods to formulate the equations of mathematical
physics and solve them by using the method of separation of variables; be
introduced to the calculus of variations.
3 hour examination (80%), coursework and/or class tests (20%)
http://readinglists.bham.ac.uk/readinglist/show/id/743/
40
Module Title
School
Module Code
Member of Staff
Level
Credits
Semester
Contact hours
Delivery
Pre-requisites
Restrictions
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Assessment
LI Linear Algebra
School of Mathematics
06 15552
R Mathias
Intermediate Level
10
1
27
22 hours of lectures and 5 hours back up
06 11225 Mathematics Core 1 OR 06 23601 Calculus and Algebra 1
06 11228 Mathematics Core 2 OR 06 23602 Calculus and Algebra 2
None
To introduce the student to the fundamental structures and techniques of
Linear Algebra, combining the necessary algebraic background with the
methods needed for future applications
By the end of the module the student will be able to: - understand and use
the basic concepts of linear algebra and matrices, including linear
transformations, eigenvectors and the characteristic polynomial. Understand the basic theory of inner products and apply it to questions of
orthogonality and/or diagonalizability
1 hour 30 minutes examination (80%), coursework and/or class tests (20%)
41
SECOND YEAR
PROGRAMME STRUCTURES
2014-15
This is still in DRAFT format
42
BSc/MSci Physics
Students can proceed to Year 3 having failed a maximum of 20 credits from the following modules:
Physics and Communications Skills [03 01149], Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
[03 17300] and two optional modules.
Students on the MSci programme must also satisfy the University criteria for remaining on the MSci
programme and must have a minimum year mark of 55% and at least 220 credits by the end of stage
2.
The following modules are compulsory:
Module Title
Code
Credits
Semester
LI Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2
03 17272
10
1
LI Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
03 17300
10
1
LI Physics and Communication Skills 2
03 01149
10
1
LI Physics Laboratory 2
03 00943
10
1
LI Quantum Mechanics 2
03 17273
10
1
LI Mathematics for Physicists 2
03 12497
20
1+2
LI Electromagnetism 2
03 00953
10
2
LI Physics Project
03 01381
10
2
LI Statistical Physics and Entropy
03 17296
10
2
Credits
Semester
Choose 20 credits from the following:
Module Title
Code
LI Eigenphysics
03 00746
10
2
LI Electronics
03 17489
10
2
LI Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
03 00539
10
2
LI Modern Optics
03 22748
10
2
LI Observing the Universe
03 21280
10
2
LI Structure in the Universe
03 00554
10
2
LI Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos
03 17301
10
2
43
BSc Physics (International Study)
Students are required to take 70 credits in Semester 1 and 50 credits in Semester 2.
Students can proceed to Year 3 having failed a maximum of 20 credits from the following modules:
Physics and Communications Skills [03 01149], Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
[03 17300] and two optional modules.
Students on the MSci programme must also satisfy the University criteria for remaining on the MSci
programme and must have a minimum year mark of 55% and at least 220 credits by the end of stage
2.
The following modules are compulsory:
Module Title
Code
Credits
Semester
LI Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2
03 17272
10
1
LI Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
03 17300
10
1
LI Physics Laboratory 2
03 00943
10
1
LI Quantum Mechanics 2
03 17273
10
1
LI Physics and Communication Skills 2
03 01149
10
1
LI Mathematics for Physicists 2
03 12497
20
1+2
LI Physics Project
03 01381
10
2
LI Electromagnetism 2
03 00953
10
2
LI Statistical Physics and Entropy
03 17296
10
2
Credits
Semester
Choose 20 credits from the following:
Module Title
Code
LI Observing the Universe
03 21280
10
1+2
LI Eigenphysics
03 00746
10
2
LI Electronics
03 17489
10
2
LI Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
03 00539
10
2
LI Modern Optics
03 22748
10
2
LI Structure in the Universe
03 00554
10
2
LI Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos
03 17301
10
2
44
BSc/MSci Physics and Astrophysics
Students can proceed to Year 3 having failed a maximum of 20 credits from the following modules:
Physics and Communications Skills [03 01149], Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
[03 17300] and Observing the Universe [03 21280]
Students on the MSci programme must also satisfy the University criteria for remaining on the MSci
programme and must have a minimum year mark of 55% and at least 220 credits by the end of stage
2.
The following modules are compulsory:
Module Title
Code
Credits
Semester
LI Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2
03 17272
10
1
LI Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
03 17300
10
1
LI Physics Laboratory 2
03 00943
10
1
LI Physics and Communication Skills 2
03 01149
10
1
LI Quantum Mechanics 2
03 17273
10
1
LI Mathematics for Physicists 2
03 12497
20
1+2
LI Observing the Universe
03 21280
10
1+2
LI Electromagnetism 2
03 00953
10
2
LI Astro Project
03 01078
10
2
LI Statistical Physics and Entropy
03 17296
10
2
LI Structure in the Universe
03 00554
10
2
45
BSc Physics and Astrophysics (International Study)
Students can proceed to Year 3 having failed a maximum of 20 credits from the following modules:
Physics and Communications Skills [03 01149], Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
[03 17300] and Observing the Universe [03 21280]
Students on the MSci programme must also satisfy the University criteria for remaining on the MSci
programme and must have a minimum year mark of 55% and at least 220 credits by the end of stage
2.
The following modules are compulsory:
Module Title
Code
Credits
Semester
LI Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2
03 17272
10
1
LI Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
03 17300
10
1
LI Quantum Mechanics 2
03 17273
10
1
LI Physics Laboratory 2
03 00943
10
1
LI Physics and Communication Skills 2
03 01149
10
1
LI Mathematics for Physicists 2
03 12497
20
1+2
LI Observing the Universe
03 21280
10
1+2
LI Electromagnetism 2
03 00953
10
2
LI Astro Project
03 01078
10
2
LI Statistical Physics and Entropy
03 17296
10
2
LI Structure in the Universe
03 00554
10
2
46
MSci Physics with Nanoscale Physics
Students can proceed to Year 3 having failed a maximum of 20 credits from the following modules:
Physics and Communications Skills [03 01149], Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
[03 17300] and two optional modules.
Students on the MSci programme must also satisfy the University criteria for remaining on the MSci
programme and must have a minimum year mark of 55% and at least 220 credits by the end of stage
2.
The following modules are compulsory:
Module Title
Code
Credits
Semester
LI Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2
03 17272
10
1
LI Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
03 17300
10
1
LI Physics and Communication Skills 2
03 01149
10
1
LI Physics Laboratory 2
03 00943
10
1
LI Quantum Mechanics 2
03 17273
10
1
LI Mathematics for Physicists 2
03 12497
20
1+2
LI Electromagnetism 2
03 00953
10
2
LI Nanotechnology Research Report
03 22742
10
2
LI Physics Project
03 01381
10
2
LI Statistical Physics and Entropy
03 17296
10
2
Credits
Semester
Choose 10 credits from the following:
Module Title
Code
LI Observing the Universe
03 21280
10
1+2
LI Eigenphysics
03 00746
10
2
LI Electronics
03 17489
10
2
LI Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
03 00539
10
2
LI Modern Optics
03 22748
10
2
LI Structure in the Universe
03 00554
10
2
LI Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos
03 17301
10
2
47
BSc/MSci Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology
Students can proceed to Year 3 having failed a maximum of 20 credits from the following modules:
Physics and Communications Skills [03 01149], Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos [03 17301] and two
optional modules.
Students on the MSci programme must also satisfy the University criteria for remaining on the MSci
programme and must have a minimum year mark of 55% and at least 220 credits by the end of stage
2.
The following modules are compulsory:
Module Title
Code
Credits
Semester
LI Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
03 17300
10
1
LI Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2
03 17272
10
1
LI Physics Laboratory 2
03 00943
10
1
LI Physics and Communication Skills 2
03 01149
10
1
LI Quantum Mechanics 2
03 17273
10
1
LI Mathematics for Physicists 2
03 12497
20
1+2
LI Nuclear Physics & Neutrinos
03 17301
10
2
LI Electromagnetism 2
03 00953
10
2
LI Statistical Physics and Entropy
03 17296
10
2
LI Physics Project
03 01381
10
2
Credits
Semester
Choose 10 credits of the following:
Module Title
Code
LI Observing the Universe
03 21280
10
1+2
LI Eigenphysics
03 00746
10
2
LI Electronics
03 17489
10
2
LI Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
03 00539
10
2
LI Modern Optics
03 22748
10
2
LI Structure in the Universe
03 00554
10
2
48
BSc/MSci Theoretical Physics
Students can proceed to Year 3 having failed a maximum of 20 credits from the following modules:
Physics and Communications Skills [03 01149], Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
[03 17300] and two optional modules. Students must pass Physics Laboratory 2 [03 00943] if taking
this module.
Students on the MSci programme must also satisfy the University criteria for remaining on the MSci
programme and must have a minimum year mark of 55% and at least 220 credits by the end of stage
2.
The following modules are compulsory:
Module Title
Code
Credits
Semester
LI Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2
03 17272
10
1
LI Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
03 17300
10
1
LI Quantum Mechanics 2
03 17273
10
1
LI Physics and Communication Skills 2
03 01149
10
1
LI Mathematics for Physicists 2
03 12497
20
1+2
LI Eigenphysics
03 00746
10
2
LI Electromagnetism 2
03 00953
10
2
LI Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
03 00539
10
2
LI Statistical Physics and Entropy
03 17296
10
2
Credits
Semester
10
1
Credits
Semester
Either choose the following module and 10 credits from the list below:
Module Title
LI Physics Laboratory 2
Code
03 00943
Or choose 20 credits from the following:
Module Title
Code
LI Observing the Universe
03 21280
10
1+2
LI Electronics
03 17489
10
2
LI Modern Optics
03 22748
10
2
LI Structure in the Universe
03 00554
10
2
LI Nuclear Physics & Neutrinos
03 17301
10
2
49
BSc/MSci Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics
Students can proceed to Year 3 having failed a maximum of 20 credits from the following modules:
Physics and Communications Skills [03 01149], Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
[03 17300] and Linear Algebra [06 15552]
Students on the MSci programme must also satisfy the University criteria for remaining on the MSci
programme and must have a minimum year mark of 55% and at least 220 credits by the end of stage
2.
The following modules are compulsory:
Module Title
Code
Credits
Semester
LI Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids
03 17300
10
1
LI Quantum Mechanics 2
03 17273
10
1
LI Physics and Communication Skills 2
03 01149
10
1
LI Eigenphysics
03 00746
10
2
LI Electromagnetism 2
03 00953
10
2
LI Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
03 00539
10
2
LI Statistical Physics and Entropy
03 17296
10
2
LI Linear Algebra A
06 15552
10
1
LI Applied Mathematics 2
06 22504
20
1+2
LI Analytical Techniques A/B
06 22488
20
1+2
Mathematics Modules:
50