UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Department of Physics and Astronomy
COURSE HANDBOOK
MSc in PHYSICS
MSc in ASTROPHYSICS
SESSION 2010/2011
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Dates of College Terms 2010/2011
First Term: Monday, 27 September 2010 - Friday, 17 December 2010
Second Term: Monday, 10 January 2011 –Friday, 25 March 2011
Third Term: Monday, 3 May 2011 - Friday, 17 June 2011
(12 weeks)
(11 weeks)
(7 weeks)
However, please note that the MSc runs for a whole year (September - September). The Post
Graduate Diploma runs for one academic year (September - June) only.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this document, the Department cannot
accept responsibility for any errors or omissions contained herein.
A copy of this Handbook and all those referred to may be found at the Departmental Web site: www.phys.ucl.ac.uk
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FOREWORD
Welcome to University College London, one of the foremost universities in Britain and the world. You
are now a member of one of the largest departments in the College and one of the leading Physics and
Astronomy departments in the UK, with a strong commitment to excellence in research and teaching.
The Department is proud of the quality of its teaching, and has long had a continuing programme of
internal review to maintain its own high standards. The quality was recently endorsed by the QAA, who
awarded 23 points from a possible 24, a rating of “excellent”.
The general aim of the Department is to deliver a wide range of programmes designed to develop a
student’s full potential, using the research strengths and experience of the staff in a challenging, but
friendly and supportive, environment.
The MSc programmes offer you the opportunity of advanced level courses and a significant research
project within a leading research group. We welcome feedback both during and after your studies.
There are many people around to help you. The MSc Tutor, Dr Dorothy Duffy, is your immediate contact
point for administration within the Department. She is also available to you if you find you have problems
of either an academic or a personal nature. Dr Duffy’s office is A24 in the Physics Department.
Her e-mail address is d.duffy at ucl.ac.uk
I wish you every success in your studies and an enjoyable time at UCL.
Professor Jonathan Tennyson
MSc Course Organiser
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MSc/Diploma Calendar 2010-2011
Tuesday 28th September
Initial meeting with MSc Tutor
Monday 4th October - Friday 17th December
Lectures for first semester courses
October
Choose project
Friday 29th October
Deadline for submission of project title agreed
with supervisor
Friday 12th November
Deadline for submission of project outline
Tuesday 7th December
Progress meeting with MSc Tutor
Monday 10th January – Friday 25th March
Lectures for second semester courses
Friday 4th February
Deadline for submission of project progress report
Tuesday 15th February
Progress meeting with MSc Tutor
Wednesday 23rd March
Deadline for submission of research essay
Monday 3rd May – Friday 17th June
Examination period (approximate)
End of Graduate Diploma
Wednesday 24th August
Early September
Deadline for submission of MSc thesis
Oral presentation of project
End of MSc
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CONTENTS
DATES OF COLLEGE TERMS 2010/2011.................................................................................................... 2
FOREWORD.......................................................................................................................................... 3
MSC/DIPLOMA CALENDAR 2010-2011..................................................................................................... 4
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................. 7
2. GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 7
2.1 LOCATION OF LECTURE THEATRES AND OTHER TEACHING VENUES ..................................................... 7
2.2 CONTACTS WITH MEMBERS OF STAFF .................................................................................................. 7
2.3 SAFETY ............................................................................................................................................... 8
2.4 WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU .................................................................................................................. 8
(a)
Attendance ............................................................................................................................ 8
(b)
The Department .................................................................................................................... 9
(c)
Change of address................................................................................................................. 9
3. INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS .................................................................................... 11
3.1 PEOPLE OF IMMEDIATE USE TO YOU................................................................................................... 11
3.2 OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT .......................................................... 11
(a)
Careers advice .................................................................................................................... 11
(b)
Equal opportunities............................................................................................................. 11
3.3 ADVICE ELSEWHERE IN THE COLLEGE ............................................................................................... 12
(a)
Health service ..................................................................................................................... 12
(b)
Graduate School ................................................................................................................. 12
(c)
Faculty Tutor ...................................................................................................................... 12
(d)
Dean of Students ................................................................................................................. 12
(e)
Advisers to women students ................................................................................................ 12
3.4 UCL COMPUTER & E-MAIL ACCOUNTS .............................................................................................. 13
3.5
ENROLMENT ............................................................................................................................. 13
3.6
INTRODUCTORY MEETING ........................................................................................................ 13
3.7
EXAMINATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 13
3.8 LIBRARY FACILITIES ......................................................................................................................... 17
3.9 PLAGIARISM (PRESENTING OTHERS’ WORK AS YOUR OWN) .............................................................. 17
3.10 HARDSHIP FUNDS ........................................................................................................................... 19
4. STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES ............................................................................... 19
4.1 STUDENT DEPARTMENTAL SOCIETY.................................................................................................. 19
4.2 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON UNION (UCLU) .............................................................................. 20
4.3 UNIVERSITY OF LONDON UNION (ULU)............................................................................................ 20
4.4 EXTERNAL SOCIETIES IN THE VICINITY OF THE COLLEGE ................................................................... 20
(a) The Institute of Physics (IoP)....................................................................................................... 20
(b) The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS)........................................................................................ 20
5. THE MSC COURSES.................................................................................................................... 21
5.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES...................................................................................................................... 21
5.2 COURSES STRUCTURE ....................................................................................................................... 22
5.2.1 MSc Physics............................................................................................................................. 22
5.2.2 MSc Astrophysics .................................................................................................................... 22
5.3 PROJECT WORK ................................................................................................................................ 23
5.4 ASSESSMENT (MSC) ......................................................................................................................... 23
5.5 POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA-REGISTERED STUDENTS ......................................................................... 23
5.6 ASSESSMENT(PG DIPLOMA)
24
5.7 TRANSFER FROM PG DIPLOMA TO MSC ............................................................................................ 24
5.8 ABSENCE OR ILLNESS ........................................................................................................................ 25
5.9 LECTURE COURSE SYLLABUS DETAILS ............................................................................................. 26
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PHYSG299 – PHYSICS PROJECT ................................................................................................... 27
PHASG199 – ASTRONOMY PROJECT .......................................................................................... 29
PHYSG405 – RESEARCH ESSAY .................................................................................................... 31
SPCEG011 – PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES ................................................................................ 32
SPCEG012 – SOLAR PHYSICS......................................................................................................... 34
SPCEG013 – HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS............................................................................ 37
SPCEG002 – SPACE PLASMA AND MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS ..................................... 39
PHASG318 – STELLAR ATMOSPHERES AND STELLAR WINDS........................................... 41
PHASG317 – GALAXY AND CLUSTER DYNAMICS................................................................... 43
PHASG426 – ADVANCED QUANTUM THEORY ......................................................................... 45
PHASG421 – ATOM AND PHOTON PHYSICS.............................................................................. 48
PHASG427 – QUANTUM COMPUTATION AND COMMUNICATION .................................... 51
PHASG431 – MOLECULAR PHYSICS ........................................................................................... 53
PHASG442 – PARTICLE PHYSICS ................................................................................................. 55
MATHG306 – COSMOLOGY ........................................................................................................... 57
MATHG305 – MATHEMATICS FOR GENERAL RELATIVITY ............................................... 59
PHASG472 – ORDER AND EXCITATIONS IN CONDENSED MATTER.................................. 60
APPENDIX A – STAFF WITH SPECIAL TEACHING-RELATED RESPONSIBILITIES ....... 63
APPENDIX B – MAPS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND COLLEGE ............................................ 64
MAP 1 – PHYSICS BUILDING, MEZZANINE AND BASEMENT FLOORS (FLOOR F) ....................................... 64
MAP 2 – PHYSICS BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR (FLOOR E) ....................................................................... 65
MAP 3 – PHYSICS BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR (FLOOR D)............................................................................ 65
MAP 4 – PHYSICS BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR (FLOOR C)........................................................................ 66
MAP 5 – PHYSICS BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR (FLOOR B) ........................................................................... 66
MAP 6 – PHYSICS BUILDING, FOURTH FLOOR (FLOOR A)........................................................................ 67
MAP 7 – KATHLEEN LONSDALE BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR........................................................................ 67
MAP 8 – COLLEGE AREA ........................................................................................................................ 68
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1. INTRODUCTION
The aim of this Handbook is to supply you with a range of useful information about the Department and
some of its rules in so far as they apply to you as a masters student. It complements the College
publication “UCL Student Handbook", which is provided to each student on admission. (If for some
reason you do not have a copy of this, you may obtain one from the Registrar’s Department, which is off
the end of the South Cloisters. You can do this when you register with the College.) It is a good idea to
keep these two publications at hand; together, they will answer most of your questions.
2. GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 Location of lecture theatres and other teaching venues
The main teaching spaces used by the Department are given below. They can be located on the maps in
Appendix D.
Massey Theatre Map 2
F18
Map 1
A1
Map 6
D103
Map 3
Cluster room D105
Chemistry Theatre
A19
Map 6
Lab 1
Map 3
Lab 2
Map 4
Lab 3
Map 5
Ground Floor, Union Building
Undergraduate Common Room, Basement, Physics Building
A1 – A3, 4th floor, Physics Building
1st floor, Union Building (access from Union Building)
Map 3
1st floor, Union Building (access from Physics Building)
Map 8
Christopher Ingold Building, Gordon Street
‘Asteroid cluster room’, Fourth floor, Physics Building
First floor, Physics Building
Second floor, Physics Building
Third floor, Physics Building
The lift within the Physics Building serves all four floors directly, while the lifts at the North Cloisters
entrance to the Department only appear to serve three higher floors and the basement. Floor 1 is reached
by that lift where there is access via stairs to Lab 1 (1st Floor Physics) and Lab 2 (2nd Floor Physics).
2.2 Contacts with members of staff
Members of the teaching staff can be contacted by using the internal mail. Mail boxes (pigeon holes) for
staff are situated outside the Departmental Office, Room E15, on the ground floor of the Physics
Building. If there appears to be no appropriate box, ask the Teaching Secretary for guidance. Room
numbers for teaching staff can be obtained from the two boards facing the mail boxes outside the
Departmental Office, Room E15. These boards display photographs and room numbers of all teaching
staff in the Department. Members of staff also have email addresses. These can be looked up in a
Departmental Directory which is available in room E15 (again ask the secretary there for assistance) or
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can be found from the Departmental or College Web sites. In any communication with a member of staff,
always state your name and degree course.
If you need to contact anyone in the Department from outside the College you should use the official
address:
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University College London
Gower Street
London WC1E 6BT
Telephone: 020 7679 3032 (MSc Tutor) or 020 7679 followed by extension of person whom you are
trying to contact (last four numbers only) or 020 7679 7144 (the Departmental Office).
Please ensure that you check both your pigeonhole, located outside Room E15 on the Ground Floor and
your e-mail regularly to avoid missing important or urgent information.
You should not, however, have your personal mail delivered to the College.
2.3 Safety
The Department places great importance on safety, with special emphasis on safety in all Laboratories,
both at the University of London Observatory (ULO) and Gower Street. You are expected to behave in a
sensible manner, especially when dealing with any of the Laboratory equipment. The Departmental
Safety Officer, Mr. Derek Attree, will give guidance to all students at the beginning of the Session on
how to conduct themselves whilst working with equipment to ensure both their own safety and that of
those working around them. You will also be expected to attend a Safety Induction Course in your first
term (details of course times and an application form can be obtained from the MSc Tutor).
Fire drills are held during the terms at unannounced times, so you should familiarise yourself with the
instructions displayed on notice boards in hallways and on lab notice-boards as to the procedure you
should follow and where assembly points are. There are Fire Evacuation Marshals (FEMs) appointed
from the staff and technicians who will take charge of you during these times.
2.4 What we expect of you
(a) Attendance
Every student is obliged to attend the lectures and their research project regularly. If you are
unable to do so for any significant time and for any reason, you should inform the MSc Tutor (Dr
Dorothy Duffy 020 7679 3032 e-mail: d . duffy at ucl.ac.uk), as soon as possible. This should be
done either in person, by telephone, letter (internal mail or normal mail) or email. For extended
absence due to illness, you must provide a Medical Certificate upon your return to College.
Students will largely be expected to schedule their project work in conjunction with their project
supervisor. Remember that the research project and research essay counts for 50% of the MSc and
therefore steady work throughout the year will be necessary
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(b) The Department
The Department is a no smoking zone and smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building. All staff
and students are asked to respect this rule.
The Department is open Monday – Friday 9.00 am to 9.00 pm during term and Monday – Friday 9.00 am
to 6.00 pm outside term, except when College itself is closed.
(c) Change of address
Throughout your time at College, it is essential that the Department has an accurate record of your
address and a contact telephone number if possible. Otherwise Tutors and others will be unable to
contact you in case of an emergency. You must therefore ensure that at the beginning of each Session you
complete the form which will be given you by the MSc Tutor and return it to them as soon as possible.
Should you change either your home or term-time address (or telephone number) at any time, you must
immediately inform them of the change. This may be done personally, by internal mail, by email. At the
same time, inform the Registrar’s Division of the College (Students Records on extensions 37005 or
37006) of any change of address, because they may also need to contact you.
PORTICO – The UCL Student Information Service.
(The following section has been supplied by the UCL Registry.)
“UCL has recently introduced a new Student System which is known as PORTICO – The UCL Student
Information Service.
Access to PORTICO is available to everyone across UCL – both staff and students alike - via
the web portal www.ucl.ac.uk/portico. You will need to logon using your UCL userid and password, which
are issued to you once you have enrolled. These are the same as the ones used for accessing UCL restricted
web pages, UCL email and the Windows Terminal Service (WTS). If you do not know them, you should
contact the Information System Helpdesk as soon as possible (www.ucl.ac.uk/is/helpdesk). Please
remember that passwords automatically expire after 150 days, unless they have been changed. Warnings are
sent to your UCL email address during a 30 day period, prior to your password being reset.
- You can read your UCL email on the web at www.webmail.ucl.ac.uk
- You can change your password on the web, at any time, at
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/is/passwords/changepw.htm.
Passwords cannot be issued over the phone unless you are registered for the User Authentication Service,
see www.ucl.ac.uk/is/helpdesk/authenticate/. We strongly advise that you register for this service. If you
have not registered for the User Authentication Service you will need to visit the IS Helpdesk in person or
ask them to post a new password to your registered home or term-time address. More information can be
found at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/is/helpdesk/.
As a student you can take ownership of your own personal data by logging on to PORTICO.
In PORTICO you can:
• edit your own personal data e.g. update your home and term addresses, contact numbers and other
elements of your personal details;
• complete online module registration – i.e. select the modules you would like to study, in accordance
with the rules for your programme of study (subject to formal approval & sign off by the relevant
teaching department and your parent department);
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•
•
view data about courses/modules - i.e. information on courses/modules available either in your
home department or elsewhere to help you choose your optional modules / electives.
view your own examination results online;
Any continuing student requiring official confirmation of their results, or any graduating
student requiring additional copies of their transcript, should refer to the information for obtaining an
official transcript at www.ucl.ac.uk/registry/current/examinations/transcripts/
If you have any comments or suggestions for PORTICO then please e-mail:
portico_web_feedback@ucl.ac.uk
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3. INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS
3.1 People of immediate use to you
There are a number of departmental staff who you will meet in your first few days here. Their contact
details are:
Name
Title
Room
Ext
Email
Dr Dorothy Duffy MSc Tutor
A24
33032
d.duffy at ucl.ac.uk
Miss T H Saint
Teaching Support and Student Disabilities Co-ordinator
E2
37246
t.saint at ucl.ac.uk
Mrs C Johnston
MSc Teaching support
E15
33943 christine.johnston@ucl.ac.uk
Mr D Attree
Safety Officer
C19
33459
dja at hep.ucl.ac.uk
The Head of Department is Professor Jonathan Tennyson (Room E12/E14, ground floor, Physics
Building). Whilst he is happy to talk to students about their problems, it is advisable in the first instance,
that such problems should be addressed to the MSc Tutor.
The MSc Tutor is a key person in the Department and always has your best interests at heart. Purely
scientific questions should be discussed with lecturers or your project supervisor. For any other problem
which is preventing you working at your best, whether it is academic, financial, personal, welfare etc, do
not hesitate to talk to the MSc Tutor. The Tutor may discuss with the Head of Department, as and when
necessary, but any discussions will be treated in strict confidence. However, if you wish the information
to be confined to the Tutor, then that is what will happen! The Tutor’s advice will always be given in a
spirit of helpfulness, although it may not necessarily be what you want to hear; he has to work within the
rules of the Department, the College and the University. If you need a reference during your time at
College, whether for personal or academic reasons, you should normally ask the Tutor. The Tutor and
other staff are generally happy to provide references for students they know, but remember that it is polite
to ask them first before you put their name on an application form.
The Teaching Support and Student Disabilities Co-ordinator, Miss Trea Saint, is available to help if the
Tutor is unavailable, or you wish specifically to speak to a woman. The Undergraduate Teaching
Secretary, Ms Mariam Mohamad, will let you have copies of syllabuses, timetables etc for the various
degree programmes.
3.2 Other sources of information within the Department
(a) Careers advice
The Departmental Careers Officer is Dr Angus Bain, with whom appointments can be made either
by telephoning extension 33472 or by email on a.bain@ucl.ac.uk. He can also be found in Room E6
which is on the ground floor of the Physics Building.
(b) Equal opportunities
The Departmental Equal Opportunities Liaison Officer is Ms Hilary Wigmore (telephone: 37155 or email
h.wigmore@ucl.ac.uk ), whose function is the promotion of equal opportunities for women, ethnic
minorities, those with socio-economic disadvantages and people with disabilities.
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If you feel that you have been discriminated against on racial or sexual grounds or have been harassed in
any way, you should inform Ms Wigmore or your personal tutor or the MSc Tutor directly. Immediate
confidential help in dealing with the problem is assured.
(c) Disabilities
Miss Trea Saint is the Departmental student Disabilities Coordinator.
3.3 Advice elsewhere in the College
(a) Health service
Students should be aware that they are welcome to consult, by appointment, any of the staff at the Gower
Place Practice (formerly the Health Centre), who include Physicians, Psychologists, Dental Surgeons and
Nurses. All these staff are familiar with the special difficulties that students may encounter, and all such
consultations are entirely confidential. The telephone numbers are as follows: Gower Place Practice –
020 7387 6306; Dental Practice – 020 7679 7186; both the Doctors and Dentists are located at 3 Gower
Place which is situated at the rear of the Physics Building. (If calling from within UCL the numbers are
prefixed by 3; i.e. 32803)
In addition, a Student Counselling Service is provided which covers such aspects as: Homesickness,
loneliness, anxiety, depression; Problems with studies and exams; Problems in relationships; Family
problems; Eating disorders, drug or alcohol problems; Sexual issues. It is totally confidential and
‘demand-friendly’. Appointments can be booked with Ms Jacyntha Etienne between 10.00 a.m.-1.00 p.m.
and 2.00-4.00 p.m., at 3 Taviton Street (First Floor, Room 101), by telephone (020-7679 1487) or by
calling in.
(b) Graduate School
The Graduate School (offices in the North Cloisters of the Wilkins Building) operates an open door
policy. They are happy to offer advice to graduate students. Further information is available on their
website www.ucl.ac.uk/gradschool or in the UCL Graduate School Handbook.
(c) Faculty Tutor
Dr D. Tovee is the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Faculty Tutor – extension 37235/37767. He may
be consulted, by appointment, on administrative topics, in the Faculty Office, which is situated on the
2nd Floor of the Language Centre (136 Gower Street).
(d) Dean of Students
Dr Ruth Siddall is the Dean of Students (4 Taviton Street, Ground Floor) and can be consulted by
appointment during mornings only. Her secretary can be contacted on 020 7679 4545. The Dean is
available to help with all aspects of welfare in the College and can help even in difficult cases concerning
student financial worries.
(e) Advisers to women students
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The Advisers to Women Students assist the Dean of Students in providing advice and welfare support to
students and are available specifically for women students who need to talk to a woman. Appointments
with the Advisers to Women Students (Dr Dorothy Einon – 25385 or email d.einon@ucl.ac.uk and Dr
Hilary Richards – 32934 or email h.richards@ucl.ac.uk ) may be made by calling the Dean of Students’
Secretary on 020 7679 4545 or visiting the office at 4 Taviton Street.
3.4 UCL computer & e-mail accounts
You will be assigned a UCL computer account and a UCL e-mail address. Students will be given a
UCL Information Systems (IS) information sheet at enrolment explaining how to obtain their
computer registration details from IS. The procedure will be as follows:
All new students are pre-registered with automatically generated passwords, which will be printed
on folded and sealed Computer Registration Slips. Students will be able to collect these from IS
staff in Workrooms 1 and 2, The Lewis Building (136 Gower Street, at the north-west corner of the
UCL main site) during the first two weeks of term, on presentation of their College ID and a valid
session card. Along with their Computer Registration Slips, students will also be given a starter
pack - a purpose-printed folder containing a set of initial documentation.
Please check your e-mail whenever you are on site at UCL, as it will be the main method to get in
touch with you, and for you to receive any general UCL messages. The Tutor will only use your
UCL e-mail address. It is possible to get UCL e-mail re-routed to your own personal e-mail account
– for instructions see the ‘electronic mail’ entries in the IS ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ pages on
the UCL website at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/is/faq/index.htm.
3.5 Enrolment
Enrolment at UCL will take place during the first week of the first term. If you have not been
informed of the time and place, or have missed your enrolment time, please contact the Registrar's
Division immediately. It is very important that all students attend to complete the various
formalities. If you have not already verified your qualifications then you should take the appropriate
documentation with you.
3.6 Introductory Meeting
An introductory meeting for everyone on the programme is held at the beginning of the first term.
3.7. Examinations
a) Examination schedule
The main examination period is during the third term, usually running over a four-week period, typically
from week 2. Most examinations are held away from the main College site, so that it is important that
you know exactly where and when the examination is being held. Examination timetables for Collegebased examinations and maps showing the location of the possible examination halls will be available
before the end of the second term. These must be collected by candidates from their Departmental Tutor.
The timetables also display an important alphanumeric identifier code, unique to each student, which is
used to identify your answer paper, as papers are marked anonymously. This timetable must be your
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constant companion, along with your College ID card, when you attend an examination. Any student who
has not received such a timetable at least two weeks’ prior to the start of the examinations period should
check immediately with their Tutor and/or the Examinations Section of the Registry. Without it you may
be refused entry to an examination.
Dates and times of examination are also displayed on College and Departmental notice-boards.
Where the use of calculators is permitted in an examination, all students will have to use ‘standard’
calculators in examinations which conform to the College specification. These will not have any
text facility nor be able to store, for example, equations. The College has decreed that, except in
certain specified examinations, only the following calculators should be used:(i) Battery-powered CASIO FX83WA, FX83MS, FX83ES
(ii) Solar-powered CASIO FX85WA, FX85MS, FX85ES
Both the above calculators are widely available and will be sold at the College shop.
NB: The unauthorised use of calculators during an examination continues to be banned
and such use would constitute an examination irregularity.
b) How to plan for and survive examinations
However carefully all the examinations are planned by the Registrar’s Division, in consultation with the
Department, because of the wide range of options, it is impossible to please everyone all of the time. You
may find that all your examinations are scheduled close together with no substantial break in between.
The important thing is not to panic. Listed below are a few hints, which might make your examination
period a little less stressful.
Students habitually throw away marks in examinations for reasons that have nothing to do with their lack
of knowledge of the subject matter. You have studied for a long time (usually a year at least) to do your
best in the examination and it would be irrational to throw away credit through lack of common-sense.
Here is some simple advice to improve your examination performance.
Before an examination
§ check its date, time and location;
§ know how long it will take you to get there;
§ know the format of the paper (how many questions to choose from, how many questions to do, how
much time to spend on each, etc);
§ assemble required implements (pens, pencils, calculator, etc);
§ remember your College identification card and exam timetable.
Do not take anything to the examination hall which could be misconstrued as helping you in the exam,
i.e. small slips of paper with equation written on it, similarly anything written on your hands. The College
is very ‘hot’ on plagiarism and cheating and will certainly act vigorously if such events are detected. You
could be removed from the College without ever being allowed to finish your degree studies, i.e. sent
down!
14
At the examination
§read the instructions (the rubric) at the head of the paper, taking particular note of:§the number of questions to be answered;
§whether the paper is in sections, the number of questions to be answered from each section;
§the time to be spent on each question;
§whether or not each new question has to be started on a new page of the answer book;
§decide which questions you are going to attempt, trying to rank them in order of easiness, and answer
them in this order;
§do all the parts you can of all the questions you decide to answer;
§if you get completely stuck on part of a question, do not pursue it whilst there are other questions that
you know you can answer; you can always come back to the ‘troublemaker’ later, if time permits;
§most questions are in several parts and each part carries marks – even if you are unable to tackle the
whole of a question, always make an attempt to do as much of it as you can and clearly identify which
part you are answering;
§do not write long, rambling essays; examiners will be looking for understanding of a few key points, so
list the ones you want to make, and write concisely about them – a single sentence on each key point
is often all that is needed;
§it is unlikely that your handwriting will be at its best under examination conditions, but the examiner
cannot give marks for an answer that cannot be deciphered – try to write as clearly as you possibly
can;
§never leave an examination before time is up; even if you have done very little, there may be more
marks to be had by polishing and thinking more about the questions;
§if you are in danger of running out of time, quickly sketch a skeleton of the answer you would have
given; it may earn you a few more marks.
All the above may seem very obvious. Nevertheless, year after year failure to observe these few commonsense guidelines leads some students to doing worse than they are capable of and in some cases to fail.
Make sure you are not among them.
c) Withdrawal from Examinations
To withdraw from an examination you need to complete the appropriate form and obtain signed approval
of the Departmental and Faculty tutors. Such approval may only be given on medical grounds or
following the death of a near relative or other cause acceptable to the College authorities and provided
certification is given to the Department. Once approval has been granted you will not be regarded as
having made an entry to the examination and may resit in the following session without penalty (see
resits below). If you are considering withdrawing, you must discuss the matter with the appropriate
Departmental Tutor. Of course a withdrawal from an examination may impede your progression into
the next year.
Students with major health, personal or financial difficulties may apply for an ‘interruption in study’,
which effectively means that the student is withdrawn from all exams. The student may resume at a later
date subject to the resolution of the problem, normally supported by medical reports etc.
d) Problems due to illness
If you are ill immediately prior to an examination it is essential that you inform your Departmental Tutor.
If you are unable to sit the examination through illness or other grave personal circumstances and supply
documentary evidence it may be possible to apply for deferred assessment. Applications must be made
within a week of the end of the examination period on the appropriate form to your Departmental Tutor
for approval by the Faculty Tutor. All medical matters are treated confidentially. Deferred assessments
are not permitted in your graduating year. Absence from exams on compassionate grounds are treated
15
in a similar manner. This type of assessment will normally be carried out in the Summer vacation (see
later).
If you find that you sustain an injury, which means that you are unable to write, it may be possible for
you to be supplied with an amanuensis, someone who will write down your answers to examination
questions as you dictate. Several things should be borne in mind before you decide that an amanuensis is
the way forward: (a) the amanuensis must take down exactly what you say, even if it is wrong; (b) you
may be awarded extra examination time.
Alternatively, if your medical condition means you are capable of writing slowly, you may prefer to be
assessed by Student Health and be allowed to sit the examination under medical supervision. Although
you will be given no extra time for the exam, you will be allowed breaks when the clock will be stopped
and then started again after you resume writing.
If you are taken ill during an examination you may be taken to Student Health together with your
examination paper. This means that if you recover sufficiently to be able to continue, you can do so under
medical supervision.
If you decide that, despite feeling ill, you still want to sit the examination, you will be allowed to leave,
temporarily, the examination hall under supervision. You will not be allowed any extra time, although a
note of your absences from the examination hall will be made on the formal notification to the Registry.
NB: Please ensure that you are accompanied at all times if you do, temporarily, leave the examination
hall.
e) Problems due to late arrival or absence
If you arrive less than half-an-hour late you will be allowed to enter the examination hall and to sit the
examination but you will not be given any extra time and MUST finish at the same time as the other
candidates sitting the paper.
If you arrive after the first half-an-hour but before the end of the examination you will not be allowed to
sit in the examination hall but will be sent to report to your Departmental Tutor without delay. Normally
you will be allowed to sit the paper in the Department but 30 minutes will be deducted from the time
allowed. You will be asked to give a written explanation for your late arrival.
If you arrive at the Department AFTER the time for the normal end of the examination you will NOT be
allowed to sit the paper.
f) Re-entry to examinations: (Re-sits) and Repeats of Year
Students who at a first attempt do not successfully pass a course may re-enter normally on not more than
ONE occasion provided the original or strictly comparable course is being examined. Such a re-entry must
be made at the next available opportunity. If you are unsuccessful at the re-sit examination, application must
be made to the College for special permission to be re-examined on one further occasion.
Normally, if a module is passed on re-sit, the “failed mark” is replaced by the average of the module mark
obtained at resit and the pass mark in the algorithm for computing your overall average mark for the year
(see degree classification below). If there were extenuating circumstances (e.g. medical conditions) for the
earlier failure that have been accepted by your Programme Tutor, the full module mark may be used.
16
Repeats of year are possible if the normal year progression criteria are not met (see below). Normally this is
undertaken as a part-time student, and involves registration for up to two course units (half the normal load).
Alternatively, resit exams can be taken without attendance at College; effectively the student takes a year
out.
g) Dyslexia
If you have been clinically diagnosed as suffering from dyslexia you will be allowed extra time during
examinations – usually an extra 10 minutes per hour. However, it is vitally important that your Tutor is
made aware that you are dyslexic at least 3 months before the examination period, so that certain
administrative documentation can be produced to ensure that the Examinations Section of the Registry
are aware of your needs. Examinations taken by dyslexic students are held centrally in a room on the
College campus.
3.8 Library Facilities
The UCL Science (DMS Watson) Library is available to students for study, consulting journals and
borrowing books. Students should go to the Science Library to register some time after enrolment.
(You will need your UCL ID card.) There is an on-line library catalogue and user information
system available at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/UCL-Info/Divisions/Library/index.htm. Many journals are
also available on-line. The nearby library of the University of London, on the 4th floor of Senate
House, Malet Street (phone 020 7862 8500), is also available free of charge to UCL students - to
become a member just go along with your UCL ID card and your session card. There is an on-line
catalogue available at http://www.ull.ac.uk/.
A particularly useful facility for project work is the ‘Web of Science’ (WOS)
(http://wos.mimas.ac.uk/), hosted at Manchester University. This facility, free of charge to UCL
students, gives the user access to the Science Citation Index, allowing the user to browse millions
of journal articles from 1981 to the present, with abstracts and links to all the articles that they have
cited, or which have cited them. (This allow you to do a literature search backwards or forwards in
time.) To use this facility (and other databases) you need to obtain an ATHENS username and
password from the Science Library enquiry desk.
3.9 Plagiarism
The following are extracts from the “UCL Student Handbook”, prepared by the Registrar’s Division.
“Plagiarism is defined as the presentation of another person’s thoughts or words or artefacts or
software as though they were a student’s own. Any quotation from the published or unpublished works of
other persons must, therefore, be clearly identified as such by being placed in side quotation marks, and
students should identify their sources as accurately and fully as possible. A series of short quotations
from several different sources, if not clearly identified as such, constitutes plagiarism just as much as
does a single unacknowledged long quotation from a single source.”
“Where part of an examination consists of ‘take away’ papers, essays or other work written in a
student’s own time, or a course work assessment, the work submitted must be the candidate’s own.”
Plagiarism constitutes an “examination offence under the University regulations and will normally be
17
treated as cheating or irregularities under the regulations for Proceedings in respect of Examination
Irregularities. Under these Regulations students found to have committed an offence may be excluded
from all further examinations of the University or of the College or of both.”
The following is taken directly from a handout entitled “How NOT to fail your Degree” produced by
N.Hayes and R. Muid from the UCL Dept of Pharmacology (2006) but is also applicable in our
department.
“ What does this mean in practice for you, as a student in this Department?
It means you CANNOT do the following:
§
§
§
§
§
Cut and paste from electronic journals, websites or other sources to create a piece of work.
Use someone else’s work as your own.
Recycle essays or practical work of other people or your own (this is self plagiarism).
Employ a professional ghostwriting firm or anyone else to produce work for you.
Produce a piece of work based on someone else's ideas without citing them.
You CAN do the following:
§ You can quote from sources providing you use quotation marks and cite the source (this
includes websites).
§ You can paraphrase (take information from a piece of work and rewrite it in a new form) but
you must still mention the source.
§ In the case of joint work (e.g. a group project) individuals may use the same data, but the
interpretation and conclusions derived from that data must be their own.
It doesn’t matter if you didn’t mean to plagiarise, at UCL any form of plagiarism is an offence
which will be punished. Ignorance is not an excuse.”
(Inclusion of the above section is not plagiarism by us, as it has been enclosed in quotes and fully
attributed to someone else in another Dept at UCL. That is allowed!)
The most common form of plagiarism consists of downloading large sections of essays from the
internet without including the necessary quotation marks or specific references. When teaching staff
mark work of an essay/report nature, they are encouraged to check for web-plagiarism by using a
search engine such as that supplied by www.google.com. The College has obtained software, the
‘Turn-It-In’ ®system,which all departments will be able to use to check all work using databases
of past work from students.
The Senior Tutor requires the following state in this handbook:“You (students) should note that UCL has now signed up to use a sophisticated detection system
(Turn-It-In) to scan work for evidence of plagiarism, and the Department intends to use this for
assessed coursework. This system gives access to billions of sources worldwide, including websites
and journals, as well as work previously submitted to the Department, UCL and other universities”
The Department also considers the undisclosed “borrowing” of the results of laboratory
experiments from other students in order to write up a detailed report on an experiment that has not
been fully completed to be especially serious in that the whole practical course is judged by
continuous assessment. If you work in a partnership with someone on an experiment or a group you
18
may all use the same data obviously but it is expected that any report you produce will be in your
own words and your own layout. Just changing the odd word here and there is not sufficient to
avoid being very heavily penalized for plagiarism.
It is educationally very healthy if students discuss their courses together but the mere copying of
homework without contributing to the dialogue serves little purpose in either understanding the
subject matter or preparing a student for examinations. Again the writing-up of homework solutions
must be done independently in your own fashion. (The feeling of deja-vu, especially when ‘errors’
and the same ‘odd’ steps in a solution are copied blindly, can be very strong for a marker looking at
lots of work.)
Cases of suspected cheating are first investigated by a Departmental Disciplinary Panel. In
accordance with the Examination Regulations, all serious cases must then be passed on to the
College Registry, which will decide whether the case should be dealt with at the College or
Departmental level. Penalties that can be imposed by the College can be very serious - students do
get expelled and do not complete their degrees - as outlined by the Registrar’s Division at the start
of this section.
Students should be aware that a future employer requiring references about a student, normally
seeks information from a Tutor regarding a student’s “honesty and integrity”. It is impossible to
give a good reference for any student who has been caught resorting to plagiarism of any kind.
3.10 Hardship Funds
The College has been allocated a limited sum of money by the Government, known as the Access
Fund, from which awards can be made to full-time UK students, including postgraduate students,
who find themselves in financial difficulties. EU students, with the exception of migrant workers or
the children of migrant workers, and overseas students are not eligible. Government Hardship
Loans are also available. With the exception of mature students (aged 25 and over), students who
do not apply for a Government Hardship Loan will not normally be considered for an award from
the Access Fund. Details of the schemes are given on http://www.ucl.ac.uk/currentstudents/financial-support/alf/
Limited hardship funding is also available for non-UK students – contact details are given on the
UCL website at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/financial-support/shf/
It must be emphasised that the award of such loans and bursaries can only be justified in
exceptional circumstances, after all other options have been thoroughly explored.
4. STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES
4.1 Student Departmental Society
There is a Student Society called “Event Horizon”. It has associations with the Institute of Physics. It
offers social events, arranges lectures by visiting speakers from other Universities, and organises visits to
external research organisations and industry. A small Annual Membership fee is payable.
19
4.2 University College London Union (UCLU)
The College has a very active Students’ Union located at 25 Gordon Street, the building adjacent to the
Physics Building. There are several bars and coffee bars, a shop and hairdressing salon within the Union
Building. In addition, there are a vast number of societies catering for all tastes and interests. The Union
holds a Freshers’ Fair in the College Cloisters at the beginning of the first term, where all the societies,
sports clubs and other Union activities have stalls and provide information. The Union provides basic
advice on such things as financial matters, welfare, housing, Council Tax, legal problems, health etc and
there are full-time Sabbatical Officers (existing students who take a year out) on hand to help. The Union
runs a Night Line (020 7631-0101) for students who are in trouble or just need to talk to someone during
the hours when the College and Union are closed. The Union also has a sports ground at Shenley in
Hertfordshire, where the Departmental Staff/Student Cricket Match and Barbecue takes place during the
Summer Term after the examinations.
4.3 University of London Union (ULU)
The building for this is on Malet Place. You will need a valid Student Identity Card to be allowed in. It
has a multitude of facilities including a swimming pool in the basement and a refectory on the top floor.
It can be a place to meet students from other Colleges in the University of London.
4.4 External Societies in the vicinity of the College
Although you will be inundated with requests to join all the internal UCL societies, two external ones
which may be of particular interest to you are:
(a) The Institute of Physics (IoP)
The IoP is the professional body for physicists (also astronomers). New students will be offered, at a
reduced rate, membership of the Institute of Physics. Membership brings with it the monthly publication
“Physics World” which contains informative scientific articles as well as news of the Institute’s activities
and a diary. The IoP is located at 76 Portland Place and offers the use of a library to its members. If you
are interested in joining contact the Departmental Representative (Dr D L Moores).
(b) The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS)
Students with an interest in astronomy are encouraged to join the Royal Astronomical Society as Junior
Members, and to attend RAS Discussion Meetings and Monthly Astronomy and Geophysics Meetings
which are held on the second Friday of each month from October to May. UCL students are the closest,
geographically, to the location of these meetings (Saville Row, just off Oxford Street) of all the
astronomy students in the UK, and should take advantage if timetables and other commitments permit.
You can get information about the RAS from Professor I.D. Howarth (Secretary to RAS Council) –
idh@star.ucl.ac.uk.
A notice about the programmes of the RAS meetings is on display in the
Department; but it is easy to remember that the second Friday of (nearly) every month is the RAS day.
The Discussion Meetings usually run from 10.30am until 3.30pm, and are followed, after tea, by the
Monthly Astronomy and Geophysics Meetings of the Society, which all members and Fellows are
warmly invited to attend.
20
5. THE MSc COURSES
5.1 Aims and Objectives
The MSc programmes in Physics and Astrophysics have the following aims and objectives:
• To provide students with a sound knowledge of the underlying principles which form a thorough
basis for careers in physics/astrophysics and related fields.
• To enable students to develop insights into the techniques used in current projects.
• To allow an in-depth experience of a particular specialised research area, through project work,
as a member of a research team.
• To develop the professional skills necessary for students to play a meaningful role in industrial or
academic life and satisfy the need, both nationally and internationally, for well qualified
postgraduates who will be able to respond to the challenges that arise from future developments.
• To give students the experience of teamwork, to develop presentation skills and to train students
to work to deadlines.
5.2 Courses Structure
The MSc programmes have the following course structure. Detailed syllabuses of core courses can
be found at the end of the handbook. Syllabus for other courses are available on the Departmental
web pages. The label in brackets gives an alternative designation for the course used in the
timetable.
The MSc and Graduate Diploma are governed by the general provisions given in the annual
“University College London Academic Regulations for Students.”
5.2.1 MSc Physics
1. Four “core” components, course weighting 1/12th each ,to be selected from :
PHASG426
PHASG442
PHASG421
PHASG427
PHASG472
MATHG305
SPCEG002
PHASG431
Advanced Quantum Theory
Particle Physics
Atom and Photon Physics
Quantum Computation and Communication
Order and Excitations in Condensed Matter
Mathematics for General Relativity
Space Plasma and Magnetospheric Physics
Molecular Physics
2. Two further components, weighting 1/12th each, selected from (see next page):
21
(a) The above list
(b) Courses registered for the MSc in Astrophysics
(c) Space and Climate Physics courses as part of the MSc in Space Science (as determined by the
MSc Tutor)
(d) Intercollegiate 4th year courses
(e) 4th year MSci Physics and Astrophysics courses (and appropriate 3rd year Physics courses, as
determined by the MSc Tutor).
3. Research Essay weight 1/6th.
4. A Research project which will be based in a research group within the Department.
Weighting 1/3rd.
5.2.2 MSc Astrophysics
1. Four “core” components, course weighting 1/12th each, to be selected from :
SPCEG011
SPCEG012
SPCEG013
PHASG318
PHASG317
MATHG306
MATHG305
SPCEG002
Planetary Atmospheres
Solar Physics
High Energy Astrophysics
Stellar Atmospheres and Stellar Winds
Galaxy and Cluster Dynamics
Cosmology
Mathematics for General Relativity
Space Plasma and Magnetospheric Physics
2. Two further components, weighting 1/12th each, selected from :
(a) The above list
(b) Courses registered for the MSc in Physics
(c) Space and Climate Physics courses as part of the MSc in Space Science (as determined by the
MSc Tutor)
(d) Intercollegiate 4th year courses
(e) 4th year MSci Physics and Astrophysics courses (and appropriate 3rd year Physics courses, as
determined by the MSc Tutor).
3. Research Essay weight 1/6th.
4. A Research project which will be based in a research group within the Department. Weighting
1/3rd.
22
5.3 Project Work
Students start work on an Individual Project during the first term. This will involve attachment to
any of the Department's research groups.
Some set topics for individual projects have been selected by potential supervisors, and lists will be
available at the start of the first term. Alternatively students can suggest areas in which they are
interested. It is, however, essential that the subject of the chosen project is relevant to the
programme, and a willing supervisor is also required. Discussions with the MSc Tutor and potential
supervisors start in October and a project title must be defined, and a supervisor appointed, by 31st
October. Work begins in the first term, usually literature survey and related background work.
Progress, plans and difficulties are outlined in an initial report due in the middle of the second term
(see the Programme Calendar for the exact date). Assessment of the project is based mainly on the
final report, but other components also contribute. It is important that students read and follow the
individual project guidelines (a copy of which is included at the end of this handbook).
5.4
Assessment (MSc)
In order to be eligible for an MSc award, a student must complete all components of the programme
satisfactorily. These are all the written examinations (on the lecture courses of both terms), the
project work, the research essay and the oral presentation of the project. The pass mark on all
course units is 50%.
The overall average MSc mark is a weighted average of the marks for the following elements of
assessment, with percentage weightings as shown:
Individual Project plus research essay (weighted at 50% of the MSc).
Six Advanced Courses (each weighted at 8 1/3 % of the MSc).
To obtain an MSc award, students must obtain an overall average mark of at least 50% and a mark
of at least 50% for the individual project. Provided that these marks are achieved, the Board of
Examiners may allow condoned failure (i.e. a mark of <50%) in up to TWO courses (which can
include the research essay) provided that the mark achieved in each of those elements is at least
40%.
Otherwise, failure of a written examination requires a re-sit to be completed successfully in the
subsequent year in order to obtain the MSc. Failure in the project or research essay element requires
a re-submission in the subsequent year.
Distinctions are awarded at the discretion of the examining board. In order to be considered eligible
to be awarded a Distinction, a student must obtain an overall average mark of at least 70%, a mark
of at least 70% for the individual project, an average mark of at least 70% for the taught element and
a mark of at least 50% in each module.
The main formal meeting of the Examination Board takes place on the last day of the programme
and it is at this meeting that the MSc results are decided - not before! Oral presentation of the
project will be scheduled directly before this meeting. You will be invited to progress meetings
with the MSc Tutor in December and February to review your performance in the first term and to
23
discuss your initial project report. It is important that you heed the advice offered during this
meeting, otherwise you may not be successful later in the year.
5.5 Post Graduate Diploma
The UCL Regulations prevent anyone who has not achieved a 2nd class Honours degree or its
equivalent from being registered for an MSc. However the Regulations allow students who have
slightly lesser qualifications to be enrolled for a Post Graduate Diploma. Both MSc and Post
Graduate Diploma programmes are operated concurrently. The lectures and exams are the same,
but the Diploma does NOT include any project work. The pass mark on all course units is 50%.
5.6 Assessment (Post Graduate Diploma)
In order to be eligible for a Post Graduate Diploma award, a student must complete all components
of the programme satisfactorily. These include all the written examinations (on the lecture courses
of both terms), and the extended research essay. The overall mark for the Post Graduate Diploma is
a weighted average of these elements, with the same relative weight for each element as those noted
above.
To obtain a Post Graduate Diploma award, students must obtain an overall average mark of at least
50%. Provided that these marks are achieved, the Board of Examiners may allow condoned failure
(i.e. a mark of <50%) in up to TWO courses (which can include the research essay) provided that
the mark achieved in each of those elements is at least 40%. Otherwise, failure of an examination
element requires a re-sit to be completed successfully in the subsequent year. Failure in the
research essay requires a resubmission the following year.
The results for the Post Graduate Diploma-registered students are decided at a special meeting of
the Examination Board in June. If a student fails to achieve the marks required for a Post Graduate
Diploma he/she can resit the relevant exams in a subsequent year.
5.7 Transfer from Post Graduate Diploma to MSc
At the discretion of the Examination Board, a Post Graduate Diploma-registered student can be
transferred to MSc registration, provided that he/she achieves a mark of 50% as his/her overall
average mark, as well as 50% in any four course examinations, and 40% in the other two
examinations. If transferred to MSc registration, the student will then continue with the project
work so as to try and obtain an MSc. An extra fee is also then due. Students wishing to have the
option of transferring to MSc registration at the June Exam Board meeting must therefore have
already completed all the initial project work up to that date, the same as the MSc-registered
students.
NOTE: Under the current UCL regulations, if a Diploma-registered student fails to achieve the
marks required for transfer to MSc registration, he/she ends the programme in June, and is NOT
allowed to complete a project or re-sit any exams for the MSc degree. The student can, however,
re-sit for the Diploma if he/she has failed to obtain the marks required for a Diploma.
24
5.8 Absence or Illness
Attendance on all components of the programme is required, and it is not possible to repeat a
missed course or examination during the same academic year. If a student needs to be absent from
UCL for any reason he/she must inform the MSc Tutor, and explain the reason. Illness affecting a
student’s performance in examinations or other components will be taken into account by the
Examination Board, but only if a doctor’s letter is provided. Generally, if in doubt on any such
matters, please contact the MSc Tutor for help as soon as a problem arises.
25
5.7 Lecture Course Syllabus Details
Syllabus summaries for the lecture courses are given overleaf. These are
subject to minor variations.
26
PHYSG299 – PHYSICS PROJECT
Aim of the Course
The Physics project provides a chance for the student to undertake physics research within the
environment of an active research group.
Objectives
At the end of the course the student should have:
•
•
•
•
•
•
increased skill and confidence to plan and work independently,
improved skills in conducting a complex, open-ended scientific investigation, in an active
research environment,
increased ability to seek out information as required from a variety of sources,
become accustomed to developing ideas in discussion,
developed the reporting skills by distilling the notebook record of work of the lengthy project
into a complete formal report of the project in word-processed form,
have become more aware of the demands of oral presentation by making an oral report of the
project.
Course Contents
•
•
•
•
Project: Students have about 720 hours spread throughout the MSc conducting an open-ended,
investigative project. They are required to keep a detailed lab notebook of their work Each
project is supervised by the member of the academic or technical staffs who has suggested the
project which is normally derived from their own research work. It is normally carried out partly
in the supervisor’s research lab and utilising research group resources.
Progress Report: Midway through term 2, each student presents a short report summarizing
progress.
MSc Thesis : At the end of the project, each student must present a formal word-processed
report, not more than 50 typed pages in length (12pt font; 1.5 line spacing), summarising the
work on the project. Two copies of this thesis should be submitted. A shortened version of the
research essay can be used as part or all of the introduction to the thesis.
Project Oral Presentation : Students make an oral presentation of their project, lasting 20
minutes plus time for questions, in mid-September.
Methodology and Assessment
Assessment is continuous. Students meet at regular intervals with their project supervisors to
discuss progress and plan further work. Supervisors are also expected to be available on an ad hoc
basis to help with difficulties as they arise. During these meetings the supervisor forms an opinion
of the student’s scientific abilities which is an important element in their assessment. In the project
outline, presented after about three weeks of the first term, the student is expected to show evidence
of understanding of the problem to be solved, a considered approach to the planning of the project
backed up, if necessary, by preliminary calculations, and with possible areas of difficulty identified.
The progress report at the mid-point of the project is intended to monitor how closely this initial
27
plan has been followed, how much progress has been achieved at the half-way stage towards
achieving the ultimate aim of the project, and what direction future work will take. Further
assessment of the scientific merit of the students’ work is derived from the lab notebook they keep
of their activities and the formal report. Assessment of their ability to communicate their work is
derived from the formal written report and oral presentation. The preparation of the thesis is time
consuming and students are instructed to finish their investigative work in adequate time to
complete this. The supervisor is expected to spend some time giving advice on the content and
qualities of good reports. All assessed work is both first and second marked. The different course
components contribute to the total assessment with the following weights.
•
•
•
Supervisor assessment of scientific ability, 30%
Formal report, 60%
Oral presentation, 10%
28
PHASG199 – ASTRONOMY PROJECT
Aim of the Course
The Astronomy project provides a chance for the student to undertake physics research within the
environment of an active research group.
Objectives
At the end of the course the student should have:
•
•
•
•
•
•
increased skill and confidence to plan and work independently,
improved skills in conducting a complex, open-ended scientific investigation, in an active
research environment,
increased ability to seek out information as required from a variety of sources,
become accustomed to developing ideas in discussion,
developed the reporting skills by distilling the notebook record of work of the lengthy project
into a complete formal report of the project in word-processed form,
have become more aware of the demands of oral presentation by making an oral report of the
project.
Course Contents
•
•
•
•
Project: Students have about 720 hours spread throughout the MSc conducting an open-ended,
investigative project. They are required to keep a detailed lab notebook of their work Each
project is supervised by the member of the academic or technical staff who has suggested the
project, which is normally derived from their own research work. It is normally carried out partly
in the supervisor’s research lab and utilising research group resources.
Progress Report: Midway through term 2, each student presents a short report summarizing
progress.
MSc Thesis: At the end of the project, each student must present a formal word-processed
report, not more than 50 typed pages (12pt font; 1.5 line spacing) in length, summarising the
work on the project. Two copies of this thesis should be submitted. A shortened version of
the research essay may be used as part or all of the introduction to the thesis.
Project Oral Presentation : Students make an oral presentation of their project, lasting 20
minutes plus time for questions, in mid-September.
Methodology and Assessment
Assessment is continuous. Students meet at regular intervals with their project supervisors to
discuss progress and plan further work. Supervisors are also expected to be available on an ad hoc
basis to help with difficulties as they arise. During these meetings the supervisor forms an opinion
of the student’s scientific abilities which is an important element in their assessment. In the project
outline, presented after about three weeks of the first term, the student is expected to show evidence
of understanding of the problem to be solved, a considered approach to the planning of the project
backed up, if necessary, by preliminary calculations, and with possible areas of difficulty identified.
The progress report at the mid-point of the project is intended to monitor how closely this initial
plan has been followed, how much progress has been achieved at the half-way stage towards
29
achieving the ultimate aim of the project, and what direction future work will take. Further
assessment of the scientific merit of the students’ work is derived from the lab notebook they keep
of their activities and the formal report. Assessment of their ability to communicate their work is
derived from the formal written report and oral presentation. The preparation of the thesis is time
consuming and students are instructed to finish their investigative work in adequate time to
complete this. The supervisor is expected to spend some time giving advice on the content and
qualities of good reports. All assessed work is both first and second marked. The different course
components contribute to the total assessment with the following weights.
•
•
•
Supervisor assessment of scientific ability, 30%
Formal report, 60%
Oral presentation, 10%
30
PHYSG405 – RESEARCH ESSAY
Aim of the Cour se
The aim of the course is to train the student in use of the primary research literature and to evaluate
critically research results on a chosen topic. For MSc students this topic will usually relate to their
research project. The student is required to submit a critical research essay which should be written
at a level which is accessible to their peers.
Objectives
At the end of the course the student should have:
·
·
·
·
·
an appreciation of the research literature in their chosen area,
the ability to use the research literature and bibliographic tools,
the ability to express research ideas at an appropriate level,
developed the skill to critically review research ,
the ability to write a substantial scientific essay at an appropriate level.
Cour se Contents
·
·
·
Essay: up to 20 pages reviewing an agreed topic in the scientific literature. The essay should be
appropriately structured and referenced. It should be pitched at a level accessible to other
students on the course. The essay must be word processed and submitted both in hard copy and
electronically (on a disk or my email). The electronic copy will be used to check for plagiarism.
Outline: a brief outline of the project and essay will be submitted midway through the first term.
Progress report: a report detailing progress on the essay and the project will be submitted
midway through the second term.
Assessment
Scientific understanding
Quality of work
Presentation
40%
40%
20%
31
SPCEG011 – PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
Prerequisites
A knowledge of mathematics including the basic operations of calculus and simple ordinary
differential and partial differential equations.
Aims of the Course
This course aims to:
•
compare the composition, structure and dynamics of the atmospheres of all the planets, and in
the process to develop our understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Objectives
On completion of this course, students should understand:
•
•
•
•
•
the factors which determine whether an astronomical body has an atmosphere;
the processes which determine how temperature and pressure vary with height;
the dynamic of atmospheres and the driving forces for weather systems;
the origin and evolution of planetary atmospheres over the lifetime of the solar system;
feedback effects and the influence of anthropogenic activities on the Earth.
Methodology and Assessment
30 lectures and 3 problem class/discussion periods. Lecturing supplemented by homework problem
sets. Written solutions provided for the homework after assessment. Links to information sources
on the web provided through a special web page at MSSL.
Assessment is based on the results obtained in the final written examination (90%) and three
problem sheets (10%).
Textbooks
(a) Planetary atmospheres and atmospheric physics:
• The Physics of Atmospheres, John T Houghton, Cambridge
• Theory of Planetary Atmospheres, J.W. Chamberlain and D.M. Hunten
• Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics, by M. Salby
• Planetary Science by I. de Pater and JJ Lissauer (Ch 4: Planetary Atmospheres)
(b) Earth meteorology and climate
• Atmosphere Weather and Climate , RG Barry and RJ Chorley
• Fundamentals of Weather and Climate, R McIlveen
• Meteorology Today OR Essentials of Meteorology (abridged version), CD Ahrens
• Meteorology for Scientists & Engineers, R Stull (technical companion to Ahrens)
32
Syllabus
(The approximate allocation of lectures to topics is shown in brackets below.)
Comparison of the Planetary Atmospheres (2)
The radiative energy balance of a planetary atmosphere; the competition between gravitational
attraction and thermal escape processes. The factors which influence planetary atmospheres; energy
and momentum sources; accretion and generation of gases; loss processes; dynamics; composition.
Atmospheric structure (7)
Hydrostatic equilibrium, adiabatic lapse rate, convective stability, radiative transfer, the
greenhouse effect and the terrestrial planets.
Oxygen chemistry (3)
Ozone production by Chapman theory; comparison with observations; ozone depletion and the
Antarctic ozone hole.
Atmospheric temperature profiles (3)
Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and ionosphere described; use of
temperature profiles to deduce energy balance; internal energy sources; techniques of
measurement for remote planets.
Origin of planetary atmospheres and their subsequent evolution (3)
Formation of the planets; primeval atmospheres; generation of volatile material; evolutionary
processes; use of isotopic abundances in deducing evolutionary effects; role of the biomass at Earth;
consideration of the terrestrial planets and the outer planets.
Atmospheric Dynamics (4)
Equations of motion; geostrophic and cyclostrophic circulation, storms; gradient and thermal
winds; dynamics of the atmospheres of the planets; Martian dust storms, the Great Red Spot at
Jupiter.
Magnetospheric Effects (1)
Ionisation and recombination processes; interaction of the solar wind with planets and
atmospheres; auroral energy input.
Atmospheric loss mechanisms (1)
Exosphere and Jeans escape; non thermal escape processes; solar wind scavenging at Mars.
Observational techniques (3)
Occultation methods from ultraviolet to radiofrequencies; limb observation techniques; in-situ
probes.
Global warming (3)
Recent trends and the influence of human activity; carbon budget for the Earth; positive and
negative feedback effects; climate history; the Gaia hypothesis; terraforming Mars.
33
SPCEG012 – SOLAR PHYSICS
Prerequisites
This is a course which can accommodate a wide range of backgrounds. No specific courses
required.
Aims of the Course
The aims of this course are that students should learn about:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the place of the Sun in the evolutionary progress of stars;
the internal structure of the Sun;
its energy source;
its magnetic fields and activity cycle;
its extended atmosphere;
the solar wind;
the nature of the Heliosphere.
The course should be helpful for students wishing to proceed to a PhD in Astronomy or
Astrophysics. It also provides a useful background for people seeking careers in Geophysics-related
industries, and meteorology.
Objectives
On completion of this course, students should be able to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
explain the past and likely future evolution of the Sun as a star;
enumerate the nuclear reactions that generate the Sun’s energy;
explain the modes of energy transport within the Sun ;
describe the Standard Model of the solar interior;
explain the solar neutrino problem and give an account of its likely resolution;
describe the techniques of Helioseismology and results obtained;
discuss the nature of the solar plasma in relation to magnetic fields ;
explain Solar Activity - its manifestations and evolution and the dynamo theory of the solar
magnetic cycle;
describe the solar atmosphere, Chromosphere, Transition Region and Corona;
explain current ideas of how the atmosphere is heated to very high temperatures ;
describe each region of the atmosphere in detail;
explain the relationship between coronal holes and the solar wind;
derive and explain a model of the solar wind;
indicate the nature of the Heliosphere and how it is defined by the solar wind;
describe Solar Flares and the related models based on magnetic reconnection;
explain Coronal Mass Ejections and indicate possible models for their origin.
Methodology and Assessment
This is a 30 lecture course and Problems with discussion of solutions (four problem sheets) Video
display of solar phenomena. Final assessment is derived from coursework/continuous assessment
(10%) and a final written examination (90%).
34
Textbooks
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Solar Astrophysics by P. Foukal, Wiley-Interscience,1990. ISBN 0 471 839353.
Astrophysics of the Sun by H. Zirin, Cambridge U P, 1988. ISBN 0 521 316073.
Neutrino Astrophysics by J. Bahcall, Cambridge U P, 1989. ISBN 0 521 37975X.
The Stars; their structure and evolution by R.J. Taylor, Wykeham Science Series - Taylor and
Francis, 1972. ISBN 0 85109 110 5.
Guide to the Sun by K.J. H. Phillips, Cambridge U P, 1992. ISBN 0 521 39483 X
The Solar Corona by Leon Golub and Jay M. Pasachoff, Cambridge U P, 1997. ISBN 0 521
48535 5
Astronomical Spectroscopy by J. Tennyson, Imperial College Press, 2005. ISBN 1 860 945139
Syllabus
(The approximate allocation of lectures to topics is shown in brackets below.)
Introduction [1]
Presentation of the syllabus and suggested reading, a list of solar parameters and a summary of the
topics to be treated during the course.
The Solar Interior and Photosphere [8]
Stellar structure and evolution. Life history of a star. Equations and results. Conditions for
convection. Arrival of the Sun on the Main Sequence. Nuclear fusion reactions. The Standard Solar
Model. Neutrino production and detection - the neutrino problem. Solar rotation. Photospheric
observations. Fraunhofer lines. Chemical composition. Convection and granulation.
Helioseismology - cause of solar five-minute oscillations, acoustic wave modes structure.
Description of waves in terms of spherical harmonics. Observing techniques and venues. Probing
the Sun’s interior by direct and inverse modeling. Recent results on the internal structure and
kinematics of the Sun.
Solar Magnetic Fields/Solar Activity [6]
Sunspot observations - structure, birth and evolution. Spot temperatures and dynamics.
Observations of faculae. Solar magnetism - sunspot and photospheric fields. Active region
manifestations and evolution. Solar magnetic cycle - Observations and dynamics. Babcock dynamo
model of the solar cycle. Behaviour of flux tubes. Time behaviour of the Sun's magnetic field.
The Solar Atmosphere – Chromosphere and Corona [9]
Appearance of the chromosphere - spicules, mottles and the network. Observed spectrum lines.
Element abundances. Temperature profile and energy flux. Models of the chromosphere. Nature of
the chromosphere and possible heating mechanisms. Nature and appearance of the corona.
Breakdown of LTE. Ionization/ recombination balance and atomic processes. Spectroscopic
observations and emission line intensities. Plasma diagnostics using X-ray emission lines. Summary
of coronal properties.
The Solar Atmosphere - Solar Wind [2]
Discovery of the solar wind. X-ray emission and coronal holes – origin of the slow and fast wind.
In-situ measurements and the interplanetary magnetic field structure. Solar wind dynamics. Outline
of the Heliosphere.
35
Solar Flares and Coronal Mass Ejections [4]
Flare observations. Thermal and non-thermal phenomena. Particle acceleration and energy
transport. Gamma-ray production. Flare models and the role of magnetic fields. Properties and
structure of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Low coronal signatures. Flare and CME relationship.
Propagation characteristics. CME models and MHD simulations.
36
SPCEG013 – HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS
Prerequisites
Algebra and some calculus (differentiation, integration); basic knowledge of mechanics and
electromagnetic theory; basic astrophysical concepts (e.g. spectra).
Aims of the course
This course aims to:
•
•
•
•
provide a practical rather than mathematical introduction to General Relativity and the
properties of black holes;
derive a simple mathematical formulation of the mechanisms which lead to the production of
high energy photons in the Universe, and of the absorption processes which they undergo on
their path to Earth;
provide a quantitative account of cosmic sources and phenomena involving the generation of
high energy photons and particles;
train students to apply the mathematical formulations derived in the course to realistic
astrophysical situations, to derive parameters and properties of cosmic sources of high energy
radiation, in a fashion similar to that commonly applied in research projects.
Objectives
On successful completion of this course students should be able to:
•
•
•
derive, using practical considerations and a simple mathematical treatment, the expression of
the space-time metric appropriate in the vicinity of a non-rotating mass and the properties of
non-rotating black holes, and demonstrate knowledge of the properties of rotating black holes;
derive a mathematical formulation of the mechanisms that lead to the production of high energy
photons and of those that cause their absorption on their path to Earth;
describe, with the aid of diagrams and the application of basic mechanics and electromagnetic
theory, the characteristics of celestial sources of high energy radiation, such as cosmic ray
sources, supernova remnants, pulsars, Galactic and extra-galactic X-Ray sources; deduce their
physical parameters by practical application of physical laws and formulae.
Methodology and Assessment
This is a 30 lecture course. Students progress is monitored by their performance in homework
problems (3 to 4 papers are set throughout the course) and by the final, written examination. The
marked problem sheets are returned one week after submission and the solutions are discussed in
the class by the lecturer encouraging student intervention. The overall course assessment is derived
from the combined marks gained in the homework problems (contributing 10%) and the final
written examination (90%).
Textbooks
The numbers in round brackets correspond to the syllabus topics listed below. Students should note
that no single text book covers all the topics included in the course. The extensive reading list
given below (including some research papers) is proposed for consultation, so that students can
check and expand on the notes taken at lectures.
37
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Principles of Cosmology and Gravitation, M. J. Berry, Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd; 1989
(2)
High Energy Astrophysics, vol. 1, M Longair, Cambridge University Press, 2nd edition; 1992
(3,4,5)
High Energy Astrophysics, vol. 2. M. Longair, Cambridge University Press, 2nd edition; 1994
(3,5,6,8)
X-ray Astronomy, R. Giacconi and H. Gursky, Reidel; 1974 (3,8)
Astrophysical Concepts, M. Harwit, Springer-Verlag, 2nd edition; 1988 (3,9)
Cosmic Rays and Particle Physics, T.K. Gaisser, Cambridge University Press; 1990 (5)
Supernova Remnants, Ann. Rev. Astron. Astrophys., 10, 129; 1972(6)
Pulsar Astronomy, A. G. Lyne and F. Graham-Smith, Cambridge University Press; 1990(6,7)
Neutron Stars, Ann. Rev. Astron. Astrophys., 8, 179; 1970 (7)
On the Pulsar Emission Mechanisms, Ann. Rev. Astron. Astrophys., 13, 511; 1975 (7).
The Nature of Pulsar Radiation, Nature, 226, 622; 1970 (7)
Accretion Power in Astrophysics, J. Frank, A.R. King and D.J. Raine, Cambridge University
Press; 1985 (8)
Syllabus
(The approximate allocation of lectures to topics is shown in brackets below.)
The scope of High Energy Astrophysics. Pre-requisites, units.
General Relativity and black holes [5]
A simple approach to the Schwarzschild metric. Properties of the event horizon. The Kerr solution
for rotating black holes. Ergospheres.
Radiation processes [8]
Cyclotron and synchrotron radiation, inverse Compton, thermal bremsstrahlung, free-bound
(thermal recombination) and bound-bound (line emission) processes.
Interaction of radiation with matter [2]
Photoelectric absorption, Thomson and Compton scattering, pair production, synchrotron selfabsorption.
Cosmic rays [2]
Isotrophy, mass spectrum and origin.
Supernovae [3]
Origin of the collapse, observational properties; Supernova remnants: Evolution, X-ray properties.
Pulsars [4]
Observations and models. Neutron stars.
Accretion onto compact objects [4]
Eddington limit, galactic X-ray binaries, active galactic nuclei.
Jets [2]
Radiosources, Galactic (e.g. SS433) and extragalactic (radiogalaxies). Energy equipartition.
38
SPCEG002 – SPACE PLASMA AND MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS
Prerequisites
While the course is essentially self-contained, some knowledge of basic electromagnetism and
mathematical methods is required. In particular it is assumed that the students are familiar with
Maxwell’s equations and related vector algebra.
Aims of the Course
This course aims:
• to learn about the solar wind and its interaction with various bodies in the solar system, in
particular discussing the case of the Earth and the environment in which most spacecraft
operate.
Objectives
On completion of this course, students should be able to:
• explain what a plasma is;
• discuss the motion of a single charged particle in various electric and/or magnetic field
configurations, and also to discuss the adiabatic invariants;
• discuss the behaviour of particles in the Earth’s radiation belts, including source and loss
processes;
• be familiar with basic magnetohydrodynamics;
• describe the solar wind, including its behaviour near the Sun, near Earth and at the boundary
of the heliosphere;
• describe the solar wind interaction with unmagnetised bodies, such as comets, the Moon and
Venus;
• describe the solar wind interaction with magnetised bodies, concentrating on the case of the
Earth and its magnetosphere;
• be familiar with the closed and open models of magnetospheres
• perform calculations in the above areas
Methodology and Assessment
The material is presented in 30 lectures which are reinforced by problem sheets. Reading from
recommended texts may be useful, but is not essential. Some video material will accompany the
conventional lectures. Assessment is based on the results obtained in the final written examination
(90%) and three problem sheets (10%).
Syllabus
(The approximate allocation of lectures to topics is shown in brackets below.)
Introduction [1]
Plasmas in the solar system, solar effects on Earth, historical context of the development of this
rapidly developing field
Plasmas [3]
What is a plasma, and what is special about space plasmas; Debye shielding, introduction to
different theoretical methods of describing plasmas
Single Particle Theory [7]
Particle motion in various electric and magnetic field configurations; magnetic mirrors; adiabatic
invariants; particle energisation
39
Earth’s Radiation Belts [4]
Observed particle populations; bounce motion, drift motion; South Atlantic Anomaly; drift shell
splitting; source and acceleration of radiation belt particles; transport and loss of radiation belt
particles
Introduction to Magnetohydrodynamics [3]
Limits of applicability; convective derivative; pressure tensor; continuity equation; charge
conservation and field aligned currents; equation of motion; generalised Ohm’s law; frozen-in flow;
magnetic diffusion; equation of state; fluid drifts; magnetic pressure and tension
The Solar Wind [2]
Introduction, including concept of heliosphere; fluid model of the solar wind (Parker);
interplanetary magnetic field and sector structure; fast and slow solar wind; solar wind at Earth;
coronal mass ejections
Collisionless shocks [3]
Shock jump conditions, shock structure, Earth bow shock, solar wind shocks
The magnetosphere and its dynamicsMagnetised Bodies [6]
Magnetospheric convection, magnetospheric currents, the magnetopause, open magnetosphere
formation, magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, non-steady magnetosphere
The Solar Wind Interaction with Unmagnetised Bodies [1]
The Moon; Venus, Comets
Course website
http://www.mssl.ucl.ac.uk/~ajc/4465/4465_resources.htm
Recommended books and resources
1. Basic space plasma physics. W. Baumjohann and R.A. Treumann, Imperial College Press,
1996.
2. Introduction to Space Physics - Edited by M.G.Kivelson and C.T.Russell, Cambridge
University Press, 1995.
Also:
3. Physics of Space Plasmas, an introduction. G.K.Parks, Addison-Wesley, 1991.
4. Guide to the Sun, K.J.H.Phillips, Cambridge University Press, 1992.
5. Sun, Earth and Sky, K.R.Lang, Springer-Verlag, 1995.
nd
6. Introduction to plasma physics, F.F. Chen, Plenum, 2 edition, 1984
7. Fundamentals of plasma physics, J.A. Bittencourt, Pergamon, 1986
40
PHASG318 – STELLAR ATMOSPHERES AND STELLAR WINDS
Prerequisites
This course is intended for students in the fourth year of Astronomy, Astrophysics or Astronomy
and Physics degrees or for MSc students. It is recommended that students have taken the third year
course PHAS3134 (ASTR3C34) Physics and Evolution of Stars or an equivalent course.
Aims of the Course
This course aims to:
• go beyond the classic LTE model atmosphere by considering the physics of non-LTE continuum
and line formation;
• discuss the observations of stellar winds from hot stars;
• provide the basic theory of line-driven stellar winds;
• go beyond the standard models of stellar evolution by considering the effect of mass loss on the
evolution of high mass stars;
Objectives
After completion of this course students should be able to:
• understand the limitations of classical LTE stellar model atmospheres;
• appreciate the complexities involved in constructing non-LTE atmospheres;
• be aware of the uncertainties in modelling the observed spectra of both hot and cool stars;
• discuss the observational characteristics of stellar winds in hot stars;
• outline the basic theory of stellar winds as applied to hot stars;
• understand the importance of mass-loss on the evolution of massive stars;
• be aware of the wider applications of the two central topics of this course, for example, the
modelling of resolved and unresolved stars in other galaxies with different chemical compositions.
Methodology and Assessment
30 lectures and 4 problem class/discussion periods. Assessment is based on the results obtained in
the final written examination (90%) and three problm sheets (10%).
Textbooks
• D.F. Gray, The Observation and Analysis of Stellar Photospheres, 1992, Cambridge University
Press, ISBN 0 521 40868
• D. Mihalas, Stellar Atmospheres, 1978, W.H. Freeman & Co., ISBN 0 7167 0359 9, out of print.
• G.W. Collins, The Fundamentals of Stellar Astrophysics, 1989, W.H. Freeman & Co., ISBN 0
7167 1993 2
• H.J.G.L.M. Lamers and J.I. Cassinelli, Introduction to Stellar Winds, Cambridge University
Press,1999.2
41
Syllabus
(The approximate allocation of lectures to topics is shown in brackets below.)
Introduction and revision of PHAS3134 (PHYS3C34) (Physics and Evolution of Stars) topics [3]
Basic definitions and moments of the radiation field; the Equation of Radiative Transfer and the
Schwarzschild- Milne relations; the condition of radiative equilibrium and Milne's equations; the
Grey atmosphere and the Eddington approximation.
The LTE Model Atmosphere [5]
Hydrostatic equilibrium - gas, electron and radiation pressures. Radiation pressure and the
Eddington Limit. Determination of the electron density. Construction of LTE models and
temperature correction schemes (Lambda iteration and the Unsöld-Lucy iteration methods).
Comparison of LTE model atmosphere continua with observation.
Spectral Line Formation [7]
Observational quantities. Pure absorption and resonance scattering. The equation of transfer for
spectral line radiation. The Milne-Eddington model. The line absorption coefficient. The curve of
growth (theoretical and empirical). Spectral line synthesis.
Non-LTE Model Atmospheres [3]
The two-level atom (lines and continuum), multi-level atoms. Comparison with LTE models and
observations - continuum and lines.
Observations of Stellar Winds . [5]
Formation of P Cygni profiles. Determination of mass loss rates from ultraviolet, optical and radio
observations. Observed mass loss rates and terminal velocities for hot stars and their relationships
to fundamental stellar parameters
Theory of Stellar Winds [5]
Line-driven winds - physical processes, upper limit for mass loss. The absorption of photons in a
moving atmosphere- the Sobolev approximation. Super-simplified theory for line-driven winds.
Refinements to this theory and comparison between predicted and observed mass loss rates and
terminal velocities.
Effects of Mass Loss on Stellar Evolution [2]
General effects of mass loss. The evolution of a 60 star with mass loss.
42
PHASG317 – GALAXY AND CLUSTER DYNAMICS
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of Cosmology and Extragalactic Astronomy is required, such as given by UCL
Course ASTR3C36.
Aims of the Course
This course aims to:
• give a detailed description of the structure, physical characteristics, dynamics and
mechanisms that determine the kinematic structure, origin and evolution of clusters and
galaxies;
• discuss applications, including stellar clusters within the Galaxy, spiral and elliptical
galaxies and clusters of galaxies, with emphasis given to the interpretation of
observational data relating to the Milky Way.
Objectives
After completing this course students should be able to:
•
•
•
•
•
identify the dynamical processes that operate within star clusters, galaxies and clusters of
galaxies;
explain the observed characteristics of stellar motions within the Milky Way;
use this information to elucidate the internal structure of the Galaxy;
be able to discuss the dynamical structure and observational appearance of clusters and
external galaxies;
understand how these objects have formed and are evolving.
Methodology and Assessment
30 lectures and 3 problem class/discussion periods.
Assessment is based on the results obtained in the final written examination (90%) and three
problem sheets (10%).
Textbooks
•
•
Stellar Dynamics (I.R. King, W.H. Freeman, 1996) Price: £27.95 Galaxies:
Structure and Evolution (R.J. Tayler, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1993)
Syllabus
(The approximate allocation of lectures to topics is shown in brackets below.)
Galaxies, Clusters and the Foundations of Stellar Dynamics [5]
Observational overview of extragalactic astronomy The classification of galaxies, star clusters,
clusters of galaxies , characteristics of the Milky Way and other galaxies, the uses of
stellar dynamics. The equations of motion and the Collisionless Boltzmann Equation. Isolating
integrals and Jeans' theorem
43
The Structure of the Milky Way [8]
Galactic co-ordinates, the local standard of rest and rotation curves. Differential rotation, Oort's
constants, epicyclic motions. Motions perpendicular to the galactic plane. The third integral –
‘box’ and ‘tube’ orbits. Local galactic dynamics; star-streaming, Jeans' equations. Asymmetric drift.
The gravitational field of the Milky Way. The growth of instabilities, spiral structure, the density
wave theory
Stellar Encounters and Galactic Evolution [4]
The effects of distant stellar encounters, two-body relaxation. The Fokker-Planck approximation,
dynamical friction. The virial theorem and its applications
Star Clusters [5]
The dynamics of clusters; evaporation, the King model. The effects of tidal forces. Dynamical
evolution and core collapse
Elliptical Galaxies [4]
Collisionless relaxation: phase damping and violent relaxation. Shapes and intensity profiles.
Dynamical models; orbit families. Mergers and the origin of elliptical galaxies
Clusters of Galaxies [4]
The description of clustering, the Local Group. Dynamics of clusters of galaxies, formation
timescales. The determination of galactic masses. The missing mass problem.
44
PHASG426 – ADVANCED QUANTUM THEORY
Prerequisites
To have attended a previous introductory quantum mechanics courses, similar to the UCL 2nd year
course PHYS2222:Quantum Physics or ASTR2B11: Quantum Foundations of Astrophysics, and
the intermediate course, PHYS3226: Quantum Mechanics, or equivalent courses elsewhere. The
following topics will be assumed to have been covered:
Introductory material: states, operators and the Born interpretation of the wave function,
transmission and reflection coefficients;
Harmonic oscillator: by the differential equation approach giving the energy eigenvalues and wave
functions;
Angular momentum: angular momentum operators and the spectrum of eigenvalues, raising and
lowering operators; the spherical harmonics and hydrogenic wave functions;
Time-independent perturbation theory: including the non-degenerate and degenerate cases and
its application to the helium atom ground state, Zeeman effect and spin-orbit interactions;
Aims of the Course
This course aims to:
• review the basics of quantum mechanics so as to establish a common body of knowledge for the
students from the different Colleges on the Intercollegiate MSci. programme;
• extend this by discussing these basics in more formal mathematical terms;
• develop the JWKB method for non-perturbative approximations;
• discuss the addition of angular momentum and CleBSch-Gordan coefficients;
• introduce time-dependent perturbation theory ;
• discuss the quantum mechanical description of the non-relativistic potential scattering of
spinless particles in terms of the partial wave expansion and the Born approximation;
• provide the students with basic techniques in these areas which they can then apply in specialist
physics courses.
Objectives
After completing the module the student should be able to:
• state mathematically the expansion postulate and to give a physical interpretation to the
quantities and explain what is meant by compatible/commuting observables;
• understand and use the Dirac notation for quantum states;
• know the difference between the Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures;
• generalize the definition of angular momentum to include spin and solve the generalized
angular momentum eigenvalue problem employing raising and lowering operator techniques;
• discuss the properties of spin-1/2 systems and use the Pauli matrices to solve simple problems;
• state the rules for the addition of angular momenta and to outline the underlying general,
mathematical arguments, applying them in particular to two spin-1/2 particles;
• discuss and apply the JWKB approximation;
• formulate first-order time-dependent perturbation theory and extend the method to second-order
theory. Show, as an example, how it can lead to Fermi's Golden Rule;
• apply the theory to harmonic perturbations (e.g. quantum system interacting with an
electromagnetic wave);
• define cross section and scattering amplitude;
45
•
•
give a quantum mechanical description of the scattering process via the partial wave expansion
and phase shifts and to be able to apply it to the cases of low-energy scattering of spinless
particles from simple potentials;
develop and apply the first Born approximation for the cross section.
Methodology and Assessment
The module consists of 30 lectures. These will be used to cover the syllabus material and to discuss
problem sheets as the need arises. Assessment is based on the results obtained in the final written
examination (90%) and three problem sheets (10%).
Textbooks
Those which are closest to the material and level of the course are (in alphabetical order)
• Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, B.H. Bransden and C.J.Joachain, Longman (2nd Ed, 2000),
(available at a discount from the physics departmental Tutor),
• Quantum Mechanics, (2 Vols) C.Cohen-Tannoudji, B.Diu and F.Laloe, Wiley,
• Quantum Physics, S.Gasiorowicz, Wiley (1996),
• Quantum Mechanics, F.Mandl , Wiley (1992),
• Quantum Mechanics, E.Merzbacher, (3rd Ed.) Wiley, (1998
Syllabus
(The approximate allocation of lectures to topics is shown in brackets below.)
Basic ideas of quantum mechanics (partly revision) and formal quantum mechanics [5]
(Formal aspects of quantum theory are distributed throughout the course and introduced as needed.)
Bras and kets, states, operators, Born interpretation of the wave function, continuous and discrete
eigenvalues, Dirac delta function, compatible observables, Hermitian and unitary operators, Dirac
notation, closure relation, time-evolution, Schrödinger, Heisenberg and interaction pictures,
transformation brackets, momentum representation.
Angular momentum (partly revision) [5]
Angular momentum operators, commutation algebra, raising and lowering operators, spectrum of
angular momentum eigenvalues, combination of angular momenta treating the simplest case of two
spin-1/2 particles, notation of CleBSch-Gordan coefficients, spin-1/2 angular momentum and Pauli
matrices.
Non-perturbative approximations [4]
The JWKB approximation. Examples.
Time-dependent perturbation theory [7]
First-order time-dependent perturbation theory. Harmonic perturbations and other applications of
time-dependent perturbation theory. Second-order perturbation theory and energy denominators.
First Born approximation from the dependent approach. Fermi's Golden Rule.
Scattering [9]
Currents and cross sections; the scattering amplitude and the optical theorem. Partial wave
expansion of wave function and scattering amplitude. Phase shifts. Low-energy scattering from
square well potential and scattering length expansion. Scattering length expansion in terms of wave
46
functions. Poles of the scattering amplitude, bound states and resonances. First Born approximation
from the time-independent approach. Integral equation for potential scattering.
47
PHASG421 – ATOM AND PHOTON PHYSICS
Prerequisites
Knowledge of quantum physics and atomic physics to at least second year level, similar to UCL
courses PHYS2222 and PHYS2224
Aims of the Course
This course aims to provide:
•
a modern course on the interactions of atoms and photons with detailed discussion of high
intensity field effects e.g. multiphoton processes and extending to low field effects e.g. cooling
and trapping.
Objectives
On completion of the course the student should be able to:
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describe the single photon interactions with atoms as in photoionization and excitation and the
selection rules which govern them;
explain the role of A and B coefficients in emission and absorption and the relation with
oscillator strengths;
describe the operation of YAG, Argon Ion and Dye Lasers and derive the formulae for light
amplification;
explain the forms of line broadening and the nature of chaotic light and derive the first order
correlation functions;
explain optical pumping, orientation and alignment;
describe the methods of saturation absorption spectroscopy and two photon spectroscopy;
derive the expression for 2-photon Doppler free absorption and explain the Lambshift in H;
describe multiphoton processes in atoms using real and virtual states;
explain ponder motive potential, ATI, Stark shift and harmonic generations;
describe experiments of the Pump and Probe type, the two photon decay of H and electron and
photon interactions;
derive formulae for Thompson and Compton scattering and the Kramers-Heisenberg formulae,
describe scattering processes; elastic, inelastic and super elastic;
derive the scattering amplitude for potential scattering in terms of partial waves;
explain the role of partial waves in the Ramsauer-Townsend effect and resonance structure;
derive the formulae for quantum beats and describe suitable experiments demonstrating the
phenomena;
describe the interactions of a single atom with a cavity and the operation of a single atom
maser;
describe the operation of a magneto-optical-trap and the recoil and Sisyphus cooling methods;
explain Bose condensation.
Methodology and Assessment
The course consists of 30 lectures of course material which will also incorporate discussions of
problems and question and answer sessions. Two hours of revision classes are offered prior to the
exam. Assessment is based on the results obtained in the final written examination (90%) and three
problem sheets (10%).
48
Textbooks
Optoelectronics, Wilson and Hawkes (Chapman and Hall 1983)
Atomic and Laser Physics, Corney (Oxford 1977)
Quantum Theory of Light, Loudon (Oxford 1973)
Physics of Atoms and Molecules, Bransden and Joachain (Longman 1983)
Laser Spectroscopy, Demtröder (Springer 1998)
Where appropriate references will be given to some research papers and review articles. There is
no one book which covers all the material in this course.
Syllabus
(The approximate allocation etc., of lectures to topics is shown in brackets below.)
Interaction of light with atoms (single photon) [4]
Processes - excitation, ionization, auto-ionization; A+B coefficients (semi classical treatment);
Oscillator strengths and f-sum rule; Life times - experimental methods. (TOF and pulsed electron)
L.A.S.E.R. [3]
Line shapes g(υ); Pressure, Doppler, Natural; Absorption and amplification of radiation; Population
inversion; spontaneous and stimulated emission; YAG and Argon ion lasers; radiation - dye and
solid; Mode structure
Chaotic light and coherence [2]
Line broadening; Intensity fluctuations of chaotic light; First order correlation functions; Hanbury
Brown Twiss experiment
Laser spectroscopy [3]
Optical pumping - orientation and alignment; Saturation absorption spectroscopy; Lamp shift of
H(1S) and H(2S); Doppler Free spectroscopy
Multiphoton processes [3]
Excitation, ionization, ATI; Laser field effects - pondermotive potential - Stark shifts - Harmonic
Generation; Pump and probe spectroscopy; Multiphoton interactions via virtual and real states; Two
photon decay of hydrogen (2S-1S); Simultaneous electron photon interactions
Light scattering by atoms [3]
Classical theory; Thompson and Compton scattering; Kramers-Heisenberg Formulae; (Rayleigh and
Raman scattering)
Electron scattering by atoms [4]
Elastic, inelastic and superelastic; Potential scattering; Scattering amplitude - partial waves;
Ramsauer-Townsend effect - cross sections; Resonance Structure
Coherence and cavity effects in atoms [4]
Quantum beats - beam foil spectroscopy; Wave packet evolution in Rydberg states; Atomic decay
in cavity; Single atom Maser
Trapping and cooling [4]
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Laser cooling of atoms; Trapping of atoms; Bose condensation; Physics of cold atoms - atomic
interferometry
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PHASG427 – QUANTUM COMPUTATION AND COMMUNICATION
Pre-requisites: PHYS3226:Quantum Physics or equivalent
Aims:
The course aims to
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provide a comprehensive introduction to the emerging area of quantum information
science.
acquaint the student with the practical applications and importance of some basic
notions of quantum physics such as quantum two state systems (qubits), entanglement
and decoherence.
train physics students to think as information scientists, and train computer
science/mathematics students to think as physicists.
arm a student with the basic concepts, mathematical tools and the knowledge of state of
the art experiments in quantum computation & communication to enable him/her
embark on a research degree in the area.
Objectives:
After learning the background the student should
• be able to apply the knowledge of quantum two state systems to any relevant phenomena
(even when outside the premise of quantum information)
• be able to demonstrate the greater power of quantum computation through the simplest
quantum algorithm (the Deutsch algorithm)
• know that the linearity of quantum mechanics prohibits certain machines such as an
universal quantum cloner.
After learning about quantum cryptography the student should
• be able to show how quantum mechanics can aid in physically secure key distribution
• be knowledgeable of the technology used in the long distance transmission of quantum
states through optical fibres.
After learning about quantum entanglement the student should
• be able to recognize an entangled pure state
• know how to quantitatively test for quantum non-locality
• be able to work through the mathematics underlying schemes such as dense coding,
teleportation, entanglement swapping as well their simple variants.
• know how polarization entangled photons can be generated.
• be able to calculate the von Neumann entropy of arbitrary mixed states and the amount
of entanglement of pure bi-partite states.
After learning about quantum computation the student should
• know the basic quantum logic gates
• be able to construct circuits for arbitrary multi-qubit unitary operations using universal
quantum gates
• be able to describe the important quantum algorithms such as Shor’s algorithm &
Grover’s algorithm.
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After learning about decoherence & quantum error correction the student should
• be able to describe simple models of errors on qubits due to their interaction with an
environment
• be able to write down simple quantum error correction codes and demonstrate how they
correct arbitrary errors.
• be able to describe elementary schemes of entanglement concentration and distillation.
After learning about physical realization of quantum computers the student should
• be able to describe quantum computation using ion traps, specific solid state systems and
NMR.
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be able to assess the merits of other systems as potential hardware for quantum computers
and work out how to encode qubits and construct quantum gates in such systems.
Methodology and Assessment
The course consists of 30 lectures of course material which will also incorporate discussions of
problems and question and answer sessions. Two hours of revision classes are offered prior to the
exam. The assessment is based on a final unseen written examination (90%) and three problem
sheets (10%).
Syllabus:
Background [3]
The qubit and its physical realization; Single qubit operations and measurements; The Deutsch
algorithm; Quantum no-cloning.
Quantum Cryptography [3]
The BB84 quantum key distribution protocol; elementary discussion of security; physical
implementations of kilometers.
Quantum Entanglement [8]
State space of two qubits; Entangled states; Bell’s inequality; Entanglement based cryptography;
Quantum Dense Coding; Quantum Teleportation; Entanglement Swapping; Polarization entangled
photons & implementations; von-Neumann entropy; Quantification of pure state entanglement.
Quantum Computation [8]
Tensor product structure of the state space of many qubits; Discussion of the power of quantum
computers; The Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm; Quantum simulations; Quantum logic gates and circuits;
Universal quantum gates; Quantum Fourier Transform; Phase Estimation; Shor’s algorithm;
Grover’s algorithm.
Decoherence & Quantum Error Correction [4]
Decoherence; Errors in quantum computation & communication; Quantum error correcting codes;
Elementary discussion of entanglement concentration & distillation.
Physical Realization of Quantum Computers [4]
Ion trap quantum computers; Solid state implementations (Kane proposal as an example); NMR
quantum computer.
52
PHASG431 – MOLECULAR PHYSICS
Pre-requisites
An introductory course on quantum mechanics such as UCL courses PHYS2222 - Quantum
Physics or ASTR2B11 - Quantum foundations of Astrophysics. The course should include:
Quantum mechanics of the hydrogen atom including treatment of angular momentum and the radial
wave function; expectation values; the Pauli Principle.
Useful but not essential is some introduction to atomic physics of many electron atoms, for
instance: UCL courses PHYS2224 - Atomic and Molecular Physics or ASTR3C38 Astronomical Spectroscopy. Topics which are helpful background are the independent particle
model, addition of angular momentum, spin states and spectroscopic notation.
Aims of the Course
This course aims to provide:
• an introduction to the physics of small molecules including their structure, spectra and
behaviour in electron collisions.
Objectives
On completion of the course the student should be able to:
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describe the components of the molecular Hamiltonian and their relative magnitude;
state the Born-Oppenheimer approximation;
describe covalent and ionic bonds in terms of simple wave functions;
state the Pauli Principle, how it leads to exchange and the role of exchange forces in molecular
bonding;
describe potential energy curves for diatomic molecules and define the dissociation energy and
united atom limits;
analyse the long range interactions between closed shell systems;
describe rotational and vibrational motion of small molecules and give simple models for the
corresponding energy levels;
give examples of molecular spectra in the microwave, infrared and optical;
state selection rules for the spectra of diatomic molecules;
interpret simple vibrational and rotational spectra;
explain the influence of temperature on a molecular spectrum;
describe experiments to measure spectra;
describe Raman spectroscopy and other spectroscopic techniques;
describe the selection rules obeyed by rotational, vibrational and electronic transitions;
describe the effect of the Pauli Principle on molecular level populations and spectra;
describe possible decay routes for an electronically excited molecule;
describe the physical processes which occur in the CO2 laser;
define integral and differential cross sections;
describe the possible process which can occur in an electron-molecule collision;
describe experiments used to measure electron impact cross sections;
discuss the different types of resonances which occur in electron molecule collisions;
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• give examples of physical systems whose properties are determined by electron-molecule
collision;
• state the Franck-Condon principle and use it to interpret vibrational distributions in electronic
spectra and electron molecule excitation processes.
Methodology and Assessment
The course consists of 30 lectures of course material which will also incorporate discussions of
problems and question and answer sessions. Two hours of revision classes are offered prior to the
exam. The assessment is based on an unseen written examination (90%) and three problem sheets
(10%). The continuous assessment mark is determined using the best three of four problem sheets.
Textbooks
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Physics of Atoms and Molecules, B H Bransden and C J Joachain (Longman, 1983) (Covers all
the course but is not detailed on molecular spectra)
Molecular Quantum Mechanics, P W Atkins (Oxford University) (Good on molecular structure
but no electron molecule scattering)
Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy, 4th Edition, C.W. Banwell and E. McGrath
(McGraw-Hill, 1994) (Introductory molecular spectroscopy book)
Spectra of Atoms and Molecules, P F Bernath (Oxford University, 1995) (A more advanced
alternative to Banwell and McGrath)
Syllabus
(The approximate allocation of lectures to topics is shown in brackets below)
Molecular structure [16]
Brief recap of atomic physics: n,l,m,s; He atom, orbital approximation, exchange.
The molecular Hamiltonian and the Born-Oppenheimer approximation.
+
Electronic structure, ionic and covalent bonding, Bonding in H and H . Muon catalysed fusion.
2
2
Dissociation and united atom limits. Long range forces. Isomers and chirality.
Vibrational structure: Harmonic motion and beyond, energy levels and wave functions. Rotational
structure: Rigid rotor and energy levels Energy scales within a molecule: ionisation and
dissociation. Nuclear spin effects. Labelling schemes for electronic, vibrational and rotational states
Molecular spectra [7]
Microwave, infrared and optical spectra of molecules. Selection rules, Franck-Condon principle.
Experimental set-ups. Examples: the CO laser, stimulated emission pumping experiment. Raman
2
spectroscopy. Ortho-para states. Absorption spectra of simple diatomics (eg. O and NO, N )
2
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Simple polyatomics (ozone, water).
Molecular probes [7]
Photophysics of small polyatomic molecules in condensed phases; solvation effects, resonance
energy transfer, fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy measurements. Experimental techniques and
applications to biomolecular systems.
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PHASG442 – PARTICLE PHYSICS
Prerequisites
Students should have taken UCL courses Quantum Mechanics (PHYS3226) and Nuclear and
Particle Physics (PHYS3224), or have familiarity with non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics
(Schrödinger's equation), some special relativity, Maxwell's equations and the particle content of
the standard model.
Aims of the Course
This course aims to:
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introduce the student to the basic concepts of particle physics, including the fundamental
interactions and particles and the role of symmetries;
emphasise how particle physics is actually carried out - to this end, data from currently running
experiments (at CERN, DESY and Fermilab) will be used to illustrate the underlying physics of
the strong and electroweak interactions, gauge symmetries and spontaneous symmetry breaking.
Objectives
On completion of this course, students should have a broad overview of the current state of
knowledge of particle physics. Students should be able to:
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state the particle content and force carriers of the standard model;
manipulate relativistic kinematics (Scalar products of four-vectors);
state the definition of a cross section;
be able to convert to and from natural units;
state the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations;
connect these equations to conserved currents;
connect conserved current to propagators;
state the propagator for the photon, the W and the Z and give simple implications for cross
sections and scattering kinematics;
derive the Breit-Wigner equation from the massive propagator and the Klein-Gordon equation;
understand and draw Feynman diagrams for leading order processes, relating these to the
Feynman rules and cross sections;
give an account of the basic principles underlying the design of modern particle physics detectors
and describe how events are identified in them;
explain the relationship between structure function data, QCD and the quark parton model;
manipulate Dirac spinors;
state the electromagnetic and weak currents and describe the sense in which they are ‘unified';
give an account of the relationship between chirality and helicity and the role of the neutrino;
give an account of current open questions in particle physics;
derive the expression for neutrino oscillations in two generations;
Methodology and Assessment
The course consists of 30 lectures of course material which will also incorporate discussions of
problem sheets and question and answer sessions.
Assessment is based on the results obtained in the final written examination (90%) and three
problem sheets (10%).
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Textbooks
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Quarks and Leptons, F.Halzen and A.D.Martin.
Particle Physics, B.R.Martin and G.Shaw .
Introduction to High Energy Physics, D.H.Perkins.
Syllabus
Broken down into eleven 2.5 hr sessions.
1. Introduction, Basic Concepts
Particles and forces. Natural units. Four vectors and invariants. Cross sections & luminosity.
Fermi's golden rule. Feynman diagrams and rules.
2. Simple cross section Calculation from Feynman Rules
Phase space. Flux. Reaction rate calculation. CM frame. Mandelstam variables. Higher Orders.
Renormalisation. Running coupling constants.
3. Symmetries and Conservation Laws
Symmetries and Conservation Laws. Parity and C symmetry. Parity and C-Parity violation, CP
violation.
4. Relativistic Wave Equations without interactions
From Schrodinger to Klein Gordon to the Dirac Equation; Dirac Matrices; Spin and anti-particles;
Continuity Equation; Dirac observables.
5. Relativistic Maxwell’s equations & Gauge Transformations
Maxwell's equations using 4 vectors; Gauge transformations; Dirac equation + EM, QED
Lagrangians.
6. QED & Angular Distributions
QED scattering Cross Section calculations; helicity and chirality; angular distributions; forward
backward asymmetries
7. Quark properties, QCD & Deep Inelastic Scattering
QCD - running of strong coupling, confinement, asymptotic freedom. Elastic electron-proton
scattering. Deep Inelastic scattering. Scaling and the quark parton model. Factorisation. Scaling
violations and QCD. HERA and ZEUS. Measurement of proton structure at HERA. Neutral and
Charged Currents at HERA; Running of strong coupling; Confinement; QCD Lagrangian;
8. The Weak Interaction-1
Weak interactions; The two component neutrino. V-A Weak current. Parity Violation in weak
interactions. Pion, Muon and Tau Decay.
9. The Weak Interaction-2
Quark sector in electroweak theory; GIM mechanism, CKM matrix; detecting heavy quark decays.
10. The Higgs and Beyond The Standard Model
Higgs mechanism; alternative mass generation mechanisms; SUSY; extra dimensions; dark matter;
Neutrino oscillations and properties.
11. Revision & Problem Sheets
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MATHG306 - COSMOLOGY
Pre-requisites: MATHG305
Course Description and Objectives
Cosmology is the study of the history and structure of the universe. Cosmologists usually assume
that the universe is highly symmetric on large scales; under this assumption the equations of general
relativity reduce to two simple ordinary differential equations. These equations govern the
expansion of the universe. We study these equations in detail, and show how observations are
affected by the expansion and curvature of the universe. The course then covers the astronomical
methods used to determine the expansion rate (ie the Hubble constant) and the mass density of the
universe. Physical processes in the early universe such as nucleosynthesis, the formation of the
microwave background and galaxy formation will also be studied. The course begins with a
description of black holes and ends with speculative topics including inflation and cosmic strings.
Recommended Texts
A Liddle, An Introduction to Modern Cosmology (2003); Rowan-Robinson, Cosmology (1996);
J Silk, The Big Bang (1989).
Syllabus
Black holes
Cosmological models.
Observations in an expanding universe.
The cosmic microwave background.
The big bang model.
The red shift versus distance relation.
Dark matter.
Galactic dynamics.
Galaxy formation.
Inflation, particle physics, cosmic strings and quantum cosmology.
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MATHG305 - MATHEMATICS FOR GENERAL RELATIVITY
Course Description and Objectives
The course introduces students to Einstein’s theories of special and general relativity. Special
relativity shows how measurements of physical quantities such as time and space can depend on an
observer’s frame of reference. Relativity also emphasizes that there exists an underlying physical
description independent of observers. This physical description uses mathematical objects called
vectors and tensors
The Maxwell equations provide a description of electromagnetism compatible with special
relativity. However, no similar equations exist for gravitation. Instead, a more general form of
relativity is needed where spacetime has curvature. Objects no longer accelerate due to
gravitational forces; instead they move along geodesics whose shape is determined by the curvature.
Furthermore, rather than mass being the source of the gravitation field, a massive object warps the
space around it, generating curvature.
Recommended Texts
J Foster & J D Nightingale, A Short Course in General Relativity, 1994.
S Weinberg, Gravitation and Cosmology (1972); R D’Inverno, Introducing Einstein’s Relativity
(1992).
Syllabus
Vectors and gradients.
Curved surfaces and spaces.
Metrics.
Tensor notation.
Electromagnetism in tensor notation.
The principle of equivalence.
Geodesics and the motion of objects in a curved space.
The deflection of starlight by the sun. The precession of Mercury.
Einstein field equations.
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PHASG472 – Order and Excitations in Condensed Matter
Prerequisites
PHYS3C25 – Solid State Physics, or an equivalent from another department.
Aims of the Course
The course aims to
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provide an understanding of the different types of structural and magnetic order and
excitations that occur in condensed matter systems, and the importance that they play in
determining the properties of solids
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introduce a unified description of phase transitions and critical phenomena
•
describe the principles of the determination of order and excitation spectra using modern xray and neutron scattering techniques
Objectives
After completion of the course students should be able to:
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appreciate the great diversity of ordering phenomena that occur in the solid state;
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understand the basic crystal structures, including fcc, hcp, bcc, CsCl, diamond, and be able
to represent them using unit cell plans;
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recognise the intrinsic dependence of physical properties on structure;
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understand the range of possible structural disorder in crystals, both positional and
orientational;
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understand the relationship between the descriptions of crystal structures in real and
reciprocal spaces;
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understand the properties of isolated magnetic moments;
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understand the origin of Hund’s rules and how they may be applied to calculate the
magnetic moments of ions from different rows of the periodic table;
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understand crystal fields and how they modify the magnetism of ions in the solid state;
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understand the quantum mechanical origin of the exchange interaction, and the nature of
direct, indirect and double exchange;
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appreciate the great variety of magnetic structures found in materials, including
ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism, helical order, spin-glass formation,
etc;
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understand the Weiss models of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism;
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understand concepts in the magnetism of metals including Pauli paramagnetism, Stoner
criterion, spin-density waves, Kondo effect, etc;
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understand the physics of the scattering of x-rays by electrons;
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understand the scattering of neutrons by nuclear and magnetic scattering processes, and the
concepts of coherent and incoherent scattering;
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understand that the scattering pattern from an assembly of scatterers is a Fourier transform
of the scattering-factor weighted positions of the scattering centres, and hence how the
scattering intensity carries information on the structure of the scattering system;
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understand the Laue equations so as to be able to visualise scattering events in reciprocal
space;
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appreciate the range of diffraction techniques for solving the structure of materials;
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understand the excitation spectrum of the one-dimensional, harmonic mono-atomic chain
and how this facilitates the calculation of dispersion curves in three-dimensional materials,
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with examples of force constant calculations in face-centred-cubic and body-centred
materials;
understand the excitation spectrum of the one dimensional diatomic chain, and how the
concepts of acoustic and optic modes carry over into real three-dimensional systems;
understand the quantum mechanical description of elastic excitations (phonons);
understand the consequences of anharmonic interactions on the physical properties of
materials;
understand the concept of spin waves as applied to ferromagnets and antiferromagnets, and
the semi-classical calculation of the dispersion relation in each case;
understand the how the quantum mechanical approach leads to quantization of the spin
waves as magnons;
appreciate how the semi-classical approach breaks down as the number of dimensions is
reduced and the spin quantum number approaches the quantum limit S=1/2;
understand the mechanism behind the production of neutrons, and the principles of the
instrumentation required perform elastic and inelastic scattering experiments;
understand the production of x-rays from a synchrotron source, and how the properties of
synchrotron radiation has revolutionised x-ray science;
appreciate the variety of information obtainable with modern spectroscopic techniques;
understand structural and magnetic order as examples of broken symmetries,
understand the order parameter concept, and how the general features of phase transitions
can be understood to a first approximation by Landau theory;
appreciate the behaviour of various model systems (Ising, Heisenberg, etc);
understand how the structures of liquids, including solutions, are determined experimentally
using x-ray and neutron scattering, and how the liquid structure factor relates to the radial
distribution function;
understand the underlying structural nature of glasses, describe their generic similarities
with and differences from liquids, and understand the physics behind their formation as well
as being able to describe different possible formation methods;
relate the physical properties of glasses to their structures, understand their deformation
mechanisms, the physical reasons underlying their intrinsic strength, low corrosion,
homogeneity, electronic (amorphous semiconductors) and magnetic properties
Methodology and Assessment
This will mainly be through teaching by the lecturer, but will also include assigned pre-class
reading and tutorial discussions. In addition to studying standard texts, the students will also be
given selected research papers to read and discuss. A full day visit to Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory will be included in the course, where the students will have a tour of state-of-the-art
facilities for neutron and x-ray scattering, as well as lectures on the principles of their operation.
The class contact time will be the equivalent of 11 three-hour sessions.
Assessment is based on the results obtained in the final written examination (90%) and three
problem sheets (10%).
Textbooks
Main texts: Structure and Dynamics: An Atomic View of Materials, Martin T. Dove (OUP);
Magnetism in Condensed Matter, Stephen Blundell (OUP)
Additional texts: Elements of Modern X-ray Physics, Jens Als-Nielsen and Des McMorrow
(Wiley); Introduction to the Theory of Thermal Neutron Scattering, G.L. Squires (Dover)
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Syllabus
The allocation of topics to sessions is shown below. Each session is approximately three lectures.
Atomic Scale Structure of Material (session 1): The rich spectrum of condensed matter; Energy
and time scales in condensed matter systems; Crystalline materials:
crystal structure as the convolution of lattice and basis; Formal introduction to reciprocal space.
.
Magnetism: Moments, Environments and Interactions (session 2) Magnetic moments and angular
momentum; diamagnetism and paramagnetism; Hund's rule; Crystal fields; Exchange interactions
Order and Magnetic Structure (session 3) Weiss model of ferromagnetism and
antiferromagnetism; Ferrimagnetism; Helical order; Spin Glasses; Magnetism in Metals; Spindensity waves; Kondo effect
Scattering Theory (sessions 4 and 5) X-ray scattering from a free electron (Thomson scattering);
Atomic form factors; Scattering from a crystal lattice, Laue Condition and unit cell structure
factors; Ewald construction; Dispersion corrections; QM derivation of cross-section; Neutron
scattering lengths; Coherent and incoherent scattering
Excitations of Crystalline Materials (session 6) Dispersion curves of 1D monatomic chain
(revision); Understanding of dispersion curves in 3D materials; Examples of force constants in FCC
and BCC lattices; Dispersion of 1D diatomic chain; Acoustic and Optic modes in real 3D systems;
Phonons and second quantization; Anharmonic interactions
Magnetic Excitations (session 7) Excitations in ferromagnets and antiferromagnets; Magnons;
Bloch T^3/2 law; Excitations in 1, 2 and 3 dimension; Quantum phase transitions
Sources of X-rays and Neutrons (session 8) Full day visit to RAL. Neutron Sources and
Instrumentation. Synchrotron Radiation. Applications of Synchrotron Radiation
Modern Spectroscopic Techniques (session 9)
Neutron scattering: triple-axis spectrometer, time-of-flight, polarized neutrons
X-ray scattering: X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, resonant magnetic scattering, reflectivity
Phase transitions and Critical Phenomena (session 10) Broken symmetry and order parameters in
condensed matter. Landau theory and its application to structural phase transitions, ferromagnetism,
etc. Ising and Heisenberg models. Critical exponents. Universality and scaling
Local Order in Liquids and Amorphous Solids (session 11) Structure of simple liquids; Radial
distribution function; Dynamics: viscosity, diffusion; Modelling; Glass formation; Simple and
complex glasses; Quasi-crystals
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APPENDIX A – Staff with special teaching-related responsibilities
Name
Position
Dr A J Bain
Miss N Zmanay
Dr D M Duffy
Dr M M Dworetsky
Mr D.Attree
Dr G Laricchia
Prof J. Tennyson
Dr A Harker
Prof M. Barlow
Miss T H Saint
Mrs H Wigmore
Laser Safety Officer
Data Protection Officer
MSc tutor
Director of ULO
Safety Officer
Radiation Protection Officer
Head of Department
Deputy Head of Department
Chairman, Undergraduate Teaching Committee
Teaching Support Co-ordinator
Equal Opportunities Officer
Tel
33639
37020
33032
8856
33459
33470
37155
33404
37160
37246
37155
Email
a.bain@ucl.ac.uk
N.Zmanay@ucl.ac.uk
d.duffy@ucl.ac.uk
mmd@star.ucl.ac.uk
dja@hep.ucl.ac.uk
g.laricchia@ucl.ac.uk
J.Tennyson@ucl.ac.uk
a.harker@ucl.ac.uk
mjb@star.ucl.ac.uk
t.saint@ucl.ac.uk
h.wigmore@ucl.ac.uk
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APPENDIX B – Maps of the Department and College
Physics and Astronomy Department
Map 1
Map 2
Map 3
Map 4
Map 5
Map 6
Map 7
Basement and Mezzanine floors (F), Physics Building
Ground floor (E), Physics Building
First floor (D), Physics Building
Second floor (C), Physics Building
Third floor (B), Physics Building
Fourth (top) floor (A) , Physics Building
Ground floor, Kathleen Lonsdale Building
Map 8
Map 9
Main Campus and locale
Middlesex Hospital area and Riding House Street
UCL
F34
7 August 2001
F30
F27
F33
F28
N
Lab
Toilet
E
SERVICES
115
DDDDD
F27 116
Store
Cupboard
W
S
F30
LIFT
F26
F25
UP
SERVICES
CORRIDOR
MEZZANINE
SERVICES
BASEMENT
F14
Refuse Cleaner
SERVICES
F15
F16
F20
Ramp
Down
F19
F24
F22
F13
CORRIDOR
F1
UP
LABS
Store
Room
Lift
F4/F5
F6
F2
F7
F8
UP
PHYSICS
STORE
F17
F12
CORRIDOR
CORRIDOR
RESEARCH LABS
Plant
Room
DUCT
F11
Duct
F9b
LIFTS
F10a
F10
F10b
F9a
Stairwell
UP
S
t
o
r
e
UNDERGRADUATE
COMMON ROOM
F18
MAP 1 – Physics Building, mezzanine and basement floors (floor F)
64
KEY:
Staff Photographs
Staff Mail Boxes
Noticeboards
Display Boards Along Corridor
STUDENTS
UNION
E28
ENTRANCE
STUDENT
PIGEONHOLES
ENTRANCE TO
DEPT
Porch
UP
UP
E24b
E21
GOODS BAY
N N
Lift
E7a
Meeting
Room
E9
E5
E1
E11-13
E7
*
UP
Astronomy Physics
Tutor
Tutor
E4
E2
Dr Ian
Furniss
*
Justine Sagar
Donna Pile
E22
P
E19
M
E17
N
E15
E24a
E23
Staff Xerox
Copier Room
N
Corridor
N
*
LIFTS
TO ALL
FLOORS
E3
DEPARTMENTAL
OF FICE
E6
Dr David
Moores
Admissions Trea
Tutor - Prof Saint
Storey
E8
Head
of Dept
E10
E12
Louise
Halton,
Joanne
Warren
E14
E25b
Duct
Hilary
Wigmore
E16
E18
GORD0N STREET
P
M
N
*
Harrie Massey
Lecture Theatre
UNION
ENTRANCE
Union Entrance
No 25
Gower Place Exit
7 August 2001
Asteroid Cluster
Stair
Well
E20
E25a
UP
E26
MAP 2 – Physics Building, ground floor (floor E)
28/06/99
LECTURE
THEATRE
D103
UP
Access via
Union
NB NoticeBoards
D106
LIFT
CLNR
Union
S tairwell
D107
TOILET
(F )
Corridor
D isplay Boards Along Corridor
D105
Alarm ed
Doo r
DOWN UP
Projector Room
KEY:
*
CLUSTER RO OM
D104
Note: There is No
E ntr ance to or from
Unionto Dept.
MASSEY
THEATRE
D108
D27
UP
D26
D109
DOWN
*
D 25
D7 Lift
D15
D1
D21
Laboratory 1
Technic ian
Offic e
UP
D5
D9
D10
*
Corridor
Duct
D11
D12
*
D18
D16
C LNR
UP TO ILET
(M)
MAP 3 – Physics Building, first floor (floor D)
65
D23
*
ysi cs
irwell
J O'Brien
D4
NB
D20
*
D17
Corridor
Optics Room
Lifts
D22
D14
28/06/99
UP
C23
Lif t
C6
C15
UP
Lifts
C4
Rad iat ion
Cont rolled
Area
C3
C5
Dark
Room
Duct
Technici an
Undergraduate Undergraduate
Office/
Prep aration Laser Lab
Laser Lab
Room
C10
C21 C25
C18
C16
Corridor
C8
C19
C17
Physics
Stairwell
C
8
A
Opt ical
Dark
R oom
C20
C7
Laboratory 2
C2
DOWN
Corridor
Store
Fume
Cupboard
Opti cal
Dark
Room
Optical
Dark
Room
C22
C12
CLNR
UP
TOILE T
(W)
C14
C9
MAP 4 – Physics Building, second floor (floor C)
28/06/99
UP
B23
B22
Work
Work Room
B6 Room
B1
X-rays
Work Room
B13-15
B2
UP
Laboratory 3
LIFTS
B4
B21 B25
B17-19
B18
LOBB Y
B
8
A
B8
Work room
B3
B20
L if t
B9
B5
Techni cians
Off ice Area
B16
Corridor
Lab
Technician
Workshop Preparation
Rooms
B10
B12
Duct
Ph ysi cs
St airwe ll
MAP 5 – Physics Building, third floor (floor B)
66
CLNR
UP
TOILET
(M)
B14
01/07/99
UP
A25
STUD ENTS
A5
A7
A9
A11
A15
A13
A17
LE CTURE/
SEMINAR
ROOM
CORRIDOR
UP
A2
A4
A6
A8
A27
CORRIDOR
A10
A12
A14
A16
A18
A26
A19
A21
A24
UP
Duct
A20
Physics
Stairwell
CLNR
UP
TOI LET
(W)
MAP 6 – Physics Building, fourth floor (floor A)
MAP 7 – Kathleen Lonsdale Building, ground floor
67
A28
CORRIDOR
LECT URE ROOM
A23 M EETING
ROOM
U nde rgraduat e
Lib ra ry
Lift
A1- A3
A30
A22
MAP 8
The College area and surroundings, with the location of the Department of
Physics and Astronomy marked. The numbers on the map refer to street numbers of
buildings (e.g. 25 Gordon Street is UCL Union)
68
69