PHYS1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Current from published 2013 Handbook
Unit Outcome published in Handbook
In addition to the specific knowledge imparted, this unit offers students
the opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking about physical
situations, problem solving, quantitative analysis and experimental
technique.
Unit Content published in Handbook
This unit covers mechanics; heat and thermodynamics; waves and
optics; electricity and the breakdown of classical Physics.
Assessments linked to outcomes
The emphasis of the lectures is on developing a sound understanding of
the underlying physical principles with reference to a range of
applications. The lectures are complemented by a series of laboratory
tasks designed to develop and reinforce understanding of physical
principles and measurement. Regular assignment sheets of problems,
complimented by tutorial assistance, foster skills in problem
identification, exploration and solution. Achievement of these
attributes is assessed continuously through assignment sheets,
laboratory classes and class tests. An end-of-semester examination
assesses overall comprehension of the basic science covered in the
unit.
Assessment items
This comprises weekly assignments (10 per cent), laboratory (20 per
cent), test 1 (15 per cent), test 2 (15 per cent) and an end-of-semester
examination (40 per cent).
Draft proposal
By participating in this unit, students will:
(1) Develop a fundamental understanding of the principles underlying
mechanics; heat and thermodynamics; waves and optics; electricity and the
breakdown of classical Physics;
(2) Apply critical thinking skills in a range of conceptual physical situations;
(3) Use appropriate mathematical techniques;
(4) Develop and apply problem identification and mathematical solution skills in
a physical context;
(5) Develop skills in measurement, experimental technique and quantitative
analysis relevant to physics.
The content of this unit includes the physical principles underlyng mechanics;
heat and thermodynamics; waves and optics; electricity and the breakdown of
classical Physics. The content will be explored with reference to a range of
applications and physical contexts and developed and applied through a series of
laboratory tasks. Skills in problem identification and mathematical solution will
be fostered through assignment sheets and tutorial activities.
Assignments (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4)
Laboratory tasks (Outcomes 3, 4 & 5).
Class tests (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
End of semester exam (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
Assessment for this unit may include assignments, laboratory tasks, class tests
and an end of semester exam
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
No content changes
to the unit.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13
Rewritten to conform
to current APS
practice
PHYS1002 Modern Physics
Current
Unit Outcome published in Handbook
In addition to the specific knowledge imparted, this unit offers students the
opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking about physical situations,
problem solving, quantitative analysis and experimental technique.
Unit Content published in Handbook
This unit covers special relativity, magnetism, resonance, modern physics,
experimental physics and astronomy.
Assessments linked to outcomes
The emphasis of the lectures is on developing a sound understanding of the
underlying physical principles with reference to a range of applications. The
lectures are complemented by a series of laboratory tasks designed to develop
and reinforce understanding of physical principles and measurement. Regular
assignment sheets of problems, complimented by tutorial assistance, foster
skills in problem identification, exploration and solution. Achievement of these
attributes is assessed continuously through assignment sheets, laboratory
classes and class tests. An end-of-semester examination assesses overall
comprehension of the basic science covered in the unit.
Assessment items
This comprises weekly assignments (10 per cent), laboratory (20 per cent), test
1 (15 per cent), test 2 (15 per cent) and an end-of-semester examination (40
per cent).
Draft proposal
By participating in this unit, students will:
(1) Develop understanding of physical principles underlying magnetism,
special relativity, resonance, quantum physics, experimental physics and
astronomy;
(2) Develop and apply critical thinking skills in a range of conceptual
physical situations;
(3) Use appropriate mathematical techniques;
(4) Develop and apply problem identification and mathematical solution
skills in a physical context;
(5) Develop skills in measurement, experimental technique and
quantitative analysis relevant to physics.
(6) Develop oral presentation skills.
The content of this unit includes the physical principles underlying special
relativity, magnetism, resonance, quantum physics, experimental physics
and astronomy. The content will be explored with reference to a range of
applications and physical contexts and developed and applied through a
series of laboratory tasks. Skills in problem identification and mathematical
solution will be fostered through assignment sheets and tutorial activities.
Assignments (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6)
Laboratory tasks (Outcomes 3, 4 & 5).
Class tests (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
End of semester exam (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
Assessment for this unit may include assignments, laboratory tasks, class
tests and an end of semester exam
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Naming change (not
content change) to
remove ambiguity
with unit name.
No content changes
to the unit.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13. Naming
change in content
(not content change)
to remove ambiguity
with unit name.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13
Rewritten to conform
to current APS
practice
PHYS2001 Quantum Mechanics 1 and Electromagnetism
Current from published 2013 Handbook
Unit Outcome published in Handbook
In addition to the specific knowledge imparted, this unit offers students the
opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking about physical situations,
problem solving, quantitative analysis and experimental technique.
Unit Content published in Handbook
This unit covers (1) quantum mechanics—the wave function; the onedimensional Schroedinger equation; motion in one-dimensional potentials;
operators, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues; three-dimensional Schroedinger
equation; motion in central potentials; and angular momentum; (2)
electromagnetism—electrostatics; magnetostatics; magnetic fields in matter;
electrodynamics; and Maxwell's equations; and (3) signals and noise.
Assessments linked to outcomes
The emphasis of the lectures is on developing a sound understanding of the
underlying physical principles with reference to a range of applications. The
lectures are complemented by a series of laboratory tasks designed to develop
and reinforce understanding of physical principles and measurement. Regular
assignment sheets of problems, complimented by tutorial assistance, foster
skills in problem identification, exploration and solution. Achievement of these
attributes is assessed continuously through assignment sheets, laboratory
classes and class tests. An end-of-semester examination assesses overall
comprehension of the basic science covered in the unit.
Assessment items
This comprises of laboratory work (15 per cent), assignments (20 per cent), tests
(20 per cent) and an examination (45 per cent).
Draft proposal
By participating in this unit, students will:
(1) Further develop the physical principles related to nonrelativistic
quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and signals & noise in
experimental data;
(2) Apply critical thinking skills in a range of conceptual physical
situations;
(3) Apply problem identification and mathematical solution skills in a
physical context;
(4) Use appropriate mathematical techniques;
(5) Develop skills in measurement, experimental technique, quantitative
analysis and data analysis relevant to physics;
(6) Develop written communication skills appropriate to the discipline of
physics.
The content of this unit further develops the physical principles of
nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, with emphasis on the Schrödinger
wave equation and its solution; electromagnetism and Maxwell’s
equations; and signals & noise in experimental data. The content will be
explored with reference to a range of applications and physical contexts.
Signals & noise are explored through a series of laboratory tasks. Skills in
problem identification and mathematical solution will be fostered
through assignment sheets and tutorial activities.
Assignments (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6)
Laboratory tasks (Outcomes 3, 4, 5 & 6).
Class tests (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
End of semester exam (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
Assessment for this unit may include assignments, laboratory tasks, class
tests and an end of semester exam
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
No content changes
to the unit.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13
Rewritten to conform
to current APS
practice
PHYS2002 The Physics of Particles
Current from published 2013 Handbook
Unit Outcome published in Handbook
In addition to the specific knowledge imparted, this unit offers
students the opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking about
physical situations, problem solving, quantitative analysis and
experimental technique.
Unit Content published in Handbook
This unit covers (1) thermodynamics—exact and inexact
differentials, quasistatic processes, thermodynamic potentials as
the drivers of change; (2) statistical mechanics—statistical
description of ensembles, the microcanonical ensemble, the
canonical ensemble, the ideal gas and real gases, Einstein's solid,
the grand canonical ensemble, Bose and Fermi distributions and
gases; (3) nuclear physics—basic nuclear properties, radioactive
decay, semi-empirical mass formula and liquid drop model, fusion
on the main sequence; and (4) particle physics—description of
interactions in terms of virtual particle exchange, electromagnetic,
weak and strong interactions, residual strong interaction.
Assessments linked to outcomes
The emphasis of the lectures is on developing a sound
understanding of the underlying physical principles with reference
to a range of applications. The lectures are complemented by a
series of laboratory tasks designed to develop and reinforce
understanding of physical principles and measurement. Regular
assignment sheets of problems, complimented by tutorial
assistance, foster skills in problem identification, exploration and
solution. Achievement of these attributes is assessed continuously
through assignment sheets, laboratory classes and class tests. An
end-of-semester examination assesses overall comprehension of
the basic science covered in the unit.
Assessment items
Draft proposal
By participating in this unit, students will:
(1) Develop understanding of the physical principles underlyng thermodynamics,
statistical mechanics, nuclear physics and particle physics;
(2) Apply critical thinking skills in a range of conceptual physical situations;
(3) Use appropriate mathematical techniques;
(4) Develop and apply problem identification and mathematical solution skills in a
range of conceptual physical situations;
(5) Develop understanding of the physical principles of measurement, experimental
technique, quantitative analysis and data analysis relevant to physics;
(6) Develop and apply written communication skills appropriate to the discipline of
physics.
The content of this unit includes the underlying physical principles of (a)
thermodynamics—exact and inexact differentials, quasistatic processes,
thermodynamic potentials as the drivers of change; (b) statistical mechanics—the
microcanonical ensemble, the canonical ensemble, the ideal gas and real gases,
Einstein's solid, the grand canonical ensemble, Bose and Fermi distributions and
gases; (c) nuclear physics—basic nuclear properties, radioactive decay, semiempirical mass formula and liquid drop model, fusion on the main sequence; and (d)
particle physics—description of interactions in terms of virtual particle exchange,
electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions, residual strong interaction. The
content will be explored with reference to a range of applications and physical
contexts and developed and applied through a series of laboratory tasks. Skills in
problem identification, mathematical exploration and solution will be fostered
through assignment sheets and tutorial activities.
Assignments (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6)
Laboratory tasks (Outcomes 3, 4 ,5 & 6).
Class tests (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
End of semester exam (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
Assessment for this unit may include assignments, laboratory tasks, class tests and
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
No content changes
to the unit.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13
Rewritten to conform
This comprises laboratory work (15 per cent), assignments (20 per
cent), tests (20 per cent) and an examination (45 per cent).
an end of semester exam
to current APS
practice
PHYS3001 Quantum Mechanics 2 and Atomic Physics
Current from published 2013 Handbook
Unit Outcome published in Handbook
In addition to the specific knowledge imparted, this unit offers students the
opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking about physical situations,
problem solving, quantitative analysis and experimental technique.
Unit Content published in Handbook
This unit covers (1) quantum mechanics—operators, matrix mechanics and
Dirac formalism, uncertainty relations, measurement theory, spin one-half
particles and two-state systems, conservation and symmetry, angular
momentum and addition rules, periodic potentials, many particle wave
functions; and (2) atomic physics—Schroedinger equation in three dimensions
and the hydrogen atom, time-independent perturbation theory, spin orbit
coupling and relativistic effects in the real hydrogen atom, atoms and
molecules.
Assessments linked to outcomes
The emphasis of the lectures is on developing a sound understanding of the
underlying physical principles with reference to a range of applications. The
lectures are complemented by a series of laboratory tasks designed to develop
and reinforce understanding of physical principles and measurement. Regular
assignment sheets of problems, complimented by tutorial assistance, foster
skills in problem identification, exploration and solution. Achievement of these
attributes is assessed continuously through assignment sheets, laboratory
classes and class tests. An end-of-semester examination assesses overall
comprehension of the basic science covered in the unit.
Assessment items NB this is blank in the 2013 Handbook
Draft proposal
By participating in this unit, students will:
(1) Deepen their understanding of quantum mechanics and atomic
physics;
(2) Apply and further develop critical thinking skills in a range of realistic
physical situations;
(3) Use appropriate mathematical techniques;
() 4Develop and apply problem identification and mathematical solution
skills in a range of realistic physical situations;
(5) Apply and further develop understanding of the physical principles of
measurement, experimental technique, quantitative analysis and data
analysis relevant to physics;
(6) Further develop oral and written communication skills relevant to the
discipline of physics.
The content of this unit includes (a) quantum mechanics: operators, matrix
mechanics and Dirac formalism, uncertainty relations, measurement
theory, spin one-half particles and two-state systems, conservation and
symmetry, angular momentum and addition rules, periodic potentials; and
(b) atomic physics: Schrödinger equation in three dimensions and the
hydrogen atom, time-independent perturbation theory, spin-orbit coupling
and relativistic effects in the real hydrogen atom, multi-electron atoms and
molecules.
The content will be explored with reference to a range of applications and
physical contexts and developed and applied through a series of laboratory
tasks. Skills in problem identification, mathematical exploration and
solution will be fostered through assignment sheets and tutorial activities.
Assignments (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6)
Laboratory tasks (Outcomes 3, 4, 5 & 6).
Class tests (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
End of semester exam (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
Assessment for this unit may include assignments, experimental projects,
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
No content changes
to the unit.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13
Rewritten to conform
Assignments, experimental projects, tests and an end of semester
examination.
class tests and an end of semester exam
to current APS
practice
PHYS3003 Astrophysics and Space Science
Current from published 2013 Handbook
Unit Outcome published in Handbook
In addition to the specific knowledge imparted, this unit
offers students the opportunity to develop skills in critical
thinking about physical situations, problem solving,
quantitative analysis and experimental technique.
Unit Content published in Handbook
This unit covers radiation mechanisms, space
electrodynamics, stellar birth and evolution, astronomy
techniques I, astronomy techniques II, neutron stars and
supernovae, optical telescope project, radio telescope
project and computer laboratories.
Assessments linked to outcomes
The emphasis of the lectures is on developing a sound
understanding of the underlying physical principles with
reference to a range of applications. The lectures are
complemented by a series of laboratory tasks designed to
develop and reinforce understanding of physical principles and
measurement. Regular assignment sheets of problems,
complimented by tutorial assistance, foster skills in problem
identification, exploration and solution. Achievement of these
attributes is assessed continuously through assignment sheets,
laboratory classes and class tests. An end-of-semester
examination assesses overall comprehension of the basic
science covered in the unit.
Assessment items NB this is blank in the 2013 Handbook
Assignments, experimental projects, tests and an end of
semester examination.
Draft proposal
By participating in this unit, students will:
(1) Develop understanding of the physical principles underlying space electrodynamics,
planetary astronomy, stellar astrophysics and astronomical techniques and modelling;
(2) Apply and further develop critical thinking skills in a range of realistic physical
situations;
(3) Use appropriate mathematical techniques;
(4) Develop and apply problem identification and mathematical solution skills in a
range of realistic physical situations;
(5) Develop understanding of the physical principles of measurement, experimental
technique, quantitative analysis and data analysis relevant to astronomy and
astrophysics;
(6) Develop oral and written communication skills relevant to the disciplines of
astronomy and astrophysics.
The content of this unit includes the physical principles underlying radiation
mechanisms, planetary astronomy, stellar birth and evolution, astronomy techniques,
neutron stars and supernovae, optical telescope projects and computer modelling
laboratories. The content will be explored with reference to a range of applications and
physical contexts and developed and applied through laboratory & computer projects.
Skills in problem identification, mathematical exploration and solution will be fostered
through assignment sheets and tutorial activities.
Assignments (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6)
Laboratory and project tasks (Outcomes 3, 4, 5 & 6).
Class tests (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
End of semester exam (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
Assessment for this unit may include assignments, laboratory & computer projects,
class tests and an end of semester exam
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13
Rewritten to conform
to current APS
practice
PHYS3011 Mathematical Physics
Current from published 2013 Handbook
Unit Outcome published in Handbook
In addition to the specific knowledge imparted, this unit offers students the
opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking about physical situations, problem
solving, quantitative analysis and experimental technique.
This unit covers (a) methods of mathematical physics, placing elements of
mathematics from the Level 1 and Level 2 complementary mathematics
units in the context of quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, relativity,
classical mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, condensed matter physics
and quasi-particles; and (b) methods and projects in computational
physics.
Unit Content published in Handbook
This unit covers (1) methods of mathematical physics (24 lectures)—placing
elements of mathematics from the Level 1 and Level 2 complementary
mathematics units in the context of quantum mechanics, electrodynamics,
relativity, classical mechanics and atomic and nuclear physics; (2)(a) particle
physics (16 lectures)—an introduction to theory of elementary particles and their
interactions or (b) advanced special topics (16 lectures)—content to be
determined by available experts visiting the School; and (3) computational
projects.
Assessments linked to outcomes
The emphasis of the lectures is on developing a sound understanding of the
underlying physical principles with reference to a range of applications. The
lectures are complemented by a series of laboratory tasks designed to develop
and reinforce understanding of physical principles and measurement. Regular
assignment sheets of problems, complimented by tutorial assistance, foster skills
in problem identification, exploration and solution. Achievement of these
attributes is assessed continuously through assignment sheets, laboratory classes
and class tests. An end-of-semester examination assesses overall comprehension
of the basic science covered in the unit.
Assessment items NB this is blank in the 2013 Handbook
Assignments, projects, tests and an end of semester examination.
Draft proposal
By participating in this unit, students will:
(1) Develop understanding of the methods of mathematical and
computational physics;
(2) Apply and further develop critical thinking skills in a range of
realistic physical situations;
(3) Use appropriate mathematical techniques;
(4) Develop and apply problem identification and mathematical
solution skills in a range of realistic physical situations;
(5) Further develop oral and written communication skills relevant to
the discipline of physics.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
The content of this unit (a) methods of mathematical physics, placing
elements of mathematics from the Level 1 and Level 2 complementary
mathematics units in the context of quantum mechanics,
electrodynamics, relativity, classical mechanics, atomic and nuclear
physics, condensed matter physics and quasi-particles; and (b) methods
and projects in computational physics.. The content will be explored
with reference to a range of applications and physical contexts and
developed and applied through a series of laboratory tasks. Skills in
problem identification, mathematical exploration and solution will be
fostered through assignment sheets and tutorial activities.
Assignments (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 &5)
Projects (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5).
Class tests (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
End of semester exam (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
No content changes
to the unit.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Assessment for this unit may include assignments, projects, class tests
and an end of semester exam
Rewritten to conform
to current APS
practice
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13
PHYS3002 Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics
Current from published 2013 Handbook
Unit Outcome published in Handbook
In addition to the specific knowledge imparted, this unit offers students the
opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking about physical situations,
problem solving, quantitative analysis and experimental technique.
Unit Content published in Handbook
This unit covers (1) classical mechanics—rotating frames, potential theory, the
two-body problem, rigid bodies, Lagrangian mechanics, small oscillations and
normal modes; (2) electrodynamics—conservation laws, electromagnetic
waves, potentials and fields, radiation; (3) special relativity—special theory of
relativity, relativistic mechanics, relativistic electrodynamics; and (4) signals
and noise.
Assessments linked to outcomes
The emphasis of the lectures is on developing a sound understanding of the
underlying physical principles with reference to a range of applications. The
lectures are complemented by a series of laboratory tasks designed to develop
and reinforce understanding of physical principles and measurement. Regular
assignment sheets of problems, complimented by tutorial assistance, foster
skills in problem identification, exploration and solution. Achievement of these
attributes is assessed continuously through assignment sheets, laboratory
classes and class tests. An end-of-semester examination assesses overall
comprehension of the basic science covered in the unit.
Assessment items
NB this is blank in the 2013 Handbook
Draft proposal
By participating in this unit, students will:
(1) Deepen their understanding of the physical principles underlying
classical mechanics, electrodynamics, special relativity and signals, noise &
control;
(2) Apply and further develop critical thinking skills in a range of realistic
physical situations;
(4) Use appropriate mathematical techniques;
(3) Develop and apply problem identification and mathematical solution
skills in a range of realistic physical situations;
(5) Apply and further develop understanding of the physical principles of
measurement, experimental technique, quantitative analysis and data
analysis relevant to physics;
(6) Further develop oral and written communication skills relevant to the
discipline of physics.
The content of this unit includes (a) classical mechanics: rotating frames,
potential theory, the two-body problem, rigid bodies, Lagrangian
mechanics, small oscillations and normal modes; (b) electrodynamics:
conservation laws, electromagnetic waves, potentials and fields, radiation;
(c) special relativity: special theory of relativity, relativistic mechanics,
relativistic electrodynamics; and (d) laboratory projects: signals, noise and
control. The content will be explored with reference to a range of
applications and physical contexts and developed and applied through a
series of laboratory tasks. Skills in problem identification, mathematical
exploration and solution will be fostered through assignment sheets and
tutorial activities.
Assignments (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 &6)
Laboratory tasks (Outcomes 3, 4, 5 & 6).
Class tests (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
End of semester exam (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
Assessment for this unit may include assignments, experimental projects,
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
No content changes
to the unit.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13
Rewritten to conform
Assignments, experimental projects, tests and an end of semester
examination.
class tests and an end of semester exam
to current APS
practice
PHYS3012 Optics and Special Topics
Current from published 2013 Handbook
Unit Outcome published in Handbook
In addition to the specific knowledge imparted, this unit offers students the opportunity to
develop skills in critical thinking about physical situations, problem solving, quantitative
analysis and experimental technique.
Unit Content published in Handbook
Students are required to take Modern Optics, and choose either Special Topics in Condensed
Matter Physics (if they are in the Physics stream of the major) or Special Topics in Astrophysics
(if they are in the Astronomy/Astrophysics stream of the major):
Modern Optics—optical ray propagation, optical resonators, Gaussian spherical light beams,
Gaussian beams in resonators and higher order modes, introduction to lasers and masers;
optical cavities at finite temperatures, light-matter interactions, advanced optics—
applications/birefringence;
Special Topics in Condensed Matter Physics—reciprocal lattice, crystal binding, crystal
vibrations and phonons, free electron Fermi gas, energy bands, semiconductor crystals, Fermi
surfaces and metals, superconductivity;
Special Topics in Astrophysics—galaxies and evolution, observational cosmology, black holes
and active galaxies, planetary astronomy.
Assessments linked to outcomes
The emphasis of the lectures is on developing a sound understanding of the underlying
physical principles with reference to a range of applications. The lectures are complemented
by a series of laboratory tasks designed to develop and reinforce understanding of physical
principles and measurement. Regular assignment sheets of problems, complimented by
tutorial assistance, foster skills in problem identification, exploration and solution.
PHYS3012 Frontiers in Modern Physics
Draft proposal
By participating in this unit, students will:
(1) Develop understanding of the physical principles
underlying modern optics and photonics, and either
condensed matter physics or astrophysics;
(2) Apply and further develop critical thinking skills in a
range of realistic physical situations;
(4) Use appropriate mathematical techniques;
(3) Develop and apply problem identification and
mathematical solution skills in a range of realistic physical
situations;
(5) Apply and further develop understanding of the physical
principles of measurement, experimental technique,
quantitative analysis and data analysis relevant to physics;
(6) Further develop oral and written communication skills
relevant to the discipline of physics.
This unit explores aspects of the frontiers of modern physics.
It contains a core component covering modern optics and
photonics, studied by students in both the physics and the
astronomy & astrophysics streams of the physics major. In
addition, students in the physics stream study special topics
in condensed matter physics, and students in the astronomy
& astrophysics stream study special topics in astrophysics.
The content will be explored with reference to a range of
applications and physical contexts and developed and
applied through a series of laboratory tasks. Skills in problem
identification, mathematical exploration and solution will be
fostered through assignment sheets and tutorial activities.
Assignments (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 , 4 &6)
Laboratory tasks (Outcomes 3, 4, 5 &6).
Class tests (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
End of semester exam (Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
Name change to
better reflect the
content and spirit of
the unit
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13.
Rewritten to comply
with BSc BoS of
10/6/13 resolution
18/13
Achievement of these attributes is assessed continuously through assignment sheets,
laboratory classes and class tests. An end-of-semester examination assesses overall
comprehension of the basic science covered in the unit.
Assessment items NB this is blank in the 2013 Handbook
Assignments, experimental projects, tests and an end of semester examination.
Assessment for this unit may include assignments,
experimental projects, class tests and an end of semester
exam
Rewritten to conform
to current APS
practice