PHS2022

Physics for communications and measurement ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Greg Jakovidis

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: (1) Electromagnetism: Maxwell's equations in integral and differential form; electromagnetic waves; applications of electromagnetism. (2) Optics: Geometric optics; polarization; birefringence; optical fibres; interferometry; diffraction. (3) AC Theory and Analogue Electronics: Complex impedance; phasors; resonant circuits; transistors; signal amplification; operational amplifiers; modulation techniques. (4) Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics: First and second laws of thermodynamics; entropy and disorder; phase transitions; introduction to statistical physics concepts.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, students will be able to: explain and apply the key concepts of electromagnetism to a variety of electromagnetic phenomena; describe a range of optical instruments and their uses; understand the methods for analysing and designing AC circuits; use modern instruments and methods to acquire, manipulate and interpret physical data; write scientific reports at a level suitable for publication.

Assessment: Examinations (3 + 2 hours): 50% + Assignments: 16% + Practical work (compulsory): 34% = Students must achieve a pass mark in the practical component to achieve an overall pass grade.

Contact Hours: Three 1-hour lecture/problem classes and one 3-hour laboratory class per week

Prerequisites: PHS1011 or PHS1080, PHS1022, MTH1030 and MTH2010