PHS2022 - Physics for communications and measurement

Leader: Dr Greg Jakovidis

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (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