Leader: Associate Professor Andrei Nikulin

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides part of a major in theoretical physics. It consists of two 12-lecture sub-units, Advanced quantum mechanics and theoretical modelling, and a 12-hour seminar sub-unit. The key areas of study are:

1. Advanced quantum mechanics: perturbation theory and its application to atomic systems and radiation from quantised systems;
2. Theoretical modelling: electrons in finite systems, Bose-Einstein condensates and chaotic systems; and
3. Theoretical Seminar: seminar participation in theoretical problems, projects and presentations.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will be able to understand a range of fundamental concepts in applied quantum mechanics, including perturbation theory and the use of computer software or specially written programs to model, simulate and visualise physical process. They will then be able to extend mastery of these techniques to related subject areas of particular interest to the student. The students will be able to write short reports on significant current theoretical physics research topics and present a short seminar and a poster on one of these topics in theoretical physics.

Assessment

Examinations (2 x 1.5 hours): 48%
Assignments: 18%
Seminar contributions: 34%

Contact hours

An average of 2 hours lectures, one 1-hour tutorial and one 1-hour seminar per week

Prerequisites

PHS3131, PHS3031