6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
School of Physics and Astronomy
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit forms part of main-stream physics and provides foundations in rotational dynamics, the gravitational field, electrostatics, magnetism and quantum physics. Together these topics underpin interactions in our universe at sub-atomic to cosmic scales. Electrostatics explores the electric field, potential and energy for various situations, and the behaviour of capacitors and dielectrics. Magnetism covers the relation between currents, magnetic fields and induced emfs, inductance, LCR resonance, and introduces Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. Quantum physics includes wave particle duality for matter and light, quantisation, wave-functions and probabilities, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, hydrogen atom, and the particle-in-a-box model.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Explain and understand concepts taught in the unit such as fields, electromagnetic phenomena, and quantum mechanics;
- Apply their knowledge to solve problems related to these concepts;
- Evaluate and appraise novel situations in terms of fields, electrostatics, magnetic interaction and quantum effects;
- Execute experiments involving simple apparatus and analyse, interpret and evaluate the results arising from them;
- Present and communicate results of others and one's own experimentations in a scientific form.
Assessment
Experimental work: 25% (Hurdle)
Tests/Assignments: 35%
Examination (3 hours): 40%
Hurdle requirement: Students must achieve a pass mark in the experimental work to achieve an overall pass grade.
Workload requirements
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (roughly 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
See also Unit timetable information