Course Title: Quantum and Statistical Physics
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Quantum and Statistical Physics
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
PHYS1095 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
135H Applied Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 1 2016 |
PHYS1095 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019 |
Course Coordinator: Professor Toby Allen
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 0439
Course Coordinator Email: toby.allen@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 14.6.15
Course Coordinator Availability: Please email to make an appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
It is assumed that you have acquired the knowledge and capabilities developed in PHYS2128 Electromagnetics and Quantum Physics, PHYS2127 Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, PHYS1074 Materials and Thermal Physics, PHYS1077 Mechanics & Modern Physics and MATH1129 Mathematics for Physicists.
Course Description
Quantum and Statistical Physics deals with the description of the structure of matter at the atomic level. It has wide applicability to almost all areas of science and technology particularly those that deal with the properties of materials.
This is a final year undergraduate course and assumes a successful completion of the first two years of a physics degree. It covers the physical understanding of matter from an atomic view point as well as introducing the fundamentals upon which modern computer modelling of matter is based.
The course has a theoretical lecture component and also involves worked exercises to illustrate the material which the student should work through in order to fully understand this theoretical material.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the School of Sciences Program Learning Outcomes at AQF Level 7:
- PLO-2 Scientific knowledge
- PLO-3 Inquiry and Problem Solving
After completing this course you will:
- be familiar with the basic ideas and tools of elementary quantum theory, and be able to apply them in other fields which use quantum theory;
- have developed an understanding of atomic and molecular structure and spectroscopy;
- be familiar with the molecular basis of the thermodynamic laws and properties;
- be able to understand the basic atomic models of gases, liquids, solids and phase transitions;
- be able to apply statistical mechanical techniques to a variety of applied problems such as equation of state and heat capacity modelling.
Overview of Learning Activities
Learning will occur through a series of lectures, plus a set of non-assessable assignments designed to give experience in applications and to illustrate basic concepts.
Total Study Hours
Teacher guided hours: 48
Learner guided hours: 72
Overview of Learning Resources
You will be provided with copies of lecture notes and additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference texts and resources in the library will also be provided.
Overview of Assessment
Note that:
☒This course has no hurdle requirements.
The assessment will be through:
- Assignments/Tests 40% (Addresses CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Mid-semester exam (Quantum Mechanics) 30% (Addresses CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- End of semester exam (Statistical Mechanics) 30% (Addresses CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)