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:

  1. 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;
  2. have developed an understanding of atomic and molecular structure and spectroscopy;
  3. be familiar with the molecular basis of the thermodynamic laws and properties;
  4. be able to understand the basic atomic models of gases, liquids, solids and phase transitions;
  5. 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)