Course Title: Classical & Quantum Mechanics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Classical & Quantum Mechanics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2178

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 2 2024

Course Coordinator: Nicolas Menicucci

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2886

Course Coordinator Email: nicolas.menicucci@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: Appointment by email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommended Prior Study

It is recommended to have satisfactorily completed the following course/s before you commence this course:

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

Assumed Knowledge

Students must be familiar with – and competent in applying – differential and integral calculus, vectors, and typical content in a first-year university physics degree to do well in this course.


Course Description

Classical and Quantum Mechanics introduces advanced concepts in classical mechanics and then links these to the theory of quantum mechanics. This course begins with introducing the concepts of degrees of freedom and least action. Subsequent topics include Lagrangians and Hamiltonians, Legendre transformations and Poisson brackets, with a focus on solving example problems from various branches of physics. Building on this knowledge, the concept of quantum theory is introduced, including wave and matrix mechanics, operators and observables. Example problems are solved for one-dimensional potentials and time evolution of finite state systems.

The topics covered are essential prerequisites for advanced studies in physics. This course will approach the subjects with a high level of mathematical rigour in order to give students a solid grounding in the mathematical tools used in advanced physics, including at a postgraduate level.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s): 

BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Physics Major)

PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.

BP330P23 - Bachelor of Space Science

PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practices, relevant to the field of space science and technology with multi-disciplinary collaboration
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence- based decision making.

BP229P7 - Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) (Physics Major)
BP229PHYS - Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)
BP247ASCDD - Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)/Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) (Physics Major)

PLO 1.1 You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an ability to apply the scientific method in practice
PLO 1.3 You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge
PLO 2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts
PLO 3.3 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization.
PLO 3.4 You will demonstrate well developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively
PLO 4.1 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills.
PLO 5.1 You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.

BP305PHYDD - Bachelor of Science (Physics)/Bachelor of Business (Management)

PLO 1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the ways of scientific thinking by recognising the creative endeavour involved in acquiring knowledge and the testable and contestable nature of the principles of physics
PLO 1.2 Demonstrate an understanding of the essential role physics plays in society and underpins many industrial and technological advances.
PLO 1.3 Demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific and physics knowledge.
PLO 2.1 Broad knowledge in physics, with deep knowledge of, and applying the principles and concepts of physics
PLO 3.2 Gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project.
PLO 3.3 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization.
PLO 3.4 Well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
PLO 4.1 Communicate physics knowledge by presenting information, articulate arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes
PLO 5.1 Develop personal, professional and social responsibility by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning will demonstrate accountability for your own learning and professional conduct.
PLO 5.2 Work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically.
PLO 5.3 Develop an ability to work collaboratively.

BP330 - Bachelor of Space Science

PLO 1.1 You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and engineering fundamentals and an ability to apply them in practice.
PLO 1.3 You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge.
PLO 2.1 You will have broad knowledge in space science and technology with deep knowledge in its core concepts.
PLO 3.3 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialisation.
PLO 3.4 You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
PLO 4.1 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills.
PLO 5.1 You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.
PLO 5.2 You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically.
PLO 5.3 You will develop an ability to work collaboratively.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.  


On successful completion of this course, you should be able to: 

  1. Apply Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods to solving a variety of physically relevant mechanics problems;
  2. Solve intermediate-level problems in quantum mechanics; 
  3. Communicate and explain the concepts covered in this course;
  4. Apply the theory learned to novel physical situations, through mathematical manipulation of the underlying equations  


Overview of Learning Activities

You will learn in this course by: 

  1. Attending interactive lectures where material will be presented and explained and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples;
  2. Private study, working through the theory as presented in lectures, texts and notes, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems;
  3. Actively contributing to group-based problem solving in tutorials that is designed to give you further practice in application of theory and feedback on your progress and understanding;
  4. Completing written assessments consisting of numerical and other problems requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter.  


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Written assignments  
Weighting 40% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4 

Assessment Task 2: Tutorials – applying knowledge through in-class group-based problem solving 
Weighting 10% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4 

Assessment Task 3: Invigilated knowledge test 
Weighting 50% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.