Course Title: Advanced Quantum Physics and Photonics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Advanced Quantum Physics and Photonics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2192

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2025

Course Coordinator: Professor Salvy Russo

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2601

Course Coordinator Email: salvy.russo@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 014.12.014

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommended Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed or received credit for the following course/s before you commence this course:

If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer.

Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience.


Course Description

Quantum theory provides the basis for our current understanding of how the universe works. Specifically, it predicts that energy comes in tiny packets known as quanta. A quantum of light is called a photon and photonics is the study of the interactions between light and matter. In this third-year course you will learn about these topics and their applications. You will study photonics and other advanced topics in quantum theory, including modern instrumentation, the electronic structure of matter, and the interpretations of quantum mechanics. This course is essential for those wishing to undertake further study in physics, beyond the undergraduate level.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course is an option course and will broadly contribute to the development of your program learning outcomes.

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


Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  1. Compare and contrast key principles relevant to the interaction of light and matter via advanced quantum theory and photonics topics
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in scientific inquiry to solve problems related to quantum theory and photonics.
  3. Critically reflect on and discuss the importance of optical and electronic properties of solids at the atomic level in the description of modern devices.
  4. Effectively communicate the basic principles of quantum theory and photonics to diverse audiences.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through RMIT Student Website.

You will learn in this course through:

  • Recorded lectures, that may also be supported by lectorials, where concepts will be introduced and explained through worked examples and demonstrations;
  • private study, such as revising the concepts presented in lectures and practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems;
  • participation in tutorials designed to give you further practice in the application of important concepts, as well as feedback on your progress;
  • completing assignments that require an integrated understanding of the subject matter;
  • performing experiments related to the course material and the writing of laboratory reports.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through RMIT Student Website.

Weekly learning resources are set up and available in Canvas.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, which may include books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

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 RMIT Student Website.

Extensive use will be made of the prescribed text and its associated learning materials. Other notes may also be provided. You will have access to laboratory facilities on campus.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Weekly Quizzes
Weighting: 10%
This assessment task supports CLO2.

Assessment Task 2: Problem solving Assignment
Weighting: 20%
This assessment task supports CLO1 & CLO2.

Assessment Task 3: Written tests to be held in class
Weighting: 30%
This assessment task supports CLO3 & CLO4.

Assessment Task 4: End of semester invigilated, written exam.
Weighting: 40%
This assessment task supports CLO1, CLO2 & CLO3.

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.