PHY 3302 Advanced Topics in Physics

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
PHY3302244092, 2003ONCAdvanced Topics in Physics1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOSCI
Academic Org:FOS002
HECS Band:2
ASCED Code:010301

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Alfio Parisi
Moderator: Jeff Sabburg



PRE-REQUISITES:

Pre-requisite: MAT1102


OTHER-REQUISITES:

Completion of 2nd level Physics courses Recommended pre-requisite: MAT2100


RATIONALE:

This course provides students with an in-depth study of selected topics in Physics.


SYNOPSIS:

Three topics are offered and may be selected from Microwave Applications, Geophysics, UV Radiation and Astrophysics. Each topic builds on some of the material in previous courses and provides examples of in- depth applications. Microwave Applications will discuss the physics of Environmental Remote Sensing and Solid State Measurements. The Geophysics section will include topics in Seismology, Gravity, Magnetics, and Electrical Properties. The UV radiation section will include topics on solar UV, Spectroradiometry, broad band metres and UV dosimetry. The Astrophysics section will discuss the Sun and other stars. For each section, a series of compulsory practical exercises are undertaken to demonstrate the principles involved.


OBJECTIVES:

Dependent on the topics offered, on completion of this course students will be able to:

  • work problems in reflection and transmission of microwaves using a numerical maths package;

  • rectify and evaluate Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data using image processing software;

  • calculate the dielectric constant of a homogeneous material using an appropriate computer program;

  • explain the operation of a SAR, Time-domain Reflectometer (TDR), Network Analyser;

  • apply some of the principles and techniques of physics to the collection, processing, and elementary interpretation of geophysical data;

  • apply radiometric, dosimetric & spectroradiometric techniques for ultraviolet radiation measurements;

  • solve selected problems in Astrophysics;

  • demonstrate skills and knowledge required to perform laboratory experiments safely with appropriate equipment.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Student may select any three of Microwave Applications; Geophysics; Solar UV Radiation Physics; AstroPhysics.
    		100.00

    TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

    Books can be ordered by fax or telephone. For costs and further details use the 'Book Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au by entering the author or title of the text.

    PHY3302 Laboratory manual Advanced Topics in Physics, USQ.




    REFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

    Cook, C. & Beinfeld, M. 1993, Radar Signals: An introduction to theory and application, Artech House, Boston.

    Cronin, N.J. 1995, Microwave and optical waveguides, Institute of Physics, Bristol.

    Kearey, P. & Brooks, M. 1991, An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration, Blackwell, Oxford.

    Kraus, J.D. 1999, Electromagnetics: with applications, 5th edition, WCB-McGraw-Hill, Boston.

    Morrison, D., Wolff, S. & Fraknoi, A. 1995, Abell's Exploration of the Universe, 7th edition, Saunders College Publishing, Philadelphia.

    Ulaby, F.T., Moore, R.K. & Fung, A.K. 1981, Microwave Remote Sensing, Addison Wesley, Reading, Mass. Vol 1-3.

    (Years 1981, 1982 and 1986 and Volumes I, II, III.)

    Van de Roer, T.G. 1994, Microwave Technology Series, (Microwave electronic devices), Chapman and Hall, London, Vol 10.

    Veley, V. 1987, Modern Microwave Technology, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs.

    Zeilik, M. & Gregory, S.A. 1998, Introductory Astronomy & Astrophysics, 4th edition, Saunders College Publishing, Forth Worth.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Examinations6
    Laboratory or Practical Classes24
    Lectures24
    Private Study87
    Report Writing24


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    LABORATORY REPORTS40.0040.00Y22 Jul 2003(see note )
    2 HR RESTRICTED TEST20.0020.00Y22 Jul 2003(see note )
    2 HR RESTRICTED TEST20.0020.00Y22 Jul 2003(see note )
    2 HR RESTRICTED EXAM20.0020.00YEND S2(see note )
    NOTES:
    .
    Lecturer will advise early in Semester of the due dates for reports.
    .
    Lecturer will advise date of the 2hr restricted test early in Semester.
    .
    Lecturer will advise date of the 2hr restricted test early in Semester.
    .
    Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

    IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

    1. Attendance requirements:
      It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
    2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
      To complete the practical component satisfactorily, students must submit at least 8 of the nominated 11 practical reports (using their own results) and obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each report submitted.
    3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
      If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
    4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
      To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must submit all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 50% in the examination and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
    5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
      The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
    6. Examination information:
      In a Restricted Examination, candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination. With the Examiner's approval, candidates may, take an appropriate non- electronic translation dictionary (but not technical dictionaries) into the examination. This will be subject to perusal and, if it is found to contain annotations or markings that could give the candidate an unfair advantage, it may be removed from the candidate's possession until the appropriate disciplinary action is completed.
    7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
      Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
    8. University Regulations:
      Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/SECARIAT/calendar/Part5/ or in the printed version of the current USQ Handbook.

    ASSESSMENT NOTES

    9.In order to attend laboratory classes, students must provide and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. This shall include a laboratory coat, closed in shoes, and safety glasses. Such equipment must be approved by supervising staff. Failure to provide and wear the appropriate safety equipment will result in students being excluded from classes.
    10.The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. If requested by the Examiner, students will be required to provide a copy of assignments submitted for assessment purposes. Such copies should be despatched to USQ within 24 hours of receipt of a request being made. In accordance with University's Assignment Extension Policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.