PHY3303 Modern Physics

Staffing

Examiner: Alfio Parisi
Moderator: Joanna Turner

Other requisites

It is recommended that students first complete 2nd level physics courses prior to study.

Rationale

Physics is about the fundamental laws governing our universe of matter, energy, space and time. "Classical physics" is typically considered to cover mechanics, acoustics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and (classical) optics, whereas "modern physics" encompasses relativity and the quantum mechanics of matter and light. Modern physics is the science behind most of today's pure and applied research frontiers of physics; pure research is providing the most profound insight into the nature of matter and the universe as a whole, while applied research has given us electronic computers, mobile phones, and advanced medical technology, as well as the promise of cost-effective solar panels and massively parallel quantum computers. A course on modern physics can enable those pursuing a career as a scientist, science educator and other professionals to understand current major questions in physics research. Such a course can also inform students of how modern physics helps us deliver, manage and improve advanced technology for tackling the grand environmental, health and security challenges facing our world.

Synopsis

Modern physics covers the extraordinary developments in physics that have taken place over the last century or so (and which promise to continue, thanks to the search for a unified theory of everything and the discovery of an expanding universe). This course covers special and general relativity, the quantum description of light and matter, and quantum and statistical mechanics. Also covered are topics on atoms, molecules, solids, and nuclear and particle physics, and a concluding online section on modern cosmology. The theory in this course is supported by practice with relevant problem solving, and experiments. There is a three day residential school for this course.

Objectives

Topics

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

Reference materials

Student workload requirements

Assessment details

Important assessment information

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures and tutorials) 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 CMA Test satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for them. To complete the examination satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the examination. To complete the report, students must attend the 3 day residential school in the mid semester break.
   
   
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without (prior) approval of the examiner then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late up to ten working days at which time a mark of zero may be recorded. No assignments will be accepted after model answers have been posted.
   
   
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
   
   
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
   
   
6. Examination information:
   Candidates are allowed access only to specific materials during a Restricted 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).
   
   Students whose first language is not English, may, take an appropriate unmarked nonelectronic
   translation dictionary (but not technical dictionary) into the examination.
   Dictionaries with any handwritten notes will not be permitted. Translation dictionaries will
   be subject to perusal and may be removed from the candidate’s possession until appropriate
   disciplinary action is completed if found to contain material that could give the candidate an
   unfair advantage.
   
   
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
   
   
8. University Student Policies:
   Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene University policies and practices. These policies can be found at http://policy.usq.edu.au/portal/custom/search/category/usq_document_policy_type/Student.1.html.
   
   

Assessment notes

1. The due date for assignments is the date by which a student must despatch an assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the students to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within 48 hours if required by the Examiner.
   
   
2. Harvard (AGPS) is the referencing system required in this course. Students should use Harvard (AGPS) style in their assignments to format details of the information sources they have cited in their work. The Harvard (AGPS) style to be used is defined by the USQ Library's referencing guide. http://www.usq.edu.au/library/help/referencing/default.htm