65018 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSICS

Year	No.	Offer	Mode	Description			Cred. Pts
97	65018 	S2  	D 	ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSICS	1.00

Contents

• Staffing
• Pre-requisite(s)
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Texts
• Recommended References
• Student Workload
• Assessment Details
• Other Requirements

STAFFING:

PRE-REQUISITE(S)

65017

RATIONALE:

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

SYNOPSIS:

Three topics are offered - Microwave Applications, Geophysics and Applied
Crystal Physics.  Each topic builds on some of the material in previous units
and provides examples of in-depth applications.

Microwave Applications will discuss the physics of Radar Remote Sensing,
Measurements in Materials Science and the operating principles of Radio
Telescopes and Weather Radar.

The Geophysics section will include topics in Seismology, Gravity, Magnetics,
and Electrical Properties.

Applied Crystal Physics will examine the variation of physical properties of
crystals with direction, and the description of these phenomena using Tensors.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Work problems in reflection and transmission of microwaves using a
   numerical maths package;
   
2. Rectify and calibrate Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data using image
   processing software;
   
3. Calculate the dielectric constant of a homogeneous material using an
   appropriate computer program;
   
4. Explain the operation of a SAR, Time-domain Reflectometer (TDR),
   Network Analyser, Radio Telescope or Weather Radar.
   
5. Apply some of the principles and techniques of physics to the
   collection, processing, and elementary interpretation of geophysical
   data.
   
6. Work simple problems in crystal symmetry;
   
7. Use tensors up to the fourth rank to describe crystal properties; Work
   problems in crystal optics using the concepts of an indicatrix and a
   wave surface;
   
8. Use axial tensors to describe appropriate crystal properties.
   

TOPICS:

 Description                                                    Weighting(%)

Microwave Applications                                                33.30

Geophysics                                                            33.30

Applied Crystal Physics                                               33.30

TEXT and MATERIALS to be PURCHASED:

RECOMMENDED REFERENCE MATERIALS:

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

Kraus, J.D. 1992, Electromagnetics, 4th edn, McGraw-Hill.

Nye, J.F. 1976, The Physical Properties of Crystals and their Representation by
Tenors and Matrices, Clarendon Press, Oxford. (Available from examiner)

Ulaby, F.T., Moore, R.K. & Fung, A.K. 1981, 1982, 1986, Microwave Remote
Sensing, Vols I, II and III, Artech House Inc.

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

Wooster, W.A. 1973, Tensor and Group Theory for the Physical Properties of
Crystals, Clarendon Press, Oxford. (Available from examiner)

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

	ACTIVITY				HOURS
Lectures                                      	42
Laboratory or Practical Classes               	42
Report Writing                                	14
Private Study                                 	66
Examinations                                  	6

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

No  *F/S Marks     Due        Description                              Wtg(%)    LBL
1   S              PASSIM    LABORATORY REPORTS                        40.00     N
2   S              WK 5      2 HOUR CLOSED BOOK EXAM                   20.00     N
3   S              WK 10     2 HOUR CLOSED BOOK EXAM                   20.00     N
4   S              END S2    2 HOUR CLOSED BOOK EXAM                   20.00     N

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1    Students must obtain a satisfactory mark in each of
     the above three categories of assessment to pass the
     unit.
In accordance with University policy and Guidelines,
i     an Examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an
      assignment in extenuating circumstances;
ii    no assignments will be accepted for assessment purposes
      after assignments or model solutions have been released
      except in extenuating circumstances;
iii   assignments submitted after the due date without any
      extenuating circumstances will attract a penalty of at
      most 20% of the assignment mark for each working day
      late;
iv    students who submit an assignment after the due date and
      wish to claim extenuating circumstances, must provide
      documentary evidence with the assignment explaining
      the circumstances;
v     the unit examiner shall consider a claim for extenuating
      circumstances and decide on the outcome;
vi    the decision of the Dean shall be final in any dispute
      that may arise in the implementation of these guidelines.