PHYSICS 2510 - Physics IIA

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

This course provides an introduction to quantum mechanics and continues the development of practical problem solving using laboratory experiments. Quantum Mechanics - Wave mechanics with examples from atomic, sub-atomic and solid state physics. Photons, Compton scattering, de Broglie hypotheses, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, probability distributions, probability density, plane waves, expectation values, operators, commutators, Schroedinger equation, energy quantisation, particle in a one dimensional box, eigenstates and degeneracy, measurement, probability flux, one-dimensional bound states and scattering, barrier penetration, harmonic oscillator, ladder operators, multi-particle states, indistinguishable particles, exclusion principle, magic numbers. Practical work includes laboratory experiments in instrumentation, general physics and modern physics.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PHYSICS 2510
    Course Physics IIA
    Coordinating Unit School of Chemistry & Physics(Inactive)
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 7 hours per week
    Prerequisites PHYSICS 1100 & PHYSICS 1200 & either MATHS 1012 or MATHS 2004 - Other students may apply to Head of Physics for exemption
    Corequisites MATHS 2102 or MATHS 2201. Other students may apply to Head of Physics for exemption
    Course Description This course provides an introduction to quantum mechanics and continues the development of practical problem solving using laboratory experiments. Quantum Mechanics - Wave mechanics with examples from atomic, sub-atomic and solid state physics. Photons, Compton scattering, de Broglie hypotheses, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, probability distributions, probability density, plane waves, expectation values, operators, commutators, Schroedinger equation, energy quantisation, particle in a one dimensional box, eigenstates and degeneracy, measurement, probability flux, one-dimensional bound states and scattering, barrier penetration, harmonic oscillator, ladder operators, multi-particle states, indistinguishable particles, exclusion principle, magic numbers. Practical work includes laboratory experiments in instrumentation, general physics and modern physics.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Peter Veitch

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. 1. discuss the non-deterministic nature of quantum physics;
      2 demonstrate an understanding of wave-particle duality, i.e. the particle nature of light and the need for a wave treatment of particles;
      3 define and discuss the concepts of a state, an observable, and a measurement in quantum mechanics;
      4 solve simple quantum mechanical problems.
      5 make appropriate decisions about the experimental uncertainty associated with every measurement, and analyse uncertainties correctly;
      6 keep a scientific record of experimental work;
      7 analyse the results of experiments and reach non-trivial conclusions about them;
      8 make correct and appropriate use of a range of scientific equipment;
      9 work effectively in a small team to complete a complex set of tasks;
      10 communicate results orally and in writing
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-8
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 4-8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4, 5, 7, 8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 6, 9, 10
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 7, 8
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-5, 7, 8
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 5, 6, 7
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 5, 7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Serway, R.A., Moses, C.J. & Moyer, C.A. (2005) Modern Physics (3rd edition) (Thomson)

    Griffiths, D.J. (2005) Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (2nd edition) (Prentice Hall)

    Recommended Resources
    Bernstein, J., Fishbane, P. M. and Gasiorowicz, S. (2000) Modern Physics (Prentice Hall)
    Online Learning

    MyUni: Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/).

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    This course will be delivered by the following means:

    • 2 Lectures of 1 hour each per week for 12 weeks
    • 1 Tutorial of 1 hour per week for 11 weeks
    • 1 Practical of 4 hours per week for 11 weeks
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).

    Learning Activities Summary

    The course content will include the following:

    Coursework Content

    • Introduction
    • Towards the particle properties of light
    • Particles as waves
    • Wave functions
    • Expectation values
    • Schroedinger’s equation
    • Simple one-dimensional problems
    • Expectation values and measurement
    • General properties of the wave function
    • Simple applications
    • Multi-particle systems
    • Magic numbers

    Practical work (11 sessions)

    Experiments, carried out in groups of two students, selected from:

    • Oscilloscopes
    • Particle counting statistics
    • Alpha particles
    • Gamma ray spectroscopy
    • Natural radioactivity
    • Scattering
    • Low temperature behaviour of heat capacity
    • Hydrogen and the solar spectrum
    • Kater's pendulum
    • Cavendish experiment
    • Symmetry breaking (potential wells)
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment task Type of assessment Percentage of total assessment Hurdle
    Yes or No #
    Outcomes being assessed/achieved
    Practical work Formative & Summative 33% Yes 5-10
    Tutorial preparation Formative & Summative min 5% - max 10% No 1 – 4, 10
    Tests Formative & Summative min 10% - max 26% No 1 – 4, 10
    Final exam Summative min 31% - max 52% Yes (40%) 1 – 4, 10
    Assessment Related Requirements

    To obtain a grade of Pass or better in this course, a student must maintain a suitable logbook for at least 10 practical sessions during the semester, attend the examination and achieve at least 40% in the final exam.

    Assessment Detail

    Tests
    2 x 50 minute, closed book tests taken during the semester, which have a formative and summative role and address essential aspects of the learning objectives for Quantum Mechanics. Each test can contribute up to 13% to the final assessment; poor performance may be partly redeemed by superior performance in the final exam.

    Tutorial preparation
    To maximise the benefit of tutorials, students are required to submit their answers before or at the tutorial. Assessment is based on effort rather than correctness; this task has a formative and summative role. It can contribute up to 10% to the final assessment; poor performance may be partly redeemed by superior performance in the final exam.

    Final exam
    This summative assessment activity comprehensively addresses learning objectives 1 - 4 and 10.

    Practical work (Practical achievement and practical reports)
    Students work on an experiment until it is completed and they have an adequate report in their log book. Demonstrators provide formative assessment as the students are doing each experiment. Each student then selects one completed experiment and writes an extended lab report. The log book and report are assessed summatively. An opportunity to make-up a maximum of one missed practical session may be offered at the end of the semester.

     

    Submission

    Submission of Assigned Work
    Coversheets must be completed and attached to all submitted work. Coversheets can be obtained from the School Office (room G33 Physics) or from MyUNI. Work should be submitted via the assignment drop box at the School Office.

    Extensions for Assessment Tasks
    Extensions of deadlines for assessment tasks may be allowed for reasonable causes. Such situations would include compassionate and medical grounds of the severity that would justify the awarding of a supplementary examination. Evidence for the grounds must be provided when an extension is requested. Students are required to apply for an extension to the Course Coordinator before the assessment task is due. Extensions will not be provided on the grounds of poor prioritising of time. The assessment extension application form can be obtained from: http://www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au/current/ 

    Late submission of assessments
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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