School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Modern Physics
  • Unit Code

    SCP2211
  • Year

    2019
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    2
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    A/Prof Steven HINCKLEY

Description

This unit develops an understanding of topics in relativity, modern atomic and quantum physics.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 2 units from SCP1111, SCP1112, SCP2343 and 1 unit from MAT1236 or equivalent.

Permission of the Physics coordinator to enrol.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Apply process and problem solving skills in dealing with conceptual and experimental situations.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in handling a range of physics equipment associated with quantum physics, nuclear physics and relativity.
  3. Describe the nature and development of scientific knowledge as exemplified by the development of quantum mechanics and relativity.
  4. Explain and apply appropriate concepts, principles and theories relating to elementary quantum physics, quantum mechanics and relativity.

Unit Content

  1. RELATIVITY: Frames of reference, Newtonian relativity, Galilean transformations, Michelson-Morley experiment, Einstein's postulates, Lorentz transformations, simultaneity, time dilation, twin paradox, length contraction, velocity addition, Doppler effect, relativistic dynamics, energy, mass, momentum, spacetime diagrams, General relativity.
  2. QUANTUM MECHANICS: Energy Quantisation: Black body radiation, Planck's radiation curves, Stefan's Law, Wien's displacement Law, classical and Planck theories of cavity radiation. Early Quantum Physics: Photoelectric effect, Compton effect, X-ray production, pair production and annihilation, X-ray diffraction, matter waves, the uncertainty principle. Models of the Atom: Thomson's model, Rutherford's experiment, Rutherford's model, line spectra, Bohr's model. Quantum Mechanics: The Schroedinger equation, wavefunctions and probability densities, expectation values and operators, solutions of Schroedinger's equation, potential wells and barriers, the one-electron atom, identical particles and the Exclusion Principle, many-electron atoms and the periodic table, band theory of solids.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Discussion sessions, seminars, tutorials and laboratory work.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
Assignment ^Theory based problem sets.30%
Laboratory Work ^Laboratory work and reports. *40%
Research PaperReview paper and seminar on current research topic related to unit content.30%

^ Mandatory to Pass
* Assessment item identified for English language proficiency


Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCP2211|2|1

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Modern Physics
  • Unit Code

    SCP2211
  • Year

    2019
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    3
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    A/Prof Steven HINCKLEY

Description

This unit develops an understanding of topics in relativity, modern atomic and quantum physics.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 2 units from (SCP1111, SCP1112, SCC1111, SCP2343) AND MAT1250 OR equivalent.

Permission of the Physics coordinator to enrol.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Apply process and problem solving skills in dealing with conceptual and experimental situations.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in handling a range of physics equipment associated with quantum physics, nuclear physics and relativity.
  3. Describe the nature and development of scientific knowledge as exemplified by the development of quantum mechanics and relativity.
  4. Explain and apply appropriate concepts, principles and theories relating to elementary quantum physics, quantum mechanics and relativity.

Unit Content

  1. RELATIVITY: Frames of reference, Newtonian relativity, Galilean transformations, Michelson-Morley experiment, Einstein's postulates, Lorentz transformations, simultaneity, time dilation, twin paradox, length contraction, velocity addition, Doppler effect, relativistic dynamics, energy, mass, momentum, spacetime diagrams, General relativity.
  2. QUANTUM PHYSICS: Energy Quantisation: Black body radiation, Planck's radiation curves, Stefan's Law, Wien's displacement Law, classical and Planck theories of cavity radiation. Early Quantum Physics: Photoelectric effect, Compton effect, X-ray production, pair production and annihilation, X-ray diffraction, matter waves, the uncertainty principle. Models of the Atom: Thomson's model, Rutherford's experiment, Rutherford's model, line spectra, Bohr's model.
  3. QUANTUM MECHANICS: The Schroedinger equation, wavefunctions and probability densities, expectation values and operators, solutions of Schroedinger's equation, potential wells and barriers, the one-electron atom, identical particles and the Exclusion Principle, many-electron atoms and the periodic table, band theory of solids.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 213 x 1 hour lectureNot OfferedNot Offered
Semester 213 x 3 hour tutorialNot OfferedNot Offered

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Discussion sessions, seminars, tutorials and laboratory work.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
AssignmentTheory based problem sets.30%
Research PaperReview paper and seminar on current research topic related to unit content.30%
Laboratory Work ^Laboratory work and reports. *40%

^ Mandatory to Pass
* Assessment item identified for English language proficiency


Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCP2211|3|2