Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Wave phenomena are used to describe and explain many of the physical processes in the universe. Sound and light are the most commonly experienced of these and have far-reaching human applications, including their use as experimental tools for science. The study of wave phenomena has led to the development of quantum mechanics, a cornerstone of modern scientific thought. This first-level unit lays the foundation for discussion of wave phenomena in higher level studies, but will also be relevant to those not considering progressing to a Physics major but wishing to understand more of the Physical world in which we live.

Aims

This unit aims to:

• Provide you with a broader knowledge base in the discipline of Physics.


• Explain a range of wave phenomena in terms your growing knowledge base.


• Demonstrate where the various topics may be applied in range of everyday situations, and how wave phenomena help explain some modern theories.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic level of understanding and competency in the topic areas covered by solving a range of well-defined problems.
2. Define and analyse more complex physical situations by applying the techniques and principles presented during the unit.
3. Collect, present, analyse and evaluate experimental data from a range of experiments according to scientific conventions.
4. Value truth, accuracy, honesty, ethics, and develop an ability for independent learning.
5. Work both independently and collaboratively; accept responsibilities and obligations.

Content

This unit uses a limited range of topics to introduce broadly applicable concepts and general techniques in Physics. Concepts introduced will include those of waves.

Specific topic areas to be covered include:

Waves and Acoustics:
- Properties of waves
- Interference and diffraction of waves
- Sound waves
- Measurements of sound

Geometrical Optics:
- Reflection
- Refraction
- Dispersion
- Image formation
- Optical instruments

Physical Optics:
- Interference by division of wavefront and by division of amplitude
- Interferometry
- Fraunhofer diffraction
- Fourier methods
- Lasers
- Fibre optics
- Holograms

Quantum Optics:
- Black body radiation
- Quantum theory of the photoelectric effect
- Franck-Hertz experiment
- Matter waves and wave-particle duality
- Uncertainty Principle
- Emission and absorption spectra
- Bohr theory of the atom
- X-ray production
- Bragg diffraction

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures will provide the knowledge base required for this unit and will be supported by practical sessions, enabling you to apply the theory described in lectures.

You will also be expected to undertake a range of computer-based practical problems related to the lecture material, this forming part of the assessment.

Lectures: 3 hours per week
Practicals: 1 hour per week
Practical: 6 x 2 hour laboratory sessions (approx. one per fortnight)

Assessment

The assessment in this unit will allow students to demonstrate their understanding and application of the topics covered. It will comprise several types of assessment techniques and specific details of each assessment instrument will be made available to all students within the first week of semester.Feedback will be provided to students verbally and in written form, Further consultation is available on request.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Practical.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Supervised Assignment Tasks
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: See Blackboard Site

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: End-semester exam
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts:
1. Young & Freedman, University Physics with Modern Physics with Mastering Physics, 12th edition, Freeman, Worth

Recommended Resources:
1. Kirkup, Experimental Methods, Wiley

Online Resources:
1. PHYSCISLAB: http://olt.qut.edu.au/PHYSICSLAB/

Risk assessment statement

Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures and practicals. Laboratory safety rules will be published on the first year physics laboratory website. There are no other out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 02-May-2012