Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

This unit provides you with an overview of the basic thermodynamic principles that describe how heat and other forms of energy are transported through matter in its solid and gaseous states. Through integrated lecture and practical classes, it provides you with a foundation for more advanced studies later in areas such as condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics. The three areas you will study in this unit, thermodynamics, solid state physics and statistical physics are essential core topics if you are considering postgraduate study in the physical sciences or professional employment as a physicist.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the thermodynamical laws that describe the nature of energy movement through macroscopic solids and gases by analysing the microscopic behaviour of the material's constituent particles through fundamental solid state and statistical principles.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Develop practical and theoretical knowledge of the basic laws and principles of thermodynamics.
2. Develop a detailed understanding of the relationship between microscopic behaviour of molecules in a gas and macroscopic thermodynamics of gases.

3. Learn the basic principles of the physical and mathematical description of crystalline lattices.
4. Develop knowledge of the physical processes resulting in the transport of energy and matter in gases and solids.
5. Understand the basic principles of quantum statistics and its importance for the description of conductivity and radiation.

Content

Thermodynamics:
- Thermodynamic equilibrium and Zeroth Law
- First Law of thermodynamics, internal energy
- Equipartition principle and heat capacities
- Entropy
- Second law of thermodynamics
- Concepts of irreversibility
- Carnot cycle and other cycles


Statistical Physics:
- Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution
- Microscopic and quantum approaches to entropy
- Elements of quantum mechanics. Model of free electron gas in a potential well
- Fermi-Dirac distribution function, density of states function
- Fermi energy and Fermi surface
- Bose-Einstein distribution function. Black body radiation
- Specific heats of metals and dielectrics (specific heat of degenerate electron gas, Einstein and Debye theories)
- Thermal conductivity and thermal expansion of solids


Solid State Physics:
- Introduction to crystal structure and bonding
- Lattice structures and reciprocal lattice
- Xray diffraction
- Brillouin zones
- Amorphous materials
- Lattice defects and dislocations
- Lattice dynamics
- Acoustical and optical phonons
- Acoustic waves in solids and crystals

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

In this unit you will attend 52 hours of lectures and tutorials to explain and demonstrate the content as described above. This integrated lecture-tutorial program will be reinforced by specially designed practical exercises that highlight the key concepts of thermodynamics. Your participation in the exercises will complement the theoretical framework established in the lectures and tutorials, as well as demonstrate the practical aspects that impact on heat transport. You will be required to undertake private study to supplement and support the lecture program.

Assessment

All assessment contributes to your grade.Feedback will be available on your progress.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: (Formative and summative) - Tutorial problems.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weekly/Fortnightly

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: (Formative and summative) - Practical.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 2-6

Assessment name: Examinations (Theory)
Description: (Summative) - Progress and End-of-semester examination.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing through sem.

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. Schroeder DV (2000) Thermal Physics, Addison Wesley Longman (prescribed)

2. Mandl F (1971) Statistical Physics, John Wiley & Sons

3. Kittel C (1996) Introduction to Solid State Physics, New York: John Wiley & Sons

4. Reif F (1967) Statistical Physics, McGraw Hill

5. Landau LD & Lifshitz EM (1969) Statistical Physics, Pergamon Press

6. Ali Omar M (1993) Elementary Solid State Physics, Addison Wesley Longman

Risk assessment statement

Students in this unit will undertake lectures and tutorials in classrooms and lecture theatres. There are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

Students will also be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of tutors and technical staff of the School. The School's occupational health and safety policies and procedures will apply to these sessions and students will be required to conform to these. Students will undergo a health and safety induction before the commencement of the first practical session. Students who do not follow legitimate instructions or who endanger the safety of others or do not act in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, will be required to leave the session.

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: 24-Oct-2012