Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

The common theme of the topics covered in this unit is fields, the energy contained in these fields and the transfer of this energy. This theme is addressed in the specific topics of classical mechanics, electromagnetism and radiation physics. The classical mechanics and electromagnetism components build on material presented in introductory units and apply this to complex real world problems. The unit is designed to prepare you for more advanced studies in these areas but the unit will also provide a useful background for students undertaking a comajor in Physics or preparing for a career in secondary education.

Aims

This unit aims to build on your knowledge of fields and energy using the specific topics of classical mechanics and electromagnetism. It will extend your knowledge of energy transfer by introducing you to ionising radiation, in particular nuclear decay, radiation physics, the interactions of radiation with matter and real-world applications of these phenomena.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit you are expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic level of understanding and competency in the topic areas of classical mechanics, electromagnetism and radiation physics.
2. Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the forces arising from and the energy contained within gravitational, electric and magnetic fields.
3. Solve problems relating to gravitational, electric and magnetic fields.
4. Describe the behaviour of ionising radiation as it interacts with matter.
5. Select and use instrumentation appropriate for detection of different forms of ionising radiation.

Content

Classical Mechanics:
Rotating systems: coriolis forces, rotation, application to atmospheric phenomena.
Lagrange's equation of motion.
Hamilton's equation of motion, cyclic coordinate and conservation theorems.
Central force problem: centre of mass frame, planetary motion, central force field and potential well.

Electromagnetism:
Work done by electric fields (div, curl, grad).
Electric properties of matter - polarisation, susceptibility, dielectric constant.
Boundary conditions at a dielectric interface.
Capacitance, Effects of dielectrics.
Ampere's circuital law.
Magnetic dipole, magnetic torque and moment.
Calculation of inductance for simple geometries.
Magnetic susceptibility, permeability.
Magnetic boundary conditions.
Energy density of a magnetic field.
Forces on magnetic materials.
Faraday's Law.
Maxwell's Equations (point and integral form).

Radiation Physics:
Decay mechanisms and decay laws.
Counting statistics.
Nuclear reactions and conservation laws.
Equilibrium secular, transient and non equilibrium conditions.
Interaction of radiation with matter.
Detectors.
Gamma Spectroscopy.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Strategies to be adopted in the teaching and learning environment will foster creativity, critical enquiry, intellectual debate and a commitment to professionalism and ethical practice.

Structures will include:
Formal lectures and practicals - 39 hours
Laboratory sessions/seminars - 13 hours

Assessment

You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).Students will receive feedback on progress examinations throughout the semester. Additional feedback consultations can be arranged on request to the Unit Coordinator.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: 4 to 5 problem solving questions are presented to students periodically over the semester which test comprehension of concepts presented during the lectures.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: See Blackboard Site

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Laboratory reports: as prescribed in week 1. Formative and summative.
Relates to objectives: 5.
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: See Blackboard Site

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: An end of semester written examination. Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: A mid semester progress written examination. Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester Exam

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

References:
1. Knoll GF (2000), Radiation Detection and Measurement, 3rd ed., John Wiley and sons.
2. Grifiths D.J. (1998), Introduction to Electrodynamics, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall.

Risk assessment statement

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

You will also be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of demonstrators and technical staff of the School. The School's occupational health and safety policies and procedures will apply to these sessions and you will be required to conform to these. You will undergo a health and safety induction before the commencement of the first practical session. If you do not follow legitimate instructions or endanger the safety of others or do not act in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, you 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: 06-Jun-2012