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

This unit introduces physics which affects the universe on a microscopic scale. The concepts and phenomena studied here, such as atomic and nuclear physics, physical optics and waves are fundamental to later studies, and underpin developments in modern technology. You will learn how to think about concepts, ideas and systems like a physicist, and critically apply what you have learnt to practical exercises in laboratories progressively developing both your experimental and scientific report writing skills that will provide the foundation for all future studies in science (and particularly in physics).

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with a broad knowledge and application of some of the fundamental concepts in physics, in particular, those that apply to the microscopic world.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will provide evidence of:
1. Quantitative and qualitative scientific analysis of basic concepts of the physics of the micro universe.
2. Data collection and analysis using scientific equipment during practical experiments in laboratory settings.
3. Critical reasoning and problem solving techniques (using data acquired or provided) to evaluate results.
4. Communicate scientific arguments by producing written scientific reports incorporating visual representations of scientific concepts and numeric data, including the generation of graphs.
5. Effectiveness in planning and undertaking independent inquiry.

Content

The unit covers a number of modules, some of which may run in parallel.

The Atomic and Nuclear Physics module will introduce you to atomic and nuclear structure, and how atoms decay to produce ionizing radiation. Radioactive equilibrium, radiation detectors and gamma spectroscopy will also be covered.

The introduction to Quantum Mechanics module will cover some of the conceptual topics in the physics of the microscopic world at an introductory level, including Blackbody radiation, matter waves and waveparticle duality, uncertainty principle, emission and absorption spectra, Bragg diffraction and the Franck-Hertz experiment.

The Waves, Optics and Ultrasonics module will cover properties of waves and concepts such as the wave equation, interference and diffraction. The physical realisation of this material will then be studied in phenomena such as sound waves, ultrasound, optics, lasers and holograms.

The final module will cover concepts of fluids on a microscale. Specifically, you will study colloids and their properties, as well as Brownian motion within a fluid.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures: 2 hrs/wk
Tutorials: 2 hrs/wk
Practicals: 2 hrs/lab (approx 8 across the semester)

This unit is designed to completely integrate theory with practical application in laboratories as well as interactive group problem solving in tutorials. Weekly lectures incorporating visual and real world examples provide the background theory and concepts required to support the practical and problem solving tasks.

Practical laboratories are designed for each major physical concept (introduced in lectures) with exemplar laboratory techniques and reports to develop both experimental and scientific report writing skills. In tutorials, you will engage in collaborative group work to solve scientific problems that develop your critical reasoning skills including peer review of problem solving strategies.

A mid semester component of the final exam will assess your conceptual understanding and give valuable feedback on how to improve your academic and conceptual skills in `very small¿ physics. Packaged electronic and physical resources will be available via blackboard for you to simulate and engage with `very small physical phenomena.

Assessment

Assessment includes a portfolio with lab experiments, scientific lab reports, written problem solving tasks and a final exam.In this unit, multiple opportunities for feedback are provided in the lab practicals, tutorials and lecture sessions including:
- Oral and written peer and teacher feedback on conceptual/problem solving tasks in tutorials
- Individual written feedback on portfolio lab reports and problem solving tasks
- Oral (group) and individual written feedback on mid semester component of exam.

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: 1) Conduct lab experiments and collect and analyse data in small group
2) Write up results in scientific lab reports in individual workbook
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Problem Solving Tasks
Description: Apply your understanding of physics to solve quantitative and qualitative scientific problems, including a peer assessment (review) of your problem solving strategies (to show how to improve your scientific thinking/skills in key concepts)
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 and 4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid to late semester

Assessment name: Examination
Description: Short and long written responses included theoretical knowledge, applied conceptual understanding and problem solving covering the semester¿s work.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 and 4
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
2. Knoll GF (2000), Radiation Detection and Measurement, 3rd ed., John Wiley and sons.
3. First Year Physics Laboratory Resource Manual, Available on Blackboard

Recommended Resources:
4. Kirkup, Experimental Methods, Wiley

Risk assessment statement

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. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field.

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: 20-Sep-2012