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PHY216 Modern Physics (8)

Abstract

Modern Physics is a second level physics subject which contains a foundation of physics necessary to examine the fundamental principles of the universe. The subject commences with a treatment of electromagnetic waves and relativity, followed by topics on quantum physics, atomic physics, nuclear physics and finally particle physics and cosmology. The laboratory component to this subject has experiments in optics and modern physics, which demonstrate some of the physical principles important to modern physics and instrumentation. Students will complete experiments related to the subject content and complete a mid-semester exam.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
Online*Wagga Wagga Campus
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PHY216
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

PHY102

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Be able to demonstrate an understanding of electromagnetic waves, sources and detectors;
  • Be able to appreciate and demonstrate an understanding of Einsteinian relativity;
  • Be able to appreciate and demonstrate an understanding of the quantum nature of light and matter;
  • Be able to appreciate and demonstrate an understanding of the atomic nature of matter;
  • Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the nuclear structure and decay processes within nuclei;
  • Be able to appreciate and demonstrate an understanding of the application of nuclear reactions;
  • Be able to demonstrate an understanding of interferometry as utilised in monochromators and spectrometers;
  • Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the types and uses of sources and detectors as pertaining to x-ray, UV, visible and infrared spectroscopy;
  • Be able to quantitatively specify radiometric and photometric measurements;
  • Be able to understand the employment of transmission and reflection optics in analytical spectroscopic instruments;
  • Be able to understand the principle, and advantages and limitations associated with, the use of fibre optics in instruments;
  • Be able to conduct experiments which demonstrate concepts developed during the study.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
Electromagnetic Waves and applications Relativity Quantum Physics and Quantum Mechanics Atomic Physics Molecules and Solids Nuclear Physics and Applications Particle Physics and Cosmology

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school. Students will complete experiments related to the subject content and complete a mid-semester exam.

Specialised Resources

This subject has a 4 day residential school.

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The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.