Physics 1B: The Stuff of the Universe (U00533)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : PHY-1-B

The course begins with the classical models of particles and waves and their relationship to the physical world of atoms and light. Quantum physics is introduced through the idea of wave/particle duality, in a largely non-mathematical way. The uncertainty principle, Schrodinger's cat and quantum tunnelling are discussed. The hydrogen atom, and then more complex atoms are considered illustrating the role of quantum effects such as the Pauli exclusion principle which is seen to underly the structure of the periodic table. The phases of matter are discussed and quantum effects are used to explain ordinary conductivity and superconductivity. Matter is explored at the nuclear and elementary particle scales. At large scales the behaviour of stars and of the big-bang are related to the fundamental properties of matter.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : SCE H-grade Physics and Mathematics or equivalent.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 7 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
07/01/2008	11:00	12:00	Lecture Theatre 4, Appleton Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	12:00	Central
Lecture	Wednesday	11:10	12:00	Central
Lecture	Friday	11:10	12:00	Central

1 of the following 4 classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Laboratory	Mo	14:00	17:00	KB
Laboratory	Tu	14:00	17:00	KB
Laboratory	Th	14:00	17:00	KB
Laboratory	Fr	14:00	17:00	KB

? Additional Class Information : Laboratory sessions three hours per week, as arranged. Tutorials one hour per week, as arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, it is intended that a student will be able to:

i) demonstrate a general appreciation for the microscopic origin of many everyday macroscopic phenomena, for example pressure and temperature
ii) demonstrate a general understanding of light in terms of atomic transitions, including atomic spectra, lasers and fluorescence/phosphorescence.
iii) describe wave phenomena using appropriate terminology and formulae, for example in the situations of wave propagation, diffraction and interference
iv) demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics, specifically including wave-particle duality, the photoelectric effect, two-slit experiments, the role of the observer and quantum tunnelling.
v) determine basic parameters associated with a variety of simple potential wells.
vi) demonstrate the significance of the Pauli Exclusion Principle, especially in relation to an understanding of the Periodic Table of Elements and chemical properties.
vii) demonstrate a basic understanding of the band theory of crystalline solids, exploring applications such as semiconductors and superconductors.
viii) demonstrate basic knowledge of nuclear and particle physics; radioactive decay, the standard model and neutrinos.
ix) demonstrate a reasonable understanding of modern cosmology, including the Big Bang theory , stellar evolution, cosmic expansion, dark matter, and the ultimate fate of the Universe.
x) show competence in a scientific laboratory.
xi) show an understanding for the various sources of uncertainty incurred in making any experimental measurement. Furthermore, they should be able to estimate such experimental errors and be able to reasonably determine the incurred uncertainty in a derived quantity.
xii) communicate scientific concepts in a written format