Sub-atomic Physics (PHYC30011)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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The subject provides an introduction to the unified picture of elementary particles and atomic nuclei - how the elementary quarks combine to form strongly interacting particles, and how two of these, the proton and neutron combine to form atomic nuclei; how quarks and their composites interact with the leptons and with each other; how we study these systems experimentally; and the exciting unanswered questions in this field of physics.

Topics covered will be selected from: quarks and leptons; strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions; symmetries and conservation laws; structure, models and properties of hadrons; structure, models and properties of nuclei; scattering and decay processes; accelerators; detectors; fission and fusion reactors; applications of nuclear and particle physics techniques; and other topics in sub-atomic physics of contemporary interest.

Intended learning outcomes

Students completing this subject should be able to:




In addition, students should enhance their ability to plan effective work schedules and manage their time to meet the deadlines for submission of assessable work and prepare for tests and examinations.

  • explain the unified picture of quarks and leptons, hadrons, and atomic nuclei, and their basic properties and interactions; and
  • solve and analyse problems in these areas by applying simple quantum mechanical reasoning.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Students must complete any prerequisite option

-

Option 1

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC30018 Quantum Physics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Option 2

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC20010 Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity
Year Long (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

plus one of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC20009 Thermal and Classical Physics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC20011 Electromagnetism and Optics
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Option 3

all three of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC20012 Quantum and Thermal Physics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC20013 Laboratory and Computational Physics 2
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC20015 Special Relativity and Electromagnetism
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Assessment

Additional details

Test of 1 hour (5%) and two assignments equivalent to 1500 words each during the semester (7.5% each); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorElisabetta Barberio
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017
    Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017
    Census date31 August 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail22 September 2017
    Assessment period ends17 November 2017

    Semester 2 contact information

    Email: PHYC30011@physics.unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    B R Martin, Nuclear and Particle Physics: An Introduction, Wiley.

  • Subject notes

    This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    Informal specialisationScience-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
    MajorPhysics
    Informal specialisationPhysics
  • Breadth options

    This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:

  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

Last updated: 9 April 2025