Laboratory and Computational Physics 3 (PHYC30021)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The subject offers a range of projects in modules that offer experience in laboratory techniques and computational methods; the relative weights are indicated in the module descriptions. Students must select four projects with a combined weighting that contains at least 25% Computational Physics and 25% Laboratory Physics. The laboratory projects include nuclear physics, particle physics, diffraction, electronics, atomic physics, optical physics and astronomy. The computational projects are designed to develop programming skills and to introduce a range of numerical methods commonly used in physics research will be based on model problems in physics; these may include electronic structure theory, molecular vibrations, stellar structure, quantum spin systems, large-scale magnetic systems and gravitational lensing by point masses. Some projects may be offered that merge laboratory and computational work with approximately equal weighting.
Intended learning outcomes
This subject challenges students to expand their knowledge of fundamental physics principles and develop their capacity to:
- demonstrate an understanding of a wide variety of advanced experimental and data analysis techniques;
- acquire, analyse and interpret experimental data; and
- write and evaluate scientific and technical reports.
- explain the application of a variety of computational techniques including differencing, root finding, quadrature, ordinary and partial differential equations, matrix eigenvalue problems, Monte Carlo methods, fast Fourier transforms and data processing algorithms to physical problems; and
- apply these methods to a range of physical situations and to experimental data.
Generic skills
A student who completes this subject should be able to:
- explain the application of a variety of computational techniques including differencing, root finding, quadrature, ordinary and partial differential equations, matrix eigenvalue problems, Monte Carlo methods, fast Fourier transforms and data analysis algorithms to physical problems
- apply these methods to a range of physical situations.
- acquire and interpret experimental data and design experimental investigations
- participate as an effective member of a laboratory group.
- think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning
- manage time effectively in order to submit assessable work when required.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYC20013 | Laboratory and Computational Physics 2 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Plus one of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYC20012 | Quantum and Thermal Physics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHYC20015 | Special Relativity and Electromagnetism | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
And one of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHYC20014 | Physical Systems | 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: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- Four reports (one on each of the four projects to be undertaken in the subject) equivalent to 3200 words in total, 800 words each. Project report due dates distributed through the teaching period of the Semester. 4x15% (each report) - 60%
- One report drafted as a scientific journal article (equivalent to 800 words). Report due by end of teaching period of Semester - 15%
- Record keeping of laboratory work and documentation of computer programs. Assessed at the completion of each project - 15%
- Participation in Laboratory and Computational classes. Continuously assessed during contact hours - 10%
- Attendance of not less than 80% of allocated laboratory and computational classes - Hurdle
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Harry Quiney Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x three hour laboratory or computational classes per week for eight weeks during the semester Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Harry Quiney Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x three hour laboratory or computational classes per week for eight weeks during the semester Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Chemical Physics - 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: 3 November 2022