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Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity (PHYC20010)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Year Long
Overview
Availability | Year Long |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces students to two key concepts in physics: quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of special relativity. Quantum mechanics topics include the quantum theory of light, the particle nature of matter, matter waves, quantum mechanics in one dimension and tunneling phenomena. Special relativity topics will include the foundations of special relativity, spacetime invariance, simultaneity, and Minkowski diagrams, relativistic kinematics, the Doppler effect, relativistic dynamics, and nuclear reactions.
Intended learning outcomes
To challenge students to expand their knowledge of fundamental physics principles and develop their capacity to:
- discuss the key observations and events that led to the development of quantum mechanics and special relativity;
- explain the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity and use these principles in the analysis of simple problems;
- acquire and interpret experimental data and perform computer modelling.
Generic skills
A student who completes this subject should be able to:
- explain their understanding of physics principles and applications lucidly, both in writing and orally;
- acquire and interpret experimental data and design experimental investigations;
- participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions, laboratory and study groups;
- think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning;
- manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular practical and tutorial classes, tests, the examination and to complete assignments.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC10001 | Physics 1: Advanced | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10003 | Physics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10005 | Physics 1: Fundamentals | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Plus one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC10002 | Physics 2: Advanced | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10004 | Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10006 | Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Plus one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10006 | Calculus 2 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Plus one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10007 | Linear Algebra |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST10008 | Accelerated Mathematics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10013 UMEP Mathematics for High Achieving Students.
(MAST10007 Linear Algebra or MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1 may be taken concurrently)
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.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
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: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Additional details
Ongoing assessment of practical work during the semester including:
- log-book record keeping and participation (10%)
- a written report of up to 2,000 words (10%)
Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject, including attendance and submission of work for at least 80% of workshop sessions, together with a result for assessed work of at least 50%.
- One written test with a total duration of up to 30 minutes, held mid semester (5%)
- Two written assignments requiring a total of up to 8 hours of work outside class time during the semester (10% in total)
- A 3-hour written examination in the examination period (65%)
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
- Year Long
Principal coordinator Matthew Dolan Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x 1 hour lectures per week (total 27 lectures); 1 x one hour tutorial per week (total 9 classes); 1 x three hour laboratory class per week (total 6 classes) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 May 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018 Year Long contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Additional delivery details
Please Note: This subject is a transitional subject that is available only to students that have already successfully completed one of PHYC20009 or PHYC20011.
All other students wishing to undertake Level 2 Physics should select from the subjects PHYC20012, PHYC20013, PHYC20014 and PHYC20015.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Serway, Moses and Moyer, Modern Physics 3rd Ed. Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning, 2005
Recommended texts and other resources
NMJ Woodhouse, Special Relativity, Springer, 2003
- 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.
Students are strongly advised to undertake MAST20009 Vector Calculus in parallel with PHYC20010, to provide additional mathematical expertise for this subject and as it is a pre-requisite for second semester physics subjects.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Physics Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED - 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.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 22 March 2024