Handbook home
Quantum Systems (PHYC30020)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
Quantum mechanics governs the structure of atomic, molecular and condensed matter state systems, the nature of light and charge, and the interactions between these systems. Whereas earlier subjects detailed the principles and foundations of quantum mechanics, this subject details properties of real systems and discusses applications of this fundamental field of enquiry. The necessary use of quantum ideas in developing an understanding of the structure of matter is emphasised.
Topics covered include:
- the one-electron approximation, diatomic molecules
- basic crystal structures and bonding, reciprocal lattices
- periodic systems, phonons, free-electron model, band structure, insulators, conductors and semi-conductors
- the variational method, helium atom, basic density functional theory
- superconductivity.
Intended learning outcomes
To challenge students to expand their knowledge of fundamental physics principles and develop their capacity to:
- explain the role that quantum mechanics plays in a range of real physical systems
- apply quantum mechanics to solve problems in a variety of physical systems
- interpret the solutions to these problems.
Generic skills
A student who completes this subject should be able to:
- analyse how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations
- apply abstract concepts to real-world situations
- solve relatively complicated problems using approximations
- participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions
- manage time effectively in order to be prepared for tutorial classes, undertake the written assignments and the examination.
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Physics
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC30018 | Quantum Physics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC30017 | Statistical Physics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
(PHYC30017 Statistical Physics may be taken concurrently)
And Mathematics
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20009 | Vector Calculus |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
And at least one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST20026 | Real Analysis |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students may only gain credit for one of
- PHYC30020 Quantum Systems
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: 15 February 2024
Assessment
Additional details
Two assignments totalling up to an equivalent of 3000 words during the semester (10% each); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Robert Scholten Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
C Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics. 8th Edition, Wiley
B H Bransden and C J Joachain Physics of Atoms and Molecules. 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall
- 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:
Type Name Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Physics specialisation Major Physics - 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 15 February 2024