Quantum Systems (PHYC30020)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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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: 4 April 2025

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: 4 April 2025

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: 4 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorRobert Scholten
    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 period29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019
    Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019
    Census date31 August 2019
    Last date to withdraw without fail27 September 2019
    Assessment period ends22 November 2019

    Semester 2 contact information

    Email: PHYC30020@physics.unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Last updated: 4 April 2025

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:

    TypeName
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    Informal specialisationScience-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    Informal specialisationPhysics specialisation
    MajorPhysics
  • 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.

  • 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: 4 April 2025