Quantum and Thermal Physics (PHYC20012)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
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This subject surveys the foundations of Thermal Physics and Classical Mechanics and develops the fundamental principles of Quantum Mechanics. Topics in Thermal Physics include the kinetic theory of gases, the classical laws of thermodynamics, temperature, work, heat, chemical thermodynamics and chemical potential, heat engines, refrigerators, Gibbs and Helmholtz free energies and phase changes. Topics in Classical Mechanics include a review of Newton’s Laws, the Principle of Least Action, Lagrange’s equations, Hamilton’s equations and the Legendre transform. These principles will be illustrated by application to the simple harmonic oscillator. Topics in Quantum Physics include the inadequacies of Classical Physics, matter waves and quantum behaviour, one-dimensional quantum systems, expectation values, observables, operators, quantum tunnelling, and the quantization of three-dimensional systems.

Intended learning outcomes

To challenge students to expand their knowledge of the fundamental physical principles that underpin the behaviour of matter from microscopic to macroscopic length scales and to develop their capacity to:



  • discuss the key observations and events that led to the development of quantum mechanics from a foundation of thermal physics and classical mechanics;
  • discuss the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and the critical aspects of quantum theory that distinguish it from the classical theories of thermodynamics and mechanics;
  • apply the principles of thermal, classical and quantum physics to the analysis of simple physical, chemical or mechanical problems.

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;
  • Describe the experimental and observational basis of the physical principles presented in the subject, both in writing and orally;
  • Participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions and study groups;
  • Think independently and analytically and direct his or her own learning;
  • Manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular tutorial classes, tests, the examination and to complete assignments.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC10001 Physics 1: Advanced
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC10003 Physics 1
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

PHYC10005 Physics 1: Fundamentals

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC10002 Physics 2: Advanced
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC10004 Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC10006 Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10006 Calculus 2
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10021 Calculus 2: Advanced
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

MAST10019 Calculus Extension Studies

AND

(Note: the following subject/s can also be taken concurrently (at the same time):

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10007 Linear Algebra
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10022 Linear Algebra: Advanced
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

MAST10018 Linear Algebra Extension Studies

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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Three written assignments requiring a total of up to twenty-four hours of work outside class time to be submitted and assessed early, mid and late semester (10% for each assignment).

  • 24 hours
During the teaching period30%

A written examination

  • 3 hours
During the examination period70%

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorsJeffrey McCallum and David Jamieson
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours48 hours comprising 36 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021
    Last self-enrol date12 March 2021
    Census date31 March 2021
    Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021
    Assessment period ends25 June 2021

    Semester 1 contact information

    jeffreym@unimelb.edu.au, d.jamieson@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 Hours

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025