PVB301 Materials and Thermal Physics

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the physical principles that describe the behaviour of solids and fluids at both the macroscopic level and at the atomic level.
This is an advanced unit that builds upon conceptual physical and mathematical principles of earlier units. Through lectures, practical classes and simulations the unit will provide you with strong foundation in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. You will gain knowledge in the fast growing area of solid state physics and learn some of the techniques used to study new materials. The development of new materials is pivotal for the technology advancements of our society, with outcomes in every aspect of human life, spanning from reducing our environmental impact, to improving communication and computing, to achieving a better healthcare.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Qualitative and quantitative knowledge of the quantum theory of solids, microscopic and macroscopic thermodynamics, and modelling of physical properties and structure.
2. Critical reasoning, problem solving and written communication of complex physical concepts
3. Creative use of appropriate software to visualise and describe complex physical processes
4. Effective participation in group work to simulate and visualize advanced physical concepts.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit engages you in your learning through a theory-to-practice approach. You will participate in in class and online lectures, collaborative learning modules (workshops) and projects to develop conceptual and applied knowledge and skills. You will develop your critical knowledge of the field and have opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills to problem-based examples during supervised practicals or online tutorials. In addition, you will work in groups to complete an assignment on analysis, simulation and visualisation of physical phenomena. You will have the opportunity to do additional work in solving sets of problems, working with reference texts and other resource materials provided in lectures and online. You will be required to undertake private study to supplement and support the integrated lectures and collaborative learning program.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Assessment is designed progressively across the semester to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and improvement. Immediate oral and written feedback on learning progress will be given at the collaborative learning sessions. You will receive individual written feedback on your group tasks according to the assessment criteria. Problem solving tasks will receive timely oral and written feedback throughout the period of study. Written solutions will be provided for the set problem solving tasks.

Assessment

Overview

This unit will be assessed through:

1. Mid semester exam (in class problem solving tasks)
2. A presentation of a group project on analysis, simulation and visualization of a specific physical phenomenon
3. Final written examination

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Mid semester exam

Supervised in class individual work on problems and examples related to the first part of the unit.

This is not an assignment for the purpose of an extension.

Assessment: Project (applied)

You will complete a group assignment on the analysis simulation and visualisation of a specific physical phenomenon, which will be summarized in a poster. The final presentation in the form of a poster session will include individual questions to each member of the group related to the whole project.

The poster session is authentic as it simulates how professionals present their achievements or results in industry, science and technology.

This is not an assignment for the purposes of an extension. The poster session requires the presence of all the students on a specific date, together with their group.

Assessment: Final exam

Short and long answer written examination.

In the event that campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period, an alternative which may be a Timed Online Assessment will be offered. Individual students who can demonstrate circumstances that prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of ordinary risks associated with this unit. Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures and practicals. You will be given a safety induction before commencement of laboratory work. Laboratory safety rules will be published on the first year physics laboratory website. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus.