STB414 Advances in Theoretical Physics
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | STB414 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | Admission to ST10 or (Admission to ST20 and completion of 288 credit points (CP)) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,244 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | STB414 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Admission to ST10 or (Admission to ST20 and completion of 288 credit points (CP)) |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Bachelor in Physics or completion of 3rd year of Advanced Science degree. |
| Coordinator: | Konstantin Momot | k.momot@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit is offered at the Honours level for students to build on their knowledge in theoretical physics, obtained during their undergraduate studies.
Physics understanding of the world is advancing at fast pace. Theoretical approaches are revolutionizing the perception we have of our world, from the smallest unit of matter to the largest assembly of objects in the universe.
By exploring the most recent advances in the field, the unit will provide an essential platform for further studies and theoretical and experimental research in all areas that require knowledge of modern physics.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- 1. Be able to apply modern mathematical approaches and methods of theoretical physics to particular problems at all scales of physics.
- Understand main concepts of theoretical physics and its mathematical methods of analysis.
- Develop general skills in problem solving, that will be applicable to various areas of pure and applied physics.
- 4. Develop an understanding of the relationships between the theoretical physics and other areas of chemistry, materials science and engineering.
Content
The content will be delivered in three modules, with specific modules selected each year to suit the cohort of students and their project needs.
Topics for individual modules may include (but are not limited to):
- Quantum mechanics
- Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
- Solid state Physics
- Statistical thermodynamics
- Quantum statistical mechanics
- Surface science
- Materials physics
- Plasma physics
- Medical physics
- Magnetism, EPR, NMR
- Superconductivity
- Lasers
- Quantum optics
- Theoretical Astrophysics
Learning Approaches
This unit will be given as a series of two-hours lectures. Students will also be expected to devote considerable time to individual study. This includes working with the textbook, solving practise problems, completing tutorial problem sets, and reading selected research papers from the field of physics. Strong emphasis will be placed on tutorials and practice problems to develop problem-solving skills and ability to confidently use mathematical methods in at least 3 areas of theoretical physics.
Feedback will be provided to you on a continuous basis throughout the semester. Comprehensive lecture notes will be available on the Canvas web site.
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1. Be up to date with the theory and practice of cutting-edge research areas at the frontiers of modern Physics
2. Develop skills in problem solving and computational approaches in at least three areas of cutting-edge research.
3. Apply critical and creative thinking using advanced Physics theory to articulate the challenges, problems and opportunities in areas of cutting-edge research.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback will be provided in this unit through workshop activities and tutorials, where specific problem solving skills will be developed and assessed, including peer and academic feedback.
Assessment
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
Tutorial problems
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Examination
Oral presentation or written report discussing a model in theoretical physics and its application to a specific problem.
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
Major assignment: Solution and discussion of Challenge Problems
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
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
There is no prescribed text for this unit. Students will be directed to a range of resource material that will be related to the specific area of study.
Risk Assessment Statement
If you undertake a project, either individually or in a group, you may in conjunction with your QUT project supervisor, be required to complete and submit a Risk Assessment of your project activities in MAPS (Management and Assessment of Project Safety) for approval. For further information go to Health, safety and environment for research students - QUT Students
Additionally, if you undertake an industry project, either individually or in a group, you must ensure that the QUT project partner agreement is completed, respect confidentiality, be aware of any intellectual property requirements for the project and comply with workplace health and safety requirements, (either at QUT or at worksite). For further information please refer to the Work Integrated Learning - QUT Students webpage.