STH414 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: | STH414 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | Admission to ST10 or (Admission to ST20 and completion of 288 credit points (CP)) |
| Equivalent(s): | STB414 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | STH414 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Admission to ST10 or (Admission to ST20 and completion of 288 credit points (CP)) |
| Equivalent: | STB414 |
Overview
This Honours level unit develops advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills across a broad range of contemporary theoretical physics. Physics understanding of the world is advancing at a rapid pace, and theoretical approaches continue to reshape our view of nature, from the smallest units of matter to the largest structures in the universe. By exploring recent advances in the field, the unit provides an essential platform for further study and for theoretical and experimental research across all areas that require a strong grounding in modern physics.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply advanced mathematical and theoretical approaches to solve problems in physics.
- Apply modern mathematical methods of theoretical physics to analyse and interpret problems across at least three areas of the field.
- Develop general problem-solving skills applicable across pure and applied physics.
- Communicate advanced theoretical physics concepts to appropriate audiences, and evaluate their relevance to areas of cutting-edge research.
Content
Content is delivered through weekly lectures and tutorials that work through advanced topics in theoretical physics of current relevance. Lectures introduce the theory and methods; tutorials review homework and build the skills needed for the assessment. Topics vary from year to year to suit the cohort and 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 is delivered through weekly two-hour lectures supported by weekly tutorials. Lectures introduce advanced theoretical physics topics of current relevance, and tutorials work through homework problems and develop the problem-solving skills assessed in the unit. You will also be expected to devote considerable time to individual study, including working with recommended texts, solving practice problems, completing tutorial problem sets, and reading selected research papers. Feedback is provided continuously throughout the semester, and comprehensive lecture notes are available on Canvas.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback is provided through tutorial activities where problem-solving skills are developed, through written feedback on the problem-solving tasks, and through the oral examination.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit develops and evidences your problem-solving ability in advanced theoretical physics. Two problem-solving tasks (20% at mid-semester, 40% towards the end of semester) build your capacity to apply modern mathematical methods across a range of topics, with the second task extending to more challenging problems. An end-of-semester oral examination (40%) then asks you to discuss and defend your reasoning, confirming your individual understanding of the material.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task 1
A problem-solving task covering the theoretical physics topics and methods from the first half of the unit. The exact format may vary depending on the topic.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Problem Solving Task 2
A more extensive problem-solving task requiring the solution and discussion of challenge problems across the theoretical physics topics covered in the unit. The exact format may vary depending on the topic.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Oral Examination
An oral presentation in which you select an advanced theoretical physics topic and deliver a lecture on it as though teaching an undergraduate audience. The task replicates the authentic professional practice of academic teaching, tutoring and science communication, which are genuine destinations for physics graduates. It requires professional judgement to pitch the material to the audience's level, structure a clear explanation of a complex topic, and respond to questions in real time, producing a teaching performance of the kind a physicist or educator delivers in practice.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no prescribed text for this unit. You will be directed to a range of resource material that will be related to the specific area of study.
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit carries no out of the ordinary risks.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST10 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge in one or more discipline area(s) and knowledge of research methods, principles and practices.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Problem Solving Task 1, Problem Solving Task 2, Oral Examination - Solve complex problems by demonstrating and applying advanced knowledge and skills in scientific principles, concepts and techniques, with scientific rigour
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Problem Solving Task 1, Problem Solving Task 2, Oral Examination - Demonstrate professional reflective practices and accountability in scholarship and the research process including awareness of ethical and cultural responsibility.
Relates to: ULO4, Oral Examination
ST20 Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours)
- Articulate advanced and coherent knowledge and understanding of at least one scientific discipline
Relates to: Problem Solving Task 1, Problem Solving Task 2, Oral Examination - Critically evaluate and apply advanced scientific principles to design experiments, and collect, record, analyse and interpret data using appropriate scientific methodologies, and critical thinking, judgment and deduction to solve complex problems
Relates to: Problem Solving Task 1, Problem Solving Task 2, Oral Examination - Evaluate and synthesise complex scientific information, research outcomes and arguments and communicate these to scientists and non-scientists using appropriate communication styles in a variety of formats.
Relates to: Oral Examination