PVB102 Physics of the Very Small
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| Unit code: | PVB102 |
|---|---|
| Assumed Knowledge: | Maths B or equivalent is assumed knowledge. |
| 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 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PVB102 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | PVB112 Physics of the Very Small |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Maths B or equivalent is assumed knowledge. |
| Coordinator: | Jamie Trapp | j.trapp@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The fundamental concepts of physics seek to describe, predict and explain phenomena at all scales from the observable universe down to subatomic particles. They underpin all the sciences. This unit introduces you to those underlying physical processes that relate to the behaviour of the microscopic world. By observing the behaviour of waves, electric and magnetic fields, we have come to a deeper understanding of the nature of sound and light, and found experimental evidence for the structure of atoms and their nuclei, eventually leading to the Standard Model of particle physics. These are the principles at the heart of developing new materials and technology. You will learn how to think about scientific concepts and solve problems like a physicist, and critically apply what you have learnt to practical exercises in laboratories progressively developing both your experimental and scientific report writing skills that will provide the foundation for all future studies in science.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Quantitative and qualitative scientific analysis of basic concepts of the physics of the micro universe.
- Data collection and analysis using scientific equipment during practical experiments in laboratory settings.
- Critical reasoning and problem solving techniques (using data acquired or provided) to evaluate results.
- Communicate scientific arguments by producing written scientific reports incorporating visual representations of scientific concepts and numeric data, including the generation of graphs.
- Effectiveness in planning and undertaking independent inquiry.
Content
The unit covers a number of modules, some of which may run in parallel.
An introductory module to electric and magnetic fields will show how the property of matter we call “charge” helps explain one of the fundamental forces behind everyday mechanical pushes and pulls as well as the interaction of subatomic particles.
The Waves and Optics module will cover properties of mechanical waves, sound and light and concepts such as the wave equation, interference and diffraction.
The Atomic and Nuclear Physics modules will introduce you to atomic and nuclear structure, and how atoms decay to produce ionizing radiation.
Topics covered will include alpha, beta, and gamma particles, and radioactivity. It will also include an introduction to electron configurations, reactors, fission, fusion, and the standard model of particle physics.
Learning Approaches
Lectures: 3 hrs/wk
Tutorials: 2 hrs/fortnight
Practicals: 2 hrs/fortnight
This unit is designed to completely integrate theory with practical application in laboratories as well as interactive group problem solving in tutorials.
Weekly lectures incorporating visual and real world examples provide the background theory and concepts required to support the practical and online problem solving tasks. Formative tutorials will help develop your understanding of physical concepts and allow you to apply them to real-world contexts.
Practical laboratories are designed to observe physical concepts related to the microscopic realm and to develop essential scientific laboratory techniques. You will build a laboratory portfolio including a laboratory workbook and scientific reports to develop both experimental and scientific communication skills.
A mid semester component of the final exam will assess your conceptual understanding and give valuable feedback on how to improve your academic and conceptual skills in 'very small' physics. Online and hard-copy resources will be available via Canvas for you to simulate and engage with 'very small’ physical phenomena.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
In this unit, multiple opportunities for feedback are provided in the lab practicals, tutorials and lecture sessions including:
- Oral and written peer and teacher feedback on conceptual/problem solving tasks in tutorials
- Individual written feedback on portfolio lab reports and problem solving tasks
- Oral (group) and individual written feedback on mid semester component of exam.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment includes a portfolio with lab experiments, scientific lab reports, written problem solving tasks and a final exam.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Portfolio
1) Conduct lab experiments and collect and analyse data in small group
2) Write up results in scientific lab reports in individual workbook
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Problem Solving Tasks
Apply your understanding of physics to solve quantitative and qualitative scientific problems, including a peer assessment (review) of your problem solving strategies (to show how to improve your scientific thinking/skills in key concepts)
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Examination
Short and long written responses included theoretical knowledge, applied conceptual understanding and problem solving covering the semester's work.
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
Texts:
- Young, H., Freedman, R., Ford, A., Sears, F., & Zemansky, M. (2016). Sears and Zemansky’s University Physics with Modern Physics. (14th edition) Harlow, Essex, England: Pearson Education Limited.
- Knoll GF (2000), Radiation Detection and Measurement, 3rd ed., John Wiley and sons.
- First Year Physics Laboratory Resource Manual, Available on Canvas
Recommended Resources - Kirkup, L. (1994). Experimental methods : an introduction to the analysis and presentation of data . Brisbane: John Wiley & Sons.
Risk Assessment Statement
All commencing SEF students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction. Safety rules specific physics laboratory will be published on the first year physics laboratory website. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first laboratory session. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a QUT staff member’s instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.