PVB207 Quantum 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: | PVB207 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (PVB105 OR PVB102 OR PVB101) AND (((MXB105 or PVB200 OR MZB125 OR MXB161) AND (MXB106 or PVB202 OR MZB127)) OR ED59) |
| Equivalent(s): | PVB302 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $5,664 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PVB207 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (PVB105 OR PVB102 OR PVB101) AND (((MXB105 or PVB200 OR MZB125 OR MXB161) AND (MXB106 or PVB202 OR MZB127)) OR ED59) |
| Equivalent: | PVB302 |
| Coordinator: | Xiuwen Zhou | xiuwen.zhou@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This course provides an introduction to the principles of quantum physics, exploring the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of matter and energy at the microscopic level. Topics covered include wave-particle duality, black body radiation, quantization of energy, uncertainty principle, and Schrödinger equation. By using a theory - practice approach you will explore these new concepts and learn how to apply these principles to understand the behavior of electrons and the properties of quantum systems. The course will also cover the historical development of quantum physics, including the contributions of prominent scientists such as Max Planck and Albert Einstein, and its applications in modern technology and research.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain quantum concepts such as quantization of energy, wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle by practical observations or simulations.
- Discuss and evaluate a range of behaviours such as energy quantization, quantum confinement and quantum tunnelling.
- Solve quantum mechanics problems using advanced mathematical tools.
- Communicate effectively with others in accepted written and oral formats
Content
The unit consists of two main sections.
The first module is a historical and practical perspective of the development of modern quantum theory and starts by looking at why classical physics is unable to explain black body radiation, discrete emission spectra, and the photoelectric effect. From this platform, we then look at how these deficiencies led to counterintuitive concepts of:
- wave-particle duality
- uncertainty principle
- probabilistic nature of quantum physics.
Since no quantity can be precisely determined, wavefunctions are introduced to allow physical properties of the system to be evaluated by performing measurement operations to reveal expectation values. Having established the fundamentals of modern quantum theory, we move to the second section which applies this knowledge to important physical systems by considering Schroedinger's equation and how it can be used to fully describe the state of a quantum system by revealing the appropriate wavefunction. We will approach the formal derivation of Quantum mechanics by using mathematical tools to define and study:
- The wavefunction of a particle
- The probability to find a particle
- The operator
- The particle in a box
- The harmonic oscillator
- Identical particles
- The Spin
This unit will provide you a strong foundation to more advanced units like atomic and nuclear physics and solid state physics.
Learning Approaches
As a second year unit, this unit builds upon the foundational knowledge learned in the first year of the degree. The unit consists of an integrated lecture-tutorial and practical program, where you will attend scheduled lectures, tutorials and practicals.
- Lectures will cover the core concepts of quantum mechanics,
- Tutorials will focus on developing your problem-solving skills and the ability to confidently use mathematical methods of quantum mechanics and apply them in actual situations.
- Practicals will include simulations or laboratory experiments and will reinforce the theoretical concepts with real-world demonstrations of the effects of quantum mechanics.
In addition to attending scheduled classes, you will be strongly encouraged to do additional work in solving sets of problems, working with reference texts, and other resource materials that will be provided in lectures and online. This will require you to take responsibility for your learning and undertake some self-directed learning to uncover answers to your questions.
The pedagogy for this unit will be an Inquiry-Based approach, where you will be encouraged to ask questions and seek answers through exploration and experimentation. The Problem-Based Learning approach will also be utilized, where you will be presented with real-world problems that require the application of quantum mechanics concepts and techniques to solve. The Flipped Classroom model will also be employed, where you will be expected to come to scheduled classes prepared with a basic understanding of the concepts covered in the lecture.
You can expect to spend between 10-15 hours per week on average involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled classes, completing practicals and assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning. You will be expected to take responsibility for your learning and participate actively in scheduled classes to develop your problem-solving skills and understanding of quantum mechanics concepts.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive individual written feedback on problem solving tasks and the practicals according to criteria sheets to improve learning throughout semester. All assessed tutorial tasks will be returned to you as soon as possible to facilitate this and solutions to the tutorial exercises will be provided. There are multiple opportunities to receive feedback on your learning in this unit. Whole-of-class and individual feedback will be provided during laboratories and field trip by tutors. Opportunities for peer feedback will be provided during collaborative activities. Automated feedback will be received immediately upon the completion of formative quizzes. Feedback on summative assessment tasks will be provided by a rubric, with personalised written comments.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit includes a problem solving task, a poster presentation and a final examination to assess theoretical and practical applications of classical and quantum physical concepts and related literature/evidence.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem solving task
Tutorial questions on Quantum Physics. This is an authentic assessment as the questions will be similar to what is required to solve by a scientist and the students will work independently under supervision.
Assessment: Poster presentation
You will perform group simulations or experiments during semester that evidence quantum mechanics features. You will choose one of these simulations/experiments and present to the audience in the form of a poster. This is an authentic assessment as poster presentations are one of the way to communicate results to an audience and your knowledge will be assessed by questions by the audience.
Assessment: Final Examination
End of semester examination including questions about fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and quantum mechanics problems
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.
Requirements to Study
Costs
There are no out of the ordinary costs associated with this unit.
Resources
All learning materials for studying this unit will be available in your Canvas site. A recommended reference book, which you might find helpful is provided below:
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
Exploring quantum physics through hands-on projects
Prutchi, David.; Prutchi, Shanni R.
Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley
2012
Introduction to quantum mechanics
Griffiths, David J., author.; Schroeter, Darrell F., author.
2018 ; Third edition.
Risk Assessment Statement
Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures. HSE Lab induction will be required prior entering the labs. Appropriate risk assessment will be provided for each experiment. There are no other out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Problem solving task, Final Examination
Relates to: Problem solving task, Poster presentation, Final Examination
Relates to: Problem solving task
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Final Examination
Relates to: Poster presentation
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Poster presentation
Relates to: Poster presentation
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Problem solving task, Poster presentation, Final Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Problem solving task, Poster presentation, Final Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, Problem solving task, Final Examination - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Problem solving task, Poster presentation
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Problem solving task, Poster presentation, Final Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Problem solving task, Poster presentation, Final Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, Problem solving task, Final Examination - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Problem solving task, Poster presentation