PVB303 Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

In this unit you will explore the microscopic universe from the atom down to the nucleus and the fundamental particles and forces from which matter is built. You will apply the concepts of Quantum Mechanics to understand the electronic structure of the atom and the interaction of atoms and molecules with electromagnetic radiation. You will also examine the development and the modern state of models of the nucleus, drawing on Quantum Mechanics to explain the stability and the properties of nuclei. Some of the current theories of particle physics and nuclear forces will be introduced. Throughout the unit you will explore applications of atomic and nuclear physics, e.g. molecular spectroscopy, the basis of chemical bonding and chemical reactions, nuclear reactions, nuclear power and nuclear medicine. Lectures will be complemented by experimental laboratory work, enabling you to advance your experimental, communication and scientific writing skills.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Understand the key theoretical principles and real-world application of atomic, nuclear and particle physics .
2. Apply physical reasoning and problem-solving skills required to plan and safely execute advanced physics experiments.
3. Analyse experimental data, interpret results and explain in terms of physical models.
4. Develop scientific communication skills by writing laboratory reports for a specialist audience, which present the conduct, analysis, results and interpretation of physics experiments.
5. Develop scientific literature search skills by searching literature databases and evaluating and synthesising peer-reviewed scientific literature into a literature review or annotated bibliography (Relates to CLO4, CLO6).

Content

Learning Approaches

As a third year unit, you are expected to be an independent, self-directed learner and to take responsibility for your own learning, understanding of the material covered in the unit, and developing the relevant physical reasoning skills. This unit makes use of problem-based learning approaches. Supporting this problem-based learning approach are lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory classes, which will provide you with the theoretical knowledge of atomic, nuclear and particle physics, problem solving skills, and opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to practical tasks, respectively.

You can expect to spend between 12 – 15 hours each week attending scheduled classes, undertaking self-directed independent study to consolidate your learning, and preparing for and undertaking assessment tasks.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive individual feedback as part of the grading of the assessment items. Immediate feedback on concept development and understanding will be given during collaborative learning sessions. Laboratory portfolios will receive timely feedback throughout the period of study.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment in this unit will allow you to demonstrate your understanding and application of the topics covered. It will comprise several types of assessment techniques and specific details of each assessment instrument will be made available to you within the first week of semester. Feedback will be provided verbally and in written form. Individual consultation is available on request.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory Workbook

Participate in laboratory practicals (group work) and prepare individual scientific reports based on the results obtained.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Annotated Bibliography

Survey and analyse peer-reviewed scientific literature on a selected topic in the field of Atomic or Nuclear physics. Prepare brief digests of 5-10 key literature sources. 

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Examination (written)

Invigilated written examination covering the entire body of the material studied 

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

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Nuclear and Particle Physics, An Introduction. Brian R. Martin. Wiley 2009. ISBN 978-0-470-74275-4 / 978-0-470-74274-7

Risk Assessment Statement

Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures and practicals. Laboratory safety rules will be published on the first year physics laboratory website. 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

1. 
   Relates to: Laboratory Workbook, Examination (written)
2. 
   Relates to: Laboratory Workbook, Annotated Bibliography, Examination (written)
3. 
   Relates to: Examination (written)
4. 
   Relates to: Annotated Bibliography
5. 
   Relates to: Examination (written)

2: Engineering Application Ability

1. 
   Relates to: Laboratory Workbook

3: Professional and Personal Attributes

1. 
   Relates to: Laboratory Workbook, Annotated Bibliography
2. 
   Relates to: Laboratory Workbook

Course Learning Outcomes

ST01 Bachelor of Science

1. Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO5, Laboratory Workbook, Annotated Bibliography, Examination (written)
2. Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Laboratory Workbook, Examination (written)
3. Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, ULO5, Laboratory Workbook, Annotated Bibliography, Examination (written)
4. Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
   Relates to: ULO2, Laboratory Workbook
5. Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
   Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, Laboratory Workbook, Annotated Bibliography, Examination (written)
6. Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
   Relates to: ULO2, Laboratory Workbook