Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The content of this unit includes (1) Atomic Physics: hydrogen atom, atomic shell structure, electric dipole transitions, angular momentum coupling, fine structure, hyperfine interaction, multi-electron atoms, transition probabilities, and atoms in external fields; and (2) Nuclear Physics: nuclear properties, nuclear decay, nuclear reactions, semi-empirical mass formula, liquid drop model and the shell model.

The content is explored with reference to a range of applications and physical contexts, and developed and applied through a series of laboratory tasks. Skills in problem identification, mathematical exploration and solution are fostered through assignments and practice problems.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Frontier Physics major sequence
  • Level 3 option in the Physics major sequence
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) analyse the concepts and physical principles involved in atomic and nuclear physics; (2) communicate ideas in writing relating to atomic and nuclear physics and performed experiments, at an expert level; (3) solve problems in a range of realistic situations relating to atomic and nuclear physics; (4) execute an advanced experiment relevant to physics; and (5) evaluate the results of an advanced experiment relevant to physics.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) laboratories; (2) tests and assignments; and (3) exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the laboratories component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor John McFerran
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
PHYS3001 Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
Contact hours
Lectures: average 3-hours per week
Practical Classes/Consultation: 1-hour per week
Project/Lab Work: 24-hours per semester
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.