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
This unit consists of two parts: (1) Introduction to concepts from quantum field theory, which include Lagrangians and actions, the simple harmonic oscillator, creation and annihilation operators, Heisenberg and Schrödinger pictures, Klein Gordon equation, Fock space, path integrals in quantum mechanics, generating functionals, introduction to path integral approach to quantum field theory, propagators and interactions, Dirac equation; and (2) a hands-on introduction to quantum optics, where students learn and understand main concepts of light-matter interaction in real world experimental circumstances. Topics include quantum states of light field, Hong–Ou–Mandel effect, density matrices, Lindblad master equation, cavity QED, Jaynes-Cummings model, realistic quantum systems and applications where quantum properties of light play a major role.
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 and mathematical solution are fostered through assignment sheets and tutorial activities.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) analyse the concepts and physical principles involved in quantum field theory and quantum technologies; (2) communicate ideas, both orally and written, relating to quantum field theory and quantum technologies; (3) solve problems in a range of realistic physical situations; (4) execute an advanced experiment relevant to the frontiers of physics; and (5) evaluate the results of an advanced experiment relevant to the frontiers of physics.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) laboratories; (2) assignments; and (3) in-semester tests and final examination. 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)
- Dr Maxim Goryachev
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in in the 53560 Master of Physics
or theCM015 Bachelor of Science [Frontier Physics] and Master of Physics and the MJD-FRODM Frontier Physics majorand PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetis
and PHYS2002 The Physics of Particle
and PHYS3001 Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
and PHYS3011 Mathematical Physics - Incompatibility
- PHYS3004 Advanced Quantum Mechanics
- Contact hours
- Lectures: average 3-hours per week
Practical Classes: 1-hour per week
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.