Undergraduate Course: Physics 1B: The Stuff of the Universe (PHYS08017)
Course Outline
| School |
School of Physics and Astronomy |
College |
College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
20 |
| Home subject area |
Undergraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy) |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None
|
Taught in Gaelic? |
No |
| Course description |
The course begins with the classical models of particles and waves and their relationship to the physical world of atoms and light. Quantum physics is introduced through the idea of wave/particle duality, in a largely non-mathematical way. The uncertainty principle, Schrodinger's cat and quantum tunnelling are discussed. The hydrogen atom, and then more complex atoms are considered illustrating the role of quantum effects such as the Pauli exclusion principle which is seen to underly the structure of the periodic table. The phases of matter are discussed and quantum effects are used to explain ordinary conductivity and superconductivity. Matter is explored at the nuclear and elementary particle scales. At large scales the behaviour of stars and of the big-bang are related to the fundamental properties of matter. |
Entry Requirements
| Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed:
|
Co-requisites |
|
| Prohibited Combinations |
|
Other requirements |
SCE Higher grade Physics and Mathematics or equivalent.
|
| Additional Costs |
None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1)
|
WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: 303 |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| King's Buildings | Laboratory | | 2-11 | 14:00 - 17:00 | or 14:00 - 17:00 | | or 14:00 - 17:00 | or 14:00 - 17:00 | | Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | 11:10 - 12:00 | | | | | | Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | | | 11:10 - 12:00 | | | | Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | | | | | 11:10 - 12:00 |
| First Class |
Week 1, Monday, 11:10 - 12:00, Zone: Central. Appleton Tower |
| Additional information |
Laboratory sessions three hours per week, as arranged. Tutorials one hour per week, as arranged. |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours:Minutes |
Stationery Requirements |
Comments |
| Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | | 2:00 | 4 x 8 sides | | | Resit Exam Diet (August) | | 2:00 | 4 x 8 sides | |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, it is intended that a student will be able to:
i) demonstrate a general appreciation for the microscopic origin of many everyday macroscopic phenomena, for example pressure and temperature
ii) demonstrate a general understanding of light in terms of atomic transitions, including atomic spectra, lasers and fluorescence/phosphorescence.
iii) describe wave phenomena using appropriate terminology and formulae, for example in the situations of wave propagation, diffraction and interference
iv) demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics, specifically including wave-particle duality, the photoelectric effect, two-slit experiments, the role of the observer and quantum tunnelling.
v) determine basic parameters associated with a variety of simple potential wells.
vi) demonstrate the significance of the Pauli Exclusion Principle, especially in relation to an understanding of the Periodic Table of Elements and chemical properties.
vii) demonstrate a basic understanding of the band theory of crystalline solids, exploring applications such as semiconductors and superconductors.
viii) demonstrate basic knowledge of nuclear and particle physics; radioactive decay, the standard model and neutrinos.
ix) demonstrate a reasonable understanding of modern cosmology, including the Big Bang theory , stellar evolution, cosmic expansion, dark matter, and the ultimate fate of the Universe.
x) show competence in a scientific laboratory.
xi) show an understanding for the various sources of uncertainty incurred in making any experimental measurement. Furthermore, they should be able to estimate such experimental errors and be able to reasonably determine the incurred uncertainty in a derived quantity.
xii) communicate scientific concepts in a written format
|
Assessment Information
Degree Examination, 70%
Laboratory, 20%
Tutorial work, 10% |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords |
P1B |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Ross Galloway
Tel:
Email: ross.galloway@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Miss Jennifer Wood
Tel: (0131 6)50 7218
Email: J.Wood@ed.ac.uk |
|
copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh -
31 January 2011 8:13 am
|
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