Physics and Theoretical Physics

H.-A. Bachor, Dipl.Phys., Dr.Rer.Nat. Hannover
Professor and Head of Department

Introduction

Physics lies at the basis of all the natural sciences and most technological applications. It deals with those aspects of nature which can be described quantitatively and which are subject to universally applicable laws. These laws are found by observation and controlled experiment. By generalising the specific, and unifying the diverse, physics produces theories that predict new results. The concepts learnt in physics are used in most sciences and in many parts of engineering.

The units labelled Physics deal with both experimental and theoretical aspects of certain areas of the subject. Those labelled Theoretical Physics specialise in the theoretical aspects. At all levels, specially designed teaching laboratories provide practical skills and demonstrate physical effects. In second and third years, Computational Physics is introduced which complements both experimental and theoretical physics.

PHYS1001 is the first-year physics course which prepares students for the later-year units in physics and theoretical physics. Students who pass this course may proceed to second-year physics units.

PHYS1004, 1007, 1009 are for first year students not intending to specialise in physics, but who would like to have a working knowledge of the fundamentals of physics or who simply desire to understand more about the physical universe.

PHYS1004 focusses on the role of physics in achieving a sustainable future.

PHYS1007 focusses on the Big Questions, the broader implications of physics. It is particularly suitable for non-science students.

PHYS1009 focusses on astronomy and cosmology.

PHYS1011 is an extended version of PHYS1009 for students with a particular interest in astrophysics and who may wish to study related units in later years in the Mathematics and Physics Departments. Students enrolled in PHYS1011 are required also to take suitable courses in mathematics and physics.

From 1999 the department will offer a second year unit in astrophysics PHYS2023. Further information on courses in astrophysics and astronomy at the ANU may be found in the Astronomy and Astrophysics section elsewhere in this Handbook.

The units offered in the second year of the course cover the principal branches of physics. Together with the third-year units, they are intended to provide the initial training necessary for a physicist to enter any branch of the profession. The units PHYS2017, 2019 and 2020 provide the foundations of physics, as described by experiments. They are closely linked to the more theoretical units PHYS2013 and 2016. There is an ongoing effort to complement our teaching laboratory with projects in computational physics. Students intending to pursue a major course in physics should take all the units PHYS2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020 for a total of twenty-four Group B credit points.

Students undertaking the combined course Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science with a major in physics should take, in the second year of the normal course pattern, PHYS2013 and one of PHYS2017 or 2019 in first semester and PHYS2016 and 2022 in second semester. Other students wishing to include some physics B units in their courses should discuss their choice with the Head of Department.

A thirty-two credit point core program covering some of the central areas of physics is offered. In third year; this consists of PHYS3001 and 3031 (first semester) and PHYS3032 and 3034 (second semester). These core units, taken together, have an associated laboratory program occupying two 3-hour sessions per week. In addition, there is a number of 4 credit point units, specialising in different aspects of physics, which are offered subject to there being a sufficient number of enrolments. Some of these may be offered only in alternate years and may be available in the fourth (honours or diploma) year if not taken in the third year. Although certain pairs of 4 credit point third year units share the same timetable slots (specifically PHYS3014, 3017 and PHYS3018, 3036), they do not clash and all may be taken in the same year.

Students seeking professional qualifications in physics, or who wish to proceed to honours or a graduate diploma in physics, are advised to take the complete set of core units in both second and third years.

The successful pursuit of theoretical physics requires an aptitude for formal or mathematical reasoning. For the pass degree, two 8 credit point units, PHYS3001 and 3002, are offered each year, and normally both should be taken by students who wish to proceed to honours in theoretical physics.

The fourth year honours course, in physics or in theoretical physics, is available to students who complete the requirements of the pass degree at a sufficiently high standard. This course is strongly recommended to students seeking a career in research. Students who do not satisfy the requirements for entry into the honours course, but who do obtain a pass degree may, with the permission of the Head of the Department, enrol for a Graduate Diploma.

The Department has very active and well-funded research facilities, offering excellent opportunities for students wishing to proceed to the degrees of Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

Assessment: For each unit, a preferred method of assessment will be proposed early in the course. This may be modified following discussion with the class. However, for all units involving laboratory work, a pass in the prescribed laboratory work is required in order to gain a pass in the whole unit. Attendance at scheduled laboratory sessions is compulsory.

Advanced Physics    PHYS1001

(12cp) Group A

Full year
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory work a week. Tutorials will be arranged.

Prerequisite: The recommended preparation in both physics and mathematics is set out below.

Physics: NSW students should have attained a high standard in two-unit physics or a multistrand science course. ACT students should have reached a high standard in a major in physics (preferably including two units of mechanics).

Mathematics: NSW students should have qualifications equivalent to a pass in the three-unit mathematics course. ACT students should have at least a major/minor in Advanced Mathematics Extended.

Students from other states should have had a similar preparation in physics and mathematics.

Corequisite: Mathematics to at least the standard of MATH1013

Incompatible with ENGN1214 and ENGN1226

Syllabus: Mechanics; relativity; thermodynamics; light, sound and matter waves; geometrical and wave optics; electricity and magnetism.

Preliminary reading

• Halliday, Resnick & Walker, Fundamentals of Physics, Extended 5th edn, Wiley

Physics for Sustainability    PHYS1004

(6cp) Group A

Second semester
Three lectures and the equivalent of 1 laboratory hour per week

Prerequisite: No previous knowledge of physics is assumed though some background will be useful. Only basic mathematical methods will be employed. This unit cannot be taken concurrently with or after successful completion of PHYS1001.

Motivation: The impact of physics and associated technology on us and our world has been profound. This unit is focussed on the everyday implications of physics. Here we consider three areas of particular relevance: energy, its harnessing, uses and limitations; electronics; and the applications of physics to the environment. The emphasis is on understanding and applying physical principles.

Syllabus:
Energy resources: energy forms; solar energy and solar houses; heat and entropy;
Electronics: circuits, electronic devices and instruments and their applications;
Environmental and biophysics: modelling the flow of resources; medical diagnostic imaging by x-rays, the impact of nuclear radiation and other topics.

This unit, in conjunction with PHYS1009, is intended to provide non-physics students in science and other faculties with:
(a) an understanding of the laws which form the basis of the physical universe, and (b) a working knowledge of physics suitable for other units.

PHYS1004, when taken with PHYS1009, covers physics content similar to first year physics units for non-physics majors offered at other universities.

The Big Questions    PHYS1007

(6cp) Group A

Second semester
Three lectures and two tutorials per week.

Prerequisite: There are no prerequisites for this unit.

This unit considers Big Questions in physics. These are fundamental scientific questions which relate to understanding our place in nature. Examples are the nature of reality and the character of space and time. The unit is suitable for both science and non-science students.

The unit considers the nature of science and provides a non-mathematical overview of fundamental physics. A feature of the unit is guest lectures by prominent experts.

Syllabus: What is science? What are space and time? What is the nature of reality? How does quantum mechanics affect our view of reality? Is there extra-terrestrial life?

Astronomy    PHYS1009

(6cp) Group A

First semester
Three lectures and the equivalent of one laboratory hour per week

Prerequisties: None.

This unit cannot be counted towards a degree if PHYS1003, PHYS1005, PHYS1006 or PHYS1011 is so counted.

The unit may be taken by students without a strong background in maths and physics: no prior knowledge is required. This should not, however, be mistaken for an easy option: the unit deals with some of the most difficult concepts known to the human race.

Syllabus: This unit is a general introduction to our Solar System, the space-craft that are exploring it, observations and speculation about other solar systems beyond our own, the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe, curved space, the Big Bang and the size and fate of the cosmos.

Astrophysics for Physicists    PHYS1022

(6cp) Group A

First semester
Three lectures and two hours of laboratory or project work per week

Prerequisites: ACT Advanced Mathematics Extended major/minor or equivalent from elsewhere; ACT Physics major or equivalent.

Corequisites: PHYS1001 or ENGN1214; and mathematics to at least the standard of MATH1013.

This unit cannot be counted towards a degree if PHYS1003, PHYS1005, PHYS1006 or PHYS1009 is so counted.

The unit is designed for students with a strong background in maths and physics. Most of the lectures are held in common with those of PHYS1009, but the tutorials, practical classes and assessment are separate, to allow greater emphasis on the mathematical and physical modelling of astrophysical objects.

Syllabus: This unit is a general introduction to our Solar System, the space-craft that are exploring it, observations and speculation about other solar systems beyond our own, and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. It introduces our current understanding of the Big Bang, the expanding universe, curved space, and the size and fate of the cosmos.

Quantum Mechanics    PHYS2013

(4cp) Group B

First semester
Two lectures and one tutorial per week.

Prerequisites: PHYS1001; or ENGN1019 and ENGN1020; and mathematics to at least the standard of MATH1013 and 1014. It is desirable that students take MATH2023 simultaneously with PHYS2013. (Students who do not satisfy the prerequisites for enrolment in MATH2023 should consult with the Head of the Mathematics Department.)

Syllabus: Introduction to quantum mechanics: wave functions, operators and Schrödinger equation; the relation to classical mechanics; measurement in quantum mechanics; application to simple systems involving a single particle in one dimension, including the harmonic oscillator; extension to two particles and three dimensions; angular momentum; the hydrogen atom; methods for handling simple perturbations.

Electromagnetism    PHYS2016

(4cp) Group B

Second semester
A total of approximately eighteen lectures plus tutorials and some computational laboratory work

Prerequisites: PHYS1001; or ENGN1019 and ENGN1020; and mathematics to at least the standard of MATH2023.

Incompatible with ENGN4502

Syllabus: Electrostatic fields in free space and in dielectrics; magnetic fields due to steady and varying currents; magnetic materials; Maxwells equations and the propagation of electromagnetic waves; dipole radiation; waveguides.

Waves and Linear Systems    PHYS2017

(4cp) Group B

First semester
A total of approximately eighteen lectures and eighteen hours of laboratory work.

Prerequisites: PHYS1001; or ENGN1019 and ENGN1020; and mathematics to at least the standard of MATH1013 and 1014. It is desirable that students take MATH2023 simultaneously with PHYS2017. (Students who do not satisfy the prerequisites for enrolment in MATH2023 should consult with the Head of the Mathematics Department.)

Syllabus: This unit is concerned with Fourier theory and its application to linear systems with an emphasis on physical optics. The syllabus will include: mathematical principles of Fourier theory; wave propagation; interference and diffraction; Fraunhofer diffraction in one and two dimensions; optical imaging and processing; time domain and frequency domain; modulation; the refractive index; polarization and filters.

Geophysics    PHYS2018

(8cp) Group B

Not offered in 1999. This unit is offered in alternate years and it is expected that it will next be offered in 2000.
Second semester
Three lectures and one tutorial per week

Prerequisite: PHYS1001 and MATH1013 and 1014. It is advisable to have completed MATH2023.

Syllabus: An introduction to our current understanding of the physics and dynamics of the earth’s interior, oceans and atmosphere. After a brief survey of the major features of the earth, illustrative applications of physics and mathematical analysis to the earth will be drawn from the following topics: seismic waves, gravity field, elastic deformation, material properties, heat transport, plate tectonics, mantle convection, structure and dynamics of oceans and atmospheres, including geostrophic flow, instabilities, convection and turbulence.

Quantum Systems    PHYS2019

(4cp) Group B

First semester
A total of approximately eighteen lectures and eighteen hours of laboratory work

Prerequisites: PHYS1001; or ENGN1019 and ENGN1020; and mathematics to at least the standard of MATH1013 and 1014. It will be assumed that students take PHYS2013 and 2019 concurrently or that they have already encountered the content of PHYS2013 in an earlier semester. It is desirable that students also take MATH2023 simultaneously with PHYS2019. (Students who do not satisfy the prerequisites for enrolment in MATH2023 should consult with the Head of the Mathematics Department.)

Incompatible with Physics B01

Syllabus: Observation of quantum systems such as blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton scattering and matter waves; potential wells and energy levels; penetration of potential barriers; quantum transitions; applications to atomic structure, molecular systems, solids and atomic nuclei.

Thermal Physics, Continuum Mechanics and Electronic Signal Processing    PHYS2020

(8cp) Group B

Second semester
A total of approximately thirty-six lectures and thirty-six hours of laboratory work

Prerequisites: PHYS1001; or ENGN1019 and ENGN1020; and mathematics to at least the standard of MATH1013 and 1014. Familiarity with the syllabus content of MATH2023 will be assumed.

Incompatible with Physics B01, B04 and PHYS2022

Syllabus:
(a) Thermal Physics: energy, work and heat; probability distributions and thermodynamic potentials; ideal and real gases; heat capacity of solids; blackbody radiation.
(b) Continuum Mechanics: kinematics; conservation laws; vorticity dynamics; irrotational flow; dynamic similarity; laminar viscous flows.
(c) Electronic Signal Processing: analysis of DC and AC circuits; operational amplifiers; integration and differentiation circuits; active filters; combinational logic; sequential logic; selected applications.

Thermal Physics and Continuum Mechanics    PHYS2022

(4cp) Group B

Second semester
A total of approximately twenty-four lectures and twelve hours of laboratory work

This unit is intended for students taking the combined course leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science with a major in physics. PHYS2016 and 2022 provide the Physics B point in semester 2 of the second year of the normal course pattern. The syllabus for PHYS2022 is the same as parts (a) and (b) of the syllabus of PHYS2020. PHYS2022 cannot be counted towards a degree if Physics B04 or PHYS2020 is so counted.

Prerequisites: PHYS1001; or ENGN1019 and ENGN1020; and mathematics to at least the standard of MATH1013 and 1014. Familiarity with the syllabus content of MATH2023 will be assumed.

Syllabus:
(a) Thermal Physics: energy, work and heat; probability distributions and thermodynamic potentials; ideal and real gases; heat capacity of solids; blackbody radiation.
(b) Continuum Mechanics: kinematics; conservation laws; vorticity dynamics; irrotational flow; dynamic similarity; laminar viscous flows.

Observational and Computational Astrophysics    PHYS2023

(4cp) Group B

First semester
Two lectures and two hours of laboratory and project work per week.

Prerequisites: PHYS1001; or ENGN1019 and ENGN1020. Either PHYS1006 or PHYS1011 is strongly recommended. Mathematics to at least the standard of MATH1013 and MATH1014.

Syllabus: This unit introduces the basic methods of observational and computational astronomy, covering telescope, satellite and instrument design. It also covers the use of computers to simulate astrophysical phenomena. Most of the credit will be based upon project work: students will use the professional telescopes at Mt Stromlo Observatory, and will create computer simulations.

Theoretical and Computational Physics    PHYS3001

(8cp) Group C

First semester
A total of approximately thirty-six lectures and tutorials and eighteen hours of laboratory work

Prerequisites: PHYS2013 and 2016. In addition, it is expected that students will have successfully completed PHYS2017, 2019 and 2020. However, students taking a combined course leading to a BSc and another degree who have not studied all of these units should consult with the Head of Department to determine whether their prior studies in physics satisfy the prerequisites.

Syllabus: Classical mechanics including Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods, special relativity including relativistic electrodynamics; advanced quantum mechanics. An introduction to computational physics with a case study approach.

Theoretical Physics    PHYS3002

(8cp) Group C

Second semester
Three lectures and one tutorial per week

Prerequisites: PHYS2013 and 2016

Syllabus: An introduction to general relativity, many body quantum theory and quantum optics.

Nuclear and Particle Physics    PHYS3014

(4cp) Group C

First semester
A total of approximately eighteen lectures and eighteen hours of laboratory work

Co-requisites: PHYS3001 and PHYS3031

Syllabus: Lectures will include a selection from the following topics: nuclear models and reactions, nuclear decay processes, elementary particle physics and the standard quark model.

Plasma Physics    PHYS3017

(4cp) Group C

First semester
A total of approximately eighteen lectures and eighteen hours of laboratory work

Co-requisites: PHYS3031

Syllabus: Basic properties of plasma treated from the viewpoints of magnetohydrodynamics, fluid mechanics and kinetic theory, using both analytical and computational approaches. Experimental and diagnostic methods. Illustrations from astrophysics and space science, fusion energy and materials processing.

Optical Fibres and Communications    PHYS3018

(4cp) Group C

Second semester
A total of approximately eighteen lectures and eighteen hours of laboratory work

Prerequisites: It is expected that students will have successfully completed PHYS2016 and 2017

Syllabus: Theory of propagation in optical fibres; planar wave guides and device fabrication; optical sensors and applications; optical communications systems; non-linear optical phenomena; optical amplifiers and switching.

Topics in Physics    PHYS3020-3025

(4cp) Group C

Under these codes, topics may be offered from time to time to provide for the special needs of particular students or groups of students. They will be taught at third year honours level. Entry will be at the discretion of the Head of Department.

Membrane Biophysics    PHYS3028

(4cp) Group C

Second semester
A total of approximately twenty four hours of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work

This unit will not be offered unless there are sufficient enrolments.

Prerequisites: PHYS1001 and sixteen credit points of physics or physical chemistry units from Group B.

Syllabus: This course is designed for students with a good background in physics or chemistry and the relevant mathematics and an interest in applying these skills to biology. Theories and models for biological phenomena such as transmission of information in nervous systems will be discussed with an emphasis on biophysical aspects of the relationship between events at a molecular level and biological responses. Computer simulations will be used to illustrate these concepts.

Nuclear, Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy    PHYS3031

(8cp) Group C

First semester
A total of approximately thirty-six lectures and fifty-four hours of laboratory work.

Prerequisites: It is expected that students will have successfully completed all of PHYS2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020. However students taking a combined course leading to a BSc and another degree who have not studied all of these units should consult with the Head of the Department to determine whether their prior studies in physics satisfy the prerequisites.

Syllabus: After completing PHYS3031, students should have an understanding of the basic spectroscopy of atoms, molecules and nuclei in terms of a quantum mechanical description. The course will provide a description of atomic systems, including the hydrogen atom, radiative transitions, fine structure and the central field approximation. Many-electron atoms will be discussed as will interactions with external fields and hyperfine structure. The treatment of molecular systems will include rotational, vibrational and electronic structure of diatomic molecules, selection rules of molecular transitions and interpretation of molecular spectra. Nuclear spectroscopy will be discussed in terms of nuclear models and basic nuclear properties. Gamma- and beta- decay processes will be examined along with the interaction of nuclear radiations with matter.

Solid State and Statistical Physics    PHYS3032

(8cp) Group C

Second semester
A total of approximately thirty-six lectures and thirty-six hours of laboratory work

Prerequisites: It is expected that students will have successfully completed all of PHYS2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020/2022 and PHYS3001. However, students taking a combined course leading to a BSc and another degree who have not studied all of these units should consult with the Head of Department to determine whether their prior studies in physics satisfy the prerequisites.

Syllabus: This unit is designed as an essential core unit for all students majoring in physics. It aims to establish fundamental concepts in condensed matter physics and statistical physics. The electron theory of solids is developed and applied to explain the physical properties of metals, semiconductors, dielectrics, superconductors and advanced materials. Classical and quantum statistical mechanics is introduced, its relation to thermodynamics elucidated and the theory is applied to various areas of physics.

Laser Physics and Compressible Flows & Shock Wave Physics    PHYS3034

(8cp) Group C

Second semester
A total of approximately thirty-six lectures and thirty-six hours of laboratory work

Prerequisites: PHYS3031

Syllabus:
(a) Laser Physics: This course introduces the principles of the operation and design of lasers. The lectures will cover: resonator and beam optics; absorption and stimulated emission; line broadening; dispersion and interferometry; light amplifiers and oscillators; pulsed lasers; mode locking; atomic and laser linewidth; quantitative spectroscopy; laser spectroscopy and laser-based diagnostic techniques.

(b) Compressible Flows and Shock Wave Physics: Trans-sonic, supersonic and hypervelocity flows; types of shock waves, their production and properties; non-equilibrium processes including shock-induced vibrational, dissociational and ionizational relaxation; shock tubes and tunnels and their application to high temperature physics and aerospace flight simulation; measurement techniques in high speed flows.

Non-linear Optics    PHYS3036

(4cp) Group C

Second semester
A total of approximately eighteen lectures and eighteen hours of laboratory work

Prerequisites: PHYS3031

Syllabus: This unit introduces the non-linear effects which play an important role in many modern laser applications. The course describes the interaction of atoms with strong light fields giving a description of both theory and experiments. Topics include: Rabi frequency, dynamic Start effect, optical nutation, photon echo, four-wave mixing, second harmonic generation, optical parametric amplification, optical bistability, self focussing. Laboratory experiments will complement the lectures.

Physical Processes in the Interstellar Medium    PHYS3043

(4cp) Group C

First semester
Offered in association with staff of the Mount Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories
Twenty-four lectures and tutorials by arrangement

Prerequisites: PHYS2013 and 2019; MATH2067 or 2167

Syllabus: The objective of the lecture course is to show how physics can be applied to understanding and diagnosing the phase structure, physical conditions and chemical makeup of the interstellar medium. It would be helpful if the student had undertaken a course in introductory astrophysics beforehand, and a certain understanding of elementary quantum mechanics will be assumed. Topics to be covered in the course include line emission processes, collision excitation, line transfer effects, collisional ionisation rates, recombination, charge transfer, continuum processes, collision ionisation equilibrium, the cooling function of interstellar plasma, cooling plasmas, one-dimensional shock waves, supernova remnants, photo-ionisation and interstellar dust physics.

The degree with honours in Physics

The degree with honours in Theoretical Physics

The intention of the honours year is to develop further the student’s ability in physics and to allow the student to apply the knowledge gained in this and previous years to research problems in physics. The course provides training in the analytic and systematic approach to the solution of problems. This training is relevant to all areas of physics and to related subjects.

To qualify for admission to honours candidature, a student must obtain at least a Credit average for 48 credit points of Groups B and C units relevant to the proposed field of honours study. At least 16 credit points of the 48 credit points must be for Group C Physics units.

It is recommended that students should include in their courses PHYS3001 and PHYS3031, 3032 and 3034. However, 4 credit point units may be substituted for one of these.

Candidates will be required to undertake (i) the equivalent of six 12-lecture courses, four of which are core units, and (ii) original work on at least one research project related to the specialised topics of the course.

The research project may be taken within the Faculties or in any affiliated department or division of the Institute of Advanced Studies. Projects are available in a wide range of topics: laser physics and atom optics, optical physics, gravitational wave detection, high-temperature and hypervelocity aerophysics, shock-wave physics, laser-based flow diagnostic methods, nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics, plasma physics, thermal physics, electronic materials physics, surface physics, condensed matter physics and geophysics. Candidates will be required to attend seminars and give at least two oral presentations on their project. A written report will be required on the research project.

The formal course work will have a weight of 40% in the final honours assessment, the remainder coming from the research project.

Outstanding students may be invited to take a special Honours programme. These candidates would be expected to carry out independent work which should contain an element of originality. In addition, there will normally be courses of lectures or reading courses; but in all respects there is a high degree of flexibility on account of the small number of students involved. Attendance at certain seminars, colloquia and short courses of lectures in other departments of the University will also normally form an integral part of the unit.

The degree with honours in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Students may enrol in an honours program in Astronomy and Astrophysics in either of the Mathematics or the Physics departments. Mathematically oriented students should enrol for Mathematics IV honours and will pursue a program under the same rules as for other Mathematics IV students, although parts of the program will be provided by staff from the Astrophysical Theory Centre and Mount Stromlo and Siding Springs Observatories (MSSSO). Students oriented toward Physics should enrol in Physics IV and pursue a program under the rules for this course. Again, parts of the course may be provided by staff from MSSSO.

For full details on the Astronomy and Astrophysics program at the ANU, see the Astronomy and Astrophysics section in this Handbook.