麻豆传媒

| Catalogues for 2003/04 | for UGs | for PGs

While taking this unit you must take PH10007

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aim of this unit is to provide an introduction to electronics by developing an understanding of basic concepts in dc and ac electric circuits and digital electronics. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* use a systematic analysis method (e.g. nodal voltage) to calculate currents and voltages in passive dc circuits
* calculate the amplitude and phase of voltages and currents in ac circuits by means of phasor analysis
* analyse simple operational amplifier circuits from first principles
* analyse simple logic circuits containing gates and flip-flops
* use Boolean algebra and Karnaugh maps to simplify logic expressions
* design logic circuits to implement basic tasks.
Content:
DC Circuits: Kirchoff's voltage and current laws. Ideal voltage and current sources. Analysis of simple circuits using nodal voltage technique. Equivalent circuits. Thevenin and Norton theorems. Impedance matching - input/output impedance, maximum power transfer, maximum voltage transfer. (5 lectures). Diode Circuits: Diode models: one-way valve, piece-wise linear and general form of diode equation. Load lines. Applications, including rectifiers, clamps and Zener regulation. (1 lecture). AC Circuits: AC voltage and current concepts (phase, rms value, amplitude etc.). Capacitors and inductors as circuit elements. Phasors and phasor notation. Complex impedance. LCR circuits (resonance, Q factor etc). Frequency dependence of circuits, RC filters. Bode plots. (5 lectures). Operational Amplifiers and feedback: Theory of ideal operational amplifiers. Simple applications e.g. inverting, non-inverting and differential amplifiers, addition and subtraction, differentiation, integration, buffer amplifiers. Blackbox treatment of amplifiers; input, output and transfer characteristics. Characteristics of ideal and real op-amps. Effect of finite gain and bandwidth. Negative feedback systems and advantages of negative feedback. Positive feedback for oscillators. (3 lectures). Transients: Techniques for solving for transient waveforms in simple circuits involving inductors, capacitors, resistors and op-amps. (1 lecture). Digital electronics: Digital and analog electronics. Combinational logic. Representation of logic levels. AND, OR and NOT gates. Truth tables. XOR, NAND and NOR. Boolean algebra: Notation, laws, identities and De Morgan's Laws. Standard sum of products. Manipulation between forms. Karnaugh maps: 2,3 and 4 variables. Simplification. Logic gates and characteristics, logic family characteristics: Fan out, noise margin and propagation delay. Combinational functions: decoder, encoder, ROM structure. Sequential logic: latch, SR flip-flop and JK flip-flop. Shift register. Ripple counter. (8 lectures). Digital-to-Analogue and Analogue-to-Digital Converters: Binary weighted and R-2R DACs. Flash ADCs. (1 lecture).

Credits: 60

Level: Intermediate

Academic Year

Assessment: OT100

Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are for BSc students to undertake a technical work programme within physics or a related discipline, whilst placed at an approved laboratory or other organisation, and to develop transferable, personal and interpersonal skills, relevant to a graduate physicist. On completion of the placement year, the student should have demonstrated:
* the ability to apply knowledge and skills gained at the university to a technical work programme in a professional context;
* good personal skills in planning and time management, problem solving, decision making and team membership;
* good oral communication and presentation skills, including making an oral presentation at the placement conference on the work being carried out;
* sound record keeping and report writing skills, including writing a report on the work carried out during the placement and the context of this work in terms of the organisation's overall strategy.
Content:
The content varies from placement to placement. In choosing the placement, the university will try to ensure that the work programme offers adequate opportunities for the student to demonstrate competence in the following categories: Self management and development, Managing tasks, Communicating clearly and effectively, Working with and relating to others, Applying knowledge and Applying initiative in work problems.

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 1

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

Students should have taken an appropriate selection of Year 1 and Year 2 Physics units in order to undertake this unit.
Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aim of this unit is to enable students to find out about some of the most exciting developments in contemporary Physics research. While taking this unit the student should be able to:
* demonstrate good time management skills in allocating appropriate amounts of time for the planning, research and writing of reports;
* carry out literature searching methods for academic journals and computer-based resources in order to research the topics studied;
* develop the ability to extract and assimilate relevant information from extensive sources of information;
* develop structured report writing skills;
* write a concise report following each seminar, at a level understandable by a final year undergraduate unfamiliar with the subject of the seminar;
* write a detailed technical report on one of the seminar subjects of the student's choice, displaying an appropriate level of technical content, style and structure.
Content:
This unit will be based around 4 seminars from internal and external speakers who will introduce topics of current interest in Physics. Students will write a short report following each seminar and then choose one of these subjects on which to research and write a longer technical report. Topics are likely to include recent developments in: Astrophysics and Cosmology Particle Physics Medical Physics Laser Physics Semiconductor Physics Superconductivity Quantum Mechanical Simulation of Matter

PH30025: Equations of science

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 2

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH10007 and take PH10008 and take PH20019 and take PH20020

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to introduce concepts and methods used in solving some of the most important equations, both linear and non-linear, which arise in the natural sciences, and to introduce students to a broad range of examples and applications. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* distinguish linear and non-linear equations and contrast the different forms of solution which arise;
* recognise some of the key equations which arise in the natural sciences;
* apply the separation of variables method to linear partial differential equations, and solve the resulting ordinary differential equations by series solution;
* use superposition methods for inhomogeneous equations;
* determine solutions to some of the key non-linear equations, and analyse non-linear ordinary differential equations;
* analyse one-dimensional difference equations.
Content:
Linear equations of science (12 hours): Derivation of the diffusion equation as an example of how partial differential equations arise in the natural sciences. Introduction to Laplace's equation, Poisson's equation, wave equation, Schrodinger's equation. Linearity and superposition. Boundary conditions. Solution by separation of variables; examples showing separation in Cartesian, cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems. Series solutions of differential equations; examples including Legendre polynomials, spherical harmonics and Bessel functions. Solution of inhomogeneous ODE's. Examples from the natural sciences. Non-linearity and chaos (12 hours): Examples of non-linearity in the natural sciences; Non-linear wave equations, solitary waves, physical examples. Nonlinear differential equations: phase space, trajectories, fixed points, bifurcation. Examples from the natural sciences. Non-linear difference equations: orbits, cobwebs, fixed points, bifurcations, chaos. Examples from the natural sciences.

PH30027: Signals processing

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 1

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH10003 and take PH20019

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this course are to introduce the basic concepts of analogue and digital signal processing and apply them to a range of examples. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* identify common noise sources and estimate their values in a given experiment;
* understand system responses, Laplace transforms, Z-transforms and transfer functions;
* understand the basics of digital and analogue signal processing;
* design digital and analogue filters with a desired frequency response;
* design and develop mathematical models for feedback systems and explain their advantages for measurement and control.
* apply signal processing techniques to a variety of electro-mechanical systems.
Content:
Noise and random signals. Noise sources. AC measuring techniques and signal recovery methods. The Laplace transform and analogue signal processing, analogue filters.Sampled signals and the sampling theoremIntroduction to digital signal processing, z- transform. Frequency response Design of digital filters using z- and Fourier transforms. Feedback, and its application to measurement and control systems. Static and dynamic theory of feedback. Modelling of physical systems. Case studies in the applications of analogue and digital signal analysis. Examples chosen from, for example, vibrating systems, fluid dynamics, speech recognition and synthesis, and image processing.

PH30028: Real solids, surfaces & soft matter physics

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 1

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH20017 and take PH20019 and take PH20020

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to introduce areas of condensed matter physics that extend beyond the conventional domain of regular, infinite, crystalline solids. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* relate the electronic, optical and mechanical properties of real crystals to their defects;
* make quantitative estimates of the parameters that govern the behaviour of real solids;
* describe the structure and properties of amorphous solids;
* explain the basic features of the observed crystal and electronic structure of clean surfaces;
* sketch surface unit meshes and reciprocal nets and write down the associated Wood notation;
* describe, compare and contrast experimental probes of surfaces and soft condensed matter;
* describe the structure of polymers, colloids and surfactants and how these impact upon their properties.
Content:
Real Solids (8 lectures). Defects in crystals: point defects and dislocations in crystals. Effect on electronic, optical and mechanical properties. Point defects in thermal equilibrium. Self diffusion. Ionic conductivity. Colour centres. Dislocations: slip, shear strength; edge and screw dislocations. Dislocation loops and networks. Introduction to amorphous solids. Topological disorder. Determination of glass structure. Short range order, vibrational states and thermal conductivity of glasses. Surface physics (8 lectures): importance of surfaces, eg catalysis, corrosion, epitaxial growth. Clean and real surfaces. Surface energy. Surface crystal structure; relaxation and reconstruction; Wood notation. Surface electronic structure; the work function, 2-band model of surface states; adsorbates. Experimental probes of atomic and electronic structure; electron spectroscopies, low energy electron diffraction, scanning tunnelling microscopy. Soft Condensed Matter (8 lectures). Polymers: Chemical structure; Models for the conformation of polymers: the random walk, large N limit, freely jointed chains, Gaussian chains. Polymer solutions and melts. Colloids: Colloid structure, Brownian motion, sedimentation. Interacting colloid particles, phase behaviour, crystals and glasses. Surfactants: self assembly, Micelle formation, shapes of surfactant assemblies. Slow dynamics and the Glass transition. Experimental techniques: Static and dynamic light scattering; x-ray and neutron scattering.

PH30029: Thermodynamics & statistical mechanics

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 2

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH10002 and take PH10008

(or equivalent).
Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to develop an appreciation of the concepts of classical thermodynamics and their application to physical processes and to introduce the concepts of statistical mechanics, showing how one builds from an elementary treatment based on ways of arranging objects to a discussion of Fermi and Bose systems. After taking this unit, the student should be able to:
* define terms such as isobaric, isothermal, adiabatic and state and apply the 1st and 2nd laws;
* calculate work done and heat interchanges as various paths are followed on a p-V diagram;
* explain the operation of, and carry out calculations for, heat engines and refrigerators;
* write down the Clausius -Clapeyron equation and describe its applications;
* carry out simple calculations on various Virial equations of state;
* solve problems using Maxwell's relations in various contexts;
* define entropy, temperature, chemical potential in statistical terms;
* derive the Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein, Boltzmann and Planck distribution functions and apply them to simple model systems;
* appreciate when the quantum mechanical and classical approaches should be used.
Content:
Classical thermodynamics: Zeroth law and thermal equilibrium. Temperature scales. Thermodynamic equilibrium. Equations and functions of state. Concept of reversibility. First law, isothermal and adiabatic processes, work done. Second law, heat engines, refrigerators, the Carnot cycle, efficiency and entropy. Thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell's relations and their applications. Open systems, the chemical potential, Gibbs-Duhem relation, equilibrium between phases and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. First and second order phase changes and Ehrenfest's equations. Third law. Statistical Mechanics: Probability theory and statistical weight (degeneracy). Ensemble and ensemble averages. Microcanonical ensemble and the basic postulate. Systems in thermal contact and thermal equilibrium. Statistical definitions of temperature, entropy and chemical potential. Canonical ensemble, Boltzmann factor and partition function illustrated by harmonic oscillator and two-state system. Third law of thermodynamics. Grand canonical ensemble, Gibbs factor and partition function illustrated by density fluctuations at the critical point. Perfect gases - density of states, bosons, fermions and the grand partition function. Average occupancy of a state. Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distribution functions and their classical limit. Properties of Fermi systems: ground state of a Fermi gas, density of states, Fermi gas at non-zero temperature, electrons in solids, model of a neutron star. Properties of Bose systems: Bose-Einstein condensation, superfluidity, Planck distribution function and Stefan-Boltzmann law of radiation. Properties of classical perfect gases and conditions of validity for the classical regime. Classical perfect gas of molecules, Maxwell speed distribution function. Debye versus Einstein models of a solid. Application of statistical mechanics to classical and quantum systems.

PH30030: Quantum mechanics

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 2

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH10007 and take PH10008 and take PH20019 and take PH20020

A-level Physics is desirable in order to undertake this unit.
Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to show how a mathematical model of considerable elegance may be constructed, from a few basic postulates, to describe the seemingly contradictory behaviour of the physical universe and to provide useful information on a wide range of physical problems. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* explain the relation between wave functions, operators and experimental observables;
* justify the need for probability distributions to describe physical phenomena;
* set up the Schrödinger equation for simple model systems;
* derive eigenstates of energy, momentum and angular momentum;
* apply approximate methods to more complex systems.
Content:
Quantum mechanical concepts and models: The "state" of a quantum mechanical system. Hilbert space. Observables and operators. Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Dirac bra and ket vectors. Basis functions and representations. Probability distributions and expectation values of observables. Schrödinger's equation: Operators for position, time, momentum and energy. Derivation of time-dependent Schrodinger equation. Correspondence to classical mechanics. Commutation relations and the Uncertainty Principle. Time evolution of states. Stationary states and the time-independent Schrödinger equation. Motion in one dimension: Free particles. Wave packets and momentum probability density. Time dependence of wave packets. Bound states in square wells. Parity. Reflection and transmission at a step. Tunnelling through a barrier. Linear harmonic oscillator. Motion in three dimensions: Stationary states of free particles. Central potentials; quantisation of angular momentum. The radial equation. Square well; ground state of the deuteron. Electrons in atoms; the hydrogen atom. Hydrogen-like atoms; the Periodic Table. Spin angular momentum: Pauli spin matrices. Identical particles. Symmetry relations for bosons and fermions. Pauli's exclusion principle. Approximate methods for stationary states: Time independent perturbation theory. The variational method. Scattering of particles; the Born approximation.

PH30031: Simulation techniques

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 1

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH20020

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to identify some of the issues involved in constructing mathematical models of physical processes, and to introduce major techniques of computational science used to find approximate solutions to such models. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* dedimensionalise an equation representing a physical system;
* discretise a differential equation using grid and basis set methods;
* outline the essential features of each of the simulation techniques introduced; * give examples of the use of the techniques in contemporary science;
* use the simulation schemes to solve simple examples by hand;
* describe and compare algorithms used for key processes common to many computational schemes.
Content:
Construction of a mathematical model of a physical system; de-dimensionalisation, order of magnitude estimate of relative sizes of terms. Importance of boundary conditions. The need for computed solutions. Discretisation using grids or basis sets. Discretisation errors. The finite difference method; review of ODE solutions. Construction of difference equations from PDEs. Boundary conditions. Applications. The finite element method; Illustration of global, variational approach to solution of PDEs. Segmentation. Boundary conditions. Applications. Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods; examples of N-body problems, ensembles and averaging. The basic MD strategy. The basic MC strategy; random number generation and importance sampling. Applications in statistical mechanics. Simulated annealing. Computer experiments. Solving finite difference problems via random walks. Other major algorithms of computational science; the Fast Fourier Transform, matrix methods, including diagonalisation, optimisation methods, including non-linear least squares fitting.

PH30032: Lasers & modern optics

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 2

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH20013 and take PH20017 and take PH30023

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aim of this unit is to provide a treatment of the interactions of light with matter, with particular emphasis on the generation and manipulation of laser radiation in modern optical systems. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* analyse the diffraction of beams, in particular the propagation of Gaussian beams;
* design simple resonant cavities and analyse their main features;
* apply matrix methods to paraxial rays in multi-element systems of lenses and mirrors;
* describe and analyse the interactions between light and matter that lead to spontaneous emission and lasing in 3- and 4-level systems;
* treat cw, mode-locked and Q-switched laser operation and describe the resulting temporal, spectral and power characteristics;
* use the index ellipsoid to analyse the changing polarisation state of light in birefringent materials and to design simple half- and quarter-wave plates;
* describe the basic features of guided modes in planar and fibre waveguides and outline basic fabrication techniques;
* describe the origins of second and third order optical nonlinearities and analyse their effects on laser light in simple cases;
* treat the effects of group velocity dispersion and self-phase modulation on short pulses, and outline briefly how solitons form in optical fibres;
* discuss and analyse the operation of simple electooptic modulators.
Content:
Diffractive Optics: Bandwidth of a finite pulse, diffraction at apertures, birefringence, matrix methods, Gaussian beams, laser cavities and resonators. Lasers: Principles of laser operation, temporal and spectral characteristics, types of lasers, line-widths and broadening, Q switching and mode locking. Manipulation of light: Dielectric waveguides, optical fibres, dispersion of short pulses, second and third order nonlinear optics, electro-optic modulation, solitons.

PH30033: Low-dimensional semiconductors

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 2

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH20013 and take PH20015 and take PH20017 and take PH30023

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to give an introduction to the semiconductor physics relating to a range of advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices and to develop an understanding of how fundamental principles affect device performance. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* explain the concept of bandgap engineering and draw energy band diagrams of undoped and doped semiconductor heterostructures;
* discuss the main properties of semiconductor quantum wells, superlattices and quantum dots and their uses in electronic and optoelectronic devices;
* outline the origin of tunnelling and resonant tunnelling and explain the operation of the resonant tunnelling diode;
* describe the interactions between electrons and photons such as absorption, spontaneous emission and stimulated emission;
* give examples of common optoelectronic devices for emitting, detecting and modulating light, and explain their physical principles of operation;
* distinguish between the optoelectronic properties of bulk and quantum well semiconductors.
Content:
Semiconductor heterostructures: Alloys, Vegard's law, bandgap engineering, band offsets. Semiconductor quantum wells: energy levels, density of states, occupation of subbands. Superlattices, tunnelling barriers, resonant tunnelling. Quantum wires and quantum dots. Strained systems: atomic structure, critical interface, effects of strain on bulk bandstructures. Electronic properties and devices: Tunnelling barriers, transmission coefficient, current and conductance. Resonant tunnelling, resonant tunnelling diode. Doped heterostructure: band bending at interfaces, modulation doping, construction of band diagrams, MODFET. Optoelectronic properties and devices: Electron-photon interaction in semiconductors. Optical absorption in bulk semiconductors: spectral dependence, photocurrent, P-I-N photodiodes, avalanche detectors, solar cells. Optical absorption in quantum wells: interband and intersubband transitions, selection rules. Excitons in bulk semiconductors and quantum wells. Quantum-confined Stark effect and quantum well modulators. Optical emission in semiconductors: radiative and non-radiative transitions, light-emitting diodes, optical gain in bulk and quantum well semiconductors, semiconductor optical amplifiers, bulk and quantum well semiconductor lasers. Advanced semiconductor lasers: distributed feedback lasers, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, quantum cascade lasers.

PH30034: Superconductivity & magnetism

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 2

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH10006 and take PH20017 and take PH20013

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aim of this unit is to explain the basic properties of superconductivity and magnetism, and illustrate contemporary applications of these phenomena. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* describe the basic properties of superconductors;
* apply fundamental knowledge of superconductors to applications of superconductivity in technology and the research laboratory;
* demonstrate a basic understanding of the origin and types of magnetic order; * describe and explain the origins of magnetic microstructure;
* explain the magnetisation process and hysteresis;
* describe magneto-optical effects and how magnetism impacts upon transport properties;
* make quantitative estimates of the parameters that govern superconductivity and magnetism.
Content:
Superconductivity (12 lectures): basic phenomenology: critical temperature, zero resistance, critical magnetic field, Meissner effect, penetration depth, coherence length, superfluidity. Two fluid model. Ginsburg-Landau theory. Microscopic theory, Cooper pairs, electron phonon interaction, isotope effect, BCS model and the energy gap. Type I and type II superconductors, vortex states. Applications of type II materials. Tunnelling in superconductors, the Josephson effect, SQUIDS. High Tc superconductivity. Other non-conventional superconductors. Magnetism: (12 lectures): Microscopic origins of magnetism; magnetic ordering: para-, ferro-, anti-ferro and ferri- magnetism; itinerant magnetism; the exchange interaction; Heisenberg model; demagnetising fields and crystalline anisotropy; domains and magnetic microstructure; M-H hysteresis curves, coercivity, soft and hard magnetic materials; dynamic effects (ferromagnetic resonance, spin waves); thin film magnetism; magneto-optical phenomena: Kerr effect and applications; magnetoelectronics and spintronics: spin valves, GMR, applications. Contemporary applications of magnetism.

PH30035: Medical physics

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 2

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH10008 and take PH20014 and take PH20016

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to introduce the application of physics to medicine in the specific areas of medical imaging and ionising radiation and to show how core physics from earlier modules can be applied to these medical applications. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* describe the physical principles underlying specific areas of medical imaging and ionising radiation therapy;
* perform basic calculations on medical ultrasound, ionising radiations and magnetic resonance imaging.
Content:
This unit is under development in 2003/4; not all of the sections listed below will necessarily be covered. Introduction: Introduction to medical physics and imaging. Physical properties of body tissues. Safety aspects. Ultrasonic Imaging: Generation and structure of ultrasonic fields; Piezoelectric devices. Nearfield and far field of transducers, focused fields and pulsed fields. Arrays. Field measurements. Nonlinear propagation. Attenuation and absorption: Characteristics of typical propagation media and effects on system design.Plane wave reflection and transmission at interfaces. Scattering from discrete scatterers. Introduction to scattering from random media. Limitations on resolution of systems. Doppler Ultrasound: The Doppler principle. Continuous wave and pulsed Doppler instruments. Medical ultrasound systems in current use and clinical applications. Exposure measurement and safety. Ionising radiation: Photon, electron and heavier particle absorption and scattering processes in tissue, including the effects of incident energy and tissue inhomogeneity. Influence of above processes on radiotherapeutic and radiodiagnostic techniques and equipment. Principles of dosimetry. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Production of cross-sectional images of tissue properties, and function, using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Spatial resolution, dynamic range, imaging speed, contrast enhancement and safety. Computed X-ray tomography and Radioisotopes: Basic principles.

PH30036: Final year project - A

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 1

Assessment: OT100

Requisites:

After taking this unit you must take PH30037

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to provide students with the opportunity to investigate in depth some aspect or application of physics, to develop experimental and/or computational skills complementary to those developed in formal lecture courses, and to give students first-hand experience of innovation and/or research. While taking this unit, the student should be able to:
* demonstrate enthusiasm, industry and motivation in carrying out the project, as well as good time management skills in allocating appropriate amounts of time to the project;
* thoroughly research the background to the project using academic journals, textbooks and computer-based resources;
* for an experimental project, demonstrate good practical skills in the construction of apparatus and circuits and in data measurement and analysis;
* for a computational project, design, write and test computer programs to simulate the physical system under study, and interpret the results from these programs;
* demonstrate some innovation and initiative, as well as a basic understanding of the theory and background to the project;
* make a short oral presentation to the tutor at the end of the unit, describing the background to the project and any results obtained to date.
Content:
Final year projects offered cover a wide range of physics and most reflect the research interests of academic staff. Many are related to the Department's externally sponsored research projects (funded by the 麻豆传媒 Councils, public companies, and UK government or EU agencies). Each year a few projects are carried over from students' industrial placements. A few projects are concerned with the development of undergraduate experiments.

PH30037: Final year project - B

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 2

Assessment: PR67OR33

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH30036

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to provide students with the opportunity to investigate in depth some aspect or application of physics, to develop experimental and/or computational skills complementary to those developed in formal lecture courses, and to give students first-hand experience of innovation and/or research. While taking this unit, the student should be able to:
* demonstrate enthusiasm, industry and motivation in carrying out the project, as well as good time management skills in allocating appropriate amounts of time to the project and for the planning, research and writing of the report;
* for an experimental project, demonstrate good practical skills in the construction of apparatus and circuits and in data measurement and analysis;
* for a computational project, design, write and test computer programs to simulate the physical system under study, and interpret the results from these programs;
* demonstrate some innovation and initiative, as well as a basic understanding of the theory and background to the project;
* write a detailed technical report on the project, giving the background and theory behind the work, describing the work carried out and the results obtained and displaying an appropriate level of technical content, style and structure;
* demonstrate the ability to answer questions on the work carried out in the project and on the report in a viva examination.
Content:
Student continues work of PH30036.

PH30054: Quantum mechanics (distance learning)

Credits: 12

Level: Honours

Academic Year

Assessment: EX

Requisites:

While taking this unit you must take PH40041

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to show how a mathematical model of considerable elegance may be constructed, from a few basic postulates, to describe the seemingly contradictory behaviour of the physical universe and to provide useful information on a wide range of physical problems. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* discuss the dual particle-wave nature of matter;
* explain the relation between wave functions, operators and experimental observables;
* justify the need for probability distributions to describe physical phenomena;
* set up the Schroedinger equation for simple model systems;
* derive eigenstates of energy, momentum and angular momentum;
* apply approximate methods to more complex systems.
Content:
Introduction: Breakdown of classical concepts. Old quantum theory. Quantum mechanical concepts and models: The "state" of a quantum mechanical system. Hilbert space. Observables and operators. Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Dirac bra and ket vectors. Basis functions and representations. Probability distributions and expectation values of observables. Schrödingers equation: Operators for position, time, momentum and energy. Derivation of time-dependent Schrödinger equation. Correspondence to classical mechanics. Commutation relations and the Uncertainty Principle. Time evolution of states. Stationary states and the time-independent Schrödinger equation. Motion in one dimension: Free particles. Wave packets and momentum probability density. Time dependence of wave packets. Bound states in square wells. Parity. Reflection and transmission at a step. Tunnelling through a barrier. Linear harmonic oscillator. Motion in three dimensions: Stationary states of free particles. Central potentials; quantisation of angular momentum. The radial equation. Square well; ground state of the deuteron. Electrons in atoms; the hydrogen atom. Hydrogen-like atoms; the Periodic Table. Spin angular momentum: Pauli spin matrices. Identical particles. Symmetry relations for bosons and fermions. Paulis exclusion principle. Approximate methods for stationary states: Time independent perturbation theory. The variational method. Scattering of particles; the Born approximation.

PH30055: Computational physics A

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 1

Assessment: CW75OR25

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH20018

Students should have taken an appropriate selection of year 1 and year 2 physics units, including PH20018 in order to take this unit.
Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are to introduce students to the practical use of computer modelling as a complement to theoretical and experimental solution of physical problems, to introduce some of the contemporary packages available to the modeller, and to explore topics in physics which lend themselves to computational modelling. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* Identify the strengths and weaknesses of a computational approach to modelling;
* Use existing packages to demonstrate topics in undergraduate physics;
* Construct Maple worksheets to analyse physical problems;
* Perform simple simulations using 2d cellular automata;
* Explain the methodology and output of the simulations performed.
Content:
Introduction to simulation as a means of gaining physical insight; contemporary applications of simulation; practical uses of simulation packages. Computer algebra packages as a scientific computer environment; problems solved effectively in this environment and those not. Practical introduction to Maple. Exercises and projects based upon construction of Maple worksheets, analysing physical problems. Examples may include time-dependent quantum mechanical scattering, coupled oscillators, resonant phenomena, simple non-linear (including chaotic) systems, time-series analysis. Introduction to cellular automata, self-organisation and fractals. Applications to physical systems. Exercises and projects including interfacing to computer graphics.

PH30056: Computational physics B

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 2

Assessment: CW75OR25

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH20018

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aim of this unit is to provide students with experience in the application of some of the techniques widely used in the simulation of physical systems, and to develop their ability at using computers in physical modelling. Topics will be chosen for study which encourage a greater understanding of both the model and the underlying physics. The emphasis will be on the application and interpretation of the techniques, not on programming. After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* identify issues which influence the choice of language and architecture;
* interface C programs to a 2d graphics package;
* outline the physics and computational issues illustrated by the Ising model;
* develop finite difference and finite element simulations of given systems;
* discuss issues involved in the use of basis set methods;
* explain the methodology and output of the simulations performed.
Content:
Overview of computer languages for scientific work; computer architecture and code optimisation. Revision of C programming in the UNIX environment. Simulation of systems with many degrees of freedom: The Ising model. Finite size effects, fluctuations, correlations, phase transition, thermal equilibrium state, evaluation of observables. Numerical solution of partial differential equations. Application and exploration of finite difference and finite element programs. Visualisation of solutions. Application to contemporary problems. Basis set methods. Illustration and comparison of computational schemes.

PH30057: Stellar & galactic astrophysics

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 1

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Before taking this module you must take PH10001 and take PH10004 and take PH10007 and take PH10008 and take PH20013

Aims & Learning Objectives: The aims of this unit are to explore the physical processes that lead to the formation and evolution of stars and to the structure and chemical evolution of galaxies. An additional aim is that certain core physics material from the first and second years should be strengthened through study of these astrophysical topics.
After taking this unit the student should be able to
* recognise how observations made across the EM spectrum yield information on astrophysical phenomena and that the techniques used have limitations
* describe the structure and dynamics of galaxies and how they are related
* outline the key steps in the formation and evolution of galaxies
* describe the physical processes occurring in the inter-stellar mediumo discuss in detail how stars form from gravitational collapse of dense gas clouds
* solve order of magnitude problems on any part of the syllabus
Content:
Galactic Astrophysics
Morphology & Classification. Constituents and observational properties of galaxies. Tully-Fisher relation. The fundamental plane. Galactic rotation formulae. Surface brightness. The galaxy luminosity function. Observational selection effects. Galaxies and the Universe. Standard candles and the distance ladder. Clusters and super-clusters. Evidence for dark matter. Galaxy formation. Jeans instability. The chemical evolution of galaxies. Observations of high redshift proto-galaxies.
Stellar Astrophysics
Components of the ISM. Dark clouds. HII regions. T-Tauri stars. HH objects. Masers. Angular momentum and magnetic field problems. Obtaining information about the ISM. Spectral line shapes. Interstellar reddening. Optical depth. Dust grains. Formation of molecules. Radiatively excited regions. Continuum emission. Hydrostatic equilibrium. Collapse processes. Star formation. Evolution of protostars. Molecular outflows. Zero-age main sequence stars. Evolution off the main sequence. Late stages of stellar evolution. Supernovae. Stellar remnants.

PH40038: MPhys laboratory A

Credits: 6

Level: Masters

Semester: 1

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

After taking this unit you must take PH40039 and before taking this unit you must take PH20021 and take PH20022 and take PH30036 and take PH30037

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aim of this unit is to develop skills involved with data collection, analysis and interpretation through performing three extended experiments with research-grade apparatus. While taking this unit the student should be able to:
* perform necessary background reading and planning;
* become familiar with the safe and effective use of advanced equipment;
* use appropriate methods for signal reduction and data analysis;
* demonstrate enthusiasm, industry and motivation in carrying out the experiments and managing the available time;
* keep a laboratory logbook and prepare a report on each experiment performed;
* be able to consider and to propose further extension or development of the experiments performed.
Content:
A number of experiments will be offered, most reflecting the research interests of academic staff. Three will be chosen, each lasting four days.

PH40039: MPhys laboratory B

Credits: 6

Level: Masters

Semester: 2

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take PH20021 and take PH20022 and take PH40038

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aim of this unit is to develop skills required to prepare and write a Case Study, and to perform an extended experiment based on one of the experiments performed in PH40038. While taking this unit the student should be able to:
* carry out a survey of research literature and other resources, to provide background material for the Case Study and to plan elements of the extended experiment;
* produce a well-written and well-constructed Case Study covering the physics of the chosen experiment and the experimental plan for its extension;
* show initiative in developing the experiment;
* modify or develop apparatus and/or advanced techniques of data analysis, in consultation with members of staff;
* competently manage time and resources to ensure the timely completion of the extended experiment;
* write a detailed technical report on the extended experiment, displaying an appropriate level of content, style and structure.
Content:
In the first third of the unit a case study is prepared and written, including a literature review and making proposals for significant extension of one of the experiments performed in PH40038. In the remainder of the unit the extended experiment is performed and a technical report written.

PH40041: M.Phys. placement

Credits: 48

Level: Masters

Academic Year

Assessment: OT100

Requisites:

While taking this unit you must take PH30054

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are for MPhys students to carry out an identifiable and original part of an approved research project or other professional activity whilst placed at an approved laboratory or other organisation, and to develop the personal and technical skills needed by a professional physicist working in an advanced technical environment. On completion of this unit, the student should have demonstrated:
* the ability to apply knowledge and skills gained at the university to an original part of a technical project in a professional context;
* sustained intellectual effort and initiative in solving technical problems;
* good personal skills in planning and time management, problem solving, decision making and team membership, to the satisfaction of the internal supervisor;
* good oral communication and presentation skills, including making an oral presentation on the project and the host laboratory at the placement conference;
* the ability to write a case study report describing the activities and structure of the employing organisation, and the significance of their project in its overall strategy;
* the ability to write a technical report describing the work carried out by the student on the placement, highlighting the relevance of their project to the organisation, and the student's particular role in the project;
* the ability to answer questions about the host organisation and technical details of the project at a viva examination.
Content:
The content varies from placement to placement. In choosing the placement, the university will try to ensure that the project offers adequate opportunities for the student to demonstrate competence in the following categories: Self management and development, Managing tasks, Communicating clearly and effectively, Working with and relating to others, Applying knowledge, Applying initiative in work problems, Practical ability and/or Computational Skill

PH40043: MPhys year abroad

Credits: 60

Level: Masters

Academic Year

Assessment: OT100

Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aims of this unit are for students to gain experience of living and studying in a University outside the UK and to develop the appropriate personal and linguistic skills skills, in addition to developing their knowledge and understanding of physics and mathematics. While taking this unit, the student should:
* develop personal and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work and interact effectively in a group environment in which cultural norms and ways of operating may be very different from those previously familiar;
* develop the self-confidence and maturity to operate effectively with people from a different cultural background;
* develop an understanding of the stresses that occur in working in a different culture from the UK, and learn to cope with those stresses;
* in the case of students attending Universities in countries whose language is not English, improve their knowledge of the host language by attending classes therein;
* in the case of students attending lectures in a language other than English, develop the ability to operate at a high scientific level in the language of the country concerned; this would include oral communication and comprehension as well as reading and writing.
Content:
It is assumed that the student abroad will accomplish work equivalent to 60 麻豆传媒 credits (i.e. 10 units). Details of those are necessarily left to negotiation with individual Universities, students and the Bath Director of Studies but a sample study programme might be : EUROPE : Academic units: 36 credits (6 units); Management: 6 credits (1 unit); 麻豆传媒 project: 12 credits (2 units); Language work: 6 credits (1 unit). USA : Academic units: 42 credits (7 units); Management : 6 credits (1 unit); 麻豆传媒 project: 12 credits (2 units); Language work: 0. Among the Academic units there should be units equivalent to those taken by students on the Bath full-time MPhys course.

PH40045: Advanced topics Yr 3

Credits: 6

Level: Masters

Semester: 1

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aim of this unit is to extend the breadth and depth of knowledge of MPhys students by introducing them to a number of more advanced topics on Physics and Mathematics. As the content of this unit varies from year to year, it is not possible to define specific learning objectives.
Content:
The unit will run on a two-yearly basis and will consist of two or three courses in each year. The courses will tend to reflect the research interests of staff members in the Department of Physics. Possible courses include: Theory of complex variables; Quantum nanostructure devices; Fluid dynamics; Advanced quantum theory; Acoustic scattering theory; Group theory; Tensor properties of solids; Remote sensing principles.

PH40058: Advanced topics Yr 4

Credits: 6

Level: Masters

Semester: 1

Assessment: EX80CW20

Requisites:

| Catalogues for 2003/04 | for UGs | for PGs