Undergraduate - UnitPHS2022 - Physics: Electromagnetism, light and entropy

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

1. Electrodynamics: electro- and magnetostatics; electric and magnetic fields in matter; Maxwell's equations.
2. Optics: geometric optics; polarization; birefringence; optical fibres; interferometry; diffraction.
3. Statistical Physics: introduction to statistical physics concepts; temperature; Helmholtz free energy and the partition function; application of concepts to the ideal gas.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will be able to: explain and apply the key concepts of electromagnetism and statistical physics to a variety of phenomena; describe a range of optical instruments and their uses; use modern instruments and methods to acquire, manipulate and interpret physical data; write scientific reports at a level suitable for publication.

Assessment

Examinations (One x 3 hours and One x 2 hours): 50%
Assignments: 16%
Practical work (compulsory): 34%
Students must achieve a pass mark in the practical component to achieve an overall pass grade.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Lincoln Turner

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lecture/problem classes and one 3-hour laboratory class per week

Prerequisites

PHS1011 or PHS1080, PHS1022, MTH1030 or MTH1035, and MTH2010 or MTH2015