Sub-atomic Physics

Subject 640-354 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Lectures and tutorials.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 lectures and up to six 1-hour tutorials
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total time commitment.
Prerequisites:

Physics 640-223 or 640-243.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Elisabetta Barberio
Subject Overview:

The subject provides an introduction to the unified picture of elementary particles and atomic nuclei - how the elementary quarks combine to form strongly interacting particles, and how two of these, the proton and neutron combine to form atomic nuclei; how quarks and their composites interact with the leptons and with each other; how we study these systems experimentally; and the exciting unanswered questions in this field of physics.

Topics covered will be selected from: quarks and leptons; strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions; symmetries and conservation laws; structure, models and properties of hadrons; structure, models and properties of nuclei; scattering and decay processes; accelerators; detectors; fission and fusion reactors; applications of nuclear and particle physics techniques; and other topics in sub-atomic physics of contemporary interest.
Objectives:

Students completing this subject should be able to:

  • explain the unified picture of quarks and leptons, hadrons, and atomic nuclei, and their basic properties and interactions; and

  • solve and analyse problems in these areas by applying simple quantum mechanical reasoning.

In addition, students should enhance their ability to plan effective work schedules and manage their time to meet the deadlines for submission of assessable work and prepare for tests and examinations.
Assessment:

Tests totalling up to 2 hours and assignments totalling up to an equivalent of 3000 words during the semester (20%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).
Prescribed Texts:

B R Martin, Nuclear and Particle Physics: An Introduction, Wiley.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Notes: This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 degree only), BASc or a combined BSc course.

Previously known as 640-354 Nuclear and Particle Physics.

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