Laboratory and Computational Physics 2

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 Hours

One of:

And one of:

And VCE Mathematical Methods or equivalent.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject introduces students to the use of computational techniques in the investigation of problems in physics and develops students' skills in experimental physics within areas of optics, acoustics, electromagnetism, classical nuclear and quantum physics. Students will develop programming skills and learn a range of numerical methods commonly used in physics research.

Students completing this subject should be able to:

• apply critical reasoning to the evaluation of experimental data and sources of experimental uncertainty;
• use experimental log books effectively; and
• present clearly the results of experimental work;
• construct computer programs that implement algorithms for the solution of problems in physics and the modeling of experimental data;
• apply elementary computational techniques such as finite difference approximations, root finding, quadrature, numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations and discrete Fourier series to physical problems.

Written pre-laboratory and pre-computational assignments due throughout the teaching period of semester (20%). Participation in Laboratory and Computational classes throughout the teaching period of semester (20%). Written and oral laboratory reports and computational assignments equivalent to 3000 words due throughout the teaching period of semester (60%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

A student who completes this subject should be able to:

• Explain their understanding of physics principles and applications lucidly, both in writing and orally;
• Describe the experimental and observational basis of the physical principles presented in the subject, both in writing and orally;
• Express mathematical descriptions of physical processes in a form accessible to numerical computation;
• Participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions and study groups;
• Think independently and analytically and direct his or her own learning;
• Manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular tutorial classes, tests, the examination and to complete assignments.