PH2240 - Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Engineering

An understanding of the nature of atoms is developed by examining the basic quantum mechanical model for the electronic structure of atoms. Central to this model is the interaction of atoms with light and electric and magnetic fields. Applications that are important for our standards of time and length will be discussed. We then delve further into the atom and examine the structure of the nucleus. The basic concepts and theories of nuclear physics are developed as well as an understanding of the applications of nuclear science.

Learning Outcomes

• acquire knowledge and understanding about the electronic and nuclear structure of atoms;
• be able to solve problems related to the structure of atoms and the effect of ionizing radiation on the body and the environment;
• have an appreciation of the influence of atomic and nuclear physics on modern scientific development;
• have the foundations for examining in more detail various aspects of experimental and theoretical physics which relate to both atomic and nuclear physics;
• be able to explain the key areas in which Atomic and Nuclear Physics affects everyday living.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to generate, calculate, interpret and communicate numerical information in ways appropriate to a given discipline or discourse;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion;
• The ability to work individually and independently;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Prerequisites:	PH2002 AND MA1003
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	PH3003

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 25-Aug-2011
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Ronald White.
Contact hours:	39 hours lectures 13 hours tutorials 15 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50% - 70%); quizzes or tests (10% - 20%); assignments (10% - 20%); lab reports (10% - 20%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.