Students majoring in Physics must take at least one of KYA322 and KYA323.
This unit is offered in even numbered years only.
Introduction
Atomic and Nuclear Physics is an advanced unit in the physics major designed for students majoring in physics and explores the extension of foundational quantum mechanics to real-world systems, providing the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for solving problems in modern physics.
This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to atomic, molecular, and nuclear structure and provide the framework for considering interactions of these systems with external environments. The quantum picture of simple atoms will be extended to accurately predict and understand atomic spectra, with a focus on angular momentum coupling and many-electron atoms. The structure of nuclei and the transition of one nucleus into other nuclei will be interrogated, and the standard model of particle physics will be introduced. This knowledge will be used to analyse quantum technologies, nuclear technologies, and a means of interrogating the very nature of our universe.
Atomic and Nuclear Physics is one of two 300-level electives (along with KYA322 Statistical and Solid State Physics), which must be taken as part of the physics major, in conjunction both core units KYA320 Advanced Electromagnetism and KYA321 Quantum Mechanics. It is also recommended for anyone interested in quantum chemistry and physical chemistry. In all areas you will be expected to use the mathematical framework by which quantitative problems in these areas can be solved. Applications of physical principles in daily life and technology are explored throughout the unit, and this unit will develop your conceptual thinking ability and use of simpler physical/mathematical models approximate real-world scenarios.
Summary
| Unit name | Atomic and Nuclear Physics |
| Unit code | KYA323 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Physics |
| Coordinator | Doctor Andy McCulloch |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Learning Outcomes
- Solve problems in atomic and molecular physics using physical principles and theories, and articulate the underlying assumptions and limitations of the different models and techniques used to solve problems.
- Solve problems in nuclear and particle physics using physical principles and theories, and articulate the underlying assumptions and limitations of the different models and techniques used to solve problems.
- Collate and employ relevant information from a range of sources to communicate high-level scientific information to expert and non-expert audiences through oral, written, and graphical means.
- Examine the theoretical underpinnings and practical considerations of real-world applications of atomic and nuclear physics
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KYA211 Waves and Kinetic Theory AND KYA212 Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics AND KMA252 Calculus and Applications 2 AND KMA254 Linear Algebra and Differential EquationsTeaching
| Teaching Pattern | The will be 3 x 1 hour workshops and 1 x 1 hour tutorial each week. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Assignments (15%)|Independent research project (15%)|Oral assessment (15%)|Topic test (15%)|Examination (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Texts used for the atomic physics component of the course include:
The prescribed text for the nuclear physics component of the course is
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|---|---|
| Recommended | A supplement to the nuclear physics text is
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.