Atoms, Photons and Fundamental Particles

Code

PHYS3001

School

Physics and Astronomy

Level

3

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module will introduce students to the physics of atoms, nuclei and the fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions. The module will also develop the quantum mechanical description of these. Topics to be covered will be:

1. Approximation techniques - first order perturbation theory, degeneracies, second order perturbation theory, transition rates, time-dependent perturbation theory, Fermi's golden rule
2. Particle Physics - protons and neutrons, antiparticles, particle accelerators and scattering experiments, conservation laws, neutrinos, leptons, baryons and hadrons, the quark model and the strong interaction, weak interactions, standard model
3. Introduction to atomic physics - review of simple model of hydrogen atom, Fermi statistics and Pauli principle, Aufbau principle, hydrogenic atoms, exchange, fine structure and hyperfine interactions, dipole interaction, selection rules and transition rates
4. Lasers - optical polarization and photons, optical cavities, population inversions, Bose statistics and stimulated emission, Einstein A and B coefficients
5. Nuclear Physics - Radioactivity, decay processes, alpha, beta and gamma emission, detectors, stability curves and binding energies, nuclear fission, fusion, liquid drop and shell models

Target Students

Students on Year 3 of Physics or Mathematical Physics or Chemistry and Molecular Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.

Classes

This module is based a series of lectures supplemented by workshops.

Assessment

• 5% Coursework 1: Problem sheets + Workshop engagement - coursework 1
• 5% Coursework 2: Coursework 2
• 5% Coursework 3: Coursework 3
• 5% Coursework 4: Coursework 4
• 80% Exam 1 (3-hour)

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will have enhanced their:

• A1 knowledge of atomic, nuclear and particle physics
• A2 knowledge and understanding of the scientific method
• A3 understanding of how the basic principles of quantum mechanics are applied in a range of situations
• A4 knowledge of perturbation theory for the analysis of physical problems 

On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:

• B1 apply quantum mechanics to the quantitative analysis of physical situations
• B2 apply high levels of numeracy and analysis
• B3 apply techniques of problem solving 

On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:

• C1 formulate problems in atomic, nuclear and particle physics using appropriate mathematical language 

On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:

• D1 develop appropriate strategies for study, including the use of library, human, and electronic sources of information

Conveners

• Dr Adam Moss