Third Year – Department of Physics

Title	Quantum and Statistical Physics
Code	SPHY311	Department	Chemistry
Prerequisites	SPHY212	Co-requisites	None
Aim	This module is designed to introduce students to the concepts and theories applicable to quantum and statistical physics
Content	Statistical physics Statistical and Thermal Physics: The first law of thermodynamics, the second law of thermodynamics. Simple thermodynamic systems: the heat capacity of solids: the perfect classical gas; phase equilibria; the perfect quantal gas. Blackbody radiation: Fermi-Dirac & Bose-Einstein distributions. Systems with variable particle numbers. Quantum Physics The foundation of quantum mechanics. The Compton effect. Wave function and probability density. Parity. Schrodinger’s equation. Wave functions of particles in changing potentials. Potential barrier penetration. Time dependant wave functions and transition probabilities. Particles in confinements. The hydrogen atom. Quantization of angular momentum. Wave functions of atomic states. Zeeman effect. Electron spin. Atoms with more electrons – addition of angular moment. Electronic structure of the elements.
Outcome	Learners must be able to demonstrate: An understanding of concepts of probability as applicable to microsystems. Comprehension of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd laws of thermodynamics and their application. Understanding the statistics of paramagnetics. An understanding of simple thermodynamic systems. Theories applicable to the heat capacity of solids. The statistics of gases classical and quantal. Understanding the statistics of systems with variable particle numbers. Understand the basic concepts and theory of quantum mechanics Be able to mention and discuss simple systems where quantum mechanics is applicable (and cannot be explained using classical physics)
Assessment	40% Continuous Assessment Mark 60% Formal end of module exam (3 hours)
DP Requirement	40% Continuous Assessment Mark 80% Attendance at practical’s and project involvement

Title	Electronic circuits and devices
Code	SPHY321	Department	Physics and Engineering
Prerequisites	SPH112	Co-requisites	None
Aim	This module is designed to introduce students to the concepts of and theories applicable to electronics and its applications
Content	electromagnetism LCR circuits: Forced oscillations. Transients Alternating current theory: Power factor correction. Three phase circuits. Electronics: Vacuum tubes. Semiconductors. Diodes. Rectifiers. Smoothing. Transistors. Common-emitter h-parameters. Biasing. Amplifiers. Cascading. Decoupling. Modulation and demodulation. Operational amplifier. Analogue computer. Voltage regulator. Digital devices. Logical circuits. Digital computer.
Outcome	Learners must be able to demonstrate: An understanding of concepts and theories of electronics Understanding and applications of semiconductors. An understanding of laws governing electrical conduction and circuits. Understanding principles of magnetism and magnetic circuits Understanding applications of electronics.
Assessment	40% Continuous Assessment Mark (10% practical assessments; 25% Interim test; 5% Assignments) 60% Formal end of module exam (3 hours)
DP Requirement	40% Continuous Assessment Mark 80% Attendance at practical’s and fieldwork

Title	Nuclear Physics and Applications.
Code	SPHY312	Department	Physics and Engineering
Prerequisites	None	Co-requisites	None
Aim	This module is designed to introduce students to the concepts of and theories applicable to nuclear physics and its applications
Content	Nuclear physics Molecules: The hydrogen molecule ion. Electronic configuration of some diatomic molecules. Polyatomic molecules. Molecular rotations and vibration. Electronic transitions. Nuclear Structure: Nuclear properties, electric multiple moments. Nuclear forces. Scattering. Nuclear models. The sell-model. The semi-empirical mass formula. The collective model. Nuclear processes: Laws of radioactive series decay. Alpha decay and barrier transmission. Beta decay and neutrino hypothesis. Gamma decay. Mean lifetime of a state. Electromagnetic multiple radiation and lifetimes. Cosmic radiation. Elementary particles: Classes and properties. Quantum numbers and conservation laws. Applications of nuclear physics. Radiation physics and its applications. Nuclear energy and its generation. Effect of radiation on biological materials.
Outcome	Learners must be able to: An understanding of concepts and theories of nuclear physics. Understanding different nuclear models and arguments used to develop them. An understanding of laws governing radioactive decay. Understanding principles of nuclear power generation . Understanding nuclear radiation, use and shielding
Assessment	40% Continuous Assessment Mark (10% practical assessments; 30% Interim test) 60% Formal end of module exam (3 hours)
DP Requirement	40% Continuous Assessment Mark 80% Attendance at practical’s and fieldwork

Title	Solid State Physics and Materials Science
Code	SPHY322	Department	Chemistry
Prerequisites	SPHY211 SPHY212	Co-requisites	None
Aim	This module is designed to introduce students to the concepts of and theories applicable to solid state physics and materials science.
Content	Solid state physics Introduction to solid state physics, XRD, crystallography, energy bands in solids, semiconductors, metals, one dimensional system. Materials science Types of atomic bonds; crystalline structure , X-ray diffraction, crystal defects, phase diagrams and microstructural development, kinetics of phase transformation, metals and their mechanical properties, ceramics and glasses, polymers and composites, electrical properties of materials, semiconductors, magnetic materials, degradation and failure of materials, materials processing and selection.
Outcome	Learners must be able to demonstrate: An understanding of types of bonds and how these lead to different properties. How crystal structure is determined using XRD. How to read phase diagrams and use them to predict microstructure. An appreciation of different properties of matter. A comprehension of how materials degrade under different environments and how this can be prevented Ability to process and select materials based on their properties for use in a modern technology.
Assessment	40% Continuous Assessment Mark (10% practical assessments; 25% Interim test; 5% Assignments) 60% Formal end of module exam (3 hours)
DP Requirement	40% Continuous Assessment Mark 80% Attendance at practical’s and fieldwork