PHY3024 : Atoms, Molecules, and Nuclei
PHY3024 : Atoms, Molecules, and Nuclei
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Angela Dyson
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Code | Title |
---|---|
PHY2020 | Principles of Quantum Mechanics |
PHY1025 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics |
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Code | Title |
---|---|
PHY3020 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics |
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To present the quantum theory of atoms including spin, fine structure and many electron atoms.
To present the quantum theory of molecules, including a quantum treatment of their binding, electronic structure, rotation, vibration and spectroscopy.
To present a treatment of the structure of the nucleus, its binding and treatments of decay.
Outline Of Syllabus
Atomic Structure:
The hydrogen atom: radial functions, spherical harmonics, angular momentum. Properties of solutions.
Spin, Pauli Principle, multiplets, fine structure; Zeeman effect; LS and JJ coupling.
Molecular Physics:
Molecular Hamiltonian, Born Oppenheimer approximation, electronic structure: bonding
Vibration and rotation: harmonic motion and beyond, rigid rotator and energy levels.
Spectroscopy: microwave, infrared optical spectra. Selection rules, Franck-Condon principle.
Nuclear Physics:
Nuclear masses and binding energies; models of the nucleus, theories of radioactive decay, fission and fusion nuclear power.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To know the hydrogenic solutions in mathematical detail.
To know the internal structure of molecules, atoms and nuclei
To understand the observations associated with molecular, atomic and nuclear systems.
Intended Skill Outcomes
To be familiar with hydrogenic eigensolutions.
To be able to describe the structure and properties of particles at the atomic scale.
To be able to relate theoretical principles of molecular, atomic and nuclear physics to practical observations and applications.
Students will develop skills across the cognitive domain (Bloom's taxonomy,2001 revised edition): remember, understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and create.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Completion of in course assignments |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Formal Lectures and Problems Classes |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 61 | 1:00 | 61:00 | Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review |
Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work. Some in-person sessions will be used for formative problem solving.
The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher-order thinking.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 80 | N/A |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module as some elements are required essential knowledge for a Physicist. The format of the examination will enable students to reliably demonstrate their own knowledge, understanding and application of learning outcomes. The assurance of academic integrity forms a necessary part of programme accreditation.
Examination problems may require a synthesis of concepts and strategies from different sections, while they may have more than one ways for solution. The examination time allows the students to test different strategies, work out examples and gather evidence for deciding on an effective strategy, while carefully articulating their ideas and explicitly citing the theory they are using.
The coursework assignments allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
Additional formative problems will be tackled in class to further support and enhance students learning.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY3024's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PHY3024's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.