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Physics

Foundation Courses

Foundation Physics 1

An introductory course for students who have not previously studied physics. Topics include the nature of light; wave motion; basic mechanics of motion in a straight line, including the concepts of momentum and energy; an introduction to heat.

Restriction: PHYSICS 91W

Foundation Physics 2

A second foundation course for students who understand the basic mechanics of motion in a straight line. Further mechanics, including equilibrium, projectile motion, rotational motion and gravitation. Electromagnetism, including electrostatics, elementary circuits and the effects of magnetic fields.

Restriction: PHYSICS 92W

Preparatory Courses

Preparatory Physics 1

A preparatory course for students who have not previously studied physics. Topics include the nature of light; wave motion; basic mechanics of motion in a straight line, including the concepts of momentum and energy; an introduction to heat.

Restriction: PHYSICS 91F, 91W

Stage I

Basic Concepts of Physics

A non-advancing course in physics for students interested in understanding the physics of everyday phenomena. The course requires a minimal background in mathematics and physics, and will stress the conceptual understanding of important physical ideas. Demonstration experiments are a major feature.

Restriction: Cannot be taken either with or after any of PHYSICS 120-160

Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering

A course for those who require additional background in Physics before undertaking first-year pre-requisites for a Bachelor of Engineering, or proceeding to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science). Key concepts required for later enrolment in Physics 120 or 160 will be taught and consolidated in problem-based sessions. No background in calculus will be assumed, but simple applications will be developed and used.

Restriction: Cannot be taken either with or after any of PHYSICS 102, 120–160

Planets, Stars and Galaxies

A non-advancing course in physics for students interested in astronomy. Topics include a survey of astronomical objects in the universe, the tools of observational astronomy, stellar evolution, quasars and black holes, cosmology. This course does not require a formal background in mathematics or physics.

Science and Technology of Sustainable Energy

Leading-edge science behind the various technologies which underpin new sustainable energy sources will be discussed in a way which will lead to understanding of the advantages, disadvantages, and compromises involved. Case-study examples include solar energy, wind energy, biofuels, geothermal energy, tidal energy, wave energy, and hydrogen energy.

Advancing Physics 1

A course designed for students either advancing in physical science or with a major interest in field studies. It covers basic aspects of motion and its causes, electrostatics, geometric optics, as well as the production, transformation and propagation of energy in its thermal and mechanical forms. Physics and mathematics at NCEA level 3 or equivalent or a pass in PHYSICS 102 are recommended for students intending to enrol in this course. It is a recommended preparation for PHYSICS 150.

Restriction: PHYSICS 160

Properties of Matter

Static equilibrium of solids and fluids with an introduction to fluid mechanics. The physical properties of condensed matter including strength, elasticity, and other mechanical characteristics. The electrical, optical and thermal characteristics of materials with technological applications including alloys, ceramics, polymers, glasses and plastics. Physics and mathematics at NCEA level 3 or equivalent, or a pass in PHYSICS 102 are recommended for students intending to enrol in this course.

Restriction: CHEMMAT 121

Digital Fundamentals

Logic components, Boolean algebra, combinational logic analysis and synthesis, synchronous and asynchronous sequential logic analysis and design, digital subsystems, computer organisation and design.

Restriction: PHYSICS 219, 243

Advancing Physics 2

Prescribed for students advancing either in the physical sciences or in the special science and technology programmes. It covers advanced aspects of mechanics (rotational motion), circuits, fields, optical systems and basic aspects of quantum effects and relativity. A pass in PHYSICS 120 is recommended for students intending to enrol in this course. High achieving Year 13 students with NCEA level 3 in physics and mathematics may be permitted to enrol directly in PHYSICS 150.

Prerequisite: PHYSICS 120

Physics for the Life Sciences

Designed for students intending to advance their studies in the life sciences. Topics covered will be especially relevant to biological systems: mechanics, thermal physics, wave motion, electricity and instrumentation. This course requires a knowledge of physics and mathematics to at least NCEA level 2.

Restriction: PHYSICS 120

Stage II

Note: For the purposes of recommended preparation for Stage II Physics courses: PHYSICS 120 and 160 are equivalent; PHYSICS 111, MATHS 107, 108, 130, 150 and 152 are equivalent; PHYSICS 210, MATHS 208 and 250 are equivalent; and COMPSCI 101 and INFOSYS 110 are equivalent.

Analytical Techniques in Physical Sciences 3

Covers analytical techniques associated with Stage II Physics courses, relating appropriate mathematical concepts to various physical systems and including laboratory work. Provides a minimal preparation in mathematical techniques for Stage III Physics courses. Topics include: oscillations and waves, numerical and analytical solution of differential equations describing physical systems, vector calculus, description of physical systems by sets of linear equations.

No formal prerequisite, but an understanding of the material in MATHS 208 or 250 will be assumed.
Restriction: MATHS 253, ENGSCI 211

The Geophysical Environment

An understanding of the atmospheric, oceanic and solid earth environment in terms of physical principles. Topics include: the shape of the Earth, gravitational variations, seismic waves, global heat balance and atmospheric dynamics, ocean waves and tides, and general properties of fluids applied to the environment. A weekend fieldtrip is a component of the course.
No formal prerequisite, but an understanding of Stage I level Physics and Mathematics will be assumed.

Classical Physics

Classical mechanics including rotating reference frames. The properties of materials including elasticity and fluids. Forced and coupled oscillations. Travelling and standing waves on a string. An introduction to the laws of thermodynamics and their application to the properties of materials.
No formal prerequisite, but an understanding of the material in MATHS 208 or 250 and PHYSICS 120 will be assumed.

Restriction: PHYSICS 230

Networks and Electronics

Covers AC circuit theory with phasors and complex operators, including network theorems, resonance, and operational amplifiers treated as linear components. Principles of semiconductor physics, diodes, transistors, and associated analogue and digital applications.
No formal prerequisite, but an understanding of the material in MATHS 208 or 250 and PHYSICS 150 will be assumed.

Restriction: PHYSICS 242

Modern Physics

An introduction to quantum physics and astrophysics. Foundations of quantum physics. Schrodinger equation treatment of one-dimensional bound systems and quantum tunnelling. Angular momentum and the hydrogen atom. Elementary atomic structure, spin and the periodic table. Quantum statistics, molecules and solids. Selected topics from stellar astrophysics, gravitational astrophysics and cosmology, including nuclear fusion, white dwarfs, black holes, gravitational lensing, active galaxies and the early universe.
No formal prerequisite, but an understanding of the material in MATHS 208 or 250, PHYSICS 120 and 150 will be assumed.

Restriction: PHYSICS 250

Optics and Electromagnetism

Development of the principles underlying electric and magnetic field phenomena, and applications of Maxwell's equations in integral form, leading to the wave equation. Discussion of optics and the modern science of Photonics using both the plane wave solution of the wave equation and geometrical optics. Fibre optics, lasers, LEDs, polarisation effects, interference and diffraction.
No formal prerequisite, but an understanding of the material in MATHS 208 or 250, PHYSICS 120 and 150 will be assumed.

Restriction: PHYSICS 260

Medical Physics

An overview of the field of Medical Physics including the biophysical basis of biomedical measurement, radiation, physics, biology and dosimetry.
Recommended preparation: PHYSICS 160

Stage III

Note: Where MATHS 253 is specified as a prerequisite for a Stage III Physics course, MATHS 260 is recommended preparation.

Classical and Statistical Physics

Statistical physics topics emphasise the description of macroscopic properties using microscopic models and include: temperature, the partition function and connections with classical thermodynamics, paramagnetic solids, lattice vibrations, indistinguishable particles, classical and quantum gases. Classical mechanics topics include: vector mechanics, coordinate transformations, rotating frames, angular momentum, rigid body dynamics, variational formulation, constraints, Lagrange equations, Hamiltonian mechanics and relationships with quantum mechanics.

Prerequisite: B- average in one of PHYSICS 211, MATHS 253, ENGSCI 211 and either PHYSICS 231 or PHYSICS 220 and 230

Electromagnetism

A systematic development of Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism and its applications to optics. Topics include: electrostatics, dielectrics, polarisation, charge conservation, magnetostatics, scalar and vector potentials, magnetic materials, Maxwell's equations, the wave equation. Propagation of electromagnetic waves in vacuum, dielectrics and conducting media. Energy and momentum in electromagnetic waves.

Prerequisite: B- average in one of PHYSICS 220, 261 and one of PHYSICS 211, MATHS 253, ENGSCI 211

Optics and Laser Physics

Lasers: electron oscillator model, rate equation model, Einstein coefficients, Fabry Perot etalons and resonators, optimum output coupling, reflection at a dielectric surface, waveguide theory, thin films, matrix techniques for optical elements, Gaussian beams and applications.

Prerequisite: One of PHYSICS 211, MATHS 253, ENGSCI 211, and either PHYSICS 261 or PHYSICS 220 and 260. Concurrent enrolment in PHYSICS 390 or 391 is recommended

Electronics and Signal Processing

An introduction to analogue and digital electronics. Topics will be selected from: linear circuit theory, analytical and numeric network analysis, steady state and transient response of networks, feedback and oscillation, transistor circuits, operational amplifier circuits, sampling theory, digital filter design, the fast Fourier transform and digital signal processing.

Prerequisite: PHYSICS 240
Corequisite: PHYSICS 211 or MATHS 253 or ENGSCI 211
Restriction: PHYSICS 341
Concurrent enrolment in PHYSICS 390 or 391 is recommended

Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics

Non-relativistic quantum mechanics will be developed using the three-dimensional Schrodinger equation, and will be applied particularly to the physics of atoms and molecules. The interaction of like particles and the quantisation of angular momentum will be studied.

Prerequisite: B- average in one of PHYSICS 250, 251 and one of PHYSICS 211, MATHS 253, ENGSCI 211

Condensed Matter and Sub-atomic Physics

An introduction to the quantum and statistical foundations of modern studies in condensed matter and sub-atomic physics. Topics covered include quasiparticles, the band theory of electronic structure, semiconductors, magnetism, superconductivity, nuclear models, applications of nuclear processes in fields such as medicine and archaeology, the main properties of strong, weak and electromagnetic interactions, an introduction to Feynman diagrams and quark models.

Prerequisite: One of PHYSICS 250, 251 and one of PHYSICS 211, MATHS 253, ENGSCI 211. Concurrent enrolment in PHYSICS 390 or 391 is recommended

Restriction: PHYSICS 356

Special Topics in Physics

Experimental Physics 1

Students may select experiments from a wide spectrum of physics that are appropriate to the lecture courses being taken from PHYSICS 315-356.

Prerequisite: At least one of PHYSICS 220-261

Experimental Physics 2

Experimental work as for PHYSICS 390.

Prerequisite: At least one of PHYSICS 220-261

Diploma Courses

Selected Topics 1

Enrolment requires approval of the Head of Department and the choice of subject will depend on staff availability or on the needs of particular students.

Selected Topics 2

Enrolment requires approval of the Head of Department and the choice of subject will depend on staff availability or on the needs of particular students.

Experimental Physics

A selection of experiments appropriate to the student's lecture courses for the Diploma. Requires the approval of the Head of Department.

Graduate Diploma Dissertation (Physics)

To complete this course students must enrol in PHYSICS 690 A and B

PG Diploma Dissertation (Physics)

To complete this course students must enrol in PHYSICS 691 A and B, or PHYSICS 691

Postgraduate 700 Level Courses

Linear Systems

Many physical situations are treated by making linear approximations to actual behaviour and analysing the resulting systems. Topics include: generalised functions, Green's function, convolution, sampling theory, Fourier, Laplace and Hilbert transforms, with applications to statistics, optics, solution of differential equations, filtering and digital signal processing.

Prerequisite: 30 points from PHYSICS 315-380, or MATHS 361

Advanced Quantum Mechanics

Includes a review of the general formalism of quantum theory, making use of: Dirac notation, scattering theory, time-dependent perturbation theory, relativistic quantum mechanics and spin, many-body quantum mechanics, rotations and other symmetry operations, quantum theory of radiation and introductory quantum field theory. Applications are taken from atomic, nuclear and particle physics.

Advanced Electromagnetism and Special Relativity

An introduction to tensors, development of the Special Theory of Relativity including kinematics, dynamics, properties of waves and a covariant formulation of electrodynamics. Charges, currents and fields in different inertial frames, electromagnetic wave propagation in media and radiation from moving charges.

Quantum Field Theory

Follows on from PHYSICS 703 Advanced Quantum Mechanics. The first part treats relativistic generalisations of the Schrōedinger equation and many-particle quantum mechanics. The second part is an introduction to quantum electrodynamics, using Feynman diagram techniques. Applications are made to atomic, condensed matter and particle physics.

Inverse Problems

Inverse problems involve making inferences about physical systems from experimental measurements. Topics include: the linear inverse problem, regularisation, and introduction to multi-dimensional optimisation, Bayes theorem, prior and posterior probabilities, physically-based likelihoods, inference and parameter estimation, sample based inference, computational Markov chain, Monte Carlo, and output analysis.

Prerequisite: PHYSICS 701, or MATHS 340 and 361

Statistical Mechanics and Stochastic Processes

Phase transitions and critical phenomena, stochastic methods, master equations, Fokker-Planck equations and stochastic differential equations.

Selected Topics 1

Enrolment requires approval of the Head of Department and the choice of subject will depend on staff availability or on the needs of particular students.

Optoelectronics

Laser physics including a discussion of resonator theory and laser beam diagnostics, together with mode-locked lasers, frequency stabilised lasers, non-linear optics and interferometry.

Optoelectronics and Communications

Optical data storage systems, scanners and printers, propagation in optical waveguides, non-linear effects in optical fibres, amplifiers, semiconductor laser sources, LEDs and the detection of optical radiation, optical communication systems architecture and an introduction to network topology.

Wave Propagation

A general treatment of wave propagation including rays, normal modes and reflection coefficients, with applications principally to underwater acoustics, seismology and electromagnetic waves.

Fluid Mechanics and Applications

Principles and phenomena of fluid dynamics, including the Navier-Stokes equations, viscous flow and non-viscous flow, with applications in areas including geophysics, medical physics and soft materials.

Selected Topics 2

Enrolment requires approval of the Head of Department and the choice of subject will depend on staff availability or on the needs of particular students.

Condensed Matter Physics

Modern aspects of condensed matter physics including liquids, glasses, amorphous solids, soft matter and low dimensional systems.

Particle Physics

An introduction to particle physics: the particles and their interactions, QED and field theory, gauge invariance (consequences, its role in particle physics), electroweak interaction (left-handed neutrinos, W and Z, bosons, neutrino mass) and strong interaction (quark model, problems, colour, confinement and QCD compared with QED).

Nuclear Physics

General properties of nuclei as described by the Liquid Drop and Fermi Gas and Shell models; properties of beta decay, and recent developments in neutrino mass theory and experiments; relativistic nuclear collisions, and recent theory and experiments of highly compressed nuclear matter leading to the quark-gluon plasma.

Quantum Optics

Light, non-classical, squeezed and anti-bunched light, quantum theory of the interaction of light with atoms, manipulations of atoms by light.

Advanced Imaging Technologies

The physical basis and use of new imaging technologies in medicine, biomedicine and biotechnology, including electron microscopy, ultrasonic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, CAT scanning and PET imaging. Biological applications of fluorescence and other areas of biophotonics, microarray analysis.

Recommended preparation: No formal prerequisite, but an understanding of material to at least a C+ standard in PHYSICS 340 and 211 or ENGSCI 211 will be assumed.

Project in Physics

BSc(Hons) Dissertation in Physics

To complete this course students must enrol in PHYSICS 789 A and B, or PHYSICS 789

Selected Topics 3

Enrolment requires approval of the Head of Department and the choice of subject will depend on staff availability or on the needs of particular students.

Selected Topics 4

Enrolment requires approval of the Head of Department and the choice of subject will depend on staff availability or on the needs of particular students.

MSc Thesis in Physics

To complete this course students must enrol in PHYSICS 796 A and B

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Source: The University of Auckland 2013 Online Calendar
Last updated on: Thursday 1 November 2012
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