Outline

Overview

Condensed matter physics is the science behind semiconductors and all modern electronics, while particle physics describes the very fabric of our Universe. Surprisingly these two seemingly separate aspects of physics use in part very similar formalisms. This selective unit in the physics major will provide an introduction to both these fields, complemented with experimental labs. You will study the basic constituents of matter, such as quarks and leptons, examining their fundamental properties and interactions. You will gain understanding of extensions to the currently accepted Standard Model of particle physics, and on the relationships between high energy particle physics, cosmology and the early Universe. You will study condensed matter systems, specifically the physics that underlies the electromagnetic, thermal, and optical properties of solids. You will discuss recent discoveries and new developments in semiconductors, nanostructures, magnetism, and superconductivity. The advanced stream has more open-ended experimental physics projects: You will learn and apply new experimental and data analysis techniques by designing and carrying out in-depth experimental investigations on selected topics in physics, with expert tutoring. In completing this unit you will gain understanding of the foundations of modern physics and develop skills in experimental physics, measurement, and data analysis.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Average of 70 or above in [(PHYS2011 OR PHYS2911 OR PHYS2921) AND (PHYS2012 OR PHYS2912 OR PHYS2922)]
Corequisites ?	PHYS3034 OR PHYS3934 OR [(PHYS3042 OR PHYS3942 OR PHYS3043 OR PHYS3943 OR PHYS3044 OR PHYS3944) AND (PHYS3090 OR PHYS3990 OR PHYS3991)]
Prohibitions ?	PHYS3099 or PHYS3999 or PHYS3036 or PHYS3068 or PHYS3968 or PHYS3069 or PHYS3969 or PHYS3074 or PHYS3974 or PHYS3080 or PHYS3980
Assumed knowledge ?	Students will need to have some knowledge of special relativity, for example from prior study of PHYS2013 or PHYS2913, or from studying Chapter 12 of Introduction to Electrodynamics by D.J. Griffith. (MATH2021 OR MATH2921 OR MATH2061 OR MATH2961 OR MATH2067)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Catherine Stampfl, catherine.stampfl@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Peter Verwayen, peter.verwayen@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Bruce Yabsley, bruce.yabsley@sydney.edu.au
	David McKenzie, david.mckenzie@sydney.edu.au
	Kevin Varvell, kevin.varvell@sydney.edu.au
	Carla Verdi, carla.verdi@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Supervised Final Exam	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Peer Review of experimental physics report Peer marking	1%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2023 at 23:59	lab report rubric and several pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Particle physics assignment Written task	5%	Week 05 Due date: 24 Mar 2023 at 23:59	~ 5 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Condensed matter physics assignment Written task	5%	Week 12 Due date: 19 May 2023 at 23:59	~ 5 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Experimental physics report report due in week 13	9%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2023 at 23:59	3000 words, 4 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Quizzes Small continuous assessment – weekly quizzes	10%	Weekly	1-2 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Experimental physics log book In Class experiment recording logbook	15%	Weekly	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Assignments: There are two coursework assignments in this unit, one per module. Typewritten and handwritten assignments are acceptable – for handwritten assignment make sure the scans have good resolution and contrast and are not blurry or distorted. Only parts of the assignment that can readily be read on screen will be marked. Plan plenty of time for uploading your files ahead of the deadline to make room for connectivity issues, as deadlines will be enforced strictly. It is your responsibility to ensure that files have uploaded correctly with all pages.
Quizzes: There will be small weekly quizzes to be submitted online.
Experimental physics lab books: Every student will carry out one or two experiments (the total number of experiments will be advised by the laboratory coordinator at the beginning of the semester). Experiments are to be completed in the times allocated to you. You must record the experiments you perform in a logbook (In Class experiment recording on logbook) as each experiment is carried out. This is the written record of the experiment. You should carefully read the section “Guidelines for Recording Experimental Work,” in the Experimental Physics Handbook (on Canvas), to see what is expected to be included in a logbook. Tutors will be available to help you. This is a hurdle assessment.
Experimental physics report and peer marking: You will be required to write up one report on one of the experiments you do, based on the material already in your logbook. Reports are to be written in the style of a scientific paper in a specific journal. It is essential that you refer to the separate document “Senior Experimental Physics Report Guidelines” for instructions (available on Canvas). The experimental physics report is compulsory, and not handing in a report will lead to an Absent Fail grade for the whole unit. This is a hurdle task. You will also be asked to read another student's lab report and assess it against the standard lab marking rubric provided in Canvas. The mark for your peer review will be based on sensible justification of the marks you provide on the comments section of online rubric feedback.
Final exam: The final exam will have questions covering all coursework aspects of this course. It will be a supervised on-campus written exam.
Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Experimental physics labs	Science laboratory (24 hr)
Week 01	Particle physics: the particle zoo; spin and angular momentum; relativistic mechanics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Particle physics: interactions, coupling strengths and rates of interactions, the electromagnetic and strong interactions	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Particle physics: the weak force, detecting particles, the Higgs Boson	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Particle physics: symmetries and conservation laws; discrete symmetries	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Particle physics: the quark model; quantum chromodynamics (QCD)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Particle physics: more on QCD; particle mixing, CP symmetry; neutrinos	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Particle physics: beyond the standard model	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Condensed matter physics: introduction, Drude model	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Condensed matter physics: free electron model, density of states, fermisurface; bonding, introduction to crystallography	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Condensed matter physics: reciprocal lattice; x-ray and electron diffraction, Laue and Bragg equation	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Condensed matter physics: nearly free electron model; Bloch waves, group velocity, effective mass; band-structure and holes	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Condensed matter physics: tight binding approximation; introduction to phonons; phonon heat capacity. Quantum theory of phonons;	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Condensed matter physics: semiconductor physics: intrinsic and extrinsic properties; Introduction to nanoscience	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Condensed matter physics: magnetism; ferroelectrics, multiferroics; Revision	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance is face to face. Due however to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance requirements for this unit of study may need to be amended. If online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Particle physics:

Written notes to accompany Lectures, provided.

Other useful references:

Thomson, Mark, Modern Particle Physics, University of Cambridge (2013)
Grifﬁths, D., Introduction to Elementary Particles, Second, Revised Edition (2008)
Martin, B. R. & Shaw, G., Particle Physics, 3rd Edition (2008)
Perkins, D. H., Introduction to High Energy Physics, 4th Edition (2000)

Condensed matter physics:

Textbook: The Oxford Solid State Basics 1st Edition by S. H. Simon (2013) – eBook available from the University Library

other useful references:

Ashcroft/Mermin, Solid State Physics, Brooks/Cole ISE 1976 or Thomson Press 2003
Charles Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, John Wiley & Sons Inc (US), 2004

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in two areas of physics – particle physics and condensed matter physics
LO2. apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific contexts, using appropriate mathematical and computing techniques as necessary
LO3. carry out and analyse experiments to measure specific effects
LO4. compare and critique experimental approaches
LO5. communicate scientific information appropriately, through written work
LO6. demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour, and independence as a learner and as a scientist.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to student feedback, we will endeavour to streamline the content and make more reference and use of the textbook.

Additional information

Equity, Access and Diversity statement

The School of Physics recognises that biases, bullying and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.

The School has Equity Officers as a point of contact for students who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, discriminated against, bullied or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.

More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability
Services: https://sydney.edu.au/study/academic-support/disability-support.html who can help arrange support.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHYS3936: Condensed Matter and Particle Phys (Adv)

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect