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 unit provides an advanced introduction to both these fields, sharing some coursework with PHYS3936, but going into much more depth through a literature review project offering a critical view of a current research topic in condensed matter physics or particle physics. The particle physics part will introduce 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. The condensed matter part will cover the physics that underlies the electromagnetic, thermal, and optical properties of solids. Lectures will include discoveries and new developments in semiconductors, nanostructures, magnetism, and superconductivity, topics which will also be explored in computer lab tutorials. In addition, you will carry out an in-depth critical analysis on a topic of your choice in condensed matter physics and/or particle physics through a literature review research project. In completing this unit, you will gain understanding of the foundations of modern physics and develop research and critical thinking skills.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	144 credit points of units of study including [6 credit points of (PHYS3X34 or PHYS3X90 or PHYS3991) and 6 credit points of (PHYS3X42 or PHYS3X43 or PHYS3X44)]
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PHYS3036 or PHYS3936 or PHYS3080 or PHYS3980 or PHYS3068 or PHYS3968 or PHYS3069 or PHYS3969 or PHYS3074 or PHYS3974
Assumed knowledge ?	(MATH2X21 or MATH2X61 or MATH2067). 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
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Antoine Runge, antoine.runge@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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Supervised Final Exam	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Particle Physics assignment 1 Written work	5%	Week 05 Due date: 22 Mar 2024 at 23:59	5 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Condensed matter physics assignment 1 written	5%	Week 12 Due date: 17 May 2024 at 23:59	5 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Literature review Written	35%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:59	8 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Quizzes Small continuous assessment – weekly quizzes	10%	Weekly	1-2 pages
Outcomes assessed:

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.
Literature review: essay type on a chosen topic/project from either module of around 8 pages.
Final exam: The final exam will have questions covering all coursework aspects of this course. It will be a supervised on-campus written examination.
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

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

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

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 and Sons, 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 quantitative and quantitative problems in scientific contexts, using appropriate mathematical and computing techniques as necessary
LO3. communicate scientific information appropriately through written work
LO4. 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.

No aspects to address from last year.

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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHYS4036: Condensed Matter and Particle Phys (Hons)

Semester 1, 2024 [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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect