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Unit of study_

PHYS4126: Quantum Nanoscience

2025 unit information

Modern nanofabrication and characterisation techniques now allow us to build devices that exhibit controllable quantum features and phenomena. We can now demonstrate the thought experiments posed by the founders of quantum mechanics a century ago, as well as explore the newest breakthroughs in quantum theory. We can also develop new quantum technologies, such as quantum computers. This unit will investigate the latest research results in quantum nanoscience across a variety of platforms. You will be introduced to the latest research papers in the field, published in high-impact journals, and gain an appreciation and understanding of the diverse scientific elements that come together in this research area, including materials, nanofabrication, characterisation, and fundamental theory. You will learn to assess an experiment's demonstration of phenomena in quantum nanoscience, such as quantum coherence and entanglement, mesoscopic transport, exotic topological properties, etc. You will acquire the ability to approach a modern research paper in physics, and to critically analyse the results in the context of the wider scientific community. By doing this unit you will develop the capacity to undertake research, experimental and/or theoretical, in quantum nanoscience.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Science

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Physics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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An average of at least 65 in 144 credit points of units
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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A major in physics including third-year quantum physics and third-year condensed matter physics

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

  • LO1. Demonstrate the background and skills needed to approach modern quantum nanoscience papers in leading research journals.
  • LO2. Investigate the diverse scientific elements that come together in modern quantum nanoscience research, including materials, nanofabrication, characterisation, and fundamental theory.
  • LO3. Analyse an experiment's demonstration of phenomena in quantum nanoscience, such as quantum coherence and entanglement, mesoscopic transport, exotic topological properties etc.
  • LO4. Critically analyse a modern research paper in nanoscience in the context of the wider research field and demonstrate the ability to find and analyse information in the research literature and judge its significance.
  • LO5. Develop a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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