Key facts

UNE unit code: PHYS501

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Chemists and physicists need a solid grasp on the principles that determine fundamental atomic and molecular properties. This unit will equip you with the basis for gaining this understanding.

You will learn to look from a molecular point of view to understand and predict the macroscopic properties of a system based on its microscopic properties.

You will investigate the symmetry and structure of molecules and crystals, and the spectroscopy of atoms and molecules.

You will explore statistical thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics and its application to model systems, as well as the connection between quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.

For those with strong physics and mathematics backgrounds you will explore quantum mechanics in greater depth.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
PHYS301 or PHYS301A
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Erica Smith

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an advanced and integrated knowledge and understanding of the physical basis for the properties of atoms and molecules on a level suitable as a basis for further study in the physical sciences;
  2. use specialist knowledge to solve complex numerical problems and/or numerical derivations in theoretical chemistry and physics;
  3. demonstrate autonomy in carrying out and interpreting complex experiments in theoretical chemistry and physics;
  4. critically evaluate the principles of theoretical chemistry and physics in order to calculate macroscopic properties from the individual molecules making up the system; and
  5. analyse critically the significance and interrelationships between and within the topics covered and will have the initiative and creativity to develop meaningful and complex experiments in theoretical chemistry and physics.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes10%All offerings

Computational and calculation based assignments. The assignment component is mandatory and will count towards the final assessment of this unit.

Assessment 2Yes10%All offerings

Computational and calculation based assignments. The assignment component is mandatory and will count towards the final assessment of this unit.

Assessment 3Yes10%All offerings

Computational and calculation based assignments. The assignment component is mandatory and will count towards the final assessment of this unit.

Assessment 4Yes10%All offerings

Computational and calculation based assignments. The assignment component is mandatory and will count towards the final assessment of this unit.

Assessment 5Yes5%All offerings

Practical exercise which can be completed remotely.

Assessment 6Yes5%All offerings

Practical exercise which can be completed remotely.

Assessment 7Yes5%All offerings

Practical exercise which can be completed remotely.

Assessment 8Yes5%All offerings

Practical exercise which can be completed remotely.

Final ExaminationYes40%All offerings

It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass this unit.

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

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