1. demonstrate a detailed physical and mathematical understanding of a variety of systems and processes in a range of advanced topics in physics;

2. apply the concepts and theories of a range of advanced topics in physics;

3. demonstrate specialised analytical skills and techniques necessary to carry out advanced calculations in a range of advanced topics in physics;

4. approach and solve new problems in a range of advanced topics in physics;

5. demonstrate an understanding of the close relationship between scientific research and the development of new knowledge in a global context;

6. undertake independent research in a physical or mathematical field .

Internal *

- 2 hours of lectures or 3 hours of practical sessions per module per week
* The method of delivery depends on modules selected by students.

A student enrolled in a 6 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 24 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).

The course content includes a selection of three of the following modules:
Ø Advanced Astrophysics
- Fundamentals of Radiative Transfer and scattering
- Interstellar Hydrogen, the Violent ISM and Star Formation
- Cosmic Ray and Gamma-ray Observations and Techniques
- Astrophysical Neutrinos
- Radiation by Accelerated Charge and Relativistic Bremsstrahlung
- Synchrotron and Inverse Compton Radiation
- Cosmic Ray Diffusion and Acceleration
- Relativistic Doppler Factor and Active Galactic Nuclei
- Thermal Bremsstrahlung
- Attenuation of photons in the Universe

Ø Advanced Atmospheric Physics
- Introduction to Planetary Atmospheres
- Radiation and Radiative Transfer
- Atmospheric Dynamics and the Role of Waves
- Ionospheric Physics

Ø Electronics for Data Acquisition
- Introduction to analogue and digital electronics for signal processing, data acquisition and experiment control
- Introduction to PIC microcontrollers for data acquisition and experiment control

Ø Electrodynamics
- Electrostatics
- Inhomogeneous wave equations
- Radiation
- Propagation issues
- Relativity
- Scattering and radiation reaction

Ø Fourier Techniques and Applications
- One-dimensional FT and applications, including convolution and wavelets
- Two-dimensional FT and applications, including diffraction and antennas
- Three-dimensional FT and applications to weak scattering
- Heat Conduction and Diffusion

Ø Gauge Field Theories
- Principles of Gauge Invariance
- Gauge invariance in Abelian gauge field theories
- Group theory in particle physics
- U(1) gauge group
- Internal symmetries
- Special unitary groups SU(n), SU(2)
- Gauge invariance in non-Abelian gauge field theories
- Gauge invariance and geometry
- Functional methods
- Path integral quantization and gauge theories
- Generating functional methods
- Non-Abelian gauge fields and the Fadeev-Popov method
- Massive gauge bosons: Spontaneous breaking of gauge symmetry
- Higgs mechanism
- Electroweak unification and the Standard Model
- Electroweak interactions
- CKM matrix
- Perturbation theory
- Regularization and renormalization procedure

Ø General Relativity
- Special Relativity - Review
- Principle of Equivalence
- Classical Field Theory
- Stress-Energy Tensor
- Differential Geometry
- Curved Space-Time
- Einstein's Theory of Gravitation
- Schwarzschild Metric
- Introduction to Cosmology

Ø Non-Linear Optics
- Introduction: Overview and review of nonlinear optics.
- Wave equation description of NLO: Second Harmonic Generation, phase matching,
- Second, Third and higher order
- Intensity dependent index of refraction, general tensor formulation of susceptibility.
- Nonlinear optical processes: intensity dependent index
- Semiconductor and molecular nonlinearities
- Inelastic nonlinear optical processes: Stimulated Raman, Brillouin etc.
- Optical Phase conjugation
- Nonlinear Fibre Optics: Fibre Fundamentals: overview of basic fibre concepts, types, properties and applications. Photonic Crystals: concepts, 1- 2- and 3-dimensional photonic crystals, Fibre Bragg Gratings
- Optical Glasses: concepts, optical and thermal properties, fabrication,
- Microstructured Fibres: guidance mechanisms, optical properties, fabrication and applications, Nonlinear fibre devices based on microstructured fibres: review of operation of a range of devices
- Thermonuclear laser fusion
- Quantum optics, quantum cryptography

Ø Nuclear And Radiation Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- Nuclear Reactions
- Radiation Physics

Ø Quantum Field Theory
- Introduction
- Classical Field Theory
- Field Quantisation
- Invariant Functions
- Fermion Fields
- Interacting Theories
- Introductory Quantum Electrodynamics
- Cross Sections and Decay Rates

Ø Relativistic Quantum Mechanics & Particle Physics
- Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
- Particle Physics

Assessment Task	Task Type	Percentage of total weighting	Hurdle Yes/No	Learning Outcome
Assignments	Formative & Summative	30-100%	No	1-6
Written Exams	Summative	0-70%	No	1-6

Assignments: (30%-100% of total course grade) *

Depending on the modules selected, assignments constitute 30% to 100% of the total course grade.

The standard assessment consists of 2 assignments per module or 3 assignments if there is no written exam (6 to 9 assignments in total). This may be varied by negotiation with students at the start of the semester.

Assignments are used during the semester to address understanding of and ability to use the course material and to provide students with a benchmark for their progress in the course.

Written Examination: (0%-70% of total course grade) *

Depending on the modules selected, written exams constitute 0% to 70% of the total course grade (1 exam per module, up to 3 exams in total). Written exams are used to assess the understanding of and ability to use the material covered in modules during the semester.
* Assignment and examination weighting depends on modules selected by students.

If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply.  A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.