PHYSICS 7570 - M.Philosophy Physics Part A
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code PHYSICS 7570 Course M.Philosophy Physics Part A Coordinating Unit Physics Term Semester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 9 Contact Up to 8 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Assumed Knowledge Completed undergraduate degree in Physics or equivalent Restrictions Available to Master of Philosophy in Physics & Astrophysics students only Assessment Written assignments & exams Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Ross Young
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
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.University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1,3,6 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
2,4,5,6 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
5,6 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
4,5,6 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
2 hours of lectures per module per weekWorkload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 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).Learning Activities Summary
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 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 -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment task Type of assessment Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes #
Hurdle
Yes or No #Objectives being assessed / achieved Research Presentation Formative NGP No 4 – 6 Assignments Formative & Summative 30% - 100% * No 1 – 6 Written Exams Summative 0% - 70% * No 1 – 6 Assessment Detail
Research Presentation:
Students are required to give a research presentation on the current progress of their research project.
Assignments: *
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 (8 to 12 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: *
Depending on the modules selected, written exams constitute 0% to 70% of the total course grade (1 exam per module, up to 4 exams in total). Written exams are used to assess the understanding of an ability to use the material covered in modules during the semester.
* Assignment and examination weighting depends on modules selected by students.
Final result and grade
Upon successful completion of each module and the research presentation, the final grade for this course will be ‘Continuing’ (CN). The final result will be combined to the final result of PHYSICS 7565 ‘M. Philosophy Physics B’ and the appropriate grade will be given at the end of the second semester of study (after 15 units of study).Submission
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.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
