This course introduces students to the microscopic theories that describe the fundamental particles and atomic nuclei. Building on prior study in quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, students will develop an understanding of particle physics, from relativistic quantum mechanics and the Standard Model to contemporary ideas that extend beyond the Standard Model, as well as the models that describe the structure, properties, and reactions of atomic nuclei.
Through laboratory work and classroom activities, students will explore the experimental foundations of these theories and learn how observations and measurements shape our understanding of matter at the smallest scales. By the end of the course, students will be able to explain physical phenomena in terms of their fundamental constituents and interactions, and apply this knowledge to contemporary challenges and technologies in fundamental physics, radiation safety, medical applications, and nuclear energy.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Evaluate the experimental foundations for our modern understanding of the fundamental particles and their interactions, as expressed in the Standard Model
- Relate the underlying principles of relativistic quantum mechanics and symmetries to the Standard Model and assess the their impact upon particle interactions and decays
- Justify the use of different models of nuclear structure to explain, predict, and interpret nuclear properties like masses, radiation, shape, and energy.
- Understand common types of nuclear reactions and critically discuss their applications.
- Justify the experimental basis of nuclear and particle physics, and be able to defend the role of effective models in physics.
- Make measurements of energy and decay spectra using experimental facilities and apply statistical techniques to analyze the uncertainties in the data and evaluate results.
- Develop advanced computational, written communication and verbal communication skills.
Other Information
The course contains hurdle requirements to pass the course.
- Students must achieve a passing grade (>50%) averaged across both exams to pass the course.
Indicative Assessment
- Regular assignments (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Mid-semester exam (hurdle requirement) (15) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Final exam (hurdle requirement) (15) [LO 3,4,5]
- Laboratory work, including lab book and technical report (hurdle requirement) (25) [LO 5,6,7]
- Major project (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,7]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures/workshops per week plus optional 1 x 1 hours tutorial per week and approximately 10 hours of laboratory work, with an indicative split of 5 x 2 hour sessions over the semester.
- Approximately 70 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, laboratory reports, and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts.
Assumed Knowledge
Students should have knowledge of quantum mechanics equivalent to PHYS2013 and electromagnetism equivalent to PHYS2016
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $5040 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $7200 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5509 | 22 Feb 2027 | 01 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 28 May 2027 | In Person | N/A |