Students

PHYS2030 – The Structure of Matter

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor, lecturer
Mikolaj Schmidt
mikolaj.schmidt@mq.edu.au
12WW, 4.14
Tuesday, 11-13
James Downes
james.downes@mq.edu.au
Convenor
Adam Joyce
adam.joyce@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
PHYS2010 and (MATH2010 or MATH2055)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit surveys the physics of the very small, including atoms, the nucleus, and the fundamental particles of the standard model, described through quantum mechanics – the most successful theory in modern physics. Quantum mechanics not only underpins much of modern physics but also offers a perspective on the physical world that defies everyday intuition. We develop quantum mechanics from basic principles, expressed in vector spaces and operators, and show how this framework leads to the wave function picture. We apply these principles to explore the hydrogen atom, the periodic table, and atomic spectra. In the sub-atomic realm, we examine the nucleus, radioactivity, and the phenomena of nuclear fission and fusion. Finally, we describe the particles and interactions that make up the standard model of particle physics, explaining their division into families based on mass and spin.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Quality Education; Affordable and Clean Energy; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Explain key experiments and physical observations that have led to the modern formulation of quantum mechanics and phenomena such as superposition, commuting and non-commuting observables, entanglement and measurement.
  • ULO2: Discuss the interpretation and roles of state vectors, operators and observables in the Hilbert space formulation of quantum mechanics and apply these to pose and solve physical quantum problems
  • ULO3: Explain the commonalities and distinctions between the description of discrete and continuous quantum systems and how these are unified in the Hilbert space picture problems including the wave function in position representation
  • ULO4: Describe the procedure for solving the three-dimensional Schrödinger equation to explain the physics of single and multi-electron atoms including orbital and spin angular momentum and atomic wave functions, and so explain the form and simple trends of the periodic table and the basic rules of atomic transitions.
  • ULO5: Explain the structure of the atomic nucleus, the nature of radioactivity, and the roles of the strong and weak interactions in nuclear stability, and apply concepts such as binding energy to explain nuclear decay and the distribution of stable isotopes
  • ULO6: Describe the different families of fundamental particles in the standard model, their connection with particle spin, and explain how these account for the observed set of free particles and interactions
  • ULO7: Write, modify and apply python code to solve and visualise problems involving discrete and continuous 3D quantum systems.

General Assessment Information

To help you navigate your discovery of the formal language of quantum physics, we've set up 3 assessments: 

Two reports (due before the teaching and exam brake), which will test your analytical and programming skills and understanding of quantum theory; both will feature problems similar to those solved at the weekly SGTAs and bi-weekly computer labs. You'll be asked to submit written reports with your solutions via iLearn, and a Python notebook on CoCalc (online systems we'll use during the computer labs).

  • Problem descriptions will be posted earlier, so you have at least 2 weeks to work on your report.
  • As per MQ policy, late submissions (up to a week only) are allowed, but they do carry a penalty! You'll lose 5% of the grade for every day past the due date.
  • Problem descriptions, detailed dates and information on submission format will be made available on iLearn.

Final exam will cover the problems covered in SGTAs, and some open questions testing your understanding of the theory.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Analytical and numerical analysis of a discrete quantum system 25% No Week 6
Analytical and numerical analysis of a continuous quantum system 25% No Week 13
Final exam in the University Examination Period 50% No tbd

Analytical and numerical analysis of a discrete quantum system

Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 25%

 

Report on analysis of a multi-faceted problem in discrete quantum mechanics, requiring the use of analytical and numerical tools developed throughout the first half of the unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Discuss the interpretation and roles of state vectors, operators and observables in the Hilbert space formulation of quantum mechanics and apply these to pose and solve physical quantum problems
  • Explain the commonalities and distinctions between the description of discrete and continuous quantum systems and how these are unified in the Hilbert space picture problems including the wave function in position representation
  • Write, modify and apply python code to solve and visualise problems involving discrete and continuous 3D quantum systems.

Analytical and numerical analysis of a continuous quantum system

Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 25%

 

Report on analysis of a multi-faceted problem in continuous quantum mechanics, requiring the use of analytical and numerical tools developed throughout the unit. 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the procedure for solving the three-dimensional Schrödinger equation to explain the physics of single and multi-electron atoms including orbital and spin angular momentum and atomic wave functions, and so explain the form and simple trends of the periodic table and the basic rules of atomic transitions.
  • Explain the structure of the atomic nucleus, the nature of radioactivity, and the roles of the strong and weak interactions in nuclear stability, and apply concepts such as binding energy to explain nuclear decay and the distribution of stable isotopes
  • Write, modify and apply python code to solve and visualise problems involving discrete and continuous 3D quantum systems.

Final exam in the University Examination Period

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: tbd
Weighting: 50%

 

Final exam in the University Examination Period covering the entire content of the unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain key experiments and physical observations that have led to the modern formulation of quantum mechanics and phenomena such as superposition, commuting and non-commuting observables, entanglement and measurement.
  • Discuss the interpretation and roles of state vectors, operators and observables in the Hilbert space formulation of quantum mechanics and apply these to pose and solve physical quantum problems
  • Explain the commonalities and distinctions between the description of discrete and continuous quantum systems and how these are unified in the Hilbert space picture problems including the wave function in position representation
  • Explain the structure of the atomic nucleus, the nature of radioactivity, and the roles of the strong and weak interactions in nuclear stability, and apply concepts such as binding energy to explain nuclear decay and the distribution of stable isotopes
  • Describe the different families of fundamental particles in the standard model, their connection with particle spin, and explain how these account for the observed set of free particles and interactions

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Succeeding in studying quantum physics

As with all branches of physics, the key to success is practising the skills by actively solving problems. It's important to attend lectures, SGTAs and labs to be introduced to the content and see examples of its application. It's also important to spend time reviewing the lecture notes and other materials, and identifying any parts that are confusing or unclear, and asking for help from your instructors. 

But watching lectures and reviewing notes are examples of what we call passive learning - you are watching or reading someone else doing physics. What really makes the material come alive and stick in your head is applying it by doing problems yourself, which is active learning. This includes repeating the examples shown in lectures, attempting the questions we'll see in SGTAs, and solving the assigned questions in the regular problem sheets. 

There are plenty of good books and videos on quantum physics that you may also find helpful and interesting, and we've provided some links in the Resources section below. But please, don't let time you devote to reading and videos reduce your focus on the primary task of solving problems yourself. That's the key to understanding the material and doing well in the final exam.

Reading list

There is no better way to study than a combination of class discussions, guided problem solving and - critically - a good book! Here's some we'd recommend:

(part 1)

  • J.J. Sakurai and Jim Napolitano, Modern Quantum Mechanics, (Cambridge University Press, 2020)
  • David McIntyre, Quantum Mechanics. A paradigms approach, (Cambridge University Press, 2022) 
  • David A. B Miller, Quantum mechanics for scientists and engineers, (Cambridge University Press, 2008)
  • David Griffiths, Introduction to quantum mechanics, (Cambridge University Press, 1995)

(part 2)

  • C. J. Foot, Atomic Physics, (Oxford, 2004)
  • R. Eisberg and R. Resnick, Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei, and particles, (Wiley, 1985)

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

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Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

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Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

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IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

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Unit information based on version 2025.05 of the Handbook