Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Optics and Quantum Physics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2190

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: A/Prof Andrew Martin

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3853

Course Coordinator Email: andrew.martin@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: City Campus

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommneded Prior Study 

You should have satisfactorily completed or received credit for the following course/s before you commence this course: 

If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer. 

Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. 

Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience. 

 


Course Description

Optics is the study of electromagnetic radiation and its measurement through the interaction of light and matter. This branch of physics is also concerned with the generation of light, which has its origins in quantum physics. Quantum theory is a mathematical framework for describing the properties of matter at the atomic level. In this third-year course you will continue your previous studies of optics by learning more about the properties of light and how they are exploited in optical instruments. Furthermore, you will study the properties of matter as predicted by quantum theory. The topics covered have wide applicability to many areas of modern science and technology.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program:   

BP350 Bachelor of Science (Physics Major)

PLO2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
PLO3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.
PLO4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future. 

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.   


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to: 

  1. Identify and describe concepts and theories related to optics and quantum physics;
  2. Explain the relevance of optics and quantum physics for optical instruments and material properties;
  3. Solve problems related to optics and quantum physics, making links between observables and the established theory;
  4. Apply the relevant principles of optics and quantum physics in experiments; record and analyse data as part of a group and present the  findings. 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, class discussion, individual and group activities.  

 You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through RMIT Student Website. 

You will learn in this course through: 

  • lectorials, where concepts will be introduced and explained through worked examples and demonstrations;
  • private study, such as revising the concepts presented in lectures and practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems;
  • participation in tutorials designed to give you further practice in the application of important concepts, as well as feedback on your progress;
  • completing assignments that require an integrated understanding of the subject matter;
  • performing experiments related to the course material and the writing of laboratory reports. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through RMIT Student Website. 

There are services available to support your learning through the RMIT Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the RMIT Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT Student Website.. 

Extensive use will be made of the prescribed text and its associated learning materials. Other notes may also be provided. You will have access to laboratory facilities on campus. 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1:  Written Assignment(s) 
Weighting: 20% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 and 3 

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory Practical Reports 
Weighting: 30% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 and 4 

Assessment Task 3: Invigilated Assessment 
Weighting: 50% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 and 3 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.