Under course codes PHYS3041/2, students may choose from a variety of modules including coursework and research projects. The modules presented as part of PHYS3041/2 courses may, but need not necessarily, include the following:
Option A. Plasma PhysicsPlasmas are often described as the fourth state of matter - gases, liquids and solids being the other three. Plasma is in the form of an electrified gas consisting of electrically charged ions and electrons. It is estimated that 99% of the observable universe is in the plasma state, for example, stellar interiors and atmospheres, gaseous nebulae and interstellar space. In addition the unique physical and chemical environment created in plasma is widely exploited in industry such as in the microelectronics industry to create the submicron-sized architectures on microelectronic devices. Their industrial applications are now rapidly expanding into areas as diverse as polymer processing, ion propulsion and biomedicine. The course consists of three lectures per week for 6 weeks in the first half of semester 1.
Option B: Research Projects in PhysicsThis module is designed to connect students, on an individual basis, to active researchers at the ANU. The student will be expected to participate in a project at a level equivalent to that required for a 3 (PHYS3041) or 6 (PHYS3042) unit course. The project topic can be any area in Physics provided appropriate supervision exists. Assessment will typically be based on logbook keeping, a final project report and seminar. Students are advised to contact the Academic Contact for information on available projects.
This course is offered as an Honours Pathway Course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Plasma physicsOn satisfying the requirements of this course, students will:
- have a knowledge of the operating principles of the most significant types of experimental plasma devices and diagnostic techniques
- be able to select appropriate experimental diagnostics for specific measurements, and evaluate the results of those diagnostics
- develop skills in written communication and problem solving.
On satisfactorily completing a research project in physics, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic
- systematically identify relevant theoretical concepts and models, and relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence
- keep accurate and detailed records of work undertaken, including literature review, lab work or computational work
- work constructively with active researchers on real research problems
- critically evaluate their own work and results, as well as results reported in the literature
- communicate research concepts, contexts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally.
Indicative Assessment
Plasma PhysicsAssessment for plasma physics will be based on:
Assignments: 50 % (LO 1, 2)
Course project/scientific esay: 50 % (LO 1, 3)
Assessment for research projects will be based on:
- Logbook or project portfolio providing continuous evidence of the student's research efforts and conceptual development (50%; LO 1-6)
- Formal written report (40%; LO 5, 6)
- Oral presentation (10%; LO 6)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Preliminary Reading
Plasma Physics
Physics of Radio-Frequency Plasmas: Pascal Chabert and Nicholas Braithwaite
Principles of plasma discharges and materials processing: Michael Lieberman and Allan Lichtenberg
Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion: Francis Chen
Plasma Physics: An Introductory: R Dendy
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 3 units
If you are an undergraduate student and 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). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 3.00 | 0.06250 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $1638 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $2184 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma Physics | ||||||
| 3053 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
| Special Research Topics | ||||||
| 3088 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
