This course will explore scattering of quantum particles with both classical and quantum approaches, using examples from atomic, molecular and nuclear physics. Quantum effects will be explored through prototypical examples such as the Born approximation, Rutherford scattering and fusion processes. Descriptions will then be expanded to incorporate inelastic effects to mimic real scattering processes including the role of excited states and resonant processes. Semiclassical descriptions will be developed for high energy scattering, as well as approximation methods for lower energy processes, such as close-coupling and static exchange models. The course will also explore applications of scattering in various fields, such as atmospheric science and astrophysics.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand the definition and interpretation of cross sections;
2. Apply appropriate approximations to calculate scattering in different energy regimes;
3. Use scattering techniques for applications in different areas of physics;
4. Interpret real world scattering data in the context of the theory provided in the course;
5. Make calculations of complex scattering problems, using simplifying assumptions;
6. Communicate the relevance of the results of scattering measurements and calculations, in the context of experimental limitations and theoretical assumptions.

Research-Led Teaching

Research projects will be tailored to the research areas of students. Many of the problems through the course will be drawn from current research areas.

Required Resources

Course notes will be distributed in advance of each workshop.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

 

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Kinematics and cross sections	Pre-workshop questions, in-workshop questions
2	Classical scattering approaches	Pre-workshop questions, in-workshop questions
3	Atomic, molecular and nuclear structure	Pre-workshop questions, in-workshop questions
4	Quantum scattering: partial waves and the Born approximation	Pre-workshop questions, in-workshop questions
5	Identical particle scattering, and electron-hydrogen scattering	Pre-workshop questions, in-workshop questions
6	Tunnelling and resonances	Pre-workshop questions, in-workshop questions
7	Inelastic scattering	Pre-workshop questions, in-workshop questions
8	Explicit treatment of inelastic channels	Pre-workshop questions, in-workshop questions
9	Research project	Project report
10	Research project	Project report
11	Research project	Project report
12	Applications of scattering	Pre-workshop questions, in-workshop questions

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Pre-workshop problems/assignments	20 %	*	*	1,2,3,4
Workshop problems	20 %	*	*	1,2,3,4
Modelling/simulation project	20 %	17/05/2024	*	2,3,5
Exam	40 %	30/05/2024	27/06/2023	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

This course can be adjusted for remote participants in Sem 1 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please contact course convener for details.

Examination(s)

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for mid-semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for end of semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Pre-workshop problems/assignments

Course notes will contain short questions that must be completed before the workshop, and submitted at the start of the workshop each week. These will be marked and returned in the tutorial of the following week.

Students are expected to contribute on an on-going basis throughout the semester. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 2

Workshop problems

Workshops will consist of a number of problem solving exercises each week, to cover the course material and demonstrate its application. The final problem of each workshop will be graded and form a part of the course assessment. These will be marked and returned by the tutorial following the workshop.

Students are expected to contribute on an on-going basis throughout the semester. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 3

Modelling/simulation project

Each student will undertake a project, commencing in week 9, that develops a model of scattering processes relevant to their own Honours research topic, based on the material presented in the workshops. Projects will be developed in consultation with the lecturers to ensure that the scope is aligned with both the timeframe allocated and the goals of the course. The project will be assessed through a written report detailing the aims, methods and outcome of the simulation.

Assessment Task 4

Exam

The exam will test the understanding of all the material covered in the course. The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the course Wattle site and the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned in the tutorial following the workshop (i.e. Monday afternoons). The project reports will be returned before the start of exam period.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Not permitted

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students