PH5015 Applications of Quantum Physics

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Normally only taken in the final year of an MPhys or MSci programme involving the School, or a postgraduate photonics programme.

Module description

Quantum physics is one of the most powerful theories in physics yet is at odds with our understanding of reality. In this module we show how laboratories around the world can prepare single atomic particles, ensembles of atoms, light and solid state systems in appropriate quantum states and observe their behaviour. The module includes studies of laser cooling, Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum dots and quantum computing. An emphasis throughout will be on how such quantum systems may actually turn into practical devices in the future. The module will include assessment based on tutorial work and a short presentation on a research topic.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS PH3081 OR PASS PH3082 OR PASS MT2506 AND PASS MT2507 ) AND PASS PH3061 AND PASS PH3062

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 80%, Coursework = 20%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 or 3 lectures or tutorials, plus 3 hours student presentations over the semester

Scheduled learning hours

30

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

120

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.