ATOMS AND QUANTA - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module identifies the new theories necessary to describe physical processes when we go beyond the normal speeds and sizes experienced in everyday life. A review of new phenomena that led to the development of quantum theory follows naturally into an introduction to the theory of atomic structure. Along the way, the Schrödinger equation is introduced and elementary applications are considered. Several important aspects of the structure and spectroscopy of atoms are considered in detail.

The basis is laid for the study of the properties of matter in more detail at higher levels.

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

LOTAY Gavin (Maths & Phys)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• 
  Introduction - The need for quantum theory, outline of course.
  


• 
  Quanta of light - Electromagnetic waves and light, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton effect.
  


• 
  Wave-particle duality - De Broglie hypothesis, Born interpretation, Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
  


• 
  Quantum mechanics - Arguments leading to the Schrödinger equation, solution for a free      particle, wave functions, solution for a particle in a box, implications for energy quantization.
  


• 
  Quantum structure of atoms - Atomic spectra, Franck-Hertz experiment, spectral lines for      hydrogen, Bohr model, hydrogen atom in quantum mechanics, electron spin (Stern-Gerlach     experiment), Zeeman effect.
  


• 
  Multi-electron atoms - Pauli exclusion principle, shell structure, low levels of alkali atoms, characteristic x-rays, optical spectra, addition (coupling) of angular momentum, helium spectrum.
  


• 
  Molecules 
  


• 
  Topics of experiments will include: Fabry-Perot etalon; Millikan’s oil drop; speed of light; thermal radiation; Planck’s constant.
  


• 
  An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awareness workshop.
  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Assessed Laboratory Diary Mark and Report/Poster UoA may be assessed by two laboratory experiments, two diaries and two written reports.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate recall of subject knowledge ability to apply individual components of subject knowledge to simple problems ability to synthesise and apply combined areas of subject knowledge to complex problems competence in undertaking and analysing experimental work.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: 

• Bi-weekly hand-in questions from Small Group Tutorial Sessions


• A laboratory diary mark on selected experiments (continuous assessment)


• A written examination of 2-hour duration with a series of short compulsory questions, and a section of longer questions with a choice of 2 out of 3. 


• EDI Awareness Engagement

Formative assessment and feedback:

Formative assessment for this module takes place in weekly small group tutorial sessions, where students tackle both numerical and descriptive problems, and with the submission of laboratory diaries. Laboratory diaries are marked and written feedback is provided. Verbal feedback will be given in tutorials, and during the laboratory sessions.

The Laboratory unit of assessment has a qualifying mark of 40%.

The assessment of engagement with the EDI Awareness Workshop will be by an open book quiz with unlimited re-attempts, but it must be passed in order to pass the module.

 

Module aims

• provide an understanding of the principles underlying elementary quantum theory and their experimental foundation.
• develop quantum principles so that the meaning and the use of the Schrödinger equation can be appreciated.
• instill a knowledge of the shell and orbital structure of atoms, and key effects such as fine structure.
• provide a broad foundation for further studies of atomic, nuclear and solid state phenomena,
• provide an introduction to spectroscopic notation and angular momentum coupling.
• via the  laboratory, reinforce concepts from lectures.  The aims of the laboratory are to build on the foundation of previous practical classes when conducting experiments to verify theory and to improve understanding.  Another aim is to develop skills in analysing data.  The importance of keeping a laboratory notebook (diary) and the clear presentation of results will be stressed.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• 
  equip students with subject knowledge
  


• 
  develop skills in applying subject knowledge to physical situations
  


• 
  develop practical laboratory skills
  

 

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 
  lecture-based classes with accompanying tutorials 
  


• 
  laboratory classes, spread through the semester
  

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PHY1040

Other information

The School of Mathematics and Physics is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

• Global and Cultural Capabilities The module includes an Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) workshop which aims to increase awareness of cultural, religious, or racial differences while delivering information about how a person can change their behaviour to be more inclusive. Through this training, students are encouraged to diversify their knowledge and reflect upon their experiences as a physicist and in education.

• Resourcefulness and Resilience Students are introduced to problem solving both individually in the assessed coursework and as small groups in both the experimental laboratories and small-group tutorial sessions. A key aim of the module is to show how the techniques developed here can be applied to a wide range of physics phenomena and real-world examples.

 

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.