FROM ATOMS TO LASERS - 2026/7

Module Overview

This module deals with the physics of atoms, including atomic spectra. It will introduce the effects on atoms due to electric and magnetic fields. The physics of diatomic molecules will be discussed, including how spectroscopic techniques can be used to study more complex molecules. Finally, by understanding how atoms interact with light, the module will introduce the principles of the laser.The module includes a laboratory component in which ideas from the lectures will be explored experimentally. 

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

DOHERTY Daniel (Maths & Phys)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

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

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

This includes hydrogenic atoms and the three-dimensional Schrodinger equation, orbital and spin quantum numbers and angular momentum. It also includes a brief overview of diatomic molecules including the Born-Oppenheimer Approximation, and vibrational and rotational molecular states. The course will look at how the quantum theory of atoms makes predictions that spectroscopy confirms.The basic principles underlying lasers will be covered including laser conditions. 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

The laboratory Diary and Report/Presentation Mark may be assessed by a condensed programme of laboratory work, with written laboratory report/presentation.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

• their practical laboratory skills
• their abilities to analyze data and draw conclusions from it
• their skills in communicating scientific information
• their problem-solving abilities,
• their understanding of fundamental concepts and theory relating to atomic and laser physics.

• A mid-semester open-book test
• Laboratory diaries* and experimental summaries.
• Laboratory presentation* or experimental report
• End-of-semester in person closed-book examination.  

• Weekly formative quizzes provide automatic feedback once completed.
• Weekly tutorial questions are discussed in tutorial class with verbal feedback
• Students can ask questions and receive feedback during/after lectures
• Demonstrators provide feedback during laboratory sessions.

Module aims

• Develop an understanding of the limitations of the Bohr model and develop the concepts that relates to angular momentum in the atom. The interactions within the atom will be discussed, as well as the effect on the atom of external fields. Finally, the module will introduce the laser and discuss the principles of its operation.

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.
• enable students to tackle unseen problems in atomic and laser physics.
• development of experimental practical skills.
• development of scientific report-writing skills. 

• a weekly tutorial worksheet to provide practice in longer-form problems.
• face-to-face lectures.
• a face-to-face tutorial class that reviews worksheet questions.
• lab classes to develop both scientific lab skills, as well as analysis and presentation skills

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: PHY2062

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: 

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 2026/7 academic year.