Atomic Physics (F3211)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

On this module, you’ll explore:

  • fine structure in hydrogen
  • hyperfine structure including isotope and nuclear spin effects
  • interaction of atoms with external fields
  • helium atom
  • multi-electron atoms and the periodic system
  • radiative processes and Einstein coefficients
  • emission and absorption spectra and line broadening
  • basics of molecular structure: vibration and rotation.

Teaching

69%: Lecture
31%: Seminar (Class)

Assessment

20%: Coursework (Problem set)
80%: Examination (Unseen examination)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 42 hours of contact time and about 108 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.