Found 228 study abroad units
PVB301 Materials and Thermal Physics
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Chemistry and Physics
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the physical principles that describe the behaviour of solids and fluids at both the macroscopic level and at the atomic level. This is an advanced unit that builds upon conceptual physical and mathematical principles of earlier units. Through lectures, practical classes and simulations the unit will provide you with strong foundation in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. You will gain knowledge in the fast growing area of solid state physics and learn some of the techniques used to study new materials. The development of new materials is pivotal for the technology advancements of our society, with outcomes in every aspect of human life, spanning from reducing our environmental impact, to improving communication and computing, to achieving a better healthcare.
Approval required
You can only enrol in this undergraduate unit if you meet the specified requirements and have significant background knowledge in the area of study. After you apply, we will assess the units and your background knowledge and let you know the outcome.
PVB302 Classical and Quantum Physics
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Chemistry and Physics
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
Build on your prior learning in analytical mathematical approaches to solve problems in classical mechanics. Extend your understanding of classical mechanics through comparison of the Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamilton’s methods and their connection to quantum theory. Historical development of quantum theory will be traced, introducing key concepts such as wave-particle duality, its connection to the theory’s probabilistic nature and the uncertainty principle. This understanding of quantum concepts will be applied in terms of modern wave mechanics via solutions to the Schrodinger equation to explain a range of observed electronic behaviours such as quantum tunneling which is the operating mechanism of many semiconductor devices prevalent in technology today. The quantum approaches developed will also be applied to determine the appropriate description and arrangement of electrons bound to atoms and to explain the features of their emission and absorption spectra.
Approval required
You can only enrol in this undergraduate unit if you meet the specified requirements and have significant background knowledge in the area of study. After you apply, we will assess the units and your background knowledge and let you know the outcome.
PVB303 Nuclear and Particle Physics
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Chemistry and Physics
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This unit explores the microscopic universe from the nucleus down to the fundamental particles and forces from which matter is built. It will examine the development and the modern state of models of the nucleus, drawing on Quantum Mechanics (PVB302) to explain the stability and the properties of nuclei. Some of the current theories of particle physics and nuclear forces will be introduced. The second part of the unit will explore applications of nuclear physics, e.g. nuclear reactions, nuclear power and nuclear medicine. Lectures will be complemented by experimental laboratory work, enabling you to advance your experimental, communication and scientific writing skills.
Approval required
You can only enrol in this undergraduate unit if you meet the specified requirements and have significant background knowledge in the area of study. After you apply, we will assess the units and your background knowledge and let you know the outcome.
PVB304 Physics Research
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Chemistry and Physics
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This is the capstone unit for the Physics course, which gives you the opportunity to engage in real-world physics research. Students will undertake a project in which they explore computational and/or experimental approaches to generating new understanding in active research areas, and summarize their findings through scholarly writing and presentations. This unit provides students with the chance to develop their skills around gathering data, interpreting data, assessing uncertainties and presenting results in a clear and compelling way, helping them to develop skills that are required in both industry and academic contexts. This unit builds on all the previous learning in the Physics course, and enables students to draw on their developed expertise and to apply it to a well-defined research problem.
Approval required
You can only enrol in this undergraduate unit if you meet the specified requirements and have significant background knowledge in the area of study. After you apply, we will assess the units and your background knowledge and let you know the outcome.
PVB305 Electromagnetism and Optics
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Chemistry and Physics
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
Electromagnetism is one of the fundamental forces in the universe and is present in almost all aspects of modern technology. In this unit you will develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of electromagnetism from electric charge to more advanced topics such as electrostatics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, physical optics and applications such as waveguides. It will extend your mathematical knowledge and techniques from earlier units to explore and analyse these advanced physics concepts. This unit will provide advanced knowledge and real-world skills which will enhance your employability in technology based jobs.
Approval required
You can only enrol in this undergraduate unit if you meet the specified requirements and have significant background knowledge in the area of study. After you apply, we will assess the units and your background knowledge and let you know the outcome.
PVB306 Solid State Physics and Quantum Statistics
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Chemistry and Physics
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
The development of new materials is pivotal for the technology advancements of our society, with outcomes in every aspect of human life, spanning from reducing our environmental impact, to improving communication and computing, to achieving a better healthcare. The aim of this unit is to establish fundamental concepts and physical principles that describe the behaviour of solids at both the macroscopic level and at the atomic level. This is an advanced unit that builds upon conceptual physical and mathematical principles of earlier units (in particular quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, electrodynamics, and statistical mechanics) and you will apply them to understand the properties of real-world materials. Through lectures, practical classes and simulations the unit will provide you with strong foundation in solid state physics.
Approval required
You can only enrol in this undergraduate unit if you meet the specified requirements and have significant background knowledge in the area of study. After you apply, we will assess the units and your background knowledge and let you know the outcome.
PVB307 Physics in Practice
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Chemistry and Physics
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
The practice of physics involves the design and execution of structured investigations, and occurs within the context of the real world, where social and cultural implications must be considered. In this unit, you will deepen your understanding of and skills in the practice of physics. You will design and undertake a self-led experimental investigation that elucidates a core concept in physics, and will assess the efficacy of this process through a systematic framework. You will also explore the practice of physics within its professional and societal context, its ethical and legal implications, and how it interrelates with Indigenous perspectives and sovereignty both in Australia and globally.
PVB321 Introduction to Experimental Nanotechnology
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Chemistry and Physics
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February)
Unit synopsis
This is an introductory unit addressing the real-world practice in the interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology. It introduces the core concepts, fundamental principles, methodologies and essential tools to study matter at the nanoscale. This unit has a strong focus on hands-on experience in nanotechnology with its practical component centred around synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials using state-of-the-art techniques. This unit develops your critical thinking, problem solving, as well as ability to use laboratory equipment to synthesise and characterise nanomaterials; these are skills and attributes that professional scientists and engineers will require in solving real-world problems in their practices. This unit builds on the knowledge you have gained from your science and engineering units in prior years, and prepares you for PVB322 (Advanced Nanotechnology) that will deepen your understanding of theoretical principles governing materials at the nanoscale.
Approval required
You can only enrol in this undergraduate unit if you meet the specified requirements and have significant background knowledge in the area of study. After you apply, we will assess the units and your background knowledge and let you know the outcome.
QUT008 QUT You: Think Like a Computer and Change the World
Unit information
- School/discipline
- Faculty of Science
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
Unit synopsis
Whether you dream of becoming an environmental scientist, an interaction designer, a health professional, or a market analyst, your future career will require you to use computers to deal with harder problems and more data about more things than ever before. In this hands-on unit you will learn and apply computational thinking – the art of formulating problems in such a way that a machine can solve them for you. Each week you will tackle a range of real world and interdisciplinary challenges using simple coding resources and techniques. You will also work collaboratively to evaluate and critique the use and application of coding techniques in different disciplines to understand their societal implications. At the end of the unit, you will be able to apply these skills and knowledge to your own discipline to better prepare you for our increasingly technology-driven world. You will understand how coding works, and you will know how to critique different approaches.
QUT009 QUT You: Data Science for Society
Unit information
- School/discipline
- Faculty of Science
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
Unit synopsis
Data is part of the fabric of our modern societies with almost all aspects of our lives influenced, for better or worse, by systems that are fundamentally data-driven. As individuals, we often unknowingly contribute enormous quantities of data to these systems through our use of smart devices, wearables, and online platforms. Understanding the power and limitations of the rapidly growing field of data science is more important than ever before. In this unit, you will identify sources of bias, error, and misinterpretation within the data science pipeline and the potential consequences of data-driven decision-making if these sources are left unchecked. This grounding in fundamental principles of data science will empower you to think critically and ethically about these systems and how they affect us. Regardless of your career or discipline, you have a role to play in ensuring data-driven systems are built that align with our personal values and the values of our society.
SEB104 Grand Challenges in Science
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Biology and Environmental Science
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
Unit synopsis
Grand Challenges in Science explores world events, problems or phenomena from a scientific perspective, discovering the many ways in which science is used and misused by practicing scientists and the public. You will understand the problems and challenges of modern scientific inquiry using a range of multidisciplinary perspectives and explore solutions focussed approaches.
SEB107 Becoming a Contemporary Scientist
Unit information
- School/discipline
- Faculty of Science
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
Unit synopsis
In this unit, you will have the opportunity to explore the concept of contemporary science using solution-focused approaches to understand the problems and challenges of modern scientific inquiry. You will consider how science knowledge and practice from different cultures can provide new insights and perspectives to develop innovative solutions. Importantly you will understand the contributions and integral role of First Nations peoples in the advancement of Australian science and how developing this partnership is critical for scientists in the 21st Century and begin to explore emerging issues regarding Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
SEB108 Foundations of Data Analysis and Visualisation
Unit information
- School/discipline
- Faculty of Science
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
Unit synopsis
In science, new understanding grows from our analysis and interpretation of data. This unit will provide you with an opportunity to learn how the scientific method and data are related, and how we can extract meaningful information from data. You will work with a real-world data set to develop your skills in data analysis and visualisation using a relevant coding language while addressing an industry-defined question.
SEB121 Earth in Motion
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
Unit synopsis
In this unit you will learn about the inter-connectivity of Earth and life and how our planet has changed through time, including the recent socio-economic issues around climate, biodiversity and future energy demands.
SEB122 Physics in the Real World
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Chemistry and Physics
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
Unit synopsis
Physics describes the world around us, from the tides in the ocean to the way that objects heat up in the sunshine. Understanding basic physics provides a fundamental foundation for all of the scientific disciplines, and by learning how to think like a physicist you will understand how to approach problems systematically and analytically. This unit will enable you to identify the core physical laws required to describe a variety of real-world processes, with a particular focus on those that are relevant to other scientific disciplines. You will learn about measurement and uncertainty, motion, forces and energy, basic concepts of thermodynamics, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation and waves, and the structure of atoms and molecules, incorporating conceptual, mathematical and practical approaches.
SEB123 Life and the Environment: Survival of the Fittest
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Biology and Environmental Science
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
Unit synopsis
This unit introduces you to the study of living things, how the environment shapes their survival and in turn how living things can then shape their environments. You will engage with biological and environmental scientists in workshops and practical activities to investigate how and why organisms have adapted to survive and reproduce in different environments and the positive and negative impacts that this can have (with particular focus on Australia). By undertaking introductory experiments and activities in the field and laboratory you will develop your understanding of scientific methodologies. You will experience how traditional and modern approaches and technologies are complementary for answering important questions and for biologists and environmental scientists to make an impact.
SEB124 Understanding Chemistry
Unit information
- School/discipline
- School of Chemistry and Physics
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
Unit synopsis
Chemistry, the science of molecules, gives us the tools we need to make sense of the world around us. Chemistry underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world and appears in all science disciplines, including physics, biology, earth and environmental science. Therefore, this subject is designed to develop your understanding of the basic principles of chemistry and an opportunity to explore chemistry in the context of different science disciplines. This unit explores the structure of atoms, how atoms bond to form molecules, and the models chemists use to understand molecular structure, including an understanding of isomers. This knowledge is then applied to understand how chemical bonding and intermolecular forces work together to influence properties of macromolecules and materials. Through the practical aspects of this unit, you will develop professional skills in chemical manipulation, safe and sustainable laboratory practices, data recording and analysis.
SEB304 Science Capstone
Unit information
- School/discipline
- Faculty of Science
- Study level
- Undergraduate units
- Availability
- Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)
Unit synopsis
This capstone unit provides you with an opportunity to deepen your discipline understanding by applying your skills and knowledge to a semester-long work integrated learning project. Within your project, you will engage in research, draw on your data analysis skills, and develop innovative approaches to address complex problems. The unit is structured to allow you to develop communication and collaborative skills, and to understand the professional requirements of scientists in the workplace.