School of Computing prospectus 2012 - Walter Sisulu University

Thermodynamics and Modern Physics
Code Course NQF Level Credits Semester
PHY2202 Thermodynamics and Modern
Physics
Lectures per week Practicals per week Tutorials
per week
42
6 16 2
Number
of
weeks
4 x 50 min 1 x 180 min 2 x 40 min 15 160
Notional
hrs
Content / Syllabus: Thermodynamics: Temperature, reversible processes and work, The First
Law of thermodynamics, The Second Law of Thermodynamics, Entropy, The
thermodynamic Potentials and the Maxwell relations, General thermodynamics
relations, Change of phase, Open systems and the Chemical Potential, The
third law of Thermodynamics.
Modern Physics: Atoms and Kinetic Theory (Atomic Theory of Matter, Kinetic
Theory, Specific Heat of gases, The Maxwell Distribution of Velocities and
Brownian Motion). Elementary Particles (Discovery of the electron, quantization
of electric charge, the photon, neutron, antiparticles and spin, discovery of
X-rays). The Quantum Theory of Light ( Blackbody Radiation, The Rayleigh-
Jeans Theory, Planck’s Theory of Radiation, Einstein’s transition Probabilities,
Amplification through Stimulated emission, the Ruby and Neon Lasers). The
Particle Nature of Photons (The Photoelectric Effect, The Compton Effect, The
Dual Nature of Photons, the Wave Packet, The Uncertainty Principle).
The Quantum Theory of Atom (Models of Thomson and Rutherford, Classical
Scattering Cross-section, Bohr’s Theory of Atomic Spectra, The Franck-Hertz
Experiment, X-ray Spectra and the Bohr Theory). Nuclear Physics ( Binding
Energy, Radioactivity, Nuclear Reactions, Nuclear fusion and fission). Nuclear
Physics (Space-time and dynamics, relativity of mass, length contraction and
time dilation).
Assessment: Modules mark (M) will be obtained from continuous assessment based on
quizzes, tutorials, lab reports, and tests. The final mark will be obtained from
the Module mark (M) and Summative Assessment (E) in the ratio 3:2.
Entry Assumptions/Pre-requisites: PHY1101, PHY1202, MAT1101, MAT1201
Co-requisites: MAT2101, MAT2201
11.1.4 Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science Programme
11.1.4.1 Description of Programme
The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) program is taken over one full-time year or
two part-time years. Entry to the honours program is possible for graduates of other cognate
disciplines. Enquiries regarding admission should be directed to the Course Coordinator of the
program. This one year program is normally undertaken by students with an excellent academic
record in the Bachelor of Computer Science degree who wish to broaden their knowledge as
further preparation for professional practice or to meet the requirements for admission to a
research degree. Students enrolled in the program are required to complete a project and
directed electives in computer science.
Computer Science Honours is a one-year 120 credit program made up of six 15-credit coursework
modules and an individual, supervised project worth 30 credits.
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING