Why can’t we build practical flying cars? How do stars explode? Why do mouse hearts beat so fast? Could you stop a cyclone by dropping an atomic bomb on it? Why do smartphone batteries run flat so fast? If you build yourself a super-hero suit, how long could you fight criminals before your batteries go flat? Could the Death Star really destroy a planet? In this course, we will use physics to answer these questions, and many more like them.
The course introduces the key ideas of modern physics, ranging from quantum mechanics to astrophysics, and from electromagnetic waves to thermodynamics. Using these concepts, we show how physics allows us to come up with innovative solutions to a wide range of modern-day problems.
The course focusses on problem-solving: using your knowledge of physics in complicated real-world contexts, using data analysis, modelling, laboratory analysis and back-of-the-envelope estimation to get answers to seemingly impossible problems.
HPO
More advanced (honours pathway) options are available in this course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Construct and use appropriate physical models for a wide range of physical situations, including computer modeling, and explain their limitations.
2. Quickly estimate order-of-magnitude values for a wide range of physical quantities.
3. Analyse and interpret uncertain data, including computer analysis.
4. Become proficient with vectors and vector fields
5. Estimate the systematic and random uncertainties in both experimental and theoretical situations
6. Construct and analyse DC and AC circuits using a breadboard, multimeter and oscilloscope
Indicative Assessment
Assessment comprises:
- Weekly homework, 30% (LO 1-5)
- In-class tests and assignments, 30% (LO 1-6)
- Final written exam, 30% (LO 1-5)
- Final Laboratory exam, 10% (LO 1, 3, 5, 6)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Weekly two-hour workshops and two-hour laboratories. Lectures are online.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None
Assumed Knowledge
There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major). Students without this level of preparation should take PHYS1001 first. You also need to meet the requirements of the maths co-requisites.Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5460 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2708 | 25 Feb 2019 | 04 Mar 2019 | 31 Mar 2019 | 31 May 2019 | In Person | View |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9329 | 22 Jul 2019 | 29 Jul 2019 | 31 Aug 2019 | 25 Oct 2019 | In Person | View |