This core second year physics course develops classical mechanics. The least action formulation of classical mechanics is developed and related to quantum mechanics. Hamiltonian mechanics is also introduced, as are the tensor properties of materials. The course examines wave phenomena in continuous media, including diffraction and Fourier theory, and continuum mechanics in fluids. The course material is supported throughout by examples taken from recent research on mechanical systems, nano-optics, atomic physics, biological systems, fluid mechanics and laser physics. Computer models provide an opportunity to explore various concepts presented in lectures, including coupled linear oscillators and chaotic dynamics in driven non-linear oscillators. Complementing the lectures, this course contains a laboratory component. Some experiments are essentially qualitative and support lecture material, while others allow development of important skills in quantitative experimental physics. This course is a prerequisite for PHYS3101 and PHYS3102. It is required for the physics major.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Solve complicated physical problems using the principle of least action.
- Describe the role of the wave equation and appreciate the universal nature of wave motion in a range of physical systems.
- Use Fourier theory and diffraction to describe properties of waves.
- Understand the fundamentals of the mechanics of continuous systems.
- Model and analyse the dynamics of physical systems using computational methods.
- Through the lab course, understand the principles of measurement and error analysis and develop skills in experimental design.
Indicative Assessment
- Assignments and online questions (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Laboratory work (20) [LO 6]
- Computational project (10) [LO 5]
- Exam (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 3 hour workshop per week (36 hours per semester), an optional 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week plus 16 hours of labs throughout the semester.
- Approximately 78 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Assumed Knowledge
Students enrolling in this course are strongly encouraged to have completed PHYS1201 with a credit or higher.
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4110 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5880 |
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.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6135 | 26 Jul 2021 | 02 Aug 2021 | 14 Sep 2021 | 29 Oct 2021 | In Person | N/A |