Physics 2 builds on Physics 1, PHYS1101, with a greater emphasis on mathematical techniques. It is an essential course for any student intending to study physics in later years as it introduces foundational knowledge in the areas of waves and optics, mathematical physics, stationary action principles, and special relativity. The course develops experimental and mathematical methods as parts of an integrated approach to physics.
This course together with Physics 1 provide the basis for further study of physics. They underpin the study at second year level of the core physics areas of: quantum mechanics, statistical and thermal physics, electromagnetism, and classical physics.
An Honours Pathway option is offered.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the concepts of special relativity, including: the postulates, time dilation, length contraction and the relativity of simultaneity.
- Be able use the Lorentz transformations for event coordinates.
- Understand the stationary action principle and its origin in quantum mechanics.
- Be able to derive the Euler-Lagrange equations for simple mechanical systems.
- Be able to take a wide range of physical situations, model them using differential equations, and effectively use the solutions.
- Be able to set up and compute 3D integrals of both scalar and vector quantities and use them to compute physical quantities such as electric fields and moments of inertia.
- Be able to model physical systems as damped, driven and coupled harmonic oscillators.
- Be able to apply physics principles to the solution of problems, including complex problems, and to the conduct of experiments.
- Have developed laboratory skills including equipment skills, data gathering and analysis, estimation and interpretation of uncertainties and, experiment design, and presentation.
Indicative Assessment
- Assignments (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
- Lab work (30) [LO 8,9]
- Final exam (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
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
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
• Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 2 hour workshop, 1 x 2 hour drop-in (non-compulsory) per week and 24 hours of labs per semester (6 x 3 hour sessions).
• Approximately 58 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for online lectures and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8745 | 22 Jul 2024 | 29 Jul 2024 | 31 Aug 2024 | 25 Oct 2024 | In Person | N/A |