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 part of an integrated approach to physics.
This course, together with Physics 1, provides 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 (HPO) is offered. If the student completes the HPO requirements, the course marking scheme is modified to the following: the project mark counts for 30% on top of the course assessment, so the final mark is (course mark+project mark*0.3)/1.3.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain and apply foundational laws, principles and theories of physics
- Apply appropriate techniques and equations to demonstrate physical phenomena and principles
- Derive equations and calculate quantities to understand the physical phenomena
- Demonstrate the appropriate selection and use of laboratory methods and equipment
- Design and conduct a simple experiment, analyse, quantify and communicate the results
Other Information
Students are required to achieve a minimum mark of 50% of the total lab work to pass the course.
Indicative Assessment
- Assignments (25) [LO 1,2,3]
- Quiz (5) [LO 1,2,3]
- Lab work (30) [LO 4,5]
- Final exam (40) [LO 1,2,3]
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 27 hours of labs per semester (9 x 3-hour sessions).
• Approximately 55 hours of self-directed study, which will include preparation for online lectures and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8421 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |