This course is aimed at two groups of students:
- Non-physics students: to teach them about how physics can help them make the world a better place.
- Physics students: to teach them about how their physics knowledge can be applied to make the world a better place.
The course will cover topics such as global warming, energy change, bushfires and nuclear power, and show how an understanding of physics can help future leaders make better decisions. It will also cover the social, economic and political context in which physics is used, and how scientists can most effectively deal with these big-picture issues.
There is a particular focus on working with complex multidisciplinary problems, and on how science can harm or benefit indigenous communities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Estimate physical quantities and critically analyse information using 'back-of-the-envelope' techniques;
- Apply physics knowledge effectively to complex multi-disciplinary real-world problems;
- Communicate technical information and work effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Apply skills in uncertainty estimation and risk management to complex real-world problems;
- Understand how science can harm or benefit indigenous communities.
Indicative Assessment
- In-class assignments (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Communications Project (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Exam (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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 2 x 2 hour workshops.
- Approximately 70 hours of pre-reading tasks and other assessment.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Assumed Knowledge
Assumed knowledge in mathematics or physics at high school level
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7685 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |