ANU - STUDYAT - Advanced Physics II

Offered By:

Dept of Quantum Science

Academic Career:

Undergraduate

Course Subject:

Physics

Offered in:

Second Semester, 2010

Unit Value:

6 units

Course Description:

Advanced Physics 2 follows on from Advanced Physics 1, PHYS1101. It introduces foundational concepts in the areas of waves, electromagnetism, thermal physics, and special relativity. There are many applications to research, technology, and everyday life. The course develops experimental and computational methods as parts of an integrated approach to physics. Advanced Physics 2 is an essential course for any student intending to study physics in later years. Lectures include problem solving activities. Topics covered in this course include: waves, optics, electromagnetic radiation, collisions, angular momentum - including its conservation and quantization, electric and magnetic flux, thermal physics - special relativity.

Honours Pathway Option

Honours Pathway students will complete a self-directed project involving discovery learning which will replace half of the laboratory work.

Astrophysics Option

Students with an interest in astronomy and astrophysics may replace some of the lab work with astrophysics labs, projects, observations and field trips.

Learning Outcomes:

On satisfying the requirements for this course students will:

1. Understand collisions and angular momentum, introductory special relativity, and Maxwell's equations for electric and magnetic fields.
2. Be able to apply these principles to the solution of problems, including complex problems, and to the conduct of experiments.
3. Have a developed understanding of uncertainty in the context of physics, and how to handle it.
4. Have developed laboratory skills including equipment skills, data gathering, record keeping, data analysis, experiment design, and presentation.
5. Have developed computational skills and be able to apply them to solving problems.

Indicative Assessment:

Assessment comprises:

Laboratory write-ups (30%; LO 2, 3, 4, 5)
Homework assignments (40%; LO 1, 2, 3, 5)
Lecture and tutorial activities (10%; LO 1, 2, 3)

Workload:

Three lectures per week. Eight three hour laboratories. One tutorial per week.

Areas of Interest:

Physics

Requisite Statement:

Students must have completed PHYS1101 and mathematics at least to the standard of MATH1013.

Corequisites:

Mathematics at least to the standard of MATH1014.

Incompatibility:

ENGN1226

Prescribed Texts:

R. Chaby and B. Sherwood, Matter and Interactions.

Science Group:

A

Academic Contact:

Dr Craig Savage

Advanced Physics II PHYS1201 - Details