Available in 2024
Course code

PHYS1220

Units

10 units

Level

1000 level

Course handbook

Description

Physics underpins most aspects of modern engineering, technology, and medicine. For example, about 25% of the world's economy is tied to the quantum mechanics of silicon, and many of the most important practical advances in chemistry and biology can be traced to the precise understanding of the behaviour of atoms and molecules provided by quantum mechanics. Knowledge of physics is therefore vital to understanding the world around us. This calculus-based course continues on from PHYS1210 and covers the topics of mathematical tools, electromagnetism, optics and physics of matter.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Singapore PSB

  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore)

Callaghan

  • Semester 2 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Explain the basic principles of electromagnetism, optics and quantum mechanics and their relevance to aspects of engineering, technology, physical phenomena, matter and everyday situations.

2. Solve qualitative and quantitative problems using mathematics and the principles of physics.

3. Perform laboratory and computational experiments and interpret the significance of the results with regards to the principles and applications of physics.

4. Communicate the results and significance of both theoretical and experimental work in written reports.

5. Contribute to team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning.


Content

A calculus based course aimed at students who have completed HSC Physics and Mathematics, and may wish to continue their study of physics beyond first year.

  • Integrated Physics: introduction to the key mathematical techniques used in physics.
  • Electromagnetism: static electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction.
  • Optics: behaviour and properties of light, and its interactions with matter, as well as instruments used to detect it.
  • Physics of Matter: quantum mechanics, atoms, molecules, solids and nuclear physics.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Extension 1 with a result in Bands 3 or 4. It is also recommended that students have undertaken Physics and achieved a result in Band 5 or 6. PHYS1210


Assessment items

In Term Test: Online tests

Quiz: Online Weekly Quizzes

Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Laboratory Exercises and Reports

Formal Examination: Formal Examination


Contact hours

Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) - Singapore PSB

Computer Lab-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 2 week(s)
Laboratory-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 6 week(s)
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 2

Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan

Computer Lab-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 2 week(s)
Laboratory-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 6 week(s)
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 2

Course outline