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Unit of study_
PHYS2921: Physics 2A (Special Studies Program)
2025 unit information
How energy and matter interact is at the very foundation of physics. We will explore two of the most important aspects of such interactions, as well as developing skills in experimental physics. This unit is the same as PHYS2911, but with some labs replaced by an open-ended research project. First, we will study optics, the properties of light and its interactions with matter. We will focus on the wave nature of light and effects such as refraction, diffraction and interference. In our second module we will study thermodynamics, a subject central to many branches of science, with applications from the smallest systems of atoms to the big bang. We will examine the concepts such as entropy, thermodynamic interactions, engines and heat. In the experimental physics and research module students will carry out one regular experiment within the teaching lab and then a research project, working within one of the research groups from the School of Physics.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Physics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
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75 or above in (PHYS1901 or PHYS1001 or PHYS1002 or PHYS1903) and 75 or above in (PHYS1902 or PHYS1003 or PHYS1004 or PHYS1904) |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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PHYS2011 or PHYS2911 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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First year thermodynamics as studied in PHYS1001 or PHYS1901/PHYS1903. Students who have done PHYS1002 should self-study chapters 17-20 of the first year textbook (Pearson's University Physics) prior to the thermodynamics module of this unit. (((MATH1X21 or MATH1931 or MATH1X01 or MATH1906 or MATH1011) and (MATH1X02)) or (MATH1961 or MATH1971)) and (((MATH1X23 or MATH1933 or MATH1X03 or MATH1907 or MATH1013) and (MATH1X04 or MATH1X05)) or (MATH1962 or MATH1972)) |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. understand the key concepts in two foundation areas of physics - optics and thermodynamics
- LO2. apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific and engineering contexts, using appropriate mathematical and computing techniques as necessary
- LO3. understand the nature of scientific measurement, and skills in the measurement of physical quantities and the handling of data
- LO4. find and analyse information and judge its reliability and significance
- LO5. communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
- LO6. engage in team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning
- LO7. develop a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
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