coursemapLoading course
Research School of Physics · ANU College of Science and Medicine
This core second year physics course develops classical mechanics. The least action formulation of classical mechanics is developed and related to quantum mechanics. Hamiltonian mechanics is also introduced, as are the tensor properties of materials. The course examines wave phenomena in continuous media, including diffraction and Fourier theory, and continuum mechanics in fluids. The course material is supported throughout by examples taken from recent research on mechanical systems, nano-optics, atomic physics, biological systems, fluid mechanics and laser physics. Computer models provide an opportunity to explore various concepts presented in lectures, including coupled linear oscillators and chaotic dynamics in driven non-linear oscillators. Complementing the lectures, this course contains a laboratory component. Some experiments are essentially qualitative and support lecture material, while others allow development of important skills in quantitative experimental physics. This course is a prerequisite for PHYS3101 and PHYS3102. It is required for the physics major. HPO: This course offers an Honours Pathway Option. See "other information" for details.
Assignments and online questions
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Laboratory work
Learning outcomes 5, 6, 7
Computational projects x 2
Learning outcomes 5, 7
Exam (hurdle)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
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 per week (24 hours per semester), an optional 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week plus 16 hours of labs throughout the semester. - Approximately 78 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks. Other Information HPO : An Honours Pathway Option will be available in the form of a research-style open ended modelling project. The HPO is 15% of your final grade, and will amount to be around an extra 15 hours of work across the teaching period, the remaining assessment will be weighted at 85%. Students undertaking the HPO will engage particularly with Learning Outcomes 4 and 5. Laboratory Work: A pass mark is required for the laboratory work in order to pass this course. Assessment: Submissions will not be graded if received more than 5 working days after the due date without an approved extension
None