Advanced Physics 2 follows on from Advanced Physics 1, PHYS1101. It is an essential course for any student intending to study physics in later years as it introduces foundational knowledge in the areas of waves and optics, electromagnetism, thermal physics, and special relativity.  Applications to research, technology, and everyday life are disscussed. The course develops experimental and computational methods as parts of an integrated approach to physics.  Lectures include problem solving activities.

This course together with Advanced Physics 1 provide the basis for further study of physics. They underpin the study at second year level of the core physics areas of: quantum mechanics, statistical and thermal physics, electromagnetism, and waves and optics.

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.

On satisfying the requirements for this course students will:

1. Understand introductory special relativity, waves and optics, thermal physics, and Maxwell's equations for electric and magnetic fields.
2. Be able to apply physics 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.

Assessment comprises:

Laboratory write-ups (30%; LO 2, 3, 4, 5)

Homework assignments (30%; LO 1, 2, 3, 5)

Lecture and tutorial activities (10%; LO 1, 2, 3)

Final exam (30%;LO1,2,3)

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

Students must have completed PHYS1101 and mathematics at least to the standard of MATH1013. In exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the Academic Contact, students who achieve a very high grade in Foundations of Physics, PHYS1001, may be admitted to PHYS1201.

Mathematics at least to the standard of MATH1014.

ENGN1226

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