Outline

Overview

This unit of study is designed for students continuing with the study of Physics at the general Intermediate level, and represents the beginning of a more in-depth study of the main topics of classical and modern physics. The modules in this unit of study are: Quantum Physics: The behaviour of matter and radiation at the microscopic level. Electromagnetic Properties of Matter: Electric and magnetic effects in materials; the combination of electric and magnetic fields to produce light and other electromagnetic waves; the effects of matter on electromagnetic waves. Computational Physics: The computational physics component is similar to that of PHYS2011.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	PHYS2012
Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	PHYS2912 or PHYS2922
Prerequisites ?	(PHYS1003 or PHYS1004 or PHYS1902 or PHYS1904) and (PHYS1001 or PHYS1002 or PHYS1901 or PHYS1903 or PHYS2011 or PHYS2911 or PHYS2921)
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	(MATH1X21 or MATH1931 or MATH1X01 or MATH1906 or MATH1011) and (MATH1X02) and (MATH1X23 or MATH1933 or MATH1X03 or MATH1907 or MATH1013) and (MATH1X04 or MATH1X05)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Andrew Doherty (Physics), andrew.doherty@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Michael Wheatland, michael.wheatland@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Andrew Doherty (Physics), andrew.doherty@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Final examination Final examination, type B exam	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Electromagnetic properties of matter quiz EM Prop. Matt. online quizzes x 5. Top 3 quizzes count	7.5%	Multiple weeks	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Quantum physics Quantum Physics written assessment	5%	Week 04	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Computational physics lab test Computational physics online practical test	5%	Week 05	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Quantum physics test Quantum physics online test	7.5%	Week 07	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Electromagnetic Properties of Matter EM prop. Matt. written assessment	5%	Week 12	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Computational physics lab exam Comp. Phys. online practical exam	12%	Week 13	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Computational physics Comp. Phys. online Lab exercises	8%	Weekly	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
= Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Computational physics: This assessment is comprised of attending and complting weekly labs.
Computational physics lab exam: An in-lab, open book examination.
Final examination: This assessment is comprised of two parts: section A is on electromagnetic properties of matter and worth 25% of the total unit assessment; section B is on quantum physics and is worth 25% of the total unit assessment. Lists of physical constants and formulas needed are provided in the paper.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply subject knowledge to novel situations.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a solid knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad understanding of the unit material but has not fully developed the ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 02	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Quantum Physics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Quantum physics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Quantum physics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Quantum physics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Quantum physics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (1 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Quantum physics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

During COVID-19 restrictions, all lectures, tutorials and computational physics classes and exams will be available online.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the key concepts in two foundational areas of physics - quantum physics and electromagnetic properties of matter
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. demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

QUANTUM PHYSICS
The aims of this module are:

To lay out the fundamental concepts underlying quantum mechanics, building on the ideas covered in Junior Physics;
To develop competence in describing the quantum physics of two-level systems, such as the Stern-Gerlach experiment, single-photon interferometry, two-level atoms, and spin-1/2 particles in a magnetic field.
To develop competence in the description of quantum measurement, and to appreciate the consequences of quantum measurement for non-classical behavior;
To develop an appreciation and understanding of the non-classical properties of quantum entanglement, and the implications of Bell nonlocality;
To develop an introductory understanding of wavefunction approaches to quantum mechanics, including the Schroedinger equation as a partial differential equation, and the quantum harmonic oscillator.

Part 1. 'Case Studies' of Two-Dimensional Quantum Systems

Part 2. States, Observables, and Measurements

Part 3. Quantum Dynamics

Part 4. Entanglement, Einstein's Incompleteness and Bell's Theorem

Part 5. Particles in Space

Part 6. Quantum Harmonic Oscillator

ELECTROMAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF MATTER

The aim of this module is to study how electromagnetic fields interact with matter. In Junior Physics courses in first year you saw the foundation of electromagnetism, Maxwell's equation, in vacuum. The presence of matter such as insulating, conducting or magnetic materials, changes the properties of electromagnetic fields considerably, with important applications in technology and fundamental science. We will examine the interaction of electric and magnetic field interactions with matter both at the microscopic and macroscopic levels. There will discussion of practical applications that range from energy storage to levitating living creatures.

The first section of the module will cover electrostatics, Gauss’s Law, electric potential, capacitance and dielectrics. The second section will concern magnetism and magnetic materials, including ferrormagnetism, paramagnetism, and diamagnetism.

COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS

The module is an introduction to the use of computers for investigating problems of physical interest. MatLab programming you have learned in the first semester will be used.

General Aims

to allow students to become comfortable with using computers in solving physics problems;
to allow students to gain further experience in the use of MatLab to solve physics problems; and
to teach quantum quantum physics, particularly those parts of the subject which benefit from a computational approach.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General laboratory safety rules:

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHYS2012: Physics 2B

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect