Outline

Overview

This unit of study constitutes a deep-dive into two foundational topics in modern physics: quantum mechanics and the electromagnetic properties of matter. In the Quantum Mechanics module, you will explore the seminal Stern-Gerlach experiments which first uncovered the quantization of electron spin angular momentum, before developing the mathematical framework to describe the quantized and inherently non-deterministic nature of quantum measurement. You will use Schrodinger’s equation to predict how quantum systems evolve in time, and learn how this relates to advanced quantum technologies like quantum computers. In Electromagnetism, you will derive how fields behave in matter from the interaction of a molecule’s electron clouds with electric and magnetic fields, and extend Maxwell’s equations to fields in matter, showing in the process how semiconductor devices work and how frogs can levitate in magnetic fields. The Quantum and Electromagnetism modules are enriched by a Computational Physics Lab, where you will learn to harness the power of computational methods to solve a broad range of physics problems. No coding experience is expected: we intend for this module to be an introduction to essential computational methods, one of the most practical and important skills a physicist can have.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(PHYS1003 or PHYS1004 or PHYS1902 or PHYS1904) and (PHYS1001 or PHYS1002 or PHYS1901 or PHYS1903 or PHYS2011 or PHYS2911 or PHYS2921)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PHYS2912 or PHYS2922
Assumed knowledge ?	(((MATH1X21 or MATH1931 or MATH1X01 or MATH1906 or MATH1011) and (MATH1X02)) or (MATH1X61 or MATH1971)) and (((MATH1X23 or MATH1933 or MATH1X03 or MATH1907 or MATH1013) and (MATH1X04 or MATH1X05)) or (MATH1X62 or MATH1972))
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anita Hafner, anita.hafner@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final examination Final exam - Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetic Properties of Matter. Supervised exam/test.	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Tutorial conversations Students solve tutorial problems in small groups. Understanding of tutorial question will be assessed individually twice per semester for each student, with the student explaining the solution to a tutorial exercise to a tutor.	5%	Multiple weeks	5-10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quantum physics quiz - EFT In class written quiz on Quantum Mechanics. #EarlyFeedbackTask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 13:00	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Quantum physics assignment Quantum Physics written assessment	5%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Sep 2025	~3 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Written Quiz: Electromagnetic Properties of Matter In class written quiz on Electromagnetic Properties of Matter	5%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2025 at 13:00	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Electromagnetic Properties of Matter assignment EM prop. Matt. written assessment	5%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Nov 2025	~3 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Computational physics lab exam Comp. Physics in-person practical exam	13%	Week 13	1 hour	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Computational physics lab checkpoints Computational Physics Lab checkpoint exercises	12%	Weekly	15-20 minutes during each comp. lab.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Tutorial conversations and final exam are hurdle tasks.

Computational physics lab checkpoints: Weekly checkpoint computational laboratory exercises are to help you develop your skills and understanding of key topics in the computational physics laboratories and to give you continuous feedback. Each checkpoint exercise needs to be completed during laboratory session
Quantum physics assignment: in this assignment you will use what you have learned in the quantum mechanics module to solve problems. The assignment will be available for two weeks before the due date.
Electromagnetic properties of matter assignment: in this assignment you will use what you have learned in the electromagnetic properties of matter assignment module to solve problems. The assignment will be available for two weeks before the due date.
Tutorial conversations: Students solve tutorial problems in small groups. Understanding of tutorial question will be assessed individually twice per semester for each student, with the student explaining the solution to a tutorial exercise to a tutor. This is a hurdle task.
Computational physics lab exam: A 1 hour in-lab, open book examination.
In class quizzes: The 20 minute quizzes in week 3 and 9 will be in class, and assess essential knowledge to be successful with the rest of the module.
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. The exam will involve both short answer questions and brief calculations. The final exam is compulsory. Failure to submit will result in an absent fail grade (AF) for the unit.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 03	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 04	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 05	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 06	Quantum physics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 07	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 08	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 09	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 10	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 11	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 12	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 13	Electromagnetic properties of matter	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Computational Physics	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Weekly	Quantum Weeks 2-7, Electromagnetic Properties of Matter Weeks 8-13.	Tutorial (1 hr)

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.

This semester we have introduced more regular quizzes during semester to provide better feedback more quickly. This was the result of feedback from student. We have also re-introduced tutorials as a result of student feedback.

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

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

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

PHYS2012: Physics 2B

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

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