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Unit of study_
PHYS2912: Physics 2B (Advanced)
2024 unit information
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. This course covers the same topics as PHYS2012 in greater depth and with more rigorous attention to derivations.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Physics Academic Operations
| Code | PHYS2912 |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Physics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
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65 or above in (PHYS1003 or PHYS1004 or PHYS1902 or PHYS1904) and 65 or above in (PHYS1001 or PHYS1002 or PHYS1901 or PHYS1903 or PHYS2011 or PHYS2911 or PHYS2921) |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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PHYS2012 or PHYS2922 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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(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) |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. understand the key concepts in two foundation 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.
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 2 2024
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
