Outline

Overview

How energy and matter interact is at the very foundation of physics. We will explore two of the most important aspects of such interactions, as well as developing skills in experimental physics. This unit is the same as PHYS2911, but with some labs replaced by an open-ended research project. First, we will study optics, the properties of light and its interactions with matter. We will focus on the wave nature of light and effects such as refraction, diffraction and interference. In our second module we will study thermodynamics, a subject central to many branches of science, with applications from the smallest systems of atoms to the big bang. We will examine the concepts such as entropy, thermodynamic interactions, engines and heat. In the experimental physics and research module students will carry out one regular experiment within the teaching lab and then a research project, working within one of the research groups from the School of Physics.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	PHYS2921
Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	PHYS2011 or PHYS2911
Prerequisites ?	75 or above in (PHYS1901 or PHYS1001 or PHYS1002 or PHYS1903) and 75 or above in (PHYS1902 or PHYS1003 or PHYS1004 or PHYS1904)
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	First year thermodynamics as studied in PHYS1001 or PHYS1901/PHYS1903. Students who have done PHYS1002 should self-study chapters 17-20 of the first year textbook (Pearson's University Physics) prior to the thermodynamics module of this unit. (MATH1X21 or MATH1931 or MATH1X01 or MATH1906) and (MATH1X02) and (MATH1X23 or MATH1933 or MATH1X03 or MATH1907) and (MATH1X05)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Scott Croom, scott.croom@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Scott Croom, scott.croom@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sahand Mahmoodian, sahand.mahmoodian@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Martijn de Sterke, martijn.desterke@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	Helen Johnston, h.johnston@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final examination Optics/Thermodynamics	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	SSP Project Group Assessment Performance during the research project.	15%	Ongoing	Semester long research project
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Optics Quiz Held during optics lecture.	5%	Week 05 Due date: 21 Mar 2024 at 10:00	20 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Experiment 1 Summary Summary and discussion of results from experiment 1.	5%	Week 06 Due date: 31 Mar 2024 at 23:59	1-2 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Thermodynamics Quiz Held during thermodynamics lecture.	5%	Week 12 Due date: 16 May 2024 at 10:00	20 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	SSP Project Report Report based on SSP research project.	15%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2024 at 23:59	Semester long SSP project.
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial Attendance Optics and thermodynamics tutorial attendance	5%	Weekly	1 hr
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Experimental Physics Lab Assessment of work within lab and weekly log book.	5%	Weekly	3 hr
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Tutorial Attendance: weekly tutorials (starting in week 1) with a focus on problem-solving and applying material learnt in lectures. Students are required to attend one tutorial session per week.
Optics and thermodynamics quizzes: These two quizzes with multiple questions will be completed individually. They will occur during your regular lecture times. The questions will test conceptual understanding and ability to calculate quantities.
Experimental physics lab, weekly assessment: assessment in the laboratory is based on the quality of your work while completing one experiment (after which you will leave the lab to focus on your research project). Students will work in pairs, but record their work individually. For each experiment, you will be graded weekly based on your work in the lab and the quality of the material recorded in your logbook.
Experimental physics, experiment summaries: at the end of experiment 1 you are required to submit a brief (1-2 page) summary and discussion of your experimental results.
Research project: Instead of further experiments in the lab, you will complete a research project under the supervision of researchers in the School of Physics. Assessment in this project is based on i) overall performance in the research project (determined by your research group), ii) a written report about the research project.
Research project, report: at the end of semester you will submit a report describing your research project.
Final examination: the exam consists of two parts: Section A is on Optics and Section B is on Thermodynamics. Lists of physical constants and formulae needed are provided in the paper. Past papers are available for review. 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 as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
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 general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
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.
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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 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 2023. 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
Weekly	Optics (weeks 1-7) and Thermodynamics (weeks 7-13) lectures	Lecture (2 hr)
	Optics and thermodynamics	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Experimental lab (weeks 1-5), followed by SSP research project.	Practical (3 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 foundation areas of physics - optics and thermodynamics
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. develop 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.

Reduction of unit content, in particular removing computational lab module from this unit. Weekly tutorials introduced. Experimental lab assessment streamlined.

Additional information

The optics lecture will cover the following topics:

Geometrical optics – revision
Two source interference
Diffraction from single and multiple slits and circular apertures
Interference and diffraction
Coherence of light
Interference in thin films
Interferometers - Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometers
Polarisation
Birefringence

Thermodynamics lectures will cover the following topics:

Revision of ideal gas law, internal energy and equipartition
First law and heat engines and refrigerators
The second law
Probabilistic approach to entropy and thermodynamics
Equilibrium & the first law of thermodynamics identity
Chemical potential & extended first thermodynamic identity
Helmholtz & Gibb free energy
Thermodynamic potentials & the second law

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
A laboratory coat and 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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHYS2921: Physics 2A (Special Studies Program)

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect