Course information
Physics is a fundamental science that endeavours to explain all the natural phenomena that occur in the universe. Its power lies in the use of a comparatively small number of assumptions, models, laws and theories to explain a wide range of phenomena, from the incredibly small to the incredibly large. Physics has helped to unlock the mysteries of the universe and provides the foundation of understanding upon which modern technologies and all other sciences are based.
Physics students must also be enrolled in at least one of the following mathematics courses: Mathematical Methods, Specialist Methods, Specialist Mathematics.
Post-school pathways
Do you enjoy or are you good at Physics? (pdf,110kb)
Workload expectation
Four hours outside of class per week to complete homework and assignments.
Course pattern
Available as a Minor or Major course. A major-minor is available if a student completes ANU Secondary studies in Physics.
Suggested Minor course
Semester | Unit |
|---|---|
1 | Unit 1: Linear Motion and Waves |
2 | Unit 2: Thermal, Nuclear and Electrical |
Suggested Major course
Semester | Unit |
|---|---|
1 | Unit 1: Linear Motion and Waves |
2 | Unit 2: Thermal, Nuclear and Electrical |
3 | Unit 3: Gravity and Electromagnetism |
4 | Unit 4: Revolutions in Modern Physics. |
Unit descriptions
Unit 1: Linear Motion and Waves
In this unit, students describe, explain and predict linear motion, and investigate the application of wave models to light and sound phenomena.
Unit 2: Thermal, Nuclear and Electrical
In this unit, students investigate energy production by considering heating processes, radioactivity and nuclear reactions, and investigate energy transfer and transformation in electrical circuits.
Unit 3: Gravity and Electromagnetism
In this unit, students investigate models of motion in gravitational, electric and magnetic fields to explain how forces act at a distance and use the theory of electromagnetism to explain the production and propagation of electromagnetic waves.
Unit 4: Revolutions in Modern Physics
In this unit, students investigate how shortcomings in existing theories led to the development of the Special Theory of Relativity, the quantum theory of light and matter, and the Standard Model of particle physics.
For more detail on the course and individual units please refer to the ACT BSSS Website.