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Thermal and Classical Physics (PHYC20009)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject extends knowledge of fundamental thermal physics principles and introduces the powerful and elegant Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics. Topics from thermal physics include thermal equilibrium, ideal gas and kinetic theory, equipartition of energy, heat and work, heat capacity, latent heat, enthalpy, thermodynamic processes; thermal systems and statistics, interacting systems, statistics of large systems, entropy, temperature and heat, pressure, chemical potential; heat engines, Carnot cycle, refrigerators, throttling process; Helmholtz and Gibbs Free energies, and phase transformations. In classical physics, topics will include elementary principles (Newton’s laws, momentum and energy conservation, mechanics of systems of particles), Lagrange’s equations (constraints and generalized coordinates, Lagrange’s equations, velocity dependent and dissipative forces, applications, symmetries and conservation laws, stability and oscillations) and Hamilton’s principle (calculus of variation, applications, Hamilton’s principle, Legendre transformations).
Intended learning outcomes
To challenge students to expand their knowledge of fundamental physics principles and develop their capacity to:
- discuss the principles underlying the zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics and calculate and interpret the thermodynamic properties of several simple systems.
- solve problems in classical mechanics using the elegant Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations and understand that these principles will help them to gain a deeper insight into the relationship between classical and quantum mechanics.
- acquire and interpret experimental data and perform computer modelling.
Generic skills
A student who completes this subject should be able to:
- explain their understanding of physics principles and applications lucidly, both in writing and orally;
- acquire and interpret experimental data and design experimental investigations;
- participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions, laboratory and study groups;
- think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning;
- manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular practical and tutorial classes, tests, the examination and to complete assignments.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC10001 | Physics 1: Advanced | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10003 | Physics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10005 | Physics 1: Fundamentals | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Plus one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC10002 | Physics 2: Advanced | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10004 | Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10006 | Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Plus one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10006 | Calculus 2 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Plus one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10007 | Linear Algebra |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST10008 | Accelerated Mathematics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10013 UMEP Mathematics for High Achieving Students.
(MAST10007 Linear Algebra or MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1 may be taken concurrently)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Additional details
Ongoing assessment of practical work during the semester including:
- log-book record keeping and participation (10%)
- a written report of up to 2,000 words (10%)
Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject, including attendance and submission of work for at least 80% of workshop sessions, together with a result for assessed work of at least 50%.
- One written test with a total duration of up to 30 minutes, held mid semester (5%)
- Two written assignments requiring a total of up to 8 hours of work outside class time during the semester (10% in total)
- A 3-hour written examination in the examination period (65%)
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Harry Quiney Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week (total 27 lectures); 1 x one hour tutorial per week (total 9 classes); 1 x three hour laboratory class per week (total 6 classes). Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Additional delivery details
Please Note: This subject is a transitional subject that is available only to students that have already successfully completed one of PHYC20010 or PHYC20011.
All other students wishing to undertake Level 2 Physics should select from the subjects PHYC20012, PHYC20013, PHYC20014 and PHYC20015.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
D V Schroeder, An Introduction to Thermal Physics, Addison-Wesley Longman.
Recommended texts and other resources
A P Arye, Introduction to Classical Physics, Allen & Bacon.
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Physics Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 22 March 2024