Laboratory and Computational Physics 2 (PHYC20013)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces students to the use of computational techniques in the investigation of problems in physics and develops students' skills in experimental physics within areas of optics, acoustics, electromagnetism, classical nuclear and quantum physics. Students will develop programming skills and learn a range of numerical methods commonly used in physics research.
Intended learning outcomes
Students completing this subject should be able to:
- apply critical reasoning to the evaluation of experimental data and sources of experimental uncertainty;
- use experimental log books effectively; and
- present clearly the results of experimental work;
- construct computer programs that implement algorithms for the solution of problems in physics and the modeling of experimental data;
- apply elementary computational techniques such as finite difference approximations, root finding, quadrature, numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations and discrete Fourier series to physical problems.
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;
- Describe the experimental and observational basis of the physical principles presented in the subject, both in writing and orally;
- Express mathematical descriptions of physical processes in a form accessible to numerical computation;
- Participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions and study groups;
- Think independently and analytically and direct his or her own learning;
- Manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular tutorial classes, tests, the examination and to complete assignments.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Undergraduate students:
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)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| PHYC10009 | Foundations of Physics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Important: To qualify as a prerequisite for this subject, PHYC10009 must be completed with a result of at least 75 (H2A).
AND
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)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| PHYC10006 | Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
VCE Mathematical Methods or equivalent.
Postgraduate students:
Admission into one of the following:
- MC-MECHENG Master of Mechanical Engineering
- MC-MTRNENG Master of Mechatronics Engineering
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Written pre-laboratory and pre-computational assignments | Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Participation in Laboratory and Computational classes | Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Written and oral laboratory reports and computational assignments
| Throughout the teaching period | 60% |
Additional details
This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 72 Hours (six hours of experimental or computational laboratory class per week of the Teaching Period) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 72 Hours (six hours of experimental or computational laboratory class per week of the Teaching Period) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 Hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Physics - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025