PHS1011 Classical physics and relativity
Faculty of Science
PHS1011 Classical physics and relativity is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 11 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before PHS1011
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After PHS1011
1 unit list PHS1011 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
COREQUISITE: Recommended: MTH1020, MTH1030, MTH1035, ENG1005 or ENG1090
Note: supporting mathematics studies are required for progression towards the Astrophysics and Physics majors
PREREQUISITE: VCE Mathematical Methods (raw study score of 25 or above) and VCE Physics (raw study score of 25 or above) or VCE Specialist Mathematics (raw study score of 40 or above) or equivalent high school qualifications.
If you have a raw study score of 25 or above in VCE Physics but only took Further Mathematics, please contact the unit coordinator to discuss your options.
Overview
In this unit, you will build on your knowledge of classical (non-quantum) physics related to concepts of motion, forces, momentum and energy; including their application to oscillations, waves and thermal physics. You will also investigate the limits of applicability of classical (non-relativistic) concepts of motion where the ideas of special relativity must be applied.
You will explore these concepts in the context of current technology in areas such as transportation and communication and you will also discover how these ideas link to current research in physics.
This unit will also introduce you to concepts of experimental design, measurement and analysis that form the basis of the evidence-based approach that is the foundation of scientific discoveries and theories.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory assessmentDemonstrationThreshold hurdle35%
- TestsQuiz / Test25%
- Problem-solving activitiesExercise10%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination30%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain and understand concepts taught in the unit such as force, energy, work, and wave propagation;
- 2
Apply your knowledge to solve problems related to these concepts;
- 3
Evaluate and appraise novel situations in terms of mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and relativity;
- 4
Design and execute experiments;
- 5
Analyse, interpret and evaluate the results arising from these experiments, including using Python code for data analysis;
- 6
Communicate explanations of problems and results of experimentations in written and verbal form.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops36 hours
- Laboratories24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (roughly 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor-directed, peer-directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
Learning resources
Required resources
Halliday's Fundamentals of Physics, First Australian and New Zealand Edition.
Where it fits
PHS1011 is part of 8 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
- ASTROPHY05Core option 1AstrophysicsNo reviews yet
- ASTROPHY07Core unit 1AstrophysicsNo reviews yet
- ASTROPHY08Core option 2AstrophysicsNo reviews yet
- PHYSICS02Option 1PhysicsNo reviews yet
- PHYSICS09Option 1PhysicsNo reviews yet
- PHYSICS10Option 1PhysicsNo reviews yet
- PHYSIOL05Level 1 unitsPhysiologyNo reviews yet
- PHYSIOL06Level 1 unitsPhysiologyNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Ilya Mandel
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Ilya Mandel
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHS1011?
PHS1011 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after PHS1011?
PHS1011 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including PHS1022. Those lead on to 11 units in all.
When is PHS1011 offered?
In 2025, PHS1011 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does PHS1011 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include PHS1011?
PHS1011 is part of Astrophysics, Physics and Physiology.