PHS1022 Fields and quantum physics
Faculty of Science
PHS1022 Fields and quantum physics is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units, leading on to 10 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review PHS1022.
Requisites
Before PHS1022
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After PHS1022
4 units list PHS1022 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit forms part of mainstream physics. You will study the foundations of rotational dynamics, the gravitational field, electrostatics, magnetism and quantum physics. Together these topics underpin interactions in our universe at sub-atomic to cosmic scales. In electrostatics, you will explore the electric field, potential and energy for various situations, and the behaviour of capacitors and dielectrics. In magnetism, you will cover the relation between currents, magnetic fields and induced emfs, inductance, LCR resonance, and an introduction to Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. In waves and quantum physics you will learn about superposition, interference and diffraction, wave-particle duality for matter and light, quantisation, wave functions and probabilities, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, the hydrogen atom, and the particle-in-a-box model
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Experimental workDemonstrationThreshold hurdle25%
- Tests/AssignmentsQuiz / Test35%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain and understand concepts taught in the unit such as fields, electromagnetic phenomena, waves and quantum mechanics;
- 2
Apply your knowledge to solve problems related to these concepts;
- 3
Evaluate and appraise novel situations in terms of fields, electrostatics, magnetic interaction and quantum effects;
- 4
Execute experiments involving simple apparatus and analyse, interpret and evaluate the results arising from them;
- 5
Present and communicate results of others and one's own experimentations in a scientific form.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories24 hours
- Workshops36 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.
Expositional material is presented in the form of assigned pre-reading and/or pre-viewing videos, so that all face to face hours may be utilised to explore the nuanced detail and meaning of the material, to explore and build connections, and to gain a fundamental and concept-driven understanding of the material. Problem solving in small groups aided by a demonstrator or lecturer will facilitate building conceptual understanding, while collaborative laboratory investigations will demonstrate the material in action and test your ability to link theory to practice.
Learning resources
Required resources
Prescribed text(s) and readings.
Where it fits
PHS1022 is part of 8 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
- ASTROPHY05Core unitAstrophysicsNo reviews yet
- ASTROPHY07Core unit 2AstrophysicsNo reviews yet
- ASTROPHY08Core option 3AstrophysicsNo 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 Ulrik Egede
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Ulrik Egede
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHS1022?
PHS1022 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after PHS1022?
PHS1022 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including PHS2061, PHS2062, PHS2081 and PHS2350. Those lead on to 10 units in all.
When is PHS1022 offered?
In 2026, PHS1022 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does PHS1022 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include PHS1022?
PHS1022 is part of Astrophysics, Physics and Physiology.