Units / PHS4020
PHS4020 · Physics coursework A
2026 Handbook12 credit pointsLevel 4School of Physics and Astronomy
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
You will undertake studies in three selected topics in physics or related fields, which provide the foundational basis for contemporary physics. These develop your expertise in theoretical and computational physics, data analysis and the skills required to effectively communicate your findings using contemporary communication tools. The three topics are chosen from: • Quantum mechanics (compulsory) • Electrodynamics and classical field theory • X-ray Optics & Synchrotron science • Data analysis & Machine learning • Introduction to nanophotonics and meta-optics NB: Subject to approval by the Chief Examiner, one of the topics in PHS4020 may be replaced by a topic from ASP4020.
Areas of study: Master of Science in Physics
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tests | Quiz / Test | 20% | — |
| 2 | Assignments | Written | 30% | — |
| 3 | Final assessment task | Written | 50% | — |
Examinations (2 hours and 10 minutes): 50% Tests: 20% Assignments: 30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of essential aspects of experimental physics, theoretical and computational physics, and related disciplines.
- Develop skills in theoretical and computational physics that are integral to the study of contemporary physics.
- Synthesise and interpret knowledge in theoretical and experimental physics.
- Use contemporary technologies to gather and analyse data relating to specialist topics in physics.
- Propose solutions to problems in theoretical and experimental physics, and communicate these to a wide audience.
Workload
24 hours per week • Three topics each with 3-hours of lectures/workshops/tutorials; • Three topics each with 1-hour of consultation and online discussions involving peers and staff, and • 12 hours of independent study per week.
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