| Junior Physics (Physics 1) |
The Junior Physics units of study are designed to give students from all backgrounds a stimulating introduction to the discipline of physics. They are equally valuable as a self-contained introductory study of physics for students who are intending to major in other disciplines, and as a solid foundation for further study, possibly leading to a major in physics.
The is Dr Joe Khachan.
The Deputy Junior Physics Director is Dr Richard Thompson.
For general enquiries, contact the (Physics Room 202) on (02) 9351 3037.
There are seven different semester length units of study in Physics offered at the Junior level. The Semester 1 units of study are designed to cater for students with different physics backgrounds.The Semester 2 units of study are distinguished not by students' background but on the basis of areas of interest and relevance to their intended degree path. In addition there is Astronomy and four Computational Science units and other units for students from other faculties.
See How to choose your options for guidance on selecting units.
 Units Offered |
 Scholarships and Prizes |
 How to choose your options |
 Talented StudentsProgram |
| Physics textbooks for 2008 |
The Physics textbook for PHYS 1001 and 1901 in semester 1, and PHYS 1003 and 1902 in semester 2, will be University Physics by Young and Freedman (12th edition). This is a new edition from that used in 2007. The earlier edition is acceptable, but may not relate exactly to the references to the new edition used by lecturers and in Module Outlines. Also note the comments below regarding access to MasteringPhysics.
The Physics textbook for PHYS 1002 in semester 1 and PHYS 1004 in semester 2 will be College Physics by Knight, Jones and Field. This is a completely NEW text from that used in 2007. The previous text may be useful as a reference, but it will NOT relate to the references to the new edition used by lecturers and in Module Outlines. Also note the comments below regarding access to MasteringPhysics.
The textbook for PHYS 1500 Astronomy in semester 2 has not yet be announced. It will NOT be the same text as that used in 2007 (although it may be similar).
| Swapping Physics textbooks for Semester 2 |
Some students will need to change their physics text book in moving from their semester 1 physics unit to a new unit in semester 2 - swapping between University Physics by Young and Freedman (12th edition only) and College Physics by Knight, Jones and Field. The School of Physics will help you avoid the need to buy a second physics text for the year by facilitating the swapping of books between students.
| Lecture Notes, Assignments and Resources |
Material related to each Unit of Study is available to enrolled students through eLearning/WebCT. Access requires a Unikey Username and Password that is issued with your confirmation of enrolment. Units should appear on your WebCT login page in the first week of semester.
Students in all Junior Physics units use MasteringPhysics, with its own username and password. To gain access to this system you MUST have an Access Kit. The Access Kit is available shrink-wrapped with every new copy of the appropriate textbook at no extra cost. If you don't have a new text book, you will need to purchase the Access Kit alone from the University Co-op Bookshop for $25. You must have access to MasteringPhysics to be able to do your assignments!
Students in all PHYS 1500 Astronomy use MasteringAstronomy, with similar access requirements to MasteringPhysics
A brief introduction to our on-line WebCT and MasteringPhysics resources is available (in PDF format).
Laboratory Manuals for all Junior Physics units should be available from the Co-op Bookshop by the first week of semster. You will need the appropriate Laboratory Manual for your first lab session in the second week of semester.
| Help with Physics — Duty Tutors |
Duty tutors are available to help you with problems with physics course material. They will be available from week 3 of semester, from 12pm to 2pm in Room 201, next door to the Student Office.
More details of all aspects of Junior Physics can be found in the Junior Physics Handbook, which can be downloaded here in PDF format (700kB), or is available from the Student Office (Room 202).
