Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit covers the content of PHYS3002, but with the addition of general relativity. The general theory of relativity is a major building block of modern physics, which lies at the heart of exciting astrophysical and cosmological discoveries made in the past decade. This addition provides an introduction to general relativity as a theory of gravity, which associates the gravitational attraction with the changing geometry of space-time instead of the traditional view of an invisible force. Students will explore the concepts and theories relating to the Big Bang, Black Holes and Gravitational Waves.
In this unit, students will learn about (1) electrodynamics — conservation laws, electromagnetic waves, potentials and fields, radiation; and (2) special relativity — special theory of relativity, relativistic mechanics, relativistic electrodynamics, (3) introduction to general relativity — the equivalence principle, curved spacetime coordinates, spacetime metric, Schwarzschild geometry and the geodesic equation. The content is explored with reference to a range of applications and physical contexts, and developed and applied through a laboratory experiment. Skills in problem identification, mathematical exploration and solution are fostered through practice problem sets, workshop activities and a laboratory experiment.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 core unit in the Frontier Physics major sequence
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) analyse the concepts and physical principles involved in advanced electrodynamics, special relativity, and introductory general relativity.; (2) communicate ideas relating to the unit content using written, visual and oral means.; (3) solve problems in a range of realistic situations relating to the unit content.; (4) evaluate the results of an experiment related to advanced electrodynamics, special relativity, and introductory general relativity.; and (5) evaluate an experiment on a scale between classical and frontier physics.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-semester tests; (2) final examination; and (3) workshop participation and assignments. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Darren Grasso
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- Lectures: average 3-hours per week
Workshops: up to 36 hours over the semester.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.