Key facts
UNE unit code: PHYS132
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

This unit builds on skills and knowledge you learned in PHYS131, and equips you with the theory behind fluids, AC electrical circuits, optics, modern physics and thermodynamics.
You will also learn practical laboratory skills related to these ideas.
In Module one, you will learn about fluid statics and fluid flow; physical optics, interference and diffraction; and LCR circuits and AC circuit theory.
In Module two, you will explore the concepts and applications of quantum theory of light, electrons and atoms, nuclear physics and semiconductor physics. You will study heat and thermodynamics of solids, liquids and gases. You will learn to apply kinetic theory and the three laws of thermodynamics.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The intensive school, which is held in Armidale, is mandatory for online students only. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Science and Technology considers all practical / laboratory activities as essential to student learning.
Attendance and participation in all practical / laboratory classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of fluid statistics, fluid flow and be able to apply the continuity equation and Bernoulli's principle;
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of interference and diffraction with applications to optics and correctly use relevant equations;
- demonstrate an understanding of the how LCR and AC circuits behave and perform calculations relating to current, voltage and frequency in LCR and AC circuits;
- describe the basic principles of modern physics i.e. quantum theory, atomic models, nuclear physics and semiconductor physics and correctly use relevant equations;
- describe the thermal behaviour of solids, liquids and gases and apply the kinetic theory of gases, the zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics to basic and practical systems and correctly use relevant equations; and
- demonstrate a range of manipulative, observational, interpretive, written and graphical communication skills through undertaking and reporting on laboratory work and completing written assignments.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 - Quizzes | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Quizzes involving numerical problem solving. |
| Assessment 2 - Practicals - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. Laboratory practicals. Students will be assessed on their laboratory skills and their demonstrated ability to connect theoretical concepts with laboratory practice. Students will need to demonstrate professional conduct in the laboratory, including the the ability to work safely, collegially, and productively in a shared setting. Assessment may also include data analysis, laboratory proficiency, reporting of results, and teamwork. |
| Assessment 3 - Mid-trimester Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. You must average 50% across both examinations in order to pass this unit. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. You must average 50% across both examinations in order to pass this unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
University Physics with Modern Physics in SI Units, Global Edition
ISBN: 9781292314730
Young, H.D. and Freedman, R.A., Pearson 15th ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
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