Problem solve with peers, with help on hand, in small group tutorials in our custom tutoriial space.
Perform experiments in the 2nd year laboratory.
Study with friends in the 2nd and 3rd year student lounge.
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Second year physics and astrophysics units are a great choice as part of a major or minor, or just as an elective.
Computer skills are important in many industries, and critical to modern research – all our second year units have a strong computational component.
Computational classes run in our computer lab, tutorials run in the classroom next door... next door to that is the 2nd year physics laboratory... and next door to that is our 2nd and 3rd year student lounge - see the gallery of images.
These rooms are conveniently located on the top floor of the PACE building. So on your way to class you can seek help at the familiar (from first year) Enquiries counter, and submit assignments at the drop boxes.
The following should help in selecting second year units (but remember to check the "rules" in the Handbook). Contact the Level 2 coordinator for Physics or Astrophysics if you have further questions.
This advice assumes you have passed two Level 1 physics units and MTH1030 (or MTH1035 or ENG1005) - prerequisites for Level 2 physics.
MTH2010 is a prerequisite for PHS2062 so, while it runs in both semesters, you need to select it in semester 1.
MTH2032 is required because it is a prerequisite for Level 3 physics units.
If you are an engineering student you may select ENG2005 and MTH2040 in place of MTH2010 and MTH2032.
If you are eligible, you can take the advanced versions of MTH2010 (MTH2015) and/or SCI2010 (SCI2015).
PHS2081 is not required to complete a physics major but it can be one of the units that counts towards your physics major. If you do not select this unit now, you could select this unit in semester 1 of your third year of study. To be awarded a physics major you need to pass four further units in addition to PHS2061 and PHS2062. The unit PHS2081 can be one of these four units.
You should also consider taking one or more Level 2 astrophysics units as they broaden your knowledge of physics and can contribute to an extended major in physics.
If you have excelled in your studies so far, you should consider taking one or more project units, though you will need to get permission from the Coordinator of these units. These units provide you with the opportunity to experience research in physics.
This advice assumes you have passed two Level 1 physics units and MTH1030 (or MTH1035 or ENG1005) - prerequisites for Level 2 physics.
MTH2010 (or ENG2005 for engineers) is a prerequisite for PHS2062, so if you are going to select PHS2062 you also need to select MTH2010 (or ENG2005) in semester 1.
If you might change your mind and decide to continue on to complete a major in physics then you should check out the advice above in: "Which units do I need for a major in physics".
Note: Level 2 physics units can also contribute to an extended major in astrophysics.
Yes. You can select any one of the three Level 2 PHS units as an elective (if you select more than one then you will generally be eligible for a physics minor).
A Level 2 physics unit is a great elective that can broaden knowledge and strengthen skills similar to those in many other studies such as engineering and mathematics - the computational component in particular, is of general appeal.
A physics elective is a particularly good idea if you are studying for a major in astrophysics as it can enhance the physics you are able to apply to astrophysical problems; and it can contribute to an extended major in astrophysics.
To be eligible to enrol in any of these units you need to have passed PHS1022 and MTH1030 (or MTH1035 or ENG1005) - prerequisites for Level 2 physics.
MTH2010 (or ENG2005 for engineers) is a prerequisite for PHS2062, so if you are going to select PHS2062 you also need to select MTH2010 (or ENG2005) in semester 1.
This advice assumes you have passed two Level 1 physics units and MTH1030 (or MTH1035 or ENG1005) - while two Level 1 physics units are not a prerequisite for selecting a Level 2 astrophysics unit, they are required for the astrophysics major.
MTH2010 and MTH2032 are required for some of the Level 3 astrophysics units.
if you are an engineering student you may select ENG2005 and MTH2040 in place of MTH2010 and MTH2032.
If you are eligible, you can take the advanced versions of MTH2010 (MTH2015) and/or SCI2010 (SCI2015).
You should also consider taking one or more Level 2 physics units to enhance the physics you can apply to astrophysical problems; and they can contribute to an extended major in astrophysics.
If you have excelled in your studies so far, you should consider taking one or more project units, though you will need to get permission from the Level 2 coordinator. These units provide you with the opportunity to experience research in astrophysics or astronomy.
This advice assumes you have passed at least one Level 1 physics unit and MTH1030 (or MTH1035 or ENG1005) - to be awarded the minor you need two Level 1 physics units or one Level 1 physics unit and a Level 1 astrophysics unit.
While MTH2010 is not required, it is strongly recommended - engineering students would take ENG2005 and/or MTH2040 instead.
If you are eligible, you can take the advanced versions of MTH2010 (MTH2015) and/or SCI2010 (SCI2015).
If you might change your mind and decide to continue on to complete a major in astrophysics then you should check out the advice above in: "Which units do I need for a major in astrophysics".
Note: Level 2 astrophysics units can also contribute to an extended major in physics.
Yes. You can select either of the two Level 2 ASP units as an elective (if you select both, then you will generally be eligible for an astrophysics minor).
A Level 2 astrophysics unit is a great elective that can broaden knowledge and strengthen skills similar to those in many other studies such as engineering and mathematics - in particular, exercising computational skills is of generic appeal.
An astrophysics elective is a particularly good idea if you are studying for a major in physics as it can broaden your knowledge of physics and it can contribute to an extended major in physics.
Students have a great diversity of backgrounds and aspirations. Monash offers a large variety of study options. So, after reading the information on the Study at Monash web pages, in the Handbook, and the advice here, you may still have further questions.
For questions about the overall science course (including questions about enrolment, course requirements etc.) please contact Science Student Services.
If you would like further advice, or have specific questions, about physics or astronomy then see the information about year level coordinators or unit coordinators on the Contact Us page.
