PHYC20014 Theoretical Physics 2
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- Final exam 70%: exam-heavy
- About 4 class hours a week
Is PHYC20014 hard?
PHYC20014: About average. Makes it harder: Final exam 70%. No student reviews yet — based on the Handbook only.
What you learn
Fourier methods and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, applied to optics, waves and quantum physics.
After it you can
- Solve diffraction problems with Fourier transforms
- Use Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics
- Represent and analyse signals with Fourier series
What you need first
(PHYC10001 or PHYC10003 or PHYC10009) and (PHYC10002 or PHYC10004 or PHYC10006) and (MAST10006 or MAST10021 or MAST10009 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022 or MAST10018) and PHYC20012
Take in the same semester or earlier
PHYC20015 and (MAST20009 or MAST20032)
- PHYC10001 Physics 1: Advanced
- PHYC10003 Physics 1
- PHYC10009 Foundations of Physics
- PHYC10002 Physics 2: Advanced
- PHYC10004 Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology
- PHYC10006 Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment
- MAST10006 Calculus 2
- MAST10021 Calculus 2: Advanced
- MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
- MAST10007 Linear Algebra
- MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
- MAST10022 Linear Algebra: Advanced
- PHYC20012 Quantum and Thermal Physics
What it leads to
- PHYC30011 Sub-atomic Physics
- PHYC30016 Electrodynamics
- PHYC30017 Statistical Physics
- PHYC30018 Quantum Physics
- PHYC30019 Astrophysics
- PHYC30021 Laboratory and Computational Physics 3
- PHYC30022 Theoretical Physics 3
- PHYC30023 Light, Lasers, Optics
- PHYC30024 Condensed Matter Physics 3
Careers
Helps toward: Meteorologist
How it’s assessed
Assignments 30%, Final exam 70%
Student reviews and ratings
No student reviews yet — be the first to rate it.
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Quick answers
- When is PHYC20014 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking PHYC20014?
- Needs (PHYC10001 or PHYC10003 or PHYC10009) and (PHYC10002 or PHYC10004 or PHYC10006) and (MAST10006 or MAST10021 or MAST10009 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022 or MAST10018) and PHYC20012. Must be taken before or alongside it: PHYC20015 and (MAST20009 or MAST20032).
- Does PHYC20014 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 70% of the mark. Assessment: Assignments 30%, Final exam 70%.
- How many class hours a week does PHYC20014 have?
- 4 h a week in class
- Can I take PHYC20014 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after PHYC20014?
- 9 subjects need it first, for example PHYC30011, PHYC30016, PHYC30017, PHYC30018.
- Can I rate PHYC20014?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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