PHYS 1002 Physics 1
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 300828
Coordinator Nicholas Tothill Opens in new window
Description Physics is the study of the fundamental nature of matter, energy, space-time, and motion. It uses conceptual, mathematical and experimental tools to achieve this understanding. In this unit, we survey mechanics, electromagnetism, optics and thermal physics, and briefly consider relativity, quantum physics and nuclear physics. Conceptual, mathematical and experimental understanding of physics will be developed, and the use of the tools of physics (e.g. estimation, uncertainty, dimensional analysis) will be introduced. This unit provides non-specialists (e.g. students in other majors and aspiring secondary teachers) with a good basic overview of the subject, and prepares specialist students for further study.
School Science
Discipline Physics
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject
Equivalent Subjects PHYS 1003 - Physics 1 PHYS 1004 Physics 1 (WSTC)
Assumed Knowledge
HSC 2 Unit Mathematics Band 4 (Not General Mathematics) or equivalent.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe a physical problem in terms of an appropriate conceptual and mathematical framework.
- Explain the principles involved and the equations or other mathematical models that govern a given physical problem..
- Carry out calculations based on physical models and interpret the results.
- Record, present and interpret experimental data.
- Estimate the errors in a measurement and propagate the effects of these errors through simple calculations.
Subject Content
2.Electromagnetism: Electrostatics; magnetic fields; DC circuits
3.Optics: Geometric optics; imaging; spectroscopy
4.Thermal Physics: Temperature; thermodynamics; kinetic theory
5.Basic relativity
6.Basic quantum theory
7.Basic nuclear and particle physics
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
| Item | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz | 4 x 30 minute quizzes | 30 | N | Individual |
| End-of-session Exam | 2 hours | 30 | N | Individual |
| Log/Workbook | 3hr lab classes in alternate weeks during semester | 20 | N | Individual |
| Practical Exam | 80 minutes | 20 | N | Individual |
Prescribed Texts
- Physics 1 Laboratory Manual. Available from the bookshop or via this subjects vUWS web site
- Physics 1 Learning Guide. Available via this subjects vUWS web site
- Giancoli, D. C., Physics, Principles with Applications, 6th Edition, Prentice Hall (2005)
Teaching Periods
Autumn
Parramatta - Victoria Rd
Day
Subject Contact Nicholas Tothill Opens in new window