PHY1SCA
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS A
PHY1SCA
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
On completion of this unit, students will be able to solve problems in classical physics (mechanics, thermodynamics and waves) which provide the basis for further study in physics, engineering or another science. They will be able to use the essential apparatus in a physics laboratory to take and analyse measurements, and understand the vocabulary and concepts of classical physics. The topics covered include linear and rotational kinematics and dynamics, thermodynamics, and simple harmonic motion. Students will conduct nine experimental investigations related to these topics. This subject and the second semester subject PHY1SCB together constitute a mainstream course in Physics at the first-year level.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorDavid Hoxley
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PHY1LSA, PHY1LS, PHY1PA
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | University physics (With modern Physics) (International edition) | Prescribed | Young, H.D and Freedman R.A. | 13RD ED, PEARSON ADDISON WESLEY, SAN FRANCISCO. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Diagrammatically represent, analyse and/or solve conceptual and mathematical problems related to mechanics, thermodynamics and waves.
- Activities:
- Students are assessed via 12 online quizzes and problem-solving classes. In the online quizzes, students answer conceptual and mathematical multiple choice questions. In problem classes, students solve short answer problems. Students sit a mid-semester multiple choice quiz, and a final end of semester exam comprising short answer questions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
02. Use accurate terminology and appropriate SI units to describe physical phenomena related to mechanics, thermodynamics and waves.
- Activities:
- Students are required to use appropriate terminology and SI units in all assessment elements (namely problem classes, online quizzes, laboratory reports and exams).
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
03. Perform experiments related to mechanics, thermodynamics and waves using standard physics laboratory techniques, equipment and software and assess the data to check for inappropriate, irrelevant or spurious results.
- Activities:
- Students complete nine laboratory experiments and submit a report that indicates their ability to detail and assess experimental data. Students follow written and verbal laboratory instructions to conduct the experiments accurately and safely.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
04. Explain and interpret laboratory results in the context of mechanics, thermodynamics and waves.
- Activities:
- Students submit nine laboratory reports detailing their interpretation of the results. The laboratory report mark contains a writing component.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
05. Collaborate in pairs to complete laboratory experiments and submit reports.
- Activities:
- The teamwork component of the laboratory report mark assesses the participation of each student in completing the experiment. Students are expected to submit their own work (as instructed in the laboratory sessions). If they fail to do so, they are counselled after the first occasion by the demonstrator. For subsequent plagiarism, no marks are awarded and they are interviewed by the subject coordinator.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Bendigo, 2017, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorKatherine Legge
Class requirements
WorkShopWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Lecture/WorkshopWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours lecture/workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Problem Based LearningWeek: 11 - 22
One 2.0 hours problem based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours unscheduled online class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
SeminarWeek: 10 - 12
One 1.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 12 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x Individual laboratory reports (1200 words equivalent) | 25 | 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| on-line quizzes (300 words equivalent) | 10 | 01, 02 | |
| one x 1-hour mid semester written examination | 25 | 01, 02 | |
| one 2-hour end of semester written examination | 40 | 01, 02 |
Melbourne, 2017, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Hoxley
Class requirements
WorkShopWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Lecture/WorkshopWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours lecture/workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Problem Based LearningWeek: 11 - 22
One 2.0 hours problem based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours unscheduled online class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x Individual laboratory reports (1200 words equivalent) | 25 | 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| on-line quizzes (300 words equivalent) | 10 | 01, 02 | |
| one x 1-hour mid semester written examination | 25 | 01, 02 | |
| one 2-hour end of semester written examination | 40 | 01, 02 |