Faculty Of Science, Technology & Engineering
PHY1SCA, 2012
| Subject Code: | PHY1SCA |
| Subject Short Title: | PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS A |
| Credit Points: | 15 |
| Subject Description: | On completion of this unit, students will be able to solve problems in classical physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics) 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, geometric optics, 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. Knowledge and competence in the material presented in VCE physics and maths is assumed. |
| Incompatibles: | PHY11ENG, PHY11PAA, PHY12AGR, PHY12PAB, PHY10SCI, PHY1LSA |
| Class Requirements: | three 1-hour lectures per week, 2-hour problem-solving classes (12 sessions) and 3-hour laboratory classes (9 sessions). |
| Work Experience Indicator: | Student is not undertaking work experience in industry |
| Available to 'Study Abroad' students: | Y |
Assessment:
| Assessment Type | % | Comments |
| problem sets | 10 | |
| on-line quizzes | 10 | |
| one 3-hour examination | 55 | |
| one 1-hour mid semester examination | 5 | |
| laboratory reports/exercises | 20 | |
Readings:
| Reading Type | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Prescribed | Physics for scientists and engineers: a strategic approach, with modern physics | Knight, RD 2008 | 2nd ed, Pearson Addison Wesley, San Francisco. |
| Recommended | FSTE First Year Survival Guide (second edition) | Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering | La Trobe University 2012 |
Subject Coordinator: Dr David Hoxley
| Subject Availability |
| BUNDOORA |
| Semester 1, Day. Dr David Hoxley (d.hoxley@latrobe.edu.au) |
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