PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS A
PHY1SCA
2014
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. Knowledge and competence in the material presented in VCE physics and maths is assumed.
Faculty: Faculty of Science, Tech & Engineering
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: David Hoxley
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: PHY11ENG, PHY11PAA, PHY12AGR, PHY12PAB, PHY10SCI, PHY1LSA
Equivalent subjects: PHY10SCI
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Physics for scientists and engineers: a strategic approach, with modern physics | Prescribed | Knight, RD 2008 | 3RD ED, PEARSON ADDISON WESLEY, SAN FRANCISCO. |
| Readings | FSTE First Year Survival Guide (second edition) | Recommended | Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering | LA TROBE UNIVERSITY 2012 |
Melbourne, 2014, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: David Hoxley
Class requirements
Problem Based LearningWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours problem based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Three 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 11 - 22
Nine 3.0 hours laboratory class per study period on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % |
|---|---|---|
| laboratory reports/exercises | 20 | |
| on-line quizzes | 10 | |
| one 1-hour mid semester examination | 5 | |
| one 3-hour examination | 55 | |
| problem sets | 10 |