PHYSICS A
PHY1PA
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject is designed to promote a conceptual understanding of physics in the areas of mechanics, heat and material properties. Many of the topics students may have met in previous studies. In this unit there will be an emphasis on developing a firm understanding of the topics and the ways in which the concepts may be represented. Particular emphasis is placed on mathematical representation. The subject lays the foundation for subsequent studies in the engineering program or further studies in physical sciences.
School: School of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Katherine Legge
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: VCE Physics 3 and 4 and Mathematical Methods 3 and 4 or equivalent.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | FSTE First Year Survival Guide (second edition) | Prescribed | Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering | LA TROBE UNIVERSITY 2012 |
| Readings | Sears and Zamansky's University Physics with Modern Physics - International Edition | Prescribed | Young, Freedman | PEARSON ADDISON, WESLEY |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Develop a vocabulary of accurate terminology to describe physical phenomena. Within this vocabulary common understandings of physical principles are learned, this understanding will include SI units.
- Activities:
- Students are required to produce well articulated responses to descriptive problems in (i) practise exercises and (ii) assessed quizzes beginning early in the semester Students are expected to complete accurate reporting of laboratory work and interpretation and response to written problems All reports and solutions presented in SI Units.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
02. With reference to science and engineering, know how and when to use physical models and analysis. Understand and predict behaviour AND know the limitations of models.
- Activities:
- Demonstration of problem solving capacity expected in the final end of semester examination.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
03. Use and relate to appropriate situations the 3 great conservation laws (i) conservation of momentum, (ii) conservation of energy and (iii) conservation of angular momentum.
- Activities:
- Recognition and use of the appropriate laws will be resolved through the combination of written work and experiments
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
04. Apply Newtonian Mechanics to a variety of situations and recognize that beliefs are commonly challenged.
- Activities:
- Successful application of Newtonian Mechanics as part of the final end of semester examination.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
05. Determine the accuracy and reality of numerical solutions so that inappropriate, irrelevant or spurious results can be interrogated.
- Activities:
- Students will present practical reports detailing the achievement of results that relate the final result to the initial problem posed In problem sheets and exam questions students will be expected to recognise when errors occur and identify probable reasons/remedies.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
06. Present coherent interpretations and explanations that underpin the concepts of physics.
- Activities:
- Students will detail concepts clearly in written solutions, reports and exam questions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
07. Produce and present well written and standardized scientific reports.
- Activities:
- Using written, diagrammatic, mathematical and graphical representations data and information has to be explained to others through accurate, robust and standardized laboratory reports. Strict adherence to criteria referenced laboratory reports.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Bendigo, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Katherine Legge
Class requirements
Directed ReadingWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours directed reading per week from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
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 face-to-face.
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.
PracticalWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three 1/2 hour tests | 15 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| laboratory work | 20 | 01, 03, 05, 06, 07 | |
| one 3-hour examination | In order to pass this subject, students must obtain a mark of at least 40% on the examination, as well as an overall mark of at least 50%. | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |
| one practice exam (open book) | The tests provide formative feedback to the students throughout the semester with regard to their understanding of some basic concepts covered. | 5 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |