CLASSICAL PHYSICS

PHY2CLP

2017

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

On completion of this subject, students will be able to solve problems in classical optics and thermodynamics, which provide a basis for further study in physics 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 optics and thermodynamics. Students will conduct experimental investigations related to these topics. This subject and PHY2MOD together constitute a mainstream course in physics at the second-year level. Knowledge and competence in the material presented in PHY1SCA, PHY1SCB, MAT1CNS or MAT1NLA and MAT1CLA or MAT1CDE is assumed.

School: School of Molecular Sciences/LIMS

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Narelle Brack

Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Exchange Students: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: PHY1SCA and PHY1SCB and MAT1NLA and MAT1CDE

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
Technologies	Learning management system	Prescribed	La Trobe University 2016	La Trobe University
Readings	Introduction to Optics, 3rd edition	Prescribed	F.L. Pedrotti and L.S. Pedrotti	Pearson 2006
Readings	Thermal Physics	Prescribed	C. Kittel	John Wiley

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Analyse, visualise and solve written conceptual and mathematical problems related as described by classical optics and thermodynamics.

Activities:: Students are introduced to concepts and problem solving skills in online activities. They bring their work to the face to face classes to deepen their understanding and explore practical examples.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research); Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Study and Learning Skills); Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Critically review and analyse optics and thermodynamics research data and compare and interpret the results with reference to the scientific literature.

Activities:: Students prepare two individual technical reports which accurately and ethically describe the experiments, any findings and draws appropriate conclusions. Students are provided with a template on which to base their report.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research); Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. Perform experiments related to classical optics and thermodynamics, using standard physics laboratory techniques, equipment and software which produce conclusive and accurate results.

Activities:: Students conduct, in pairs, two extended laboratory experiments of nine hours duration each in close consultation with a staff demonstrator, who assists them in the design and conduct of the experiment.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research); Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Study and Learning Skills); Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

04. Describe and explain, in appropriate written and verbal style, the findings from laboratory experiments performed by the student. Answer verbal queries about the findings as presented in the context of classical optics and thermodynamics.

Activities:: The laboratory report mark contains a writing component. Students conduct an oral interview with a laboratory demonstrator at the completion of each experiment where their understanding of the underlying physics concepts, experimental approaches, data error analysis, and maturity in diagnosing and solving problems are assessed. Students then submit a written laboratory report detailing their interpretation of the results.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy); Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy); Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)

Bendigo, 2017, Semester 1, Blended

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Katherine Legge

Class requirements

Lecture/WorkshopWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture/workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

Laboratory ClassWeek: 11 - 20
Six 3.0 hours laboratory class per study period on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 20 and delivered via face-to-face.

Scheduled Online ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours scheduled online class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.

Assessments

Assessment element	Comments	%	ILO*
2 x Laboratory Reports (1500 word equiv)	Students submit 2 written lab reports and present one of them as a group.	30	02, 03, 04
Short assignments (1000 word equiv)	Solutions to short essay questions including mathematical analysis.	20	01
1 x 2 hour written exam		50	01

Melbourne, 2017, Semester 1, Blended