68101 Physics 1
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Anti-requisite(s): 68037 Physical Modelling AND 68041 Physical Aspects of Nature
Recommended studies:
Mathematics (not General or Standard)
Description
This is a foundation physics subject primarily for students in the physical and chemical sciences. Students learn about the fundamentals of dynamics and statics, fluid mechanics, thermal physics, waves, and optics. A strong emphasis is placed on the investigative nature of physics research with an integrated laboratory program where students further develop their problem-solving skills relating to the lecture and tutorial material. They also gain an appreciation of good experimental design and the significance of information obtained in real-life modelling situations.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | recognise and apply the concepts and principles of physics most relevant to to a range of problems in the chemical and physical sciences |
|---|---|
| 2. | communicate the results of work in an effective manner by way of report writing, poster presentation, and semi-formal oral communication in a laboratory context |
| 3. | maintain a faithful record of work carried out in the laboratory, lecture and tutorial setting |
| 4. | design and modify experiments through the application of basic physical principles to a variety of situations and recognise the importance of, and characteristics of, enquiry orientation in science |
| 5. | develop problem solving strategies appropriate to new situations and apply methods of analysis of experimental data, including developing skills in graphical approaches and an appreciation of the influence of experimental error |
| 6. | implement appropriate approaches to problem analysis requiring equation manipulation, consideration of correct orders of magnitude |
| 7. | apply skills in accessing information from a variety of sources including the Internet and the library |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of broad science concepts and explain specialised disciplinary knowledge. (1.1)
- Evaluate scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design and/or mathematical reasoning, analysis, and critical thinking to apply science and/or mathematic methodologies to real world problems. (2.1)
- Work autonomously or in teams to address workplace or community problems utilising best scientific practice, with consideration to safety requirements and ethical guidelines. (3.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas and justifications using appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject contributes to the Faculty of Science graduate attributes as described below.
1.0 Disciplinary knowledge
Recognise and apply the concepts and principles of physics most relevant to to a range of problems in the chemical and physical sciences. Develop problem solving strategies appropriate to new situations and apply methods of analysis of experimental data, including developing skills in graphical approaches and an appreciation of the influence of experimental error.
2.0 Research, inquiry and Critical Thinking
Design and modify experiments through the application of basic physical principles to a variety of situations and recognise the importance of, and characteristics of, enquiry orientation in science. Implement appropriate approaches to problem analysis requiring equation manipulation, consideration of correct orders of magnitude.
3.0 Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
Maintain a faithful record of work carried out in the laboratory, lecture and tutorial setting.
5.0 Communication
Communicate the results of work in an effective manner by way of report writing, poster presentation, and semi-formal oral communication in a laboratory context.
Teaching and learning strategies
Lectures: 2.0 hours lectures per week. Lectures provide an outline of key content and include case studies and examples. They are a guide for your learning and should help you stay focussed on the material covered in the subject. Lectures do not include all the details of the subject content. You will need to read, watch, review and summarise outside the classroom.
Practicals: Seven 2.0 hours per week. Working in the laboratory is about building skills in teamwork, experiment planning, data collection, reporting and presentation as well as developing key technical skills with basic equipment.
Workshops: Ten 2-hour workshops through the semester. The workshops will help you develop your learning of material presented and outlined in the lectures. Workshops will typically involve preparatory work or reading prior to the class. You will mostly work in small groups to develop solutions to problems and build your understanding of the theoretical material. Immediate feedback will be provided during workshop discussions.
Expected weekly time investment per week in addition to the above hours: approx. 5.5 hours
Background Knowledge: It is assumed a student has a knowledge of Mathematics at a level higher than general/standard.
Support Resources : Student support resources are available, in particular the Mathematics and Science Study Centre (https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/current-students-information-faculty-science/study-resources/mathematics-and) located Building 4, level 3, room 331 (CB04.03.331) where tutors are available throughout the semester to assist with mathematics
Content (topics)
The major topics covered in this subject are:
1. Newtonian Mechanics: Basic techniques in experimental science are introduced using simple Newtonian Mechanics examples and video analysis. This module provides essential background to the laboratory component. Projectile motion. Uniform circular motion. Newton’s laws of motion. Free-body diagrams. Friction. Work done by constant and variable forces. Power. Kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of energy. Centre of mass and its motion. Momentum and Impulse. Elastic and non-elastic collisions of two particles. Continuity equation. Bernoulli’s equation; Applications of Bernoulli’s equation.
2. Energy Conversion and Transformation: Building on concepts of kinetic and potential energy, this module develops basic thermal principles into the technical background for a laboratory experiment using solar cells. Thermal equilibrium. Zeroth law. Celsius and ideal gas scale. Constant volume gas thermometer. Thermal expansion. Nature of heat. Specific heat, molar heat. Calorimetry. Change of state. Latent heat.
3. Atoms, Energy and Thermodynamics: This module ties what you know already about chemistry and physics to vapour phase deposition processes and reaction mechanisms. It incorporates the ideal gas law, thermal properties, and an introduction to thermodynamics and reaction rates. Basics of the Equation of state for an ideal gas. Ideas in vapour pressure and Dalton’s law. Phase diagrams for describing behaviour of matter.
4. General Waves: We will first need to develop the tools used to describe waves and their properties: wavelength and frequency; speed of travelling waves; and waves on a string.
5. Electricity: Electric charge & Coulomb's law; Electric potential & Capacitance; Current & Resistance; Circuits – Kirchoff's law.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Laboratory Work
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.0 Disciplinary knowledge 2.0 Research, inquiry and Critical Thinking 3.0 Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility 5.0 Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Guidelines and marking schemes for laboratory book, laboratory reports and other aspects of laboratory assessment are provided in the laboratory manual, the subject resource book and in additional handouts and posters in the laboratory, and announcements from demonstrators. |
Assessment task 2: Class Tests
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.0 Disciplinary knowledge
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on:
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Assessment task 3: Final Exam
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.0 Disciplinary knowledge 2.0 Research, inquiry and Critical Thinking 3.0 Professional, ethical and social responsibility |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | Marks are awarded based on your ability to:
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Minimum requirements
Overall accumulated minimum of 50% of the mark is required to pass this subject
Students are actively encouraged to attend all their scheduled learning activities and may expect that participation in learning activities will be required to complete assessment tasks successfully.
Recommended texts
Halliday, Resnick and Walker, Fundamentals of Physics, 10th Edition. Earlier editions, if you have them available, are also suitable as are other calculus-based physics texts.
Lecture slides may have reference to sections in Halliday, Resnick, and Walker so that students may supplement their learning by reading the relevant text.
References
You will be recommended to read material, conduct simulations and watch videos throughout the semester which lecturers think will help your understanding of the lecture material and the laboratory exercises.
Other resources
The material covered in this course is quite general in nature and is treated in most introductory physics texts. There are also many useful computer simulations (e.g. Java applets) that your lecturers may refer to and demonstrate during the lectures and/or workshop. You will also be directed to particular resources that you need to access and review before class.