68037 Physical Modelling
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Anti-requisite(s): 68101 Foundations of Physics
Recommended studies:
It is recommended that students enrolled in this subject have either completed 35010 Foundation Mathematics or are enrolled in or have completed 33130 Mathematics 1.
Description
This is a foundational calculus-based physics subject. It covers the fundamentals of mechanics (kinetics, dynamics and rotational), thermodynamics, electricity, fluid dynamics, waves. Students are introduced to the basic techniques of measurement, uncertainty analysis and technical communication.
This subject aims to develop the student's understanding of physical principles governing natural processes, and the practice of applying these principles to create predictive models of simple engineered systems. Students also appreciate the limits of validity of these models by testing and analysing the models they have created. This subject also emphasises the quantitative problem solving that is possible with correct physical models through the use of calculus and algebra. Thus, students develop a framework for understanding and modelling natural phenomena that is carried over into design and analysis in engineering.
Students see that physics both enables and restrains engineering. Designs that are inconsistent with the laws of physics cannot be realised while much engineering innovation demands new physical insight or innovative uses of existing physical and mathematical models.
The subject also seeks to give students insights into the processes and pleasures of physics itself as a professional discipline. This includes basic experiences with the analytical, problem solving, observational and technical as well as measurement skills needed to model natural processes. The technical communication and other generic skills developed in this subject are further developed in later subjects. Graduates and later stage students, whether using physics themselves, working with physicists in a research or design team, or using new products based on advanced physics concepts, need to function in a world of innovation in which physical understanding and new physics plays a key role. This subject initiates the insights and attitudes relevant to this goal.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | understand the conceptual basis in mechanics, thermal physics, oscillations, waves, electricity, fluids |
|---|---|
| 2. | solve problems proficiently in selected areas of fundamental physics |
| 3. | apply mathematical models to describe and understand the natural world |
| 4. | measure basic physical phenomena, analyse data and verify mathematical models |
| 5. | demonstrate technical communication, project planning, team and time management skills |
| 6. | understand the nature of physics as a professional discipline of great importance to engineering innovation |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Physical Modelling subject embeds the UTS Graduate Attributes by having the following elements incorporated in the subject:
‘Learning to learn’
Students are expected to demonstrate information literacy and critical thinking and to use appropriate language to describe what has been learned. In 68037 these will be assessed through discussions in the laboratory sessions, laboratory reports and a final exam.
‘Professional Attributes’
The laboratory reports and the formal final exam will provide a summative evaluation of your command of the subject material. The subject teaches technical, manipulative and design skills in the form of conducting phenomena exploring laboratory experiments where communication and collaborative skills play an important part. Technical writing skills are developed and assessed by compiling laboratory reports. Experiments are carried out in small groups where students have the opportunity to develop collaborative, group work skills which are essential skills desired by employers.
The University has a strong, enforced policy relating to assessment items on plagiarism, collusion, and fraudulent data to emphasise the importance of the life-long habit of ethical conduct.
Each student has a number of tasks for this and other subjects, which must be efficiently and effectively managed throughout the semester. This also develops time management skills.
‘Personal Attributes’
The laboratory reports require you to seek and incorporate into submitted work up-to-date information from literature found in the library, on-line or other sources. Professional capabilities are assessed through the use of a range of communication styles, ensuring that you will be confident in your ability to communicate.
Faculty of Science Graduate Attributes:
This subject contributes to student development of the following UTS Faculty of Science Graduate Attributes:
Graduate Attribute 1.0: Disciplinary Knowledge
Knowledge of applied physics to demonstrate depth, breadth, application, and interrelationships of relevant discipline areas.
This graduate attribute will be developed and assessed in assessment task 1, 2,3.
Graduate Attribute 2.0: Research, inquiry, and critical thinking
The ability to frame hypotheses to solve problems through the application of the scientific method and experiment, and to test current physics knowledge through critical evaluation and data analysis.
This graduate attribute will be developed and assessed in assessment task 1, 2.
Graduate Attribute 3.0: Professional, ethical, and social responsibility
A capacity to work ethically and professionally using technical, practical, and collaborative skills within the context of the workplace, and apply these skills to meet the current and future needs of society.
This graduate attribute will be developed and assessed in assessment task 2.
Graduate Attribute 5.0: Communication
Effective and professional communication skills for a range of scientific audiences.
This graduate attribute will be developed and assessed in assessment task 2.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
Teaching and learning strategies
Online lectures: There is a two-hour lecture each week. New concepts are explained in lectures and system modelling and problem solving is demonstrated. If you take part in the live lecture you will be able to interact with the lecturer, such as by taking part in Q&As.
On campus Workshops: There is a two-hour workshop approximately every fortnight in the Faculty of Science laboratories. You will practise problem solving with peers and the guidance of the tutor, and there is the opportunity to ask for detailed clarification. Practising problem solving with new knowledge has been shown to lead to more effective learning. Problems are available before the class and you are encouraged to attempt these before class. The tutors will use analytics from the online homework platform to focus on topics most important for each class.
On campus Practicals: Five two-hour practical classes will take place in the Faculty of Science laboratories, approximately once per fortnight.The practical classes are the best place to practice testing models, predicting outcomes, measuring and analysing phenomena, and particularly learning how real-world limitations and uncertainties affect model validity. Short pre-work assignments are used to ensure you are well prepared for your prac classes.
Online Assignments: There are four assignments due throughout the semester testing your ability to solve problems by creating simple, accurate theoretical models. The problems and values are randomised for each student. The assignment problems are answered on the Mastering Physics (Pearson) platform. Optional pre-lecture simulations/problems and AI personalised follow-up problems are available for you to prepare for lectures or practise additional problems. Practise at solving many problems during the subject has been shown to be an effective study technique for exam preparation.
Feedback: Continuous feedback loops with peers and demonstrators in the laboratory will support your learning. Individual feedback will also be provided on assessed work by the demonstrator and Mastering Physics (Pearson) platform, which will give you the option of accessing hints and other relevant feedback in real-time.
If you have not studied any physics before and have limited mathematics experience (e.g. have not studied calculus) you are strongly recommended to complete a Foundation Mathematics subject before enrolling into Physical Modelling to improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Content (topics)
Classical mechanics
- Kinetics (2D motion, translation and rotation (constant radius), relative motion)
- Dynamics (Newton's laws of motion, force, work, energy, conservation laws, friction)
Applications of classical mechanics
- Rotation of rigid body, rolling
- Fluid statics and dynamics
- Kinetic theory and thermodynamics
- Oscillations and waves
Thermodynamics
- Thermal properties of materials (specific heats, latent heat, thermal expansion coefficient, heat transfer coefficient, emissivity)
- Heat transfer (heat flux, conduction, radiation)
- 1st law of thermodynamics (closed systems, adiabatic process)
Electromagnetism
- Electrostatics (charge, Coulomb's law, electric field, potential, energy)
- Electrical circuits (DC resistive circuits, Kirchhoff's laws, Ohm's law)
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Assignments
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: Faculty of Science: Graduate Attribute 1.0: Disciplinary Knowledge Graduate Attribute 2.0: Research, inquiry, and critical thinking Faculty of Engineering and IT: D.1 Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | Each assignment will have approximately 5 questions and is designed to take approximately 1 - 1.5 hours. |
| Criteria: | Correct answers to questions about the topics. |
Assessment task 2: Laboratory Work
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: Faculty of Science: Graduate Attribute 1.0: Disciplinary Knowledge Graduate Attribute 2.0: Research, inquiry, and critical thinking Graduate Attribute 3.0: Professional, ethical, and social responsibility Graduate Attribute 5.0: Communication Faculty of Engineering and IT: D.1 Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | Demonstration of good preparation, consistent ongoing involvement and constructive contribution to group activity. A detailed assessment rubric is available on Canvas. |
Assessment task 3: Final Exam
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: Faculty of Science: Graduate Attribute 1.0: Disciplinary Knowledge Faculty of Engineering and IT: D.1 Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): D.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | This assessment is a 2-hour centrally conducted exam |
| Criteria: | Correct answers to questions within the allocated time. |
Minimum requirements
Students must receive 50% of all available marks in order 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
The following textbooks are available to UTS students through Canvas:
• University Physics; Young, Freedman; Pearson. (Free for 12 months through Mastering Physics account)
• College Physics; Urone, Hinrichs; OpenStax. (Always free)
Most calculus-based University Physics textbooks are equally suitable. UTS Library has a large collection of introductory University Physics textbooks and some are available as electronic textbooks.
Other resources
There are a number of resources available to you to assist with your understanding of the material:
- Theory: lecture notes and recordings, online textbook
- Problem solving: workshop problems, Mastering Physics problems with hints and solutions
- Practical work: laboratory manual
The subject is supported by the UTS U:PASS (UTS Peer Assisted Study Success) program, where students who have done well in 68037 run study sessions. More information is at https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/upass/upass. You may attend any and as many U:PASS sessions each week, irrespective of your preferred session time indicated at sign-up.
The Maths and Science Study Centre offers drop-in sessions, where you can ask an academic for assistance on any first year maths or physics problems.