68101 Physics 1
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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): 68037 Physical Modelling AND 68041 Physical Aspects of Nature
Recommended studies:
Mathematics (not General or Standard)
Description
This is a foundational calculus-based physics subject. It covers the fundamentals of mechanics (kinetics and dynamics), thermodynamics, electricity, fluid dynamics and waves. Students are introduced to the basic techniques of measurement, uncertainty analysis and technical communication.
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 workshop 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. | understand the conceptual basis in mechanics, thermal physics, oscillations, waves, electricity and 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 |
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Physics 1 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 68101 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.
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 Physics 1 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 heat, 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: Graduate Attribute 1.0: Disciplinary Knowledge Knowledge of applied physics to demonstrate depth, breadth, application, and interrelationships of relevant discipline areas. 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. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2 |
| 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: Graduate Attribute 1.0: Disciplinary Knowledge Knowledge of applied physics to demonstrate depth, breadth, application, and interrelationships of relevant discipline areas. Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of physics concepts learned in lectures and apply these concepts and associated problems solving skills to conduct and analyse experiments. 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. inquiry based, hands-on experiments are carried out to become familiar with scientific methodologies of applying and testing concepts as well as to draw deductions and make projections based on analysed data. 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. Students will be working in small teams to conduct inquiry based experiments. Outcomes of experiments will be recorded in individual, written laboratory reports. Students handle and analyse data using data loggers as well as spreadsheet numerical and graphical applications. Graduate Attribute 5.0: Communication Effective and professional communication skills for a range of scientific audiences. Students present their experimental findings in structured, written laboratory reports as well as in an Professional Laboratory Report in the form of a structured, professional consultant report.
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | Demonstration of good preparation, consistent ongoing involvement and constructive contribution to group activities. Demonstration of understanding of concepts, physical measurements and data analysis. Quality of technical written communication, effective project planning and team management. 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: Graduate Attribute 1.0: Disciplinary Knowledge Knowledge of applied physics to demonstrate depth, breadth, application, and interrelationships of relevant discipline areas. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 |
| 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
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
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.