Undergraduate - UnitPHS1011 - Physics

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Measurement in contemporary applications and laboratory experiments; problem solving as a scientist. Mechanics: including inertial frames, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion and applications. Introduction to Special Relativity. Waves: behaviour mathematical description including reflection, polarisation, interference and diffraction with applications to mechanical waves, optics, sound, light and X-rays.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit, a student should be able to explain and apply the concepts of force, momentum and energy to simple mechanical situations; explain and apply the basic concepts of special relativity in space-time; explain and apply the principles of waves, their propagation and behaviour in simple cases of interference and diffraction; carry out experiments, take reliable measurements, analyse and interpret data, and communicate results in scientific form.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 58%
Laboratory work: 25%
Tests/Assignments: 17%
(Students must achieve a pass mark in the laboratory work to achieve an overall pass grade)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Kevin Pimbblet

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory class per week

Prerequisites

Year 12 Physics

Co-requisites

Recommended: MTH1020, MTH1030 or MTH1035

Prohibitions

ENG1081