Undergraduate - UnitPHS1011 - Physics

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Synopsis

This unit forms a part of mainstream physics for undergraduates who have undertaken year 12 physics at high-school (or equivalent). There are four main topics in this unit that together provide the foundations of a large part of classical and modern physics. In mechanics, Newton's laws, dynamics, energy, momentum and contemporary measurement theory (via laboratory experimentation) are reviewed. This ground-work leads to an introduction to modern thermodynamics through an understanding of the concept of work, the laws of thermodynamics, and the introduction to entropy. The waves part of the unit covers topics starting with simple harmonic motion that builds up to diffraction, superposition, wave optics and ray optics. The unit is rounded off by providing an introduction to special relativity.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit, a student should be able to explain and apply the concepts of force, momentum, energy, work and simple thermodynamic arguments to classical 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