This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

PHS1042 - Physics, energy and the environment

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Science

Organisational Unit

School of Physics and Astronomy

Coordinator(s)

Dr Kavan Modi

Offered

Clayton

Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Physics principles which underlie our understanding of the environment and processes in nature are studied, with particular focus on energy, its forms, sources, and usage. Topics and applications include: Solar and infra-red radiation, satellite thermal imaging techniques, spectroscopy; energy conversion including solar cells, renewable energy sources, fuel cells; nuclear radiation, applications in pollution monitoring; nuclear energy, reactor applications, and nuclear waste; nuclear fusion; environmental impact of energy technologies; monitoring and detection of physical quantities.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

Understand the basic physics principles underlying applications in the contexts of environmental, biological, and planetary sciences;

Apply and interpret the relevant principles in these contexts in relation to energy, its forms, use, conversion and efficiencies, the use of thermal (IR) imaging systems, and the methods and devices used in basic systems for measuring quantities of environmental and general scientific importance (such as light, temperature, humidity, windspeed);

Demonstrate numeracy skills in describing, modelling and analysing such applications as described above, and performing appropriate calculations;

Reliably carry out basic experimental measurements, analyse and interpret data and experimental uncertainties;

Demonstrate communications skills in presenting and discussing scientific information in written report and poster forms.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 50%
Practical work: 28%
Tests/assignments: 22%
Students must achieve a pass mark in the practical work to achieve an overall pass grade.