Physics 1 (PHYC10003)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Director of First Year Studies
Email: dfys@physics.unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is designed for students with a sound background in physics, and aims to provide a strong understanding of a broad range of physics principles.
Topics include:
Mechanics: describing and explaining translational and rotational motion, for example in the contexts of human and animal movement and transport (Newton’s laws of motion, both translational and rotational; energy transfer and transformation; momentum and impulse; simple harmonic motion, equilibrium).
Waves and sound: water waves; seismic waves; production and detection of sound, eg. musical instruments, hearing; ultrasound (reflection and refraction, superposition, resonance, energy transport, absorption, Doppler effect).
Optics: optical imaging, sensors and optical instruments, human vision, crystallography (dispersion, lenses and mirrors, interference, diffraction, polarisation).
Gravitation: weightlessness, planetary and satellite orbits, escape velocity (universal gravity, Kepler’s laws).
Special relativity: particle accelerators, the ‘twin paradox’ (Einstein’s modification of Newtonian physics, relativity of time and space, equivalence of mass and energy).
Vector notation, and differential and integral calculus, are used wherever appropriate.
Intended learning outcomes
To enable students to understand the importance of physical principles and develop their capacity to:
- understand and explain the physics principles of translational and rotational mechanics, waves, optics and special relativity;
- apply these principles using logical reasoning, together with appropriate mathematical reasoning, to a variety of familiar and novel situations and problems; and
- acquire experimental data using a range of measurement instruments and interpret these data.
Generic skills
A student who completes this subject should be able to:
- explain their understanding of physics principles and applications lucidly, both in writing and orally;
- acquire and interpret experimental data and design experimental investigations;
- participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions, laboratory and study groups;
- think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning;
- manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular practical and tutorial classes, tests and the examination.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Physics and Mathematics prerequisites exist for this subject.
Physics
- VCE Units 3/4 Physics or equivalent
Or one of:
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYC10002 | Physics 2: Advanced | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHYC10004 | Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHYC10006 | Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Mathematics
One of
- VCE Units 3/4 Mathematical Methods or equivalent
- Admission into the Bachelor of Science
OR both of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST10014 | Foundation Mathematics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST10015 | Foundation Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students may only gain credit for one of
- PHYC10001 Physics 1: Advanced
- PHYC10003 Physics 1
- PHYC10005 Physics 1: Fundamentals
Recommended background knowledge
Students who have not completed the equivalent of VCE Unit 3/4 Specialist Mathematics are encouraged to enrol in MAST10005 Calculus 1 concurrently with this subject.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Assessment
Additional details
Ongoing assessment of practical work during the semester (25%); ten weekly assignments (10 x 1.5% = 15%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (60%).
Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject (i.e. attendance and submission of work for at least 80% of workshop sessions together with a result for assessed work of at least 50%).
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Roger Rassool Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x one hour tutorial per week; 28 hours of practical work (8 x three hour laboratory sessions and up to 30 minutes of pre-laboratory activity) and 10 weekly assignments of 30 minutes each during the semester. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Director of First Year Studies
Email: dfys@physics.unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Bachelor of Design Elective Subjects Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 9 April 2025