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Physics 1 (PHYC10003)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
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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

On the completion of this subject, students shouild be able 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;
  • Make considered and logical predictions of the outcomes of different physical situations in the context of the relevant physics principles; 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: 3 October 2024