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Foundations of Physics (PHYC10009)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is designed for students with a minimal background in Physics and aims to provide a foundation in physics understanding for a range of important physics principles and applications. Emphasis is placed on key concepts rather than detailed analysis.
Topics include:
Mechanics: describing and explaining translational motion (1-D and 2-D); laws of motion and forces; energy transfer; momentum and impulse; equilibrium in the context of human and animal movement and transport.
Waves: explore wave properties of reflection, refraction, interference and diffraction of water, light and sound in the context of optics, hearing and ultrasound.
Electrostatics and Electricity: describe than explain the effects of charge on different materials and objects; explore moving charges and electrical components such as batteries and resistors in simple electrical circuits.
Magnetism: describe the effects and origin of magnetic fields; explore the relationship between charges and magnetic fields in the context of induction and electrical motors.
Modern Physics: explore and describe the concepts behind the experiments that lead to our understanding of modern physics; Rutherford gold foil experiment, Double-Slit experiment and the Photoelectric Effect.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- understand and explain the physics principles of translational mechanics, light, water and sound waves, electrostatics and electrity, magnetism and elements of modern physics;
- 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 their own learning; and
- manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular practical and tutorial classes, tests and the examination.
Last updated: 22 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
All 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 |
OR
VCE Units 3 and 4 Mathematical Methods or equivalent
OR
Admission into the B-SCI Bachelor of Science
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have achieved a study score of 25 or more in VCE Physics 3 and 4 or equivalent
Such students are advised to enrol in PHYC10003 – Physics 1
Recommended background knowledge
Some knowledge of physics, to Year 10 level.
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: 22 November 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Assessment of practical work (Please see below) Hurdle requirement: 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%). | Throughout the teaching period | 25% |
Ten weekly assignments (10 x 1.5%)
| From Week 3 to Week 12 | 15% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 60% |
Additional details
Assessment of practical work throughout the semester (25%) consisting of:
- Practicals: practical experiment and written report due at the end of each lab, throughout semester (every second week), 3.125% each (2.5 hours per laboratory session)
- Take Home Group Experiment: group report due 2 weeks after obtaining equipment, second half of semester, 6.25% (6 hours)
Last updated: 22 November 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Jacinta Den Besten Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours Lectures - 3 x 1 hour lectures per week; Problem based classes - 1 x one hour class per week Practical classes - 6 x 2.5 hour laboratory classes fortnightly Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022 Last self-enrol date 11 March 2022 Census date 31 March 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022 Assessment period ends 24 June 2022
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours Note: this will include practical work of up to 30 minutes of pre-laboratory activity for every laboratory session plus up to 6 hours of laboratory assignment.
Additional delivery details
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 22 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Physics: Principles with Applications, Global Edition, Douglas C. Giancoli, 7th Edition, Pearson 2015
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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.
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
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 22 November 2023