EPPHYS308

Physics

20 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

EPPHYS308 Physics prepares students for the commencement of undergraduate study and requires sound knowledge of fundamental principles of physics. The depth and extent of the course is similar to the HSC Physics course. It covers the basic concepts of mechanics, forces, energy, waves, sound, electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetism, atomic and nuclear (radiation) physics.

Objectives The course:
1. Provides a sound knowledge of the fundamentals of physics.
2. Develops problem solving and research skills essential for undergraduate study.
3. Illustrates the principles of physics with little mathematics.
4. Enhances problem solving and logical processes within a mathematical framework.
Content Physics will cover:
1. The definition of Physics and its relation to other sciences.
2. The definition of fundamental quantities and scientific notation.
3. Basic mathematical concepts and skills used in physics.
4. Scalar and vector quantities and basic vector algebra.
5. Motion in one and two dimension and the equations of kinematics.
6. The study of dynamics using Newton's laws.
7. Concepts and definitions of force, mass, work, and momentum; the work-energy theorem and other forms of energy.
8. Laws of conservation of energy and conservation of momentum: elastic and inelastic collisions.
9. Circular motion and the law of gravity.
10. Vibrations and wave motion: types of waves, Simple Harmonic motion and its relationship to circular motion. Introduction to sound and Doppler effect.
11. Electricity and magnetism: definition and nature of electric charge, electric field and the electric potential difference. Definition of resistance and capacitance. Ohm's law and standard circuits involving resistances and capacitors in series and parallel.
12. The magnetic field and the magnetic flux. Torque on a current loop, Ampere's law, induced magnetic fields and Faraday's law.
13. The structure of the atom and its nucleus.
14. Nuclear physics including nuclides, atomic number and the mass number. Radioactive decay and balancing nuclear equations. The binding energy and the mass defect with applications to nuclear fission and fusion.
Transition NA
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge Mathematical techniques equivalent to year 10 School Certificate.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Problem Based Learning
Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Examination: Class Mid-Semester Examination, 18%:
Checks the student's ability for problem solving and demonstrates understanding of the concepts under examination conditions.
Essays / Written Assignments 12 Assignments set weekly, 24%:
Enhances the problem solving ability of students. Integrates theoretical concepts introduced in lectures, and their applications to real world phenomena.
Essays / Written Assignments 2 Laboratory reports, 8%:
Prepares the students for undergraduate laboratories. Demonstrates the application of theoretical concepts introduced in lectures, to the real world.
Examination: Formal Final examination in the University examination period, 50%:
Checks the student's ability to solve problems and integrate various key concepts.
Contact Hours Lecture: for 5 hour(s) per Week for 12 weeks
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for 11 weeks
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for EPPHYS308