EPPHYS308Physics

Course handbook

Description

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.

Availability2017 Course Timetables

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

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.

Requisite

This course is not available to students who have successfully completed or are enrolled in EPPHYS152.

Assessment items

Written Assignment: Written Assignments

In Term Test: Mid-Semester Examination

Formal Examination: Final Examination

Contact hours

Callaghan