PHYS1210
10 units
1000 level
Course handbook
Description
Physics underpins most aspects of modern engineering, technology, and medicine; developments in physics often drive social change. Knowledge of physics is therefore vital to understanding the world around us. Physics is needed to make new materials, monitor our environment, put satellites into orbit, harness energy, determine the strength of structures, take scans of the human body, develop faster computers, etc. The course is calculus based and covers topics from mechanics and kinematics, wave mechanics, electricity, particle physics, cosmology, and thermal physics.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
- Semester 2 - 2024
Singapore PSB
- Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore)
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Explain the basic principles of mechanics, waves, electricity and thermodynamics, and their relevance to aspects of engineering, technology, physical phenomena and everyday situations.
2. Solve qualitative and quantitative problems using mathematics and the principles of physics.
3. Perform laboratory and computational experiments and interpret the significance of the results with regards to the principles and applications of physics.
4. Communicate the results and significance of both theoretical and experimental work in written form.
5. Contribute to team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning.
Content
A calculus based physics course aimed at students who have completed HSC Physics and Mathematics.
Mechanics and Kinematics
Wave Mechanics
Foundations of Electricity
Big Questions in Physics
Foundations of Thermodynamics
Requisite
Students who have successfully completed FNPS1001 and FNPS1002 cannot enrol in this course.
Assumed knowledge
HSC Mathematics Advanced (with a result in Bands 5 or 6) or equivalent and HSC Physics or equivalent
Assessment items
Quiz: Class Tests
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Laboratory Reports
Quiz: Online Quizzes
Formal Examination: Final Examination
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s)
- This includes the introductory lab session.
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s)
Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) - Singapore PSB
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s)
- This includes the introductory lab session.
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s)
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s)
- This includes the introductory lab session.
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s)
Course outline
- PHYS1210 - Semester 2, 2023 (Callaghan) (PDF, 220.7 KB)
- PHYS1210 - Semester 1, 2024 (Callaghan) (PDF, 268.0 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.