Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The experimental means by which we have arrived at our modern understanding of the universe is central to the scientific philosophy. Students of physics and physics related areas need to possess skills in quantitative handling, processing, communication and evaluation of data. Higher level studies in specialised areas of Physics require a familiarity with a range of fundamental topics in Physics and an ability to apply critical thinking and advanced mathematical techniques to the analysis and solution of Physical problems. This first-level unit lays the foundation for these higher level studies by introducing the fundamental topic areas of mechanics and electromagnetism.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with a broader knowledge base in the discipline of Physics, to explain a range of mechanical and electromagnetic phenomena in terms of your growing knowledge base and to demonstrate where the various topics may be applied in a range of everyday situations.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic level of understanding and competency in the topic areas covered by solving a range of well-defined problems.
2. Define and analyse more complex physical situations by applying the techniques and principles presented during the unit.
3. Collect, present, analyse and evaluate experimental data from a range of experiments according to scientific conventions.
4. Value truth, accuracy, honesty, ethics, and develop an ability for independent learning.
5. Work both independently and collaboratively; accept responsibilities and obligations.

Content

This unit uses a limited range of topics to introduce broadly applicable concepts and general techniques in Physics. Concepts introduced will include those of mechanics, electromagentic fields and electric circuits.

Specific topic areas to be covered include:

Data and error analysis, data handling and graphical methods, absolute and relative errors.

Calculus based kinematics and dynamics in 1 and 2 dimensions:
Circular Motion
accelerated frames of reference,
Gravitation, Newton's law of gravity,
2nd order systems and the forced-damped-harmonic oscillator.

Electromagnetic fields,
Coulomb's Law, potentials, static fields - point and distributed sources, Gauss's Law,
Capacitors,
Biot-Savart Law
Ampere's Law
Electromagnetic induction Faraday's Law,
Inductors, Transformers
Lenz's Law.

Circuit theory: dc circuits, RLC Circuits, alternating current

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures will provide the knowledge base required for this unit and will be supported by practicals and practical sessions, enabling you to apply the theory described in lectures.

You will also be expected to undertake a range of computer-based practical problems related to the lecture material, this forming part of the assessment.

Lectures: 3 hours per week
Practicals: 1 hour per week
Practical: 6 x 2 hour laboratory sessions (approx one per fortnight)

Assessment

In this unit you will be assessed primarily on your understanding and ability to apply the concepts of mechanics and electromagnetism. In addition you will also be assessed on your ability to make measurements and undertake analysis and intepretation of results in experimental laboratory work.

For successful completion of this unit you will be expected to obtain an acceptable level of achievement in all areas of assessment.Students will receive individual feedback on their written assignments and practical reports as part of the grading of the assignment. In addition the use of an on-line practical system will provide students with instant feedback on calculation-based problem solving exercises.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Written and computer based practicals
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Report
Description: Practical participation/exercise
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Examination
Description: This unit has both a mid semester exam and a final semester exam that are both worth 30% each.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7 & Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts:
1. Young & Freedman, University Physics with Modern Physics with Mastering Physics, 12th edition, Freeman, Worth
2. First Year Physics Laboratory Resource Manual, Available on Blackboard

Online Resources:
1. PCB2XB Mechanics and Electromagnetism site: http://olt.qut.edu.au/PCB2XB/
2. PHYSCISLAB: http://olt.qut.edu.au/PHYSICSLAB/

Risk assessment statement

Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures and practicals. Laboratory safety rules will be published on the first year physics laboratory website. There are no other out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 08-Jun-2012