Units
Biomedical Physics
Unit code: PCB150
Contact hours: 5 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Professionals in the applied sciences require an understanding of the processes of making and recording measurements and an understanding of the physical principles that govern the behaviour of both the physical parameters being measured and the instrument being used to make the measurement. The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the processes of making measurements and estimating, processing and interpreting the uncertainties involved with these measurements. To enable you to understand the physical parameters being measured and also the limits of the measuring instrument; the physics of mechanics, heat, sound and light will be introduced and explained.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2012
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Professionals in the applied sciences require an understanding of the processes of making and recording measurements and an understanding of the physical principles that govern the behaviour of both the physical parameters being measured and the instrument being used to make the measurement.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the processes of making measurements and estimating, processing and interpreting the uncertainties involved with these measurements.
To enable you to understand the physical parameters being measured and also the limits of the measuring instrument; the physics of mechanics, heat, sound and light will be introduced and explained.
Objectives
Specific Objectives:
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Evaluate and interpret the precision of recorded measurements.
2. Understand and apply basic equations of one- and two-dimensional mechanical motion, including kinematic equations, Newton's laws of motion, and conservation of momentum and energy.
3. Identify and explain the physical principles of humidity, heat energy and transfer, both at a microscopic and a macroscopic level.
4. Understand and apply the principles associated with reflection, refraction and diffraction of light, including the use of these principles in some common optical instruments.
5. Understand and explain the transmission, detection and measurement of sound.
Generic Attributes:
On completion of this unit you will have developed a range of generic attributes including:
Content
In this unit you will study some of the major themes in Physics; Mechanics, Heat, Light and Sound. The specific topics will include:
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
In this unit you will attend a number of lectures and practicals to explain and demonstrate the content as described above. This integrated lecture-practical program will be reinforced by a specially designed series of practical exercises which will each require you to complete individual Pre-Practical Questionnaires before the day of the laboratory session. You will be required to undertake directed private study to supplement the lecture program.
Assessment
You will be required to undertake the following mix of formative and summative assessment.
Note: You must pass each of the three assessment components to achieve a passing grade in this unit.Feedback will be provided throughout the semester. Additional feedback can be sought by contacting the Unit Coordinator.
Assessment name:
Quiz/Test
Description:
Four (4) short theory tests will be conducted throughout the semester, approximately every 4 weeks. Written feedback will be provided after each test.
Relates to objectives:
All
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Throughout Semester
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
Final theoretical examination test induring the formal examination period.
Relates to objectives:
All
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Assessment name:
Laboratory/Practical
Description:
Assessed experiment reports written by students following each practical.
Relates to objectives:
All
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
See Blackboard Site
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.
Resource materials
Texts:
1. Cutnell & Johnson, Physics, 8th edition, John Wiley and Sons
2. School of Physical Sciences (2001) First Year Physics Laboratory Resource Manual, QUT
Risk assessment statement
In this unit you will attend a number of lectures and practicals to explain and demonstrate the content as described above. This integrated lecture-practical program will be reinforced by a specially designed series of practical exercises which will each require you to complete individual Pre-Practical Questionnaires before the day of the laboratory session. You will be required to undertake directed private study to supplement the lecture program.
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: 10-Oct-2011
