Units
Physics for Surveyors
Unit code: PCB172
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit includes the following: measurement and uncertainty kinematics (vector and scalar quantities, equations of motion); dynamics (friction, centripetal force, impulse and momentum, periodic motion, work and energy); gravity circular motion, centripetal force, gravity, Kepler's Laws, orbits); fluid statics (pressure, barometry); fluid dynamics (fluid flow in pipes and channels, equation of continuity, Bernoulli's principle,); optical instruments (reflection, refraction, total internal reflection, spherical mirrors, thin lenses, transits, theodolites, corner cubes, cameras); electric and magnetic fields; electrical circuits (electronic components).
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Surveyors require an understanding of the physical principles underlying the measurement techniques and the instrumentation they use, and their real world working environment. This unit requires consolidated mathematical skills in calculation, functions and algebra, and should be taken in the first semester of second year.
Aims
This unit aims to provide surveying students with an introduction to the basic concepts of physics relating to instruments and techniques.
Objectives
The learning outcomes of this unit are to ensure you have a basic knowledge and some practical experience in a number of areas of physics relevant to the surveying profession. At the end of this subject you should:
1. Be able to identify and apply a range of physical principles relevant to surveying.
2. Be able to describe and apply problem-solving strategies, and to solve a variety of well- defined, structured problems.
3. Become familiar with equipment used to make basic physical measurements.
4. Understand the techniques and limitations of the practical measurements and subsequent analysis of data undertaken in experimentation.
5. Collect, record, analyse and report data obtained from structured laboratory investigation activities using scientific techniques and conventions.
These objectives address the QUT Graduate Capabilities, in particular:
A full list of QUT Graduate capabilities is available at http://www.mopp.qut.edu.au/C/C_01_04.jsp#C_01_04.02.mdoc
Content
Measurement - SI units and uncertainty in measurements and calculations.
Kinematics - vector and scalar quantities, displacement, velocity, acceleration.
Dynamics - forces, friction; momentum; work and energy.
Gravity - circular motion, centripetal force, gravity, Kepler's Laws, orbits.
Fluids - pressure, barometry. fluid flow.
Waves - properties of waves, EM waves, sound, Doppler effect.
Optics - reflection, refraction, total internal reflection, spherical mirrors, thin lenses, optical instruments.
Electromagnetic fields - EM fields, Earth's magnetic field, magnetic bearings, EM induction.
Electronic Circuits - DC and AC circuits, Electronic components.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
A course of lectures is to be delivered with problems and applications relevant to surveying. Practicals and tutorials will enhance skills in data collection and analysis and problem solving.
Nominal contact hours per fortnight:
Lecture / Tutorial - 6 hours
Practical - 2 hours
Your Total Hours = 4 hrs per week by 13 weeks = 52 hours
Assessment
General Assessment Information
The assessment for this unit follows the assessment policy stated in section 9.1.1 http://www.mopp.qut.edu.au/C/C_09_01.jsp Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP) Assessment will comprise of formative assessment (to help you find out how your work is progressing) and summative assessment (to grade your work against expected outcomes).Feedback to students
Criterion-Referenced Assessment will be applied to written items of formative assessment (Items 1 and 3 below). Criteria for all items will be provided.
Assessment name:
Prac Reports
Description:
(Formative and summative) - Practical reports (6 reports). Due: At the end of each lab class, once per fortnight.
Relates to objectives:
1, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Once per Fortnight
Assessment name:
Assignment
Description:
(Formative and summative) - Assignments - Online Tutorials (3 tutorials). Due: Approximately once per fortnight, beginning week 3.
Relates to objectives:
1 and 2.
Weight:
15%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Once per Fortnight
Assessment name:
Examination
Description:
(Summative) - Final Examination.
Relates to objectives:
1 and 2.
Weight:
55%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Assessment name:
Assignment
Description:
(Formative and summative) - Written Assignment.
Relates to objectives:
1 and 2.
Weight:
10%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Approx Week 9
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. Serway RA & Vuille C (2009) College Physics, 8th edition, Cengage
Additional Costs
Students should allow for costs involved in downloading materials from the Blackboard site and copying resources (where appropriate). Students will be required to print laboratory manual instructions and proformas as required for each laboratory session.
Risk assessment statement
The QUT Student Rules, Policies and Procedures apply in this unit.
(http://studentservices.qut.com/entry/handbook/rules/rules.jsp )
You will undertake lectures and/or tutorials in traditional classrooms. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. However practical classes will be held in laboratories. Covered shoes are required for entry to laboratory classes. Other practical laboratory rules and safety protocols are outlined on the blackboard site for the unit. A short safety quiz must be taken as a requirement of the practical component of assessment.
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: 19-Oct-2012
