Units

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Sample subject outline - 13 Week Teaching Period - 1 2013

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

Rationale

Physics is one of the enabling sciences that underpin all of the 'new technologies'. Almost all areas of science and technology require a fundamental understanding of physics. Physics is relevant to students who intend to pursue further studies in a variety of disciplines including, engineering, health sciences and applied sciences.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to foster an understanding of fundamental concepts of physics and to develop an attitude of open inquiry and an appreciation of scientific methodology. This includes developing problem solving skills, team skills, research and communication skills within a scientific context

Objectives

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

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts and processes in the content areas for this unit. (FGC2)
   
   
2. Demonstrate analytical, problem solving, and calculation skills in the Physics discipline. (FGC3, 4)
   
   
3. Demonstrate skills in experimental techniques while investigating physical phenomena and writing laboratory reports. (FGC3, 4, 5)
   
   
4. Undertake research for a problem based project using library and internet resources and write a technical report. (FGC1, 4, 5)
   
   Key: Foundation Graduate Capabilities
   FGC 1: Effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
   FGC 2: Knowledge pertinent to a range of subject areas
   FGC 3: Skills appropriate to a range of subject areas at the level of entry to the degree
   FGC 4: Critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving for academic and real world contexts
   FGC 5: The ability to work independently and collaboratively
   FGC 6: Social and ethical responsibility

   Content

   Weekly Topics
   
   Weeks 1
   Scientific notation, units and measurements
   
   Weeks 2, 3
   Optics
   
   Weeks 4, 5
   Statics
   
   Weeks 6, 7
   Electricity
   
   Week 8
   Work and Energy
   
   Week 9
   Circular motion
   
   Weeks 10, 11
   Simple harmonic motion, gravitation
   
   Week 12
   Magnetism
   
   Project: (During and outside lecture time)
   Weeks 6 to 11
   Problem based learning assignment
   
   Online Homework Asignments
   Weeks 2 - 5 Homework 1
   Weeks 6 -10 Homework 2
   
   Laboratory experiments: (During lecture time)
   Week 3
   Optics
   
   Week 6
   Electricity
   
   Week 10
   Simple Harmonic Motion

   Approaches to Teaching and Learning

   The unit consists of four contact hours per week which includes a combination of teaching sessions, laboratory sessions and problem based learning assignment activities.
   
   Teaching sessions involve explanation of concepts interspersed with activities designed to practice problem solving techniques. Students prepare for classes by reading through relevant materials and completing tasks.
   
   Laboratory sessions are designed to give appropriate experimental situations that allow the development of data collection and analysis skills. Students are required to submit a laboratory report one week after each laboratory session.
   
   Students are required to complete a problem based learning assignment and submit a report. This will require applying concepts presented in teaching sessions and other researched information to find a solution to the problem.
   
   In order to succeed in this subject, students are expected to attend all classes, to participate actively in class discussions, to complete all homework and submit work by the due dates and to complete all set assessment tasks.
   
   Late Assignment Policy
   
   Students will be penalised for the late submission of assignments. Refer to the Foundation Course Guide for details.
   
   Review of Grades or Academic Rulings
   
   For rules on how to apply for a review of grade, refer to the Foundation Course Guide.
   
   Consultation
   
   The teacher will be available for consultation from Week 2. Times will be advised in class and will also be displayed in a schedule at Reception.
   
   Exam Timetable
   
   The exam timetable will be displayed on the Noticeboard on Level 3 by Week 11.

   Assessment

   Types of assessment
   In this unit students will be assessed through formative and summative assessment.
   
   Formative assessment items are used to provide feedback to assist with students progress and do not count towards final marks. The solutions to teaching questions, tests and exams throughout the semester will be worked through in class. If students experience difficulty in understanding the concepts they are encouraged to talk with the teacher.
   
   Summative assessment items count towards the final grade for this subject.
   
   The weighting of the assessment items is indicated in the table below. The final grade will be determined based upon the weighting of all summative assessment items.
   
   This unit may require students to submit their assessment items through SafeAssign.
   Please refer to the Week 1 document for this unit.

   Assessment name: Online Homework Assignments
   Description: Formative
   Relates to objectives: 1, 3.
   Internal or external: Internal
   Group or individual: Individual
   Due date: Week 5 & 10
   

   Assessment name: Mid Semester Exam
   Description: Summative.
   Relates to objectives: 1, 2.
   Weight: 20%
   Internal or external: Internal
   Group or individual: Individual
   Due date: Week 7
   

   Assessment name: Experiments and PBL Assignment
   Description: Formative & Summative.
   Problem Based Learning Assignment (PBL)
   Relates to objectives: 1, 3.
   Weight: 40%
   Internal or external: Internal
   Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
   Due date: Weeks 4, 6, 8, 12
   

   Assessment name: End Semester Exam
   Description: Summative.
   Relates to objectives: 1, 2.
   Weight: 40%
   Internal or external: Internal
   Group or individual: Individual
   Due date: Week 14
   

   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. Briethaupt, J. 1999. Macmillan Foundations - Physics. London: Macmillan Press Ltd.
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      Risk assessment statement

      • You must, at all times, observe safety regulations and read what is required before performing experiments.
        
        
      • A list of Safety Rules and Procedures will be handed out and explained at the first laboratory session.
        
        
      • It is a Workplace Health and Safety requirement that long hair must be confined, closed shoes and laboratory coats must be worn by all students when they are participating in classes in the science laboratories.

        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: 14-Mar-2013