Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Physics operates at all scales, from the observable universe down to subatomic particles. This particular unit focuses on aspects of large scale physics, designed to excite your interest in the underlying physical processes of the universe. You will learn how to think about concepts, ideas and systems like a physicist, and critically apply what you have learnt to situations `not in the textbook¿. For example, the unit will introduce you to the concept of conservation of energy and demonstrate how you can apply this principle to analyse proposals for perpetual motion machines and demonstrate why they cannot work. The ideas presented in this unit will be discussed in more detail later in the degree, and therefore serve as an essential foundation for later units in the physics degree.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with a broad knowledge of some of the fundamental concepts in physics, in particular, those that apply to the macro world.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will provide evidence of:
1. Quantitative and qualitative scientific analysis of basic concepts of the physics of the macro universe.
2. The collection and analysis of data using scientific equipment during practical experiments in laboratory settings.
3. Critical reasoning and problem solving techniques (using data acquired or provided) to evaluate results.
4. Communicating scientific arguments by producing written scientific reports incorporating visual representations of scientific concepts and numeric data, including the generation of graphs.
5. Effective team participation including the capacity to give and receive feedback from peers.

Content

This unit covers five main topics. The first module covers astronomy in the ancient world (e.g. how the Egyptians aligned the Great Pyramid of Cheops), telescopes, the origin of the universe (Big Bang), how stars form, live and die, black holes; and closer to home, the Sun, Moon and planets.

Having looked at the big picture we then look in more detail at gravity and orbital motion. The third section introduces you to Einstein¿s theory of relativity (Special and General) in which you will discover that a form of time travel is in fact possible and has been verified by experiments here on earth.

Thermodynamics is covered in the fourth module and lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of global warming (melting of the ice caps, rising sea level, etc). This module covers the laws of thermodynamics, for example the first law, i.e. conservation of energy, which discounts the possibility of perpetual motion machines, and the second law that states that disorder always tends to increase.

The fifth and final module covers the basics of fluid mechanics (hydrostatics and hydrodynamics), particularly relevant to understanding the oceans and atmosphere. You will be introduced to the concept of buoyancy (Archimedes¿ principle) and flow in tubes, e.g. siphons, using the Bernoulli and Poiseuille equations.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectorial: 2 hours/fortnight (collaborative lecture theatre)
Lab practical: 2 hrs/wk
Workshop: 2hrs/fortnight (collaborative learning spaces)

Interactive lectures making use of `surround picture¿ big screens will excite your imagination and bring concepts of the `very large¿ physical universe to life; and set the scene for further exploration and group discussion activities in lectorials and workshops in collaborative learning spaces.

In weekly laboratory sessions, you will develop practical skills and cooperative teamwork in data collection and recording, technical/scientific writing, review and communication through group experiment, individual note-taking, scientific abstract writing and peer review to begin to mirror the work of a scientist.

Collaborative group work and problem solving around `very large¿ issues such as the theory of relativity will also develop your research, written communication and critical thinking skills.

Packaged electronic and physical resources will be available for you to simulate and engage with `very large¿ physical phenomena.

Assessment

The assessment in this unit progressively develops your conceptual and applied understanding with practical experiments in the lab, workbook notes, scientific abstracts (of 2 labs), problem solving tasks to grapple with the concept of relativity and overall comprehension and synthesis in the final exam. You will complete a portfolio including group laboratory experiments with individual workbook notes, two of which you select to write up as a scientific abstract including peer review of another abstract.You will receive written feedback on your individual and group tasks (labs, abstracts and problem solving tasks) as part of the grading of the assessment items. Immediate feedback from peers and teacher on concept development and understanding will be given during collaborative learning sessions. Laboratory portfolios will receive timely oral and/or written feedback throughout the semester with written peer review of scientific abstracts.

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: 1) Apply theory to practice in lab experiments (small grp); collect and analyse data
2) Write up results and rough notes in individual workbook (every lab)
3) Select two labs and write a scientific abstract (to agreed criteria); including a peer review (against criteria) of another student/s abstract
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Problem Solving Tasks
Description: Work as a group on deeper understanding of theory and concept of relativity through problem solving tasks in collaborative learning spaces.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 and 4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Weeks 6 and 11

Assessment name: Examination
Description: Short and long answer, written examination
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 and 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of semester

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

Recommended Resources:
3. Kirkup, Experimental Methods, Wiley

Risk assessment statement

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. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field.

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: 20-Sep-2012