Introduction to Physics
Overview
This unit of study aims to provide you with an introduction to the physics of energy and motion emphasising their applications and importance in science.
Requisites
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Identify the symbols and units for a wide range of physical quantities, and describe their definitions
- Discuss the basic principles underlying the physics of energy and motion using both written and oral communication
- Apply the principles of energy and motion to solve conceptual and numerical problems in simple systems, and to understand real-world phenomena
- Safely execute experiments, analyse and interpret results and errors, and formulate conclusions as part of a team
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Lab | 1.00 | 10 weeks | 10 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 2.40 | 5 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 6.67 | 12 weeks | 80 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 15 - 25% | 1,2,3 |
| Class Exercise Portfolio | Individual | 15 - 25% | 1,2,3 |
| Examination | Individual | 30 - 50% | 1,2,3 |
| Portfolio | Individual | 15 - 25% | 1,2,3,4 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass the unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:
i) An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
ii) Obtain at least 40% of the combined marks for the mid semester test plus the final exam, and
iii) Obtain at least 40% of the possible marks for the laboratory hurdle.
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit."
Content
- Linear Mechanics: kinematics, Newton’s law, momentum, energy and work
- Fluid Mechanics: buoyancy; Pascal's law; Bernoulli's principle
- Thermodynamics: heat transfer and expansion; kinetic theory
- Waves: wave motion in different medium
- Electricity: Electric charge, current, voltage, resistance, capacitance and Ohm’s law
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.