PHYSICS 1100 - Physics IA

North Terrace Campus - Summer - 2022

This calculus-based course is the foundation for a major in physics, and also provides a quantitative understanding of physics concepts applicable in biological and geological sciences, and in Engineering. Measurement and uncertainties. Particle mechanics: Newton's law of motion, gravitation, work, energy, conservative forces, momentum, collisions. Thermal physics: heat, temperature, internal energy, kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamic processes. Electricity and magnetism: charge and current, electric field, Ohm's Law, DC circuits, Coulomb and Gauss' laws, electrostatics, capacitance, magnetic field, Ampere and Faraday's laws, inductance, LC circuits. Practical problem solving.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PHYSICS 1100
    Course Physics IA
    Coordinating Unit School of Physical Sciences
    Term Summer
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 7 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites SACE Stage 2 Physics, Math Methods (formerly Math Studies), Specialist Maths - high achieving students without Specialist Maths may be granted exemption on application to Head of Physics
    Corequisites MATHS 1011 - students may be permitted to enrol in Physics IA concurrently with MATHS 1013 on application to Head of Physics
    Incompatible PHYSICS 1101, PHYSICS 1008, PHYSICS 1501, PHYSICS 1508 & PHYSICS 1510
    Assessment Written exam, workshop preparation, practical work & In-Semester tests
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Andrew MacKinnon

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    A successful student should be able to:
    1 demonstrate a knowledge of the physical principals that describe mechanics of point particles, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism;
    2 apply physical principals to familiar and unfamiliar situations in the world we live in
    3 use the methods of algebra and calculus to make quantitative and qualitative predictions about the behaviour of physical systems while associating the correct unit with every physical quantity they use;
    4 assess the reasonableness of a solution to a problem in qualitative terms
    5 make decisions about the measurements needed to achieve an experimental objective
    6 make appropriate use of standard measurement techniques and accurately record observations while identifying random and systematic uncertainties in experiments;
    7 analyse measurements to determine quantitative results and their uncertainties and draw non trivial conclusions from experimental results;
    8 use a variety of sources to locate and synthesise relevant information
    9 work cooperatively in a team to complete a task in a limited time
    10 confidently communicate results about the physical world both orally and in writing.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-8

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    2-8, 10

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    9-10

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    9-10
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Recommended Resources

    Kirkup, L Experimental Methods for Science and Engineering Students (2nd Edition) (Wiley) is recommended for the practical work.

    Reference books include:

    • Giancoli, D. C. Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, Pearson New International Edition, 4th edition (Pearson Prentice Hall).
    • Halliday, D, Resnick, R and Walker, J Fundamentals of Physics (11th Australian & New Zealand Edition)
    • Tipler, P Physics for Scientists and Engineers (6th Edition)
    • Ohanian, Physics: readable and has “interludes” or “essays” reflecting interests often expressed by students
    • Marion and Hornyak, Physics for Science and Engineering: is more mathematical than required for our courses
    • Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics
    Online Learning

    MyUni: Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au).

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    No information currently available.

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.