Physics IA - PHYS140
This unit, together with PHYS143, gives an overview of physics, which aims to discover and understand the fundamental laws of nature and use them to explain the phenomena that occur in the universe. This unit includes a broad range of topics suitable for engineering students or those majoring in any of the sciences. Students are introduced to the central topics of classical physics, the physics that describes what we observe in day-to-day life, namely the mechanical, electrical and magnetic behaviour of matter. Topics include: measurement and vectors; Newton's laws of motion; momentum and energy; gravitation; electric charge; electric field and potential; capacitance; simple direct-current circuits; the origin of magnetic fields; and electromagnetic induction.
The language of physics is mathematics. Much of what physics has to say can be described using straightforward algebra and calculus from the HSC Mathematics course. This approach is taken. It gives a distinct advantage: a quantitative and usefully different perspective to topics than may be encountered in units of study in biology, chemistry or earth sciences. Regular guided laboratory work enables students to investigate the phenomena discussed in the lectures, using modern techniques in a well-equipped laboratory.
| Credit Points: | 3 |
| When Offered: | S1 Day - Session 1, North Ryde, Day S2 Day - Session 2, North Ryde, Day |
| Staff Contact(s): | Professor Judith Dawes |
| Prerequisites: |
(HSC Mathematics Band 4-6 or Extension 1 Band E2-E4 or Extension 2) or MATH130 or MATH123(HD) or WFMA003 |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCW(s): | PHYS106, PHYS107, PHYS149 |
| Unit Designation(s): | |
| Unit Type: | |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: | Department of Physics and Astronomy Faculty of Science and Engineering |
Course structures, including unit offerings, are subject to change.
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