Mechanics and Physics

Course aim

The aims of this first year course are to: 

• review, extend and gain understanding of selected key topics in Physics and Mechanics
• develop and expand the student's knowledge and understanding of the basic physical laws and principles in their practical application to engineering problems.

Course content

Statics: forces, particles and bodies, free body diagram, moments and couples in three dimensions; equivalent systems of forces and couples.
Equilibrium: rigid bodies, centre of mass, centroids, distributed forces.
Simple structures: plane trusses; frames.
Friction:
Hydrostatics: buoyancy.
Dynamics: An introduction.
Waves & Acoustics: simple harmonic motion, sound waves, sound intensity level, reverberation time, superposition & interference, standing waves, resonance, beats, Doppler effect.
Electricity: electric fields, electric potential energy, electric potential difference, capacitance, dielectrics.
Magnetism: magnetic fields, force on a moving charge, crossed electric & magnetic fields, magnetism in matter, electromagnetism, inductance.
Fundamentals of Nano-science: photo-electric effect, photons, electromagnetic waves, light: particles vs. waves, luminescence and lasing, lasers and applications.

Practical Component: The practical component emphasises the basic skills required in the experimental study of physical systems while providing some option for independent investigation on each topic. Skills developed will include use of basic laboratory instrumentation, measurement theory, and computer literacy while performing a selection of open ended investigations in mechanics, optics, laser measurements, nuclear and radiation physics, and electronics as they relate to engineering directions.

Textbook(s)

Halliday, D, Resnick, R and Walker, J 2012, Fundamentals of Physics (Extended 9th Edition), 9, Wiley

Meriam, J. L. and Kraige, L. G 2008, Reference Book: Engineering Mechanics-Statics (SI Version), 6th Edition, John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Examination, Practical work (4 reports), Tutorial quizzes

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
How to determine your Commonwealth Supported course fee. (Opens new window)

Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window)

Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.