Applied Physics 1

Course aim

To develop the students knowledge and understanding of the basic laws and principles of physics, their practical applications and to develop an appreciation of how these laws and principles operate in experimental and applied physics.

Course content

Mechanics: motion in 1 and 2 dimensions, laws of motion, circular motion, work and energy, potential energy, rotational motion, linear and angular momentum, static equilibrium, elasticity, oscillatory motion
Mechanical Waves: wave motion, sound, superposition and standing waves.
Optics: nature of light, laws of geometrical optics, interference , diffraction and polarisation.
Thermodynamics: temperature, heat and 1st law of thermodynamics, heat engines, entropy and 2nd law of thermodynamics.
Practical Component: The practical component emphasises the basic skills required in the experimental study of physical systems. Topics covered include basic laboratory instrumentation, basic measurement theory, computer literacy and experiments in lasers and optics, mechanics, waves and oscillations, basic electronics.
Workshop Component: Interactive group problem solving, computer literacy, selected topic reinforcement.

Textbook(s)

Kirkup, L. 1994, Experimental Methods: An Introduction to the analysis and Presentation of Data

Giancoli DC 2008, Physics for Scientists & Engineers, 4, Prentice Hall

Prerequisite(s)

No formal physics prerequisites are required. However, knowledge of year 12 physics and mathematics is assumed.

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES
Lecture	3 hours x 13 weeks
Tutorial	1 hour x 12 weeks
Practical	2 hours x 10 weeks
Workshop	1 hour x 12 weeks

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

Assessment

Continuous assessment, Examination, Practical

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:
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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
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* 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.