PHS1002 - Physics for engineering

Overview

This unit relates key principles of physics to engineering and technology, and shows how physics, including quantum and nano-science, creates useful new technologies. In the Newtonian mechanics topics you will explore the traditional concepts of dynamics, such as energy, momentum and angular momentum, and explore their connections of these topics to a variety of systems, including rocket propulsion, precession and planetary orbits. Within the Electromagnetism topics you will learn about electric and magnetic fields and their effects, as well as explore techniques for determining these fields and understanding their nature as light. In the Quantum physics topic you will explore modern physics concepts such as the uncertainty principle, the probabilistic interpretation of wave functions and atomic models and stimulated emission and the connection of these concepts to technologies like the atomic force microscope and lasers. During the activities for the practical component you will develop measurement, analysis, and communication skills.

Offerings

S1-01-MALAYSIA-ON-CAMPUS

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Istvan Laszlo

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Istvan Laszlo

Associate Professor Boon Leong Lan

Notes

Optional Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) run in this unit.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Identify and apply principles of Newtonian physics, electromagnetism and quantum physics to situations relevant to engineering and technology, both qualitatively and quantitatively;

Demonstrate an ability to describe and explain advanced techniques used in relevant engineering or physics contexts

Make reliable measurements, estimate uncertainties, analyse, evaluate and interpret data in cases appropriate to engineering and related to the theory studied

Show an improved ability to work in teams and to communicate and discuss physics concepts, measurements and applications related to engineering and developments in technologies

Approach new problems and find solutions on the basis of general principles, and evaluate the appropriateness of their proposed models or solutions.

Teaching approach

Active learning

Expositional material is presented in the form of assigned pre-reading and/or pre-viewing videos, so that all face to face hours may be utilised to explore the nuanced detail and meaning of the material, to explore and build connections, and to gain a fundamental and concept driven understanding of the material. Problem solving applied sessions will allow you to interact in small groups aided by a lecturer or teaching associate (TA) and will facilitate building conceptual understanding, while collaborative laboratory investigations will demonstrate the material in action and test your ability to link theory to practice.

Assessment

1 - Laboratory assessment

Value %:25

Hurdle type:Threshold

Hurdle description:

Where you fail the hurdle but would have otherwise achieved a mark of 45 or above you will be awarded a mark of 45 and an NH (hurdle fail) for the unit.

Where you fail the hurdle and would also have failed the unit with a mark of 44 or below, you will be awarded your mark and an N grade for the unit.

Supplementary assessment is not available for the experimental work

2 - Problem-solving activities

3 - Tests

4 - Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Applied sessions

Laboratories

Tutorials

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Required resources

Recommended resources

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
Scientific non - programmable calculator required - $30
Miscellaneous items required (printing, stationery) - $20

Availability in areas of study

Astrophysics
Physics
Physiology