General Physics (Previously Introduction to Physics)
SCI16
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Level of study: What does Undergraduate Level 1 mean?
Undergraduate Level 1
EFTSL: What does EFTSL mean?
0.125
Delivery Method: What does delivery method mean?
Web Dependent
Prerequisites: What are the prerequisites?
Availability: What is a Study period?
For enrolment (2012): For forward planning* (2013): What is Forward Planning?- SP1
- SP2
- SP3
- SP4
Duration:
13 weeks
Fee: Fees (current and planned)
- Domestic student fee:
- $1,039.00 (AUD)
- HECS student fee:
- $565.00 (AUD)
- International student fee:
- $1,264.00 (AUD)
Description
This is an introductory physics unit, designed to provide a basis for further studies in the physical sciences. It covers a range of topics including: what is science; motion, waves, light, energy, electrostatics and magnetism. This unit covers both conceptual physics and problem solving approaches. It does not require a knowledge of calculus, but algebra and trigonometry are an advantage. Applications and examples are drawn from the biological, environmental, medical and physical sciences. This unit caters for students who have not studied beyond Year 10 science.
Prerequisites
You should have some knowledge of elementary algebra and trigonometry. If you do not have this knowledge, you must complete UNL32 before starting this unit.
Assessment
- Assignments — Problem Solving (25%)
- Invigilated Exam — 2 hour Closed Book (50%)
- Practicum — Short laboratory reports (15%)
- Quiz — Multiple choice & short answer (10%)
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit students will be able to:
- describe the behaviour of matter using the laws and models of classical physics
- communicate scientific concepts in 'plain English'
- solve problems in physics that do not require knowledge of calculus.
Topics
This unit addresses the following topics.
| Number | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | What is science? |
| 2 | Motion in a straight line |
| 3 | Newton's laws and vectors |
| 4 | Momentum and energy |
| 5 | Gravity and projectile motion |
| 6 | Heat and thermodynamics |
| 7 | Electricity and magnetism |
| 8 | Waves and sound |
| 9 | Light and optics |
Study Resources
This unit is delivered using the following methods and materials:
Instructional Methods
- Discussion Forum/Discussion Board
- Online assignment submission
- Web links
Print based materials
- Study Guide
- Welcome Letter
Online materials
- Audio/Video - Streaming
- Online Assessment
- Quizzes
- Resources and Links
Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a unit.
Click on the titles of the listed books below to find out more:
Required textbooks
Recommended textbooks
Relevant Courses
This unit is a core requirement in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Energy Management, Murdoch University
- Associate Degree in Engineering, University of South Australia
This unit is an approved elective in the following courses:
This unit may be eligible for credit towards other courses:
- Many undergraduate courses on offer through OUA include 'open elective' where any OUA unit can be credited to the course. You need to check the Award Requirements on the course page for the number of allowed open electives and any level limitations.
- In other cases, the content of this unit might be relevant to a course on offer through OUA or elsewhere. In order to receive credit for this unit in the course you will need to supply the provider institution with a copy of the Unit Profile in the approved format, which you can download here. Note that the Unit Profile is set at the start of the year, and if textbooks change this may not match the Unibooks textbook list.
If you would like to study this unit and enrol today, add it to your Study Cart. Alternatively if you are still exploring your options, you can save this unit to review later by clicking Save to Wishlist.
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