General Physics
UndergraduateMUR-PEN1202025
Previously MUR-SCI16
An introduction to the fundamental laws, theories, and concepts that govern the behaviour of matter, energy, and the universe. You’ll cover momentum, sound, light, and more. Use your maths skills and create a foundation for further science study.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 24 Aug 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Mar 2025,
- 1 Sept 2025
- Price from
- $1,165
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
General Physics
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- describe the behaviour of matter using the laws and models of physics.
- solve problems in physics that do not require knowledge of calculus.
- What is science?
- Motion in a straight line
- Newton's laws and vectors
- Momentum and energy
- Gravity and projectile motion
- Heat and thermodynamics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Waves and sound
- Light and optics
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 measurement, motion, waves, light, thermal energy, electric and magnetic fields. This subject does not require knowledge of calculus. Applications and examples are drawn from the biological, environmental, medical and physical sciences.
Murdoch University students should note that PEC120 General Physics is considered academically equivalent and therefore you should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed PEC120.
Please Note: All students studying at Murdoch University will need to complete the compulsory unit, Murdoch Academic Passport (MAP100), which only takes 2-3 hours to complete online. Find out more: http://goto.murdoch.edu.au/MurdochAcademicPassport.
- Final Examination (50%)
- Problem Solving Assignments (20%)
- Laboratory Reports (10%)
- Tutorials (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Prior study
To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MUR-SCI16 (Not currently available)
Others
You should have some knowledge of elementary algebra and trigonometry. If you do not have this knowledge, you should complete MAS164 Fundamentals of Mathematics before completing this subject.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
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If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
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