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Principles of Physics
Undergraduate | MUR-SCI19 | 2019
Course information for 2019 intake
Unlock the principles and power of classical physics relating to engineering, metallurgy and physical, biological and health sciences. Explore energy forces, momentum and magnetism. Survey the dimensions of linear, oscillating and circular motion.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Principles of Physics
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will have:
- a working knowledge of the fundamentals of physics
- enhanced problem solving skills
- been encouraged in critical thinking in the subject areas
- an ability to define and explain some fundamental concepts in physics, and apply those concepts to solving problems.
- Linear and circular motion
- Energy and momentum
- Applications
- Electric and magnetic fields
- Oscillatory motion and waves
This subject covers the principles of classical physics, which relate to engineering and metallurgy as well as physical, biological and health sciences. Content will include: linear and circular motion, vectors, dynamics of mass and weight, friction, motion in resistive fluids (terminal velocities), energy and energy transfer, conservative and non-conservative forces, potential and forces, momentum and its conservation, collisions, calculations of centres of mass, rotational kinematics, torque and vector products, angular momentum, universal gravitation and planetary motion, fluid pressure, buoyancy, Bernoulli's equation, oscillatory motion, mechanical waves, waves and the wave equation, harmonics and musical instruments, electricity and magnetism, electric field calculations, electric potential and charge distribution, capacitance, dielectric materials, DC circuits, electric power, RC circuits, magnetic fields, forces on a moving charge, cyclotrons and synchrotrons.
Assessment in this subject is designed to facilitate student learning on a continual basis. There are 5 multiple choice tests to help students consolidate their knowledge. Two assignments of a problem solving type help students develop their problem solving skills and one assignment where students write a scientific report based on a small proof-of-concept experiment, develops their experimental design and communication skills. Self-tests on the unit website allow students to practice what they learn, without penalty. The final exam focuses on understanding and problem solving.
Students can do more than the minimum amount of work to get a better understanding of the material by working through the questions and problems at the end of each chapter in the textbook.- Assignment (28%)
- Workshops and Test (12%)
- Invigilated Exam (50%)
- Laboratory Reports (10%)
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:
and one of
- MUR-MAS120-Applied Mathematics
MON-MAT14 (Not currently available)
Others
A final scaled score of 60% or more in secondary year 12 Physics (3A/3B in Australia) or pass in SCI16. A final scaled score of 55% or more in secondary year 12 Calculus Mathematics or pass in MAS120.
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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