Students
PHYS159 – Physics for Global Citizens
2014 – S2 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convener
Alex Fuerbach
Contact via alex.fuerbach@mq.edu.au
E6B 2.608
By appointment
Lecturing Staff
Judith Dawes
Contact via judith.dawes@mq.edu.au
E6B 2.713
By appointment
Lecturing Staff
Alexei Gilchrist
Contact via alexei.gilchrist@mq.edu.au
E6B 2.610
By appointment
Laboratory Instructor
Helen Pask
Contact via helen.pask@mq.edu.au
E6B 2.607
By appointment
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
3
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Do you want to understand current global issues: the energy crisis, the greenhouse effect and climate change, nuclear energy and atomic bombs, and the national broadband network, for example? This unit makes the science underlying these important real-world issues accessible using demonstrations of physical principles in action, but without complex mathematical computation. A well-equipped laboratory provides students with an enjoyable introduction to basic scientific measurement and analysis.
|
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To measure, analyse, interpret and present scientific information in the form of text, figures and graphs; to use a range of scientific measuring equipment in the laboratory.
- To apply technical writing and speaking skills by writing commentaries on a scientific article of choice and by participating in tutorial discussions; to analyse a range of readings and technical texts relevant to syllabus topics in assignments and written commentaries.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Tutorials | 5% | Fortnightly |
| Assignments | 15% | Weeks 7 and 11 |
| Commentaries | 15% | Weeks 3, 6 and 9 |
| Laboratory | 25% | Weeks 3,4,9,10,11 and 12 |
| Final Examination | 40% | University Examination Period |
Tutorials
Due: Fortnightly
Weighting: 5%
Participation in tutorial discussions and debates.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Assignments
Due: Weeks 7 and 11
Weighting: 15%
Two written assignments that require an in-depth research into particular questions that are of relevance to the topics covered in the lectures.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To apply technical writing and speaking skills by writing commentaries on a scientific article of choice and by participating in tutorial discussions; to analyse a range of readings and technical texts relevant to syllabus topics in assignments and written commentaries.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Commentaries
Due: Weeks 3, 6 and 9
Weighting: 15%
Three short commentary-style summaries of scientific articles of choice.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To apply technical writing and speaking skills by writing commentaries on a scientific article of choice and by participating in tutorial discussions; to analyse a range of readings and technical texts relevant to syllabus topics in assignments and written commentaries.
Laboratory
Due: Weeks 3,4,9,10,11 and 12
Weighting: 25%
Six 2-hour laboratory sessions on the topic of sound. A research-style investigation will be planned, presented to the class and a written report will be prepared.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To measure, analyse, interpret and present scientific information in the form of text, figures and graphs; to use a range of scientific measuring equipment in the laboratory.
Final Examination
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 40%
Written 2-hour final exam (closed book).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To apply technical writing and speaking skills by writing commentaries on a scientific article of choice and by participating in tutorial discussions; to analyse a range of readings and technical texts relevant to syllabus topics in assignments and written commentaries.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Lecture 1: Tuesday 9-10 am, W5C 220
Lecture 2: Friday 9-10 am, W5C 220
Lecture 3: Friday 12-1 pm, W5C 220
Tutorials: Tuesday 11am -12 pm, E7B 163 OR Tuesday 12-1 pm, E7B 200
Tutorials will commence in the second week of semester and will be held fortnightly.
Laboratories
Time: Monday 9-11 am OR Friday 3-5 pm
Laboratories will commence in the third week of semester.
Lab Session 1 (week 3): What is Sound?
Students will interact with demonstrations pertaining to Sound, with an emphasis on understanding how sounds can be generated.
Lab Session 2 (week 4): Measuring Sound.
Students will interact with demonstrations pertaining to Sound, with an emphasis on describing and measuring sound.
Lab Session 3 (week 9): Experimenting with Sound
Students will conduct two guided experiments, which they can select from the set of available experiments.
Lab Sessions 4-6 (weeks 10-12): An authentic, open-ended investigation
Students will conduct an open-ended inquiry on a topic of their choosing that relates to sound. They will conduct research about the topic, carry out experimentation at home and/or in lab (weeks 10 and 11). They will give a presentation about their inquiry to the class in week 12.
Laboratory work will be assessed in three parts:
Part 1: Designing an Investigation (25% of the total lab mark, due end of Week 10).
Part 2: Presentation (25% of the total lab mark, during Lab session 6, week 12)
Part 3: Written report (50% of the total lab mark, due end of week 13)
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
Required Text
Physics and Technology for Future Presidents: An Introduction to the Essential Physics Every World Leader Needs to Know, Richard Muller, Princeton Press, 2010
The PHYS159 Laboratory Manual notes will be handed out at the laboratory sessions.
Recommended Readings
Other Introductory Physics textbooks, such as those by Hewett or Giancoli are also useful to read.
Teaching and Learning Strategy
This unit is taught through lectures (including ilecture), tutorials, written assignments and commentaries, and through undertaking laboratory experiments. We strongly encourage students to attend lectures because they provide a much more interactive and effective learning experience than listening to a recording or studying a text book. Questions during and outside lectures are strongly encouraged in this unit - please do not be afraid to ask as it is likely that your classmates will also want to know the answer. You should aim to read the relevant chapters of the textbook before and after lectures and discuss the content with classmates and lecturers.
This unit includes a compulsory laboratory component. The activities in the laboratory sessions comprise an in-depth exploration of Sound through hands-on experimentation and investigation. The laboratory sessions should be an engaging, and enjoyable experience in which students learn by discovery and practice skills of observing, questioning, measurement, presenting and analysing data, and carrying out an investigation.
You should aim to spend 9 hours per week on activities associated with this unit. You may wish to discuss your assignments with other students and the lecturers, but you are required to hand in your own work (see the note on Academic Honesty below). Assignments and commentaries are key learning activities for this unit; they are not there just for assessment. It is by applying knowledge learned from lectures and textbooks to discuss questions and review information that you are best able to test and develop your skills and understanding of the material.
Unit Schedule
| Week | Subject | Content | Textbook Chapter | Lecturer |
| 1 | Energy and power | Forms of energy, energy content of materials, explosions, fuel cells, measuring energy, power, cost of energy | 1 | Judith Dawes |
| 2 | Atoms and heat | Atomic theory of matter, heat and noise, temperature, Kelvin scale, thermal expansion, ideal gases, absolute zero, heat engines, entropy | 2 | Judith Dawes |
| 3 | Gravity, force and space | Gravity, forces, satellites, air resistance and fuel efficiency, black holes, momentum, rockets, hot air balloons, storms | 3 | Judith Dawes |
| 4 | Nuclei and radioactivity | Radioactivity, radiation exposure, linear hypothesis, Chernobyl disaster, Xrays, fission, fusion | 4 |
Alexei Gilchrist |
| 5 | Chain reactions, nuclear reactors, atomic bombs | Chain reactions and exponential growth, cancer growth, population, nuclear weapons, nuclear reactors, nuclear fusion, | 5 | Alexei Gilchrist |
| 6 | Electricity and Magnetism | Electrons, electric current, fuses, superconductors, voltage, electric power, magnets, electric and magnetic fields, electric motors and generators, earth magnetic field, transformers, AC and DC electricity, magnetic levitation | 6 | Alexei Gilchrist |
| 7 | Waves including UFOs, earthquakes and music | Waves, sound, tsunamis, sound in the atmosphere and oceans, earthquakes, music, refraction of waves | 7 | Alex Fuerbach |
| 8 | Light | Light, information theory, optical fibres, colour and vision, images, photography, mirrors, slow light, diamonds, lenses, diffraction, polarization | 8 | Alex Fuerbach |
| 9 | Photonics | Telecommunications and the national broadband network, lasers, photonics, | additional material | Alex Fuerbach |
| 10 | Invisible light | IR, sensing, UV, sunburn, electromagnetic radiation, radio, microwaves, Xrays, gamma rays, medical imaging | 9 |
Alex Fuerbach |
| 11 | Climate change | Global warming, history of climate, carbon dioxide, greenhouse effect, weather, fossil fuels, alternative energy sources | 10 | Alex Fuerbach |
| 12 | Applications of Quantum Physics | Electrons are waves and particles, lasers, photoelectric effect, transistors, superconductors, quantum physics | 11 |
Alex Fuerbach |
| 13 | Revision | 1-11 | Judith Dawes, Alexei Gilchrist and Alex Fuerbach |
Learning and Teaching Activities
Lectures
Tutorials
Practicals
Assignments
Commentaries
Textbook readings
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To apply technical writing and speaking skills by writing commentaries on a scientific article of choice and by participating in tutorial discussions; to analyse a range of readings and technical texts relevant to syllabus topics in assignments and written commentaries.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Commentaries
- Laboratory
- Final Examination
Learning and teaching activities
- The activities in the laboratory modules comprise an in-depth exploration of Sound through hands-on experimentation and investigation. The laboratory sessions should be an engaging, and enjoyable experience in which students learn by discovery and practice skills of observing, questioning, measurement, presenting and analysing data, and carrying out an investigation.
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To measure, analyse, interpret and present scientific information in the form of text, figures and graphs; to use a range of scientific measuring equipment in the laboratory.
- To apply technical writing and speaking skills by writing commentaries on a scientific article of choice and by participating in tutorial discussions; to analyse a range of readings and technical texts relevant to syllabus topics in assignments and written commentaries.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Commentaries
- Laboratory
- Final Examination
Learning and teaching activities
- We discuss topics in the syllabus using demonstrations and videos where possible to illustrate relevant physical phenomena. Opportunities to ask questions are provided throughout the lectures. Students also answer questions in the lectures during small discussion "buzz" groups.
- Tutorials offer students the chance to discuss and ask questions to improve their understanding. Tutorial questions for discussion will be provided fortnightly.
- The activities in the laboratory modules comprise an in-depth exploration of Sound through hands-on experimentation and investigation. The laboratory sessions should be an engaging, and enjoyable experience in which students learn by discovery and practice skills of observing, questioning, measurement, presenting and analysing data, and carrying out an investigation.
- Assignments of several questions requiring written answers, help students to engage with the topics of the lectures and generally require students to seek additional information on a topic.
- Students are encouraged to read widely on the lecture topics. They then write commentaries on scientific or technical articles on topics in lectures to explain and summarise the main concepts.
- The Textbook for the unit is "Physics and Technology for Future Presidents" by Richard Muller. Students need to own this book and extensive readings from the book are required.
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To measure, analyse, interpret and present scientific information in the form of text, figures and graphs; to use a range of scientific measuring equipment in the laboratory.
- To apply technical writing and speaking skills by writing commentaries on a scientific article of choice and by participating in tutorial discussions; to analyse a range of readings and technical texts relevant to syllabus topics in assignments and written commentaries.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Commentaries
- Laboratory
- Final Examination
Learning and teaching activities
- We discuss topics in the syllabus using demonstrations and videos where possible to illustrate relevant physical phenomena. Opportunities to ask questions are provided throughout the lectures. Students also answer questions in the lectures during small discussion "buzz" groups.
- Tutorials offer students the chance to discuss and ask questions to improve their understanding. Tutorial questions for discussion will be provided fortnightly.
- The activities in the laboratory modules comprise an in-depth exploration of Sound through hands-on experimentation and investigation. The laboratory sessions should be an engaging, and enjoyable experience in which students learn by discovery and practice skills of observing, questioning, measurement, presenting and analysing data, and carrying out an investigation.
- Assignments of several questions requiring written answers, help students to engage with the topics of the lectures and generally require students to seek additional information on a topic.
- Students are encouraged to read widely on the lecture topics. They then write commentaries on scientific or technical articles on topics in lectures to explain and summarise the main concepts.
- The Textbook for the unit is "Physics and Technology for Future Presidents" by Richard Muller. Students need to own this book and extensive readings from the book are required.
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To measure, analyse, interpret and present scientific information in the form of text, figures and graphs; to use a range of scientific measuring equipment in the laboratory.
- To apply technical writing and speaking skills by writing commentaries on a scientific article of choice and by participating in tutorial discussions; to analyse a range of readings and technical texts relevant to syllabus topics in assignments and written commentaries.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Commentaries
- Laboratory
- Final Examination
Learning and teaching activities
- We discuss topics in the syllabus using demonstrations and videos where possible to illustrate relevant physical phenomena. Opportunities to ask questions are provided throughout the lectures. Students also answer questions in the lectures during small discussion "buzz" groups.
- Tutorials offer students the chance to discuss and ask questions to improve their understanding. Tutorial questions for discussion will be provided fortnightly.
- The activities in the laboratory modules comprise an in-depth exploration of Sound through hands-on experimentation and investigation. The laboratory sessions should be an engaging, and enjoyable experience in which students learn by discovery and practice skills of observing, questioning, measurement, presenting and analysing data, and carrying out an investigation.
- Assignments of several questions requiring written answers, help students to engage with the topics of the lectures and generally require students to seek additional information on a topic.
- Students are encouraged to read widely on the lecture topics. They then write commentaries on scientific or technical articles on topics in lectures to explain and summarise the main concepts.
- The Textbook for the unit is "Physics and Technology for Future Presidents" by Richard Muller. Students need to own this book and extensive readings from the book are required.
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To measure, analyse, interpret and present scientific information in the form of text, figures and graphs; to use a range of scientific measuring equipment in the laboratory.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Commentaries
- Laboratory
- Final Examination
Learning and teaching activities
- Tutorials offer students the chance to discuss and ask questions to improve their understanding. Tutorial questions for discussion will be provided fortnightly.
- The activities in the laboratory modules comprise an in-depth exploration of Sound through hands-on experimentation and investigation. The laboratory sessions should be an engaging, and enjoyable experience in which students learn by discovery and practice skills of observing, questioning, measurement, presenting and analysing data, and carrying out an investigation.
- Assignments of several questions requiring written answers, help students to engage with the topics of the lectures and generally require students to seek additional information on a topic.
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To measure, analyse, interpret and present scientific information in the form of text, figures and graphs; to use a range of scientific measuring equipment in the laboratory.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Commentaries
- Laboratory
- Final Examination
Learning and teaching activities
- Students are encouraged to read widely on the lecture topics. They then write commentaries on scientific or technical articles on topics in lectures to explain and summarise the main concepts.
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To apply technical writing and speaking skills by writing commentaries on a scientific article of choice and by participating in tutorial discussions; to analyse a range of readings and technical texts relevant to syllabus topics in assignments and written commentaries.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Commentaries
- Laboratory
- Final Examination
Learning and teaching activities
- Tutorials offer students the chance to discuss and ask questions to improve their understanding. Tutorial questions for discussion will be provided fortnightly.
- The activities in the laboratory modules comprise an in-depth exploration of Sound through hands-on experimentation and investigation. The laboratory sessions should be an engaging, and enjoyable experience in which students learn by discovery and practice skills of observing, questioning, measurement, presenting and analysing data, and carrying out an investigation.
- Assignments of several questions requiring written answers, help students to engage with the topics of the lectures and generally require students to seek additional information on a topic.
- Students are encouraged to read widely on the lecture topics. They then write commentaries on scientific or technical articles on topics in lectures to explain and summarise the main concepts.
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To apply technical writing and speaking skills by writing commentaries on a scientific article of choice and by participating in tutorial discussions; to analyse a range of readings and technical texts relevant to syllabus topics in assignments and written commentaries.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Commentaries
- Laboratory
- Final Examination
Learning and teaching activities
- We discuss topics in the syllabus using demonstrations and videos where possible to illustrate relevant physical phenomena. Opportunities to ask questions are provided throughout the lectures. Students also answer questions in the lectures during small discussion "buzz" groups.
- Tutorials offer students the chance to discuss and ask questions to improve their understanding. Tutorial questions for discussion will be provided fortnightly.
- Assignments of several questions requiring written answers, help students to engage with the topics of the lectures and generally require students to seek additional information on a topic.
- Students are encouraged to read widely on the lecture topics. They then write commentaries on scientific or technical articles on topics in lectures to explain and summarise the main concepts.
- The Textbook for the unit is "Physics and Technology for Future Presidents" by Richard Muller. Students need to own this book and extensive readings from the book are required.
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- To explain key physics concepts such as energy, and to apply physics to everyday life and to global issues.
- To demonstrate an awareness of the physics foundations of topical issues in today’s society and to appreciate the relevance of this knowledge in ones role as an engaged local and global citizen. Examples are: nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, alternative energy sources and telecommunications.
- To analyse and discuss everyday issues in terms of underlying physics concepts with the use of diagrams, graphs and simple calculations.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Commentaries
- Laboratory
- Final Examination
Learning and teaching activities
- We discuss topics in the syllabus using demonstrations and videos where possible to illustrate relevant physical phenomena. Opportunities to ask questions are provided throughout the lectures. Students also answer questions in the lectures during small discussion "buzz" groups.
- Tutorials offer students the chance to discuss and ask questions to improve their understanding. Tutorial questions for discussion will be provided fortnightly.
- Students are encouraged to read widely on the lecture topics. They then write commentaries on scientific or technical articles on topics in lectures to explain and summarise the main concepts.
- The Textbook for the unit is "Physics and Technology for Future Presidents" by Richard Muller. Students need to own this book and extensive readings from the book are required.
Changes from Previous Offering
General reminders
Student Liaison Committee
The Department of Physics and Astronomy values quality teaching and engages in periodic student evaluations of its units, external reviews of its programs and course units, and seeks feedback from students via focus groups, and the Student Liaison Committee(SLC). Please consider being a member of the SLC, which meets once during the semester with the purpose of improving teaching via student feedback. Meetings are open and friendly, and invite honest feedback. Student representatives receive a list of outcomes from the preceding meeting. At the beginning of each meeting, an update on the responss to feedback is provided by the Head of Department. Feedback is acted upon in a variety of ways, mostly initiated via department meetings where decisions on changes are taken.
Standards Expectations
Grades
The broad standards as defined by the academic senate can be found at
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html