Students
PHYS1510 – Engineering Physics
2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Co-convener and Lecturer
Judith Dawes
Contact via email
Co-convener and Lecturer
Alex Fuerbach
Contact via email
Tutor
Alexei Gilchrist
First year Lab Director
Helen Pask
Senior Scientific Officer
Danny Cochran
Senior Scientific Officer
Bianca Sawyer
Scientific Officer
James Wood
Senior Scientific Officer
Gina Dunford
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(HSC Mathematics Band 4 and above or Extension 1 Band E2 and above or Extension 2) or MATH1000 or MATH130 or WFMA003 or WFMA0003
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The design and development of new technologies is governed and constrained by the fundamental laws of nature, as described by the principles and practice of physics. The topics studied in this unit are illustrated with everyday examples to provide an overview of physics for students studying engineering disciplines. Laboratory sessions enable physics concepts to be explored in a practical way, and build skills in experimentation, measurement, data collection and analysis.
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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:
- ULO1: explain foundational physics concepts in terms of their underlying physical principles and describe them in terms of concise mathematical models.
- ULO2: analyse a real-world problem, break the problem into component parts relating to different areas of physics, identify known quantities and apply mathematical models to arrive at a numerical value for an unknown quantity, and interpret how the numerical results relate to the physical world.
- ULO3: perform physical measurements, record experimental data, display data graphically, analyse data, and draw written conclusions in a clear, concise, and systematic manner.
- ULO4: identify, record and explain sources of uncertainty in physical measurements; and undertake appropriate uncertainty analysis of results, including statistical analysis.
- ULO5: demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in your learning process.
- ULO6: work collaboratively with peers.
General Assessment Information
Laboratory work
Due: During class. See the lab schedule on iLearn for dates
Weighting: 25%
Satisfactory completion of laboratories is a hurdle requirement. You must attend all ten laboratory sessions. The first lab session is in week 1 and includes work health and safety information. Students may also be assigned to lab groups, lab books will be handed out, and computer access will be checked. It needs to be attended by all students regardless of whether this is their first Physics unit or not. It will be a little bit shorter than the other sessions, but attendance is absolutely mandatory – you can’t do subsequent lab sessions if you don’t attend the introductory one. The next 9 lab sessions involve experimental work and will be assessed. You must obtain a mark of at least 40% for each of the laboratory sessions in order to pass the unit.
Preparation is required for each of the lab sessions 2-10. You will find the Prelab activities in the Laboratory Resources section of iLearn. Your prelab work will account for some of the marks for each laboratory session.
If you miss a session or fail to achieve at least 40% for any lab session, you must complete a “Request to schedule a Catch-up laboratory session” form, which can be found on iLearn. See iLearn for full details about catch up classes and when they are scheduled. No more than 3 catch ups are allowed for missed labs/lab hurdles, except where Special Consideration has been approved. If you fail to attend the catch-up class you are booked into, then that will count as another missed lab.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final examination | 40% | Yes | final exam period |
| Quizzes | 25% | Yes | weekly |
| Lab book | 25% | Yes | weekly |
| Problem sets | 10% | No | week 6 and week 12 |
Final examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: final exam period
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Examination in the university exam period, covering all the content from the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain foundational physics concepts in terms of their underlying physical principles and describe them in terms of concise mathematical models.
- analyse a real-world problem, break the problem into component parts relating to different areas of physics, identify known quantities and apply mathematical models to arrive at a numerical value for an unknown quantity, and interpret how the numerical results relate to the physical world.
Quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: weekly
Weighting: 25%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Short quizzes associated with weekly SGTAs.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain foundational physics concepts in terms of their underlying physical principles and describe them in terms of concise mathematical models.
- analyse a real-world problem, break the problem into component parts relating to different areas of physics, identify known quantities and apply mathematical models to arrive at a numerical value for an unknown quantity, and interpret how the numerical results relate to the physical world.
- demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in your learning process.
Lab book
Assessment Type 1: Lab book
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: weekly
Weighting: 25%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Assessment of in-lab record of experimental activities, including any pre-lab work.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- perform physical measurements, record experimental data, display data graphically, analyse data, and draw written conclusions in a clear, concise, and systematic manner.
- identify, record and explain sources of uncertainty in physical measurements; and undertake appropriate uncertainty analysis of results, including statistical analysis.
- work collaboratively with peers.
Problem sets
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: week 6 and week 12
Weighting: 10%
Two problem-solving assignments, one in each half of the session.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain foundational physics concepts in terms of their underlying physical principles and describe them in terms of concise mathematical models.
- analyse a real-world problem, break the problem into component parts relating to different areas of physics, identify known quantities and apply mathematical models to arrive at a numerical value for an unknown quantity, and interpret how the numerical results relate to the physical world.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
We will offer laboratories and SGTAs in person, with related assessments marked regularly. Problem-solving is a key skill to develop in this subject, supported by lecture content, textbook readings, and examples of worked solutions to tutorial questions. This will be assessed through regular quizzes, assignments and final examination.
Laboratory Sessions
The laboratory component is an essential component of your studies and it contributes an appreciable fraction of your final assessment. You will be introduced to some of the basic skills and techniques required of practising physicists, scientists and engineers. You will be issued with a Laboratory Notebook, provided with instructional material in the form of Laboratory Notes which can be found in the Laboratory Resources section of iLearn, and assisted in the laboratory by a team of demonstrators. For each laboratory session, except in week 1, you are required to complete some preparatory work (Pre-Lab) before attending your nominated Lab session. To figure out which Prelab to do, please consult the Laboratory Schedule on iLearn.
Location: There are two laboratories used for 1st year physics they are both in 14 SCO (formerly E7B):
Room 114 (Ground floor at the North-East corner of building)
Room 254 (First floor, north-facing side of the atrium)
Please check your timetable to see where your lab class will take place.
Problem-solving classes
SGTAs will be held every week, with assigned problems posted online. Please check your timetable to see where and when your class will be held. Students will work on solving the problems in the class and tutors will be available to advise.
Quizzes will be assigned each week, and marks recorded.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes from Previous Offering
The subject offering has been adapted in response to COVID-19 shutdown, and has been subsequently adjusted in response to student feedback.