Students

PHYS1510 – Engineering Physics

2021 – Session 2, Weekday attendance, North Ryde

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convener and lecturer
Judith Dawes
Contact via email
Lecturer
Alex Fuerbach
First Year Lab Director
Helen Pask
Senior scientific officer
Danny Cochran
Senior scientific officer
Bianca Sawyer
Scientific Officer
James Wood
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(HSC Advanced Mathematics Band 4 and above or Extension 1 Band E2 and above or Extension 2) or MATH1000 or MATH130 or WFMA003 or WFMA0003
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
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.

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  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.

 

Quizzes  Weighting: 25%

This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

Short quizzes associated with weekly SGTAs. You must complete at least 8 weekly Quizzes offered during the semester. We will include the best 10 marks from the 12 weekly quizzes. 

 

Mid Semester Exam   Weighting 10%

This will be held during SGTAs in week 7. It will cover material from weeks 1-6 of semester.  It is not a hurdle assessment.

 

Final examination  Weighting: 40%

This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

The final examination is a hurdle requirement. You must obtain a mark of at least 40% in the final exam to be eligible to pass the unit. If your mark in the final examination is between 30% and 39% inclusive, you may be given a second and final chance to attain the required level of performance; the mark awarded for the second exam towards your final unit mark will be capped at 40%, and you will be allowed to sit the second exam only if this mark would be sufficient to pass the unit overall.

Examination in the university exam period, covering all the content from the unit.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Lab book 25% Yes weekly during lab sessions
Quizzes 25% Yes weekly during SGTA classes
Midsession exam 10% No week 7 during SGTA classes
Final examination 40% Yes Examination period

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Final examination 40% Yes Examination period
Quizzes 25% Yes weekly
Midsession exam 10% No week 7
Lab book 25% Yes weekly during lab sessions

Final examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Examination 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 taken during the 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.
  • perform physical measurements, record experimental data, display data graphically, analyse data, and draw written conclusions in a clear, concise, and systematic manner.
  • demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in your learning process.

Midsession exam

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: week 7
Weighting: 10%

 

Short exam on the content from the first half of the unit, taken during an SGTA 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.

Lab book

Assessment Type 1: Lab book
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: weekly during lab sessions
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.

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 expect to offer laboratories on campus, with related assessments marked regularly. Problem-solving classes (SGTAs) are expected to be held online and on campus. Problem-solving is a key skill to develop in this unit, supported by lecture content, textbook readings, and examples of worked solutions to tutorial questions. This will be assessed through regular quizzes, mid-semester and final examination.  

Laboratory Sessions

The laboratory component is an essential component of your studies and so counts for an appreciable fraction of your final assessment. You will be introduced to some of the basic skills and techniques required of practicing 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 iLearn to see where your lab class will take place.

Laboratory Safety: You are required to follow all safety guidelines given in the first Lab session, your lab notes, and the lab staff. Food and drink cannot be consumed in the lab, and students without suitable covered footwear will be refused admission.

Covid-19 considerations: Labs are scheduled for on-campus delivery. You will need to comply with a number of Covid safety procedures, including the wearing of masks, sanitising hands and cleaning of work surfaces. In the event that a Covid outbreak causes the suspension of on-campus delivery, then an online version lab program will be provided, at the same time as your timetabled on-campus lab class. Instructions will be provided via iLearn should this change become necessary.

 

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 (either online or on-campus). 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://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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 unit is expected to operate in a blended online and on-campus mode, similar to semester 2 2020. In the labs, students will work together in pairs, and submit a joint report.


Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook