Students
PHYS130 – Foundations of Physics
2018 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor, Lecturer, Tutor
Daniel Zucker
Contact via daniel.zucker@mq.edu.au
E6B 2.705
Lecturer, Tutor
Robert Williams
Contact via robert.williams@mq.edu.au
E8B 311
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(HSC Mathematics Band 4-6 or Extension 1 Band E2-E4 or Extension 2) or MATH130 or MATH123(HD) or WFMA003
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is an introduction to basic physics for students who did not take HSC physics or who need to improve their understanding and facility in physics before progressing to more advanced physics units (either PHYS140/PHYS143 or PHYS106/PHYS107). The unit provides an introduction to the techniques by which the basic physical phenomena of our world and universe are described and understood. The material covers the concepts of vectors and the description of motion using Newton's Laws, electrical and magnetic forces and phenomena, elementary atomic structure and introductory quantum physics. A mathematical approach to physics is central but the content is covered without the use of calculus in preparation for further 100-level units which do use calculus. An emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills by which physical problems are mapped to mathematical representations which can then be solved to understand the system. These skills include the development of abilities in interpreting visual representations of physical data.
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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:
- Students will be able to explain Physics concepts concerning mechanics and electricity in terms of their underlying physical principles, and describe them in terms of simple mathematical models.
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
- Students will understand how real-world problems can be interpreted by physical models.
General Assessment Information
Macquarie University uses a standards-based assessment system.This unit has a hurdle requirement, specifying a minimum standard that must be attained in an aspect of the unit. To pass this unit you must obtain a mark of at least:
50% in the unit overall
as well as
at least 40% in the final examination.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial quizzes | 40% | No | Tutorial class |
| Final Examination | 40% | Yes | See Examination Timetable |
| Group project | 20% | No | weeks 10 and 11 |
Tutorial quizzes
Due: Tutorial class
Weighting: 40%
During each tutorial, in weeks 2-13, you will work on a set of assigned problems based on that week's lecture topics. The week following, in your registered tutorial class, you will complete a quiz based on these assigned problems. These quizzes will be marked and returned with feedback. The weighted average of your best 8 quiz scores will contribute a total of 40% to your final mark.
In weeks 2,3,5,6,8,9,11,12 you will do a mini-quiz for 10 minutes out of 5 marks. In weeks 4,7, 10, 13 you will do a major quiz for 20 minutes worth 10 marks with more challenging questions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students will be able to explain Physics concepts concerning mechanics and electricity in terms of their underlying physical principles, and describe them in terms of simple mathematical models.
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
Final Examination
Due: See Examination Timetable
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
You are expected to present yourself for the final examination at the time and place designated in the University examination timetable (http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/exam/). The timetable will be available in draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of examinations and in final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of examinations.
If you apply for Disruption to Study for your final examination, you must make yourself available for the week of December 17 - 21, 2018. If you are not available at that time, there is no guarantee an additional examination time will be offered. Specific examination dates and times will be determined at a later date.
The use of calculators in examinations for this unit is permitted but, in accordance with the Faculty policy, calculators with a full alphabet on the keyboard are not allowed.
The final examination will have a 2 hour duration, and is worth 40% of the final mark for the unit.
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 will be a 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%.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students will be able to explain Physics concepts concerning mechanics and electricity in terms of their underlying physical principles, and describe them in terms of simple mathematical models.
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
Group project
Due: weeks 10 and 11
Weighting: 20%
The purpose of the group project is to stimulate students to learn how to apply the physics within the unit to real world situations that occur in everyday life. Students (in groups of 3 or 4), will work in collaboration with the lecturers to identify a suitable “explorer project” whose physical operation is closely related to one or more of the topics covered in the unit. The group will research this explorer project, either through a basic construction/exploration, or via pre-constructed equipment available within the Department, or via a computer simulation. Each student will write a short report explaining how their explorer project demonstrates some of the physical principles taught in the unit. Each group will make a 10-minute presentation to the class based on their analysis during weeks 8 and 9 of the semester. Further details will be available during the semester. Each student's individual report will be 10% of their final mark, and the group presentation will be 10% of the final mark. In total, the group project is worth 20% of the final mark.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students will be able to explain Physics concepts concerning mechanics and electricity in terms of their underlying physical principles, and describe them in terms of simple mathematical models.
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
- Students will understand how real-world problems can be interpreted by physical models.
Delivery and Resources
Unit Resources
Khan Academy. www.khanacademy.org
Unit Reference
An additional reference for this unit is "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, Resnick, & Walker, Extended 10th edition. This is the textbook for PHYS140 and PHYS143. Print versions are available from the Co-Op bookshop and digital options are available through http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP002531.html .
Technology
Audio recordings and copies of slides from lectures will be available in iLearn through the Echo360 system. Because we do demonstrations and problem solving in our physics lectures, we recommend that you attend the lectures. The online resources are good for review and revision.
The use of calculators during tutorials, when completing quizzes, in the in-session exam and in the final examination for this unit is usually necessary. In accordance with the Faculty policy, calculators with a full alphabet on the keyboard are not allowed in the quizzes, in-session exam or the final examination.
Lectures and Tutorials
This unit consists of two different formal types of activity:
1. Lectures, in which new material is presented, discussed and illustrated by examples and demonstrations. Attending lectures is an important part of studying physics since it allows you to gain an insight into the subject matter. The lecturers can explain the concepts from several points of view, can point out and explain the most important aspects of the material and, very importantly, can illustrate the relationships and connections between the different concepts in this unit.
2. Weekly tutorials, in which examples illustrating the material are presented for discussion (with fellow classmates and tutors) and problem-solving methods are practised. Tutorials form an important learning component of PHYS130. During tutorials in weeks 2-13, we will hold quizzes, based on the assigned problems issued the previous week.
Lecture and tutorial times - See your timetable.
Information
Study material is hosted on the iLearn webpage for the unit http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Unit Schedule
A more detailed week-by-week schedule will be placed on iLearn, however the basic format of the unit is that it is taught in two halves:
• Mechanics, A/Prof. Daniel Zucker, Weeks 1-6
• Electricity, Dr. Robert Williams, Weeks 7-12
Week 13: Revision
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.)
Undergraduate 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 shown in iLearn, 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.
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.
The numeracy centre is located in E7B G.88, and offers one-on-one or small class assistance with mathematics and statistics. Students are welcome to attend the drop-in centre or specially organised workshops.
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://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.
Graduate Capabilities
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
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
- Students will understand how real-world problems can be interpreted by physical models.
Assessment task
- Group project
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
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
- Students will understand how real-world problems can be interpreted by physical models.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial quizzes
- Group project
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 outcome
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
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
- Students will be able to explain Physics concepts concerning mechanics and electricity in terms of their underlying physical principles, and describe them in terms of simple mathematical models.
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
- Students will understand how real-world problems can be interpreted by physical models.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial quizzes
- Final Examination
- Group project
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
- Students will be able to explain Physics concepts concerning mechanics and electricity in terms of their underlying physical principles, and describe them in terms of simple mathematical models.
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
- Students will understand how real-world problems can be interpreted by physical models.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial quizzes
- Final Examination
- Group project
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
- Students will be able to explain Physics concepts concerning mechanics and electricity in terms of their underlying physical principles, and describe them in terms of simple mathematical models.
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
- Students will understand how real-world problems can be interpreted by physical models.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial quizzes
- Final Examination
- Group project
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
- Students will be able to explain Physics concepts concerning mechanics and electricity in terms of their underlying physical principles, and describe them in terms of simple mathematical models.
- Students will be able to analyse the description of a physical problem, be able to 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 with appropriate units.
- Students will understand how real-world problems can be interpreted by physical models.
Assessment task
- Group project
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 30/07/2018 | Clarification of the policy for hurdle examinations. |