PHS1001 Foundation physics
Faculty of Science
PHS1001 Foundation physics is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 12 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 3 other tasks
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Requisites
Overview
The unit introduces fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and oscillations, and quantum physics. The unit explores these concepts in the context of current technology in areas such as transportation and communication. You will also discover how these ideas link to current research in Physics. The unit further introduces the concepts of experimental design, measurement, and analysis that form the basis of the evidence-based approach that is the foundation of scientific discoveries and theories.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory assessmentDemonstration25%
- TestsQuiz / Test25%
- Problem-solving activitiesExercise20%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain and understand concepts taught in the unit such as force, energy, work, and wave propagation;
- 2
Apply their knowledge to solve problems related to these concepts;
- 3
Evaluate and appraise novel situations in terms of mechanics, electric and magnetic fields, and waves;
- 4
Execute experiments using a range of experimental equipment;
- 5
Analyse, interpret and evaluate the results arising from these experiments;
- 6
Communicate explanations of problems and results of experimentations in written and verbal form.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Assessments4 hours
- Applied sessions8 hours
- Laboratories12 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (roughly 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
Learning resources
Required resources
College Physics, An Open Stax Resource <https://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]:pFeekPiU@20/Preface>
Recommended resources
Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Knight, (4th edition, Global Edition 2017).
Physics, International Adaptation by Cutnell, Johnson, Young, and Stadler (Any edition).
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Anna McLean Phillips
- Dr Clare Kenyon
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Anna McLean Phillips
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHS1001?
PHS1001 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after PHS1001?
PHS1001 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including PHS1002. Those lead on to 12 units in all.
When is PHS1001 offered?
In 2027, PHS1001 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does PHS1001 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.