UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

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 2024 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 11 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2024
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 30%
and 3 other tasks

This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before PHS1001

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After PHS1001

1 unit list PHS1001 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

Enrolment rules

PROHIBITION: PHS1011, PHS1031, BMS1031

COREQUISITE: Recommended: MTH1020 or ENG1090

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 2024

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Laboratory assessmentOtherThreshold hurdle
    25%
  • TestsIn class test
    25%
  • Problem-solving activitiesOther
    20%
  • Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Exam
    30%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Explain and understand concepts taught in the unit such as force, energy, work, and wave propagation;

  2. 2

    Apply their knowledge to solve problems related to these concepts;

  3. 3

    Evaluate and appraise novel situations in terms of mechanics, electric and magnetic fields, and waves;

  4. 4

    Execute experiments using a range of experimental equipment;

  5. 5

    Analyse, interpret and evaluate the results arising from these experiments;

  6. 6

    Communicate explanations of problems and results of experimentations in written and verbal form.

Workload and teaching

  • Laboratories12 hours
  • Workshops24 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>

Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Knight, (4th edition, Global Edition 2017).

Where it fits

PHS1001 is part of 8 areas of study in the 2024 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Anna McLean Phillips
Unit Coordinators
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 11 units in all.

When is PHS1001 offered?

In 2024, 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.

Which majors and minors include PHS1001?

PHS1001 is part of Astrophysics, Physics and Physiology.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
1
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Physics and Astronomy
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available