PHS1031 Physics for the living world
Faculty of Science
PHS1031 Physics for the living world 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 2 other tasks
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Requisites
Before PHS1031
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After PHS1031
1 unit list PHS1031 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
Principles of force and movement applied to skeletal structures, human movement and sport, centrifugation, oscillations, effects on living systems. Bio-electricity including nerve conduction, membrane potential, defibrillation, ECG, electrical measurements in bio-systems. Energy production and transport, pressure, diffusion and osmosis. Fluid flow and the cardiovascular system and heat flow in the body. Optical properties of biological and useful materials, refraction, reflection, polarisation, with particular reference to human vision and the microscope.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- AssignmentsWritten30%
- Experimental workDemonstrationThreshold hurdle40%
- 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 apply relevant physics principles to human, biomedical and biosphere contexts;
- 2
Describe and model situations involving body systems, forces and materials for support and movement, heat and energy transport, electrical behaviour, basic electrical measurements, optical systems and instruments;
- 3
Develop simple physical models and apply these to problem solving;
- 4
Carry out reliable measurements, analyse data, estimate uncertainties, interpret physical phenomena and present scientific information in written reports.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Laboratories22 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.
PHS1031 is taught with active-learning workshops and compulsory laboratories. In workshops, you will engage in individual and group problem solving and discussion guided by teaching staff. In laboratories, you will engage in hands on experimentation.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Kristian Helmerson
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Kristian Helmerson
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHS1031?
PHS1031 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after PHS1031?
PHS1031 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including PHS1002. Those lead on to 12 units in all.
When is PHS1031 offered?
In 2027, PHS1031 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does PHS1031 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.