2009 Course Handbook
PHYS140: Physics IA
PHYS140, together with PHYS143, gives an overview of physics, which aims to discover and understand the fundamental laws of nature and use them to explain the phenomena that occur in the universe.
Students will be introduced to the central topics of classical physics, the physics that describes what we observe in day-to-day life, namely the mechanical, electrical and magnetic behaviour of matter. The subjects covered include measurement and vectors, Newton's laws of motion, momentum and energy, gravitation, electric charge, electric field and potential, capacitance, simple direct-current circuits, the origin of magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction.
The language of physics is mathematics but much of what physics has to say can be described using straightforward algebra and a little calculus from the HSC Mathematics course. This approach gives a distinct advantage: a quantitative and usefully different perspective to topics that may be encountered in units of study in biology, chemistry or earth sciences.
Regular guided laboratory work enables students to investigate the phenomena discussed in the lectures, using modern techniques in a well-equipped laboratory.
| Credit Points: | 3 |
| Contact Hours: | 6 |
| When Offered: | D1 - Day; Offered in the first half-year |
| Staff Contact: | Physics staff |
| Prerequisites: | (HSC Mathematics Band 4 or HSC Mathematics Extension 1 Band E3 or HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent) or corequisite of (MATH132 or MATH133 or MATH135 or MATH136) |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCWs: | PHYS149 |
| Unit Designations: | Technology |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: |
Department of Physics and Engineering |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.