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This is a required course for all Engineering Programmes as well as Physics and Astronomy degrees. PHYS101 builds on NCEA level 3 physics to develop Mechanics, Conservation Laws, Fluids, Waves, Thermal Physics, and Electromagnetism into an essential foundation for science and technology understanding.
Summary of the Course Content The topics covered in this course are:• Laws of Motion, motion in 1 and 2D dimensions• Energy of systems, kinetic and potential energy, work, power• Dynamics of particles, momentum and collisions• Conservation Laws• Rotational motion, angular momentum, rotational kinematics. Moment of inertia and torque • Fluid statics and dynamics• Oscillations and simple harmonic motion, the pendulum• Wave motion – travelling and standing waves • Thermal physics including thermal expansion and heat transfer• Thermodynamic cycles and laws of Thermodynamics• Heat engines and the Carnot cycle • Electrostatics – charge, field, potential, dielectrics• Electric current – model for resistance. Character of metals, semiconductors, superconductors.• Magnetic fields and forces, electric motors. Electromagnetic induction, power generation.
The goal of this course is to provide foundation knowledge of Mechanics, Conservation Laws, Fluids, Waves, Thermal Physics and Electromagnetism for students advancing in physical science and engineering degrees. Students will obtain basic competency in analysing and solving physical problems in these areas. They will also obtain basic physics laboratory skills and data analysis techniques.
1) a) PHYS111 or NCEA 14 credits (18 credits strongly recommended) at level 3 Physics, and b) MATH101 or 14 Credits (18 credits strongly recommended) at level 3 Mathematics (including the standards 'Apply differentiation methods in solving problems (91578)' and 'Apply integration methods in solving problems(91579)), or2) Cambridge: D at A level or an A at AS level in both Physics and Mathematics, or3) IB: 4 at HL or 6 at SL in both Physics and Mathematics, or4) approval of the Head of Department based on alternative prior learning.
PHYS113, PHYS112
PHYS113
Adrian McDonald
Mike Reid , Jenni Adams and Martin Allen
See course outline for a full breakdown of assessment.
R. Serway, J.Jewett, K.Wilson, A. Wilson; Physics Volume 1 and 2 ; 1st Edition; Cengage Learning Australia Pty Limited, 2013.
A satisfactory performance in the laboratory, tutorials and homework are required for a passing grade in this physics course. *10% Tutorial. Marks for active participation and an honest attempt at two of the assigned questions before the session. Maximum grade can be achieved for participation in 10 out of the 12 sessions. *30% Term Tests (Test A 10%; Test B 10%; Test C 10%). Test A: Thursday 6.30-7.30pm week 4 in A1-A3; Test B Thursday 6.30-7.30pm week 8 in C1-C2; Test C Thursday 6.30-7.30pm week 11 in C1-C2 *20% Laboratory (10% lab book checkpoint marking; 10% for two lab reports) *40% Final examination three hours. Date to be announced To pass the course with an advancing grade, your average score for the final exam must be greater than 45% AND you must score more than 50% for the course overall. If you score between 40% and 45% for the final exam the maximum grade you can be allocated is R. Note that this is not a progressing grade i.e. you would not be able to use PHYS101 as a prerequisite for any other course, including 1st Pro Engineering or Second Year Physics.
100-level physics course information Please consult General Information for Physics and Astronomy Students (57KB)
Please consult General Information for Physics and Astronomy Students (57KB)
Domestic fee $919.00
International fee $5,000.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Physical & Chemical Sciences .