Course coordinator
Mrs Lauren Downs
Course overview
- Study period
- , 2024 (14/10/2024 - 27/06/2025)
- Study level
- UQ College
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 3.2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- UQ College
Physics provides the experimental and theoretical basis to engage in the classical and modern understandings of the universe for the smallest particle to the outer limits of the universe. This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, electricity, nuclear processes, linear motion, waves, gravitational and electromagnetic fields, and modern physics theories. It has been designed to help students understand how physics principles and concepts are developed and to assist with their entry into further studies in physics or other courses of study with a significant physics content. On completion of this program, students should be able to; describe and explain physics concepts, theories, models, systems, and their limitations; apply understanding of physics concepts, theories, models and systems within their limitations; analyse evidence; interpret evidence; investigate phenomena and demonstrate proficiency and safety in the use of laboratory equipment; evaluate processes, claims and conclusions.
Physics is a fundamental science that endeavours to explain all natural phenomena that occur in the universe. This course introduces the models and theories based on physical laws to explain and predict physical phenomena.
Course requirements
Assumed background
While there are no restrictions to your study in this course, prior knowledge or experience in Physics and Mathematics to a year 11 equivalence is recommended.
Course contact
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables will beﾠavailableﾠto students on Edval.
Please refer to theﾠQLD government website for Public holiday information
Aims and outcomes
This course includes in-depth study of the following topics:
- Safety in the Laboratory
- Measurement applicable to Physics
- Linear motion
- Thermal Physics
- Electrical Circuits
- Gravity and motion
- Electromagnetism
- Wave motion
- Revolutions in modern Physics
The aim of the course is to help students understand the development of above-mentioned physics concepts and assist students with their entry into further studies in courses with significant physics content.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe and explain Physics concepts, theories, models, systems, and their limitations
LO2.
Apply understanding of Physics concepts, theories, models, and systems within their limitations
LO3.
Analyse and interpret evidence presented within physics questions, obtained from experiments, and research questions
LO4.
Investigate relevant physics phenomena presented in physics questions, associated with experiments, and research questions
LO5.
Evaluate processes, claims and conclusions presented in physics questions, experiments, and research questions
LO6.
Communicate understandings, findings, arguments and conclusions associated with physics questions, experiments, and research question
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Term 1 Quizzes
|
10% |
18/11/2024 - 22/11/2024 16/12/2024 - 20/12/2024 |
| Project | Research Assignment | 20% |
21/02/2025 10:00 pm |
| Examination |
Term 2 Exam
|
25% |
Term 2 Exam Block |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration | Laboratory Reports | 25% |
28/04/2025 - 23/05/2025
Each report due Fri 10pm following week after Lab Session (W24, W25, W27) |
| Examination |
Term 3 Exam
|
20% |
Term 3 Exam Block |
Assessment details
Term 1 Quizzes
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
18/11/2024 - 22/11/2024
16/12/2024 - 20/12/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Week 6 Quiz (5%)
Linear Motion
Week 10 Quiz (5%)
Heating Processes and Electrical Circuits
Submission guidelines
Completed during scheduled class time.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Research Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
21/02/2025 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Research assignment on a chosen topic.
Submission guidelines
Submitted via Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Term 2 Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Term 2 Exam Block
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06
Task description
Covering all material from Term 2.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Laboratory Reports
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
28/04/2025 - 23/05/2025
Each report due Fri 10pm following week after Lab Session (W24, W25, W27)
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students must complete laboratory reports and submit for each experiment.
LAB SESSIONS
Week 23 - Light and Refraction
Week 24 - Diffraction
Week 26 - Find Planck's Constant
Note: these are subject to change
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Term 3 Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Term 3 Exam Block
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06
Task description
Term 3 course content
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Feedback on Assessmentﾠ
In addition to the mark awarded, feedback will be provided on all assessment tasks to enable students to apply the feedback to further tasks within the course or program. The form of feedback provided is appropriate to the task weighting, timing, and context, and with reference to criteria and standards.ﾠ
Appropriate conditions for group work and collaborationﾠ
Teachers usually aim for groups of 3-4 and provide preparation for group work activities (examples can include discussions, role-playing, and identifying strengths and weaknesses) to maximise students’ learning and performance.ﾠ
Assignment submissionﾠ
Unless advised otherwise,ﾠassignments are to be submitted electronically via Blackboard. Instructions for submission are in the Assessment folder in your course Blackboard site.ﾠﾠ
Calculator policyﾠ
If a calculator is permitted for use in an examination, the calculator must comply with the University of Queensland Calculator Scheme. Where calculators are permitted for use in the examination, students are advised to ensure that the calculator complies with the type nominated by the course coordinator. Unless the type is unrestricted, the calculator must be either a Casio FX82 seriesﾠcalculator, orﾠhave an 'approved label' attached which can be obtained from the Student Centre. Please refer to theﾠmy.UQﾠwebsiteﾠfor information on the use of calculators in examinations.ﾠ
Referencing styleﾠ
All relevant material MUST be correctly referenced using theﾠAPA 7th referencing style.ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Additional resources are also available via theﾠBlackboard course websiteﾠﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Workshop |
Fundamentals Safety in the laboratory, Measurement and Mathematical concepts applicable to Physics, Error analysis and graphical analysis. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 5 |
Lecture |
Linear Motion and Forces Vectors - 1d and 2d vectors; Linear motion; Motion graphs; Newtons laws of motion; Force; Free-body force diagrams; Energy, Work Done and Power Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Workshop |
Heating Processes Kinetic particle model and heat flow; Temperature and specific heat capacity; Phase changes and latent heat; Energy in systems mechanical work and efficiency. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 10 |
Workshop |
Electrical Circuits Current, potential difference and energy flow; Resistance; Circuit analysis and design; Experiment A: Electric Circuits (Parnell 7 Lab); Revision Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 15 |
Workshop |
Gravity and Motion Projectile motion; Force and momentum; Inclined planes; Circular motion; Gravitational force and fields; Orbits Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 16 To Week 19 |
Workshop |
Electromagnetism Electrostatics and Electric Fields; Magnetic fields; Electromagnetic induction; Experiment B - Magnetic field strength of a solenoid (Parnell 7 Lab) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 20 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Revision Term 2 content review. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 21 To Week 23 |
Workshop |
Wave motion Wave properties; Sound; Stationary waves; Electromagnetic radiation; Light - reflection and refraction; Diffraction; Interference; Experiment 1: Light and Refraction Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 24 To Week 25 |
Workshop |
Quantum Theory Light; Experiment 2: Diffraction; Atom Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 26 To Week 27 |
Workshop |
Ionising Radiation and Nuclear Reactions Nuclear model and stability; Spontaneous decay and half-life; Experiment 3: Find Planck's constant (Parnell 7 Lab); Energy and mass defect Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 28 To Week 29 |
Workshop |
Special Relativity Length contraction; Time dilation; Mass energy equivalence Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 30 (09 Jun - 15 Jun) |
Workshop |
Revision Term 3 Content Review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.