Outline

Overview

Physics is the study of how matter behaves, at scales from the very small to the very large. Physics is one of the most fundamental of the sciences, underpinning our understanding of the world and the creation of new technologies. This unit of study forms part of a broad overview of the major topics of physics, which provides the necessary background knowledge and practice of scientific skills for students who wish to enrol in intermediate units of study in physics. The topics covered are also valuable for better understanding of many phenomena and techniques studied in fields of studies other than physics, so that this unit will benefit students across many majors including environmental, medical and life sciences, and engineering. You will cover the topics of mechanics, thermal physics, and oscillations, waves and chaos. You will develop experimental skills and learn how to observe and measure phenomena and try to explain and predict their behaviour. The laboratory work also provides an introduction to computational physics using chaos theory as the topic of study. This unit of study is intended for students who have a strong background in Physics and an interest in studying more advanced topics, with more rigorous proofs.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PHYS1001 or PHYS1002 or EDUH1017 or PHYS1903
Assumed knowledge ?	(85 or above in HSC Physics or equivalent) OR (75 or above in one of PHYS1003 or PHYS1004) OR (PHYS1902 or PHYS1904). Students are also encouraged to take (MATH1X21 or MATH1931 or MATH1X01 or MATH1906) and MATH1X02 concurrently
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Helen Johnston, h.johnston@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Boris Kuhlmey, boris.kuhlmey@sydney.edu.au
	Geraint Lewis, geraint.lewis@sydney.edu.au
	Shelley Wickham, shelley.wickham@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Pen and paper exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Mastering Physics assignments Online assignment	5%	Multiple weeks	6 questions
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Pre-work quizzes Online Canvas quizzes	3%	Multiple weeks	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Laboratory work Completion of lab experiments	0%	Ongoing	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised test ?	Mid-semester test Pen and paper test of lecture material	20%	Week 07	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Lab test Practical and written test of lab skills	20%	Week 10	130 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Laboratory report Written report of lab experiment	10%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2023 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorials Participation in tutorials	2%	Weekly	1h/week
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Lab test: The lab test consists of short questions about experimental skills, plus a practical experimental task where you demonstrate your ability to design and perform a simple experiment. The test will be held during your scheduled lab session.
Lab report: This is a written report on the data collected during your lab test, where you demonstrate your ability to write scientifically.
Mid-semester test: The mid-semester test will cover material from the first lecture module (Mechanics). The test will be held during your scheduled lab session. The in-semester tests will be run in week 7 during your lab class. More details will be provided closer to the date.
Final exam: The exam will cover material from the last two modules (Thermal physics, and Oscillations and Waves). The final exam is a compulsory assessment task. Failure to sit the final exam will result in an AF grade.
Assignments: These are online assignments (access via the link to Pearson Access on Canvas), which test your understanding of the lecture material. The best 5 of the 6 assignments will count towards your grade.
Tutorials: In tutorials you solve physics problems based on the week's lecture material, working in small groups. Marks are awarded for participation.
Laboratory work: To pass the unit, you must successfully complete 6 of the 7 labs in weeks 3-12.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply subject knowledge to novel situations.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a solid knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad understanding of the unit material but has not fully developed the ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

MasteringPhysics will not accept late submissions.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Mechanics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 01	Introduction	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 02	Mechanics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	Uncertainty analysis	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 03	Mechanics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Mechanics lab 1	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 04	Mechanics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	Mechanics lab 2	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 05	Mechanics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Mechanics lab 3	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 06	Thermal physics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	Thermal lab 1	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 07	Thermal physics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	Thermal physics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	Thermal lab 2	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 09	Thermal physics, and Oscillations, waves and chaos	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	Oscillations, waves and chaos	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	Oscillations, waves and chaos	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	Waves lab 1	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 12	Oscillations, waves and chaos	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Waves lab 2	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 13	Oscillations, waves and chaos	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

You must pass the laboratory programme in order to pass the course. In order to pass the laboratory component, you must successfully complete 6 of the 7 Labs in weeks 3-12 (The Labs in week 1 and 2 are meant to get you up to speed and are not a part of this assessment). Make-up lab sessions are available for students with special consideration.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the key concepts in three foundation areas of physics - mechanics, thermal physics and wave motion
LO2. apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific and engineering contexts, using appropriate mathematical and computing techniques as necessary
LO3. understand the nature of scientific measurement, and demonstrate skills in the measurement of physical quantities and the handling of data
LO4. find and analyse information and judge its reliability and significance
LO5. communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
LO6. engage in team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning
LO7. demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour, and independence as a learner and as a scientist.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Weighting of assignments changed to best 5 of 6

Additional information

Equity Access and Diversity Statement

The School of Physics recognises that biases and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.

The School has three Equity Officers as a point of contact for students and staff who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, bullied, discriminated against or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.

More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability Services: http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/disability/ who can help arrange support.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual, posted in laboratories, and from staff
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHYS1901: Physics 1A (Advanced)

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect