James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

PH1001:03

Preparatory Physics

Townsville HECS Band 2

39 hours lectures, 24 hours practice classes, 15 hours practicals. Semester 1.

Staff: Professor M Heron.

The theme of the subject is to respond to questions “How does it work?” and “Why is it so?” by relating specific observable phenomena to the Laws of Physics. This is a celebration of Physics in the world around us with examples and case studies biased towards the life and health sciences.

Learning Objectives:

  1. an appreciation of how the Laws of Physics can be used to explain many phenomena in the everyday world;
  2. acquire skills of measurement and observation on selected phenomena;
  3. acquire a broad knowledge of the basic principles of classical physics;
  4. ability to use this knowledge to explain things.

Assessment by one three-hour examination, tutorial tests, assignments and practical work.