Monash College Unit Guide

INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS (MCD1180)

Purpose

Physics seeks to describe the fundamental nature of the universe and strives to reveal nature’s underlying simplicity and establish the rules which cause galaxies to form, the toast to burn, or what holds the component parts of a proton together. Physics underlies all the life and physical sciences, as well as Engineering and Technology. So this module considers the basic concepts of mechanics, energy, waves and optics. However, physics is not just theories. It relies heavily on mathematics and numerical measurements to test the theories – an aspect you will meet through your practical work.

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the value of practical work
2. Apply the ideas of kinematics to the motion of objects
3. Explain the concepts of force and energy as developed in the theory of dynamics
4. Explain the types and properties of waves and apply these ideas to optics

Assessment

Assignment & Practical work: 40%

Examination: 60%

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