TFCPHYS 91F : Foundation Physics
Science
2023 Semester One (1233) (15 POINTS)
Course Prescription
Course Overview
We will explore four topics - mechanics, thermal physics, optics, and waves - in the context of everyday phenomena and apply mathematical problem-solving techniques using algebra and basic trigonometry. We will also highlight topics of interest for those intending to pursue careers in Science, Engineering or Medical Sciences.
Capabilities Developed in this Course
| Capability 1: | Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice |
| Capability 2: | Critical Thinking |
| Capability 3: | Solution Seeking |
| Capability 4: | Communication and Engagement |
| Capability 5: | Independence and Integrity |
| Capability 6: | Social and Environmental Responsibilities |
Learning Outcomes
- Apply the laws of physics taught in this course to algebra based problems. (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
- Use standard physics and mathematical notation logically and correctly. (Capability 1, 2, 3 and 5)
- Explain the science of everyday phenomena using important physical concepts. (Capability 1 and 4)
- Contribute to group-based problem solving and experimental work. (Capability 1, 4 and 6)
- Communicate experimental observations and data using scientific language. (Capability 1, 4 and 5)
Assessments
| Assessment Type | Percentage | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratories | 24% | Group & Individual Coursework |
| Assignments x4 | 20% | Individual Coursework |
| Tests x2 | 16% | Individual Test |
| Final Exam | 40% | Individual Examination |
| 4 types | 100% |
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcome Addressed | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||||||
| Laboratories | ||||||||||
| Assignments x4 | ||||||||||
| Tests x2 | ||||||||||
| Final Exam | ||||||||||
Tuākana
Tuākana Science is a multi-faceted programme for Māori and Pacific students providing topic specific tutorials,
one-on-one sessions, test and exam preparation and more. Explore your options at
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/study-with-us/pacific-in-our-faculty.html
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/study-with-us/maori-in-our-faculty.html
For more information and to find contact details for the Physics department Tuākana coordinator, please see https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/study-with-us/maori-and-pacific-at-the-faculty/tuakana-programme.html
Key Topics
- Image in a plane mirror
- Images in curved mirrors
- Refraction of light
- Refractive index and the speed of light
- Images with thin lenses
Waves
- Types of waves
- Refractive index and the speed of light
- Refraction of plane waves
- Wave interference
- Standing waves
- Physics of music
- Coherence
- Standing waves in two dimensions
- Young’s double-slit interference experiment
Mechanics
- Describing motion
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Impulse and momentum
- Energy (kinematic energy, gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy)
Thermal physics
- Three states of matter
- Heat and temperature
- Calorimetry
- Density and pressure
- Experimental gas laws
Special Requirements
You must sit the final examination to pass this course.
Workload Expectations
This course is a standard 15-point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15-point course that they are enrolled in.
For this course, a typical weekly workload includes:
- 3 hours of lectures
- A fortnightly 2-hour lab
- 2 hours of reviewing the course content
- 3 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation
Delivery Mode
Campus Experience
Attendance is required at scheduled activities including labs to receive credit for components of the course.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including labs will not be available as recordings.
The course will not include live online events.
Attendance on campus is required for the tests and final examination.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.
Learning Resources
Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).
Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
- Available free as a digital copy and given out for free in the first lecture by the teaching staff. This will be used in every lecture and contains course notes and example problems to be worked on in lectures.
- Daily drop-in tutoring will be available on some weekdays from Week 2 to Week 12 (excluding public holidays, mid-semester break, and the last day of the semester). More details will be updated on Canvas. This learning support supplements regular classes and lecturers' office hours.
Student Feedback
During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.
At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.
Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.
Based on 2022 feedback, some labs have been optimised to ensure that time-pressure is less of an issue.
Other Information
The Physics Assistance Room is available for drop-in tutoring. Available in all teaching weeks, except mid-semester break and public holidays. Details given during the first week of instruction.
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.
Class Representatives
Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.
Copyright
The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.
You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.
Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz
Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.
If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.
This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
Learning Continuity
In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.
The delivery mode may change depending on COVID restrictions. Any changes will be communicated through Canvas.
Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.
Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.
In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.