Course Title: Mechanics
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Mechanics
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
PHYS2122 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
135H Applied Sciences |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 1 2016 |
PHYS2122 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 1 2021 |
Course Coordinator: Assoc Prof Nicolas Menicucci
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2886
Course Coordinator Email: nicolas.menicucci@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 14.12.8
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by email
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None. It is assumed that you have studied Mathematical Methods at Year-12 level and that you are familiar with year-12 physics
Course Description
This first-year course is an introduction to the physical quantities and laws of motion, force, momentum and energy, and some of their important consequences and applications such as fluid mechanics. If you want to proceed to study physics at second- or third-year level, you need to take this course. It deals with concepts that apply to many other areas, forming a basis for understanding how the universe works.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for BP229 Bachelor of Science (Physics):
PLO-1.1 You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an ability to apply the scientific method in practice.
PLO-1.3 You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge.
PLO-2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts.
PLO-3.3 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization.
PLO-3.4 You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
PLO-4.1 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills.
PLO-5.1 You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.
PLO-5.2 You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically.
PLO-5.3 You will develop an ability to work collaboratively.
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
1 define and describe the quantities that specify the motion of objects;
2 define and describe the various types of force and their origins;
3 define, describe, and apply Newton’s laws for the effects of forces upon motion;
4 define and describe the universal conservation laws of momentum and energy;
5 define and describe interchange between different forms of energy;
6 define and describe the concept of work.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will learn in this course by:
• Watching and engaging with the recorded lectures
• Attendance at the weekly lectorial, where material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples;
• Private study, working through the theory as presented in lectures/lectorial, texts and notes, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems;
• Completing tutorial questions during the weekly tutorial. These are designed to give you further practice in application of theory and feedback on your progress and understanding;
• Completing written and online assignments consisting of numerical and other problems requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter;
• Undertaking laboratory experiments related to the theory topics and preparing reports on their outcomes.
Overview of Learning Resources
Extensive use will be made of the prescribed text and associated on-line resources, through the myRMIT website. Other references and resources will also be available from the RMIT Bookshop and Library, and online.
Overview of Assessment
Note that: This course has no hurdle requirements.
Assessment Tasks
Theory assessments:
Weighting 40%
Addresses CLOs 1-6
Laboratory Assessments:
Weighting 20%
Addresses CLOs 1-6
Final written assessment:
Weighting 40%
Addresses CLOs 1-6