PVB105 Foundations of Physics
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PVB105 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | PVB101 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,244 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PVB105 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | PVB101 |
| Coordinator: | Darren Pearce | d.pearce@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The fundamental concepts of physics seek to describe, predict and explain phenomena at all scales from the observable universe down to subatomic particles. They underpin all the sciences. This unit introduces you to those underlying physical processes that relate to the behaviour of the world: motion, forces, energy, gravity, electricity, and special relativity, and see how they help us to also understand thermal interactions, fluid dynamics, global warming, electric and magnetic fields, electrical currents, optical instruments, space travel, the motions of the planets and to theorise about the nature, history and future of the universe itself. You will learn how to think about scientific concepts, and solve problems like a physicist. These concepts are grounded in experimental verification, and you will develop technical and reporting skills in laboratory experiments which investigate the relationships between measurable physical phenomena both individually and in teams.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain quantitative and qualitative scientific analysis of fundamental concepts of physics.
- Collect and analyse data using scientific equipment during practical experiments in laboratory settings.
- Apply critical reasoning and problem-solving techniques, using data acquired or provided to evaluate results.
- Communicate scientific arguments by producing written scientific reports incorporating visual representations of scientific concepts and numeric data, including the generation of graphs.
- Collaborate effectively in team participation including the capacity to give and receive feedback from peers.
Content
This unit is covered in five content modules.
The first module begins with analysing the mechanics of objects in our everyday world. It begins with concepts of measurement and their implications for experimental verification, then applies those concepts to describing and predicting the motion of objects. We will see how Newton's Laws can help us to explain a wide range of these large object phenomena, and how motion, forces and energy are related.
The second module covers the basics of fluid mechanics and thermal physics. You will be introduced to the concepts of pressure, buoyancy and flow. In thermal physics we will see how macroscopic properties like temperature and pressure are related to the motions of the molecules, and how the energy of these particles moves between large systems and affects everyday objects and the planet itself.
A module on electric and magnetic fields will show how the property of matter we call “charge” helps explain one of the fundamental forces behind everyday mechanical pushes and pulls, as well as the interaction of subatomic particles, and how it can be harnessed as electrical energy.
The next module introduces you to Einstein's theory of special relativity in which you will discover that space and time are not as they appear, but are part of the same fabric of the universe. We see how Einstein's simple yet powerful ideas are able to explain where solar and nuclear power come from, and the motions of everything from galaxies to subatomic particles.
The final module covers astronomy: our models of the universe from ancient times until now; the motions of the Sun, Moon and planets; the origin of the universe (Big Bang); how stars form, live and die; exotic and powerful bodies such as black holes; and the large-scale structure of the universe as we understand it today. As a prelude to this, we also see how our optical instruments such as lenses, mirrors and telescopes work and how they allow us to gather the evidence that continues to transform our perception of our place in the universe.
Learning Approaches
As a first-year unit, your learning in PVB105 will be carefully scaffolded to support you to develop the knowledge and skills that will lay the foundation for the remainder of the physics major. You can expect to spend between 10 - 15 hours per week on average involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled classes, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning.
This unit uses a hands-on, experiential and inquiry-based approach to learning. The scheduled classes for this unit include interactive lectures, laboratory practicals and tutorials, which are described below:
- Interactive lectures will introduce you to the concepts of the physical universe and challenge your perception of reality; and set the scene for further exploration and group discussion activities in lectures and small-group tutorials.
- Laboratory practicals helps you to translate theory into practice by developing practical skills including manipulation of equipment, data collection and analysis, as well as communication skills such as scientific report writing and peer review to begin to mirror the work of a scientist.
- Tutorials involve collaborative group work and problem solving around structured scenarios and real-world contexts will also develop your research, written communication and critical thinking skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback on your individual and group (lab workbook, scientific reports and problem-solving tasks) via the grading of the assessment items against pre-determined criteria. Immediate feedback from peers and teacher on concept development and problem-solving strategies will be given during tutorial sessions.
Laboratory portfolio tasks will also receive timely oral and/or written feedback throughout the semester with written peer review of scientific reports.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit progressively develops your conceptual and applied understanding with practical experiments in the lab, workbook notes, problem solving tasks to grapple with the concept of relativity and overall comprehension and synthesis in the final exam. You will complete a portfolio including group laboratory experiments with individual workbook notes, two of which you will write up as a scientific report including peer review of another report.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Portfolio
This task will require you to:
- Apply theory to practice in lab experiments; collect and analyse data
- Record results in an individual workbook (every lab)
- Write a group scientific report on each of two experiments; including self-and-peer assessment of your teamwork, and a peer review (against criteria) of another team’s report.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Problem Solving Tasks
A series of problem-solving tasks which range from simple idealised scenarios to more challenging open-ended real-world scenarios, undertaken individually and in groups (1 x Group + 3 x Individual)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination
Short and long answer, written examination assessing your learning across the whole semester.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
Nil.
Costs
There are no out of the ordinary expenses associated with this unit.
Resources
A variety of learning resources to support your learning in this unit is available in your Canvas site. Packaged electronic and physical resources will be available for you in the laboratory to engage with physical phenomena.
The unit uses two prescribed textbooks, which are outline below:
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
First Year Physics Laboratory Resource Manual, available in Canvas.
Kirkup, L. (1994). Experimental methods: An introduction to the analysis and presentation of data . Brisbane: John Wiley & Sons
Risk Assessment Statement
All commencing FoS students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction. Safety rules specific physics laboratory will be published on the first year physics laboratory website. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first laboratory session. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a QUT staff member’s instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Portfolio, Problem Solving Tasks, Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Portfolio, Problem Solving Tasks, Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Portfolio - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Portfolio, Problem Solving Tasks - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO5, Portfolio, Problem Solving Tasks
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Portfolio, Problem Solving Tasks, Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Portfolio, Problem Solving Tasks, Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Portfolio - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Portfolio, Problem Solving Tasks - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO5, Portfolio, Problem Solving Tasks