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This is a required course for all Engineering Programmes as well as Physics and Astronomy degrees. PHYS101 builds on NCEA level 3 physics to develop Mechanics, Conservation Laws, Fluids, Waves, Thermal Physics, and Electromagnetism into an essential foundation for science and technology understanding.
Your first reference for all matters related to PHYS101 should be the course outline this is available on LEARN and in the "Course Links" below. This will be updated as information becomes available throughout the course. You should also examine the discussion forums on the course web pages (see LEARN section in this document) and ask general questions in those forums.Any queries about information not covered in this course outline should be directed to the email address below, please email only that address as this helps to ensure that your questions are answered by the appropriate person. You should make the subject line of your email informative enough so that the issue you have can be identified from that subject line.EMAIL: physics101@canterbury.ac.nz
The goal of this course is to provide foundation knowledge of Mechanics, Conservation Laws, Fluids, Waves, Thermal Physics and Electromagnetism for students advancing in physical science and engineering degrees. Students will obtain basic competency in analysing and solving physical problems in these areas. They will also obtain basic physics laboratory skills and data analysis techniques.
1) a) PHYS111 or NCEA 14 credits (18 credits strongly recommended) at level 3 Physics, and b) MATH101 or EMTH117 or 14 Credits (18 credits strongly recommended) at level 3 Mathematics (including the standards 'Apply differentiation methods in solving problems (91578)' and 'Apply integration methods in solving problems(91579)), or2) Cambridge: D at A level or an A at AS level in both Physics and Mathematics, or3) IB: 4 at HL or 6 at SL in both Physics and Mathematics, or4) a) TRNS008 with a B+ or better grade, and b) TRNS017, or5) approval of the Head of Department based on alternative prior learning.
PHYS113, PHYS112
PHYS113
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Simon Brown
Adrian McDonald and Martin Allen
Satisfactory performance in the laboratory work and a 40% mark in the final exam are required to pass the course. If your score in the exam improves on your average test mark, the exam will count for 80% of your grade.
Serway, Jewett, Wilson, Wilson and Rowlands; Physics Vol 1. and Vol. 2 ; (2nd edition); Serway, Jewett, Wilson and Wilson (Note that other editions are available, including the 1st edition by Serway, Jewett, Wilson and Wilson).
Some relevant but elementary sections of the text completed in NCEA level 3 (or equivalents) will not be covered. Chapters 1 and 2 are assumed knowledge. The chapters of the text covered in PHYS 111 and/or NCEA level 3 and so are assumed in PHYS 101 are 3-6, 8, 15. Please look at the textbook and check that you are familiar with these sections: allow yourself study time to familiarize yourself with this material.
Course information and content (PDF 2887KB)
General Course Information (PDF 163KB)
Domestic fee $1,099.00
International fee $5,388.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Physical & Chemical Sciences on the departments and faculties page .