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Classical dynamics, oscillations, temperature and heat, D.C. circuits, geometrical optics and interference, nuclear physics.
PHYS111 is designed for students who need to strengthen their background in physics before taking one or more of the advancing 100-level physics papers required for further study in physical sciences or engineering. Many of the topics covered in the course form part of the present high school physics syllabus, but will be reinforced and extended here in a more quantitative manner.SyllabusTerm 1 : DynamicsMotion in one and two dimensions; Newton's laws; work and energy; systems of particles and centre of mass; momentum; collisions; rotations; oscillations and waves.Term 2 : Waves, Optics, Heat, Electricity and Nuclear PhysicsElectromagnetic waves; polarization; reflection and refraction; lenses; light as a wave; electrical circuits; heat; the nucleus; the big bang.
To learn the basic laws of physics AND to see that physics can be interesting and relevant to your daily experiences! PHYS111 is a Semester 1 course designed for students who do not have a strong background in Physics. Success in PHYS111 will give you a good foundation for PHYS101 (offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2). PHYS111 is a ‘non-calculus’ course but does assume previous knowledge of Physics and Mathematics. If you have no background in Physics or Mathematics then you will have to work hard to keep up.
Students who have been credited with any of PHYS101, PHYS102, PHYS113 or PHYS114 cannot subsequently be credited with PHYS111.
Tutorials will be held in small groups on level 2 of the Physics and Astronomy building.Satisfactory laboratory performance is a requirement for a pass in this course. Satisfactory performance is required in the production of laboratory reports and in tutorial preparation. We also strongly recommend attendance at lectures and tutorials so that you are familiar with all the course content. All students must demonstrate that they can communicate clearly in written and verbal English. This can be demonstrated with a satisfactory performance in the University's Writing Assessment Programme test.
Roger Reeves
Mackay Salley (Erskine Visitor)
FINAL EXAMINATIONThe final examination will be a three-hour written exam: date time place to be announced. This will count 50% toward your final mark in the course. It tests your grasp of the lectures, problems done on-line and in tutorials, and reading material. Bring your own calculator. Calculators must be approved – look out for announcements on how to get this done.To pass the course you must pass the final exam AND greater than 50% for the course overall.Previous years exam papers are downloadable from the library website and available on Learn.
Serway, Raymond A. , Vuille, Chris; Essentials of college physics ; Thomson-Brooks/Cole, 2007.
Course and content (597KB)
All students must demonstrate that they can communicate clearly in written and verbal English. This can be demonstrated with a satisfactory performance in the University's Academic Writing Assessment & Teaching (AWAT) Programme test.100-level physics and astronomy course information
Please consult the document General Information for Physics and Astronomy Students (57KB)
Domestic fee $848.00
International fee $3,713.00
* 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 .