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An introductory physics course covering mechanics, oscillations, waves, D.C. circuits, geometrical optics, wave optics, nuclear physics.
PHYS111 can be taken as a stand-alone course, or by 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 offered in both Semester 1 and 2, it is a 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.
Satisfactory laboratory performance is a requirement for a pass in this course.
Mike Reid
Roger Reeves
Clifford Franklin
A 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. Previous years exam papers are downloadable from the library website and available on Learn.
PP Urone and others; College Physics 2e ; Second Edition;
College Physics, Second Edition. PP Urone and others. Available for free online
Course information and content (PDF 2169KB)
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General Course Information (PDF 163KB)
Domestic fee $978.00
International fee $4,988.00
* 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 .