Foundations of Physics introduces students to the key concepts in physics in the areas of mechanics, electricity and magnetism. It is an algebra-based course suitable for those who wish to undertake some physics but do not have a strong mathematical background.  The course offers a unique 'hands on' approach to learning physics.  You'll get the background material for each week in a short 1 hour theory lecture, and then have the opportunity, over the course of an afternoon, to put that theory into practice.  You'll work in small teams to build, test and analyse physics experiments directly relevant to the material you're learning.   If you've ever wanted to get a real taste of what physics is all about, this is the course for you.

The course is taught by young, enthusiastic and experienced teachers with research interests in quantum mechanics (atom lasers and precision measurement), advanced materials engineering (3rd generation photovoltaics) and environment modelling.  

This course can be taken as a bridging course by students without prior physics background who wish to enrol in Advanced Physics in subsequent years. In exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the Academic Contact, students who achieve a very high grade in Foundations of Physics, PHYS1001, may be admitted to PHYS1201 in semester 2. The requisite level of mathematics is also required.

It is part of the ANU College Foundations Studies program.

More information can be found at: http://electromag1001.anu.edu.au

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of classical mechanics, electric and magnetic fields and simple electrical circuits.

2. Be able to apply these principles to the solution of problems and to the conduct of experiments.

3. Have a basic understanding of uncertainty in the context of physics, and how to handle it.

4. Have basic laboratory skills including equipment skills, data gathering, record keeping, data analysis, experiment design, and presentation.

Assessment comprises:

• Laboratory write-ups (50%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Homework assignments (30%; LO 1, 2, 3)
• Final Exam (20%; LO 1, 2, 3)

One 1 hour theory lecture, one 3-4 hour laboratory session (this is where the main teaching in the course occurs) and one tutorial each week.

No previous knowledge of physics is assumed though some background will be useful. Only basic mathematical methods will be employed. This course cannot be taken concurrently with or after successful completion of PHYS1101 or PHYS1201.

R. Chaby and B. Sherwood, Matter and Interactions, 3rd edition. Access to the text is essential.