Advanced Physics 1 introduces foundational concepts in the areas of mechanics, electricity and magnetism. It develops skills and knowledge for solving interesting physics problems - emphasizing reasoning from fundamental principles, such as energy and momentum conservation. There are many applications to research, technology, and everyday life. The course introduces experimental and computational methods as parts of an integrated approach to physics. Lectures include problem solving activities. Topics covered include: force and momentum, energy and work, energy quantization, gravitation, oscillating systems, electric and magnetic fields, electric potential, and electric circuits.

This course together with Advanced Physics 2 provide the basis for further study of physics. They underpin the study at second year level of the core physics areas of: quantum mechanics, statistical and thermal physics, electromagnetism, and waves and optics.

Honours Pathway Option

Honours pathway students will have options for more advanced work.

On satisfying the requirements for this course students will:

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, including complex 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.
5. Have basic computational skills and be able to apply them to solving problems.

Assessment comprises:

• Laboratory write-ups (30%; LO 2, 3, 4, 5)
• Homework assignments (30%; LO 1, 2, 3, 5)
• Lecture and tutorial activities (10%; LO 1, 2, 3)
• Final exam (30%; LO 1,2,3)

Three lectures per week. Eight three hour laboratories. One tutorial per week.

Although there are no formal prerequisites, the preparation in physics and mathematics set out below is strongly recommended.

• Physics: NSW students should have attained a high standard in two unit physics or a multistrand science course. ACT students should have reached a high standard in a major in physics.
• Mathematics: NSW students should have qualifications equivalent to Mathematics Extension I. ACT students should have at least a major/minor in Advanced Mathematics Extended. 
• Students from other states should have a similar preparation in physics and mathematics. 

Students who do not meet these requirements, including Engineering students, should take PHYS1001, Foundations of Physics.

MATH1013 or MATH1115

ENGN1214

PHYS1001

None.