CQUniversity Unit Profile
PHYS40110 Introductory Physics
Introductory Physics
All details in this unit profile for PHYS40110 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will prepare you for university study in engineering or the physical sciences (which may include allied health). You will gain an introductory understanding of the basic concepts in physics and learn to apply the principles of physics to solve problems of a physical nature in everyday life. Topics covered in this unit include measurement, motion, forces and mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, properties of matter, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism, waves, and optics. This unit assumes an intermediate level of mathematical knowledge.

Details

Career Level: Non-award
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 3 - 2024

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Non-award unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Examination
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Students found downloading from Echo360 difficult.

Recommendation

Include instructions for downloading Echo videos in the Moodle site.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Students would like more sample assessments.

Recommendation

Include more sample written assessments, including references to textbook content for solutions.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Students found practice quizzes helpful.

Recommendation

Continue to offer practice quizzes.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Recall fundamental physics concepts and techniques
  2. Solve quantitative and qualitative problems using appropriate physics and mathematical techniques
  3. Analyse information using physics techniques
  4. Communicate physics in a competent, logical and professional manner
  5. Improve physics comprehension through effective reflective practice.

This course has no external accreditation.

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Examination - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Self Management
2 - Communication
3 - Information Literacy
4 - Information Technology Competence
5 - Problem Solving
6 - Critical Thinking
7 - Cross-Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical Practice
9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Introductory Physics

Edition: 6 (2023)
Authors: Sharon Cohalan
CQUniversity Publishing Unit
Rockhampton Rockhampton , QLD , Australia
ISBN: N/A

The textbook for Introductory Physics (PHYS40110) is available on the unit Moodle site; however, we strongly advise you to print out your copy. You may like a hard copy to complete activities and take notes. The textbook cannot be purchased from the CQUniversity Bookshop. Your Access Coordinator will provide you with advice on printing options.

 

Binding: Spiral

The textbook for Introductory Physics (PHYS40110) is available on the unit Moodle site; however, we strongly advise you to print out your copy. You may like a hard copy to complete activities and take notes. The textbook cannot be purchased from the CQUniversity Bookshop. Your Access Coordinator will provide you with advice on printing options.

 

Additional Textbook Information

A scientific calculator is required for this unit. A recommended example is the Casio FX82 Scientific Calculator. Graphics calculators will also suffice, but are not necessary.  Any calculator must be non-communicable for use in the final exam.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • PDF reader
  • Computer- ability to access study materials, including instructional videos & upload assessment. Printer for printing assessment. Scanner or equivalent for uploading assessment.
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Clinton Hayes Unit Coordinator
c.hayes@cqu.edu.au
Brijesh Kumar Unit Coordinator
b.kumar@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 04 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Maths and Measurement

Chapter

MEAS

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 11 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Motion - Kinematics

Chapter

MOTN

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 18 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Forces and Motion

Chapter

FORC

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 1 is due on Wednesday of Week 3 (20 Nov) at 11:45 PM AEST

Week 4 Begin Date: 25 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Work, Energy and Momentum

Chapter

WENM

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 2 is due on Wednesday of Week 4 (27 Nov) at 11:45 PM AEST

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Atoms, Matter and Heat

Chapter

AMAH

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment 1 is due on Wednesday of Week 5 (4 Dec) at 11:45PM AEST.

Week 6 Begin Date: 09 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Chapter

ATNU

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 16 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Properties of Matter

Chapter

MATT

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 3 is due on Wednesday of Week 7 (18 Dec) at 11:45 PM AEST

Vacation Week Begin Date: 23 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 30 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

Heat and Thermodynamics

Chapter

HTTH

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment 2 is due on Wednesday of Week 8 (8 Jan) at 11:45 PM AEST.

Week 9 Begin Date: 13 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

Two Dimensional mechanics

OR

Waves and Optics

Chapter

2DME

OR

OPTC

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 20 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

Continue with 2DME or OPTC

Chapter

2DME

OR

OPTC

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

Electricity

Chapter

ELEC

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment 3 due on Wednesday of Week 11 (29 Jan) at 11:45 PM AEST

Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Feb 2025

Module/Topic

Magnetism

and review all modules

Chapter

MAGN

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 4 is due on Wednesday of Week 12 (5 Feb) at 11:45 PM AEST.

Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Feb 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 5 is due on Wednesday of Week 13 (12 Feb) at 11:45 PM AEST.

AND

Examination:

  • Complete an invigilated examination 
  • The date and time of the examination will be available through MyCQU approximately six weeks before the examination period.
Term Specific Information

Unit Coordinator:
Dr Clinton Hayes
(07) 49309246
c.hayes@cqu.edu.au
Rockhampton North Campus 32/G.39

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online quizzes

Task Description

This assessment item comprises five Moodle quizzes, each worth 4%. Each will require you to answer questions, solve problems and complete calculations covered by the nominated modules. They will be made available in Moodle.

Quiz 1 - MEAS module. Available from week 1 and due on Wednesday of week 3.

Quiz 2 - MOTN and FORC modules. Available from week 2 and due on Wednesday of week 4.

Quiz 3 - AMAH module. Available from week 5 and due on Wednesday of week 7.

Quiz 4 - ELEC module. Available in Moodle from week 9 and due on Wednesday of week 12.

Quiz 5 - MAGN module. Available in Moodle from week 10 and due on Wednesday of week 13.

The quizzes are comprised of multiple-choice, matching and/or short answer questions. Follow the information provided on the quiz site about presenting formulas and/or units correctly.

The resources provided on the PHYS40110 Moodle site contain all the relevant material (content and examples) required to complete the assessment. Please ensure that you do not use the internet in seeking answers, as this assessment is not a research task, but is assessing your knowledge and understanding of topics covered in the Unit. Moreover, the information from some sites is unreliable, generalised or not as specific as is required for this assessment.


Number of Quizzes

5


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Quiz 1 - 20 Nov 2024 at 11:45pm AEST. Quiz 2 - 27 Nov 2024 at 11:45pm AEST. Quiz 3 - 18 Dec 2024 at 11:45pm AEST. Quiz 4 - 5 Feb 2025 at 11:45pm AEST. Quiz 5 - 12 Feb 2025 at 11:45pm AEST.


Return Date to Students

Each quiz will automatically return a result on completion.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded for the correct response to multi-choice and short answer questions. Mark allocations are indicated on the individual questions in each quiz. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Recall fundamental physics concepts and techniques
  • Solve quantitative and qualitative problems using appropriate physics and mathematical techniques
  • Analyse information using physics techniques
  • Improve physics comprehension through effective reflective practice.


Graduate Attributes

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assignments

Task Description

This assessment item comprises three written assignments, weighted at 10% each. The assignments require you to answer questions, solve problems and complete calculations covered by the nominated modules.

Assignment 1 - MOTN, FORC and WENM modules. Available from Friday of week 2 and due on Wednesday of week 5.

Assignment 2 - ATNU and MATT modules. Available from Friday of week 6 and due on Wednesday of week 8.

Assignment 3 -  HTTH module, and the chosen additional module, either 2DME or OPTC. Available from Friday of week 8 and due on Wednesday of week 11.


Assessment Due Date

Assignment 1 - 4 Dec 2024 at 11:45pm AEST. Assignment 2 - 8 Jan 2025 at 11:45pm AEST. Assignment 3 - 29 Jan 2025 at 9:00am AEST.


Return Date to Students

Two academic calendar weeks from due date or submission date, whichever is later.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Mark allocations are indicated in the question documents. The questions are available on the unit Moodle site; follow the instructions carefully. Marks for each question will be awarded for setting out, showing the correct steps in the solution, and calculating the correct answer (including units). Answers to all questions should be neatly and clearly presented, and full working is required to obtain maximum credit for solutions.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Recall fundamental physics concepts and techniques
  • Solve quantitative and qualitative problems using appropriate physics and mathematical techniques
  • Analyse information using physics techniques
  • Communicate physics in a competent, logical and professional manner
  • Improve physics comprehension through effective reflective practice.


Graduate Attributes

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
50%

Length
180 minutes

Minimum mark or grade
40%

Exam Conditions
Restricted

Materials
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
Calculator - all non-communicable calculators, including scientific, programmable and graphics calculators are authorised
Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?