Course Title: Physics for Leaders

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Physics for Leaders

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2124

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

PHYS2124

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020

PHYS2124

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Internet

 Sem 1 2021

Course Coordinator: Dr Gail Iles

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2610

Course Coordinator Email: gail.iles@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 14.06.015


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

Physics for Leaders is an introductory course designed for any university student interested in the science underlying modern technology and its implications for real life issues. Just as the leaders of a country should be expected to be informed about the basic principles around contentious issues such as climate change and nuclear power, the same applies to every university student. The course covers topics such as: energy, optics, health, gravity, magnetism and quantum mechanics. The course does not have any mathematical prerequisites.

(This course is also core to the Applied Science Program and is aimed at students who have not studied Physics at secondary level. As stated above, it aims to educate you in a wide range of physics and technological topics without the usual mathematical framework).

This course is not designed to lead on to second or third year studies in Physics. For that you should take PHYS2123 Modern Physics.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On successful completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of physics related to mechanics, matter and everyday physical phenomena.
  2. Develop a systematic approach to solving physics problems related to mechanics, matter and everyday physical phenomena.
  3. Use conventional physics and mathematical notation to present problem-solving strategies and worked solutions.
  4. Perform laboratory work competently and safely.
  5. Report and analyse laboratory results accurately and effectively.


This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes:

2. Scientific Knowledge

  • PLO-2.2 You will have knowledge in at least one discipline other than your primary discipline and some understanding of interdisciplinary linkages.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will learn in this course by:

  • Observing lectures where material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples;
  • Private study, working through the material as presented in lectures, texts and notes;
  • Formative assessment, including Canvas tests.


Overview of Learning Resources

The course is supported by the Canvas learning management system which provides specific learning resources.


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Weekly Canvas Tests

Weighting 10%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3

Assessment Task 2: Interactive laboratory activities

Weighting 40%

This assessment task supports CLOs 4 & 5

Assessment Task 3: Social Reading activities

Weighting 30%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3

Assessment Task 4: Individual technical competency assignment

Weighting 20%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3