Course Title: Fields and Relativity

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Fields and Relativity

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2069

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010

Course Coordinator: Professor James Macnae

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3401

Course Coordinator Email: james.macnae@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: contact via email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

The course assumes VCE Physics or equivalent as a prerequisite.


Course Description

This course will give students an introduction to the physics of electromagnetism, relativity and quantum physics, which are essential knowledge components of physics. Special emphasis is placed on the ‘field’ concept and its importance in all areas of continuum physics.
The course has lecture, tutorial and practical components designed to engage students in discussion, problem solving and laboratory work related to the knowledge areas covered.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

After completing this course the student will:

  • have a foundation of knowledge in the areas of electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and relativity (developing the knowledge capability dimension)
  • be able to analyse and solve problems in the areas of electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and relativity (developing the critical analysis and problem solving capability dimension)
  • be able to conduct experiments, analyse data and report results in written form. (developing the technical capability and communication dimensions)



Overview of Learning Activities

Learning will occur through a series of lectures (knowledge), tutorial discussions, (critical analysis and problem solving), written and on-line assignments and laboratory experiments (technical capability and communication) designed to illustrate the course knowledge content from a variety of viewpoints and develop the specific capabilities mentioned.


Overview of Learning Resources

Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub and through the Mastering Physics website, and will be provided with copies of additional materials in class. Access to the textbook Physics for scientists and engineers with its associated workbook by Randall D. Knight is essential in order to be able to complete this course. Students will also use laboratory equipment and computer software within the School during project and assignment work.


Overview of Assessment

The assessment will be through assignments and tests, laboratory practice and reports, and an end of semester examination. These assessment tasks will be designed to assess the development of the capabilities referred to above.