124100

Introductory Physics

An introductory course on phenomena and methods relevant to the study of physics. The use of physics concepts, including conservation laws, to analyse physical systems. Conversion of information between written, algebraic, graphical and diagrammatic forms. Methods for solving appropriate quantitative problems. Practical demonstrations and experiments.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

124100

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

100-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subject

Physics

Course planning information

Course notes

All assessment components are compulsory and students must achieve at least 40% in their final exam to pass the course.

Expected prior learning

Students must have achieved at least 16 credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics or passed 247.002 or equivalent. All students, whether or not they have an NCEA history/background, must have a good grounding in basic maths. It is important that you can perform calculations using a calculator; understand and apply correct order of operations in calculations; re-arrange formulae to solve for an unknown. Not sure? Try our basic numeracy quiz: http://mathsfirst.massey.ac.nz/ReadinessQuizzes.htm

Restrictions

Similar content
119153, 124103 124100 may not be taken after any of 124101, 124102, 124111, 124171, 124172, 124104, 124105 has been passed

You cannot enrol in this course if you have passed (or are enrolled in) any of the course(s) above as these courses have similar content or content at a higher level.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Carry out practical investigations with appropriate experimental techniques.
  • 2 Relate physical scenarios and theoretical models.
  • 3 Explain the underlying physics behind a wide array of phenomena.
  • 4 Solve qualitative and quantitative physical problems.

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Written Assignment 2 3 4 25%
Test 2 3 4 15%
Practical/Placement 1 2 20%
Exam (centrally scheduled) 2 3 4 40%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

Textbooks can change. We recommend you wait until at least seven weeks before the semester starts to buy your textbooks.

Highly recommended

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS PEARSON NEW INTERNATIONAL EDITION (12E)

Author
PAUL HEWITT
ISBN
9781292057132
Edition
12
Publisher
Pearson Australia

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS GLOBAL EDITION (12E)

Author
PAUL HEWITT
ISBN
9781292057132
Edition
12
Publisher
Pearson Australia

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