124104

Physics 1A: Mechanics and Thermodynamics

This physics course provides foundational knowledge for study in engineering, food technology, and physical sciences. The emphasis is on applying physical principles to problem solving in mechanics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. A practical course.

Course code

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

124104

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

To pass the course students must achieve at least 40% in the Exam and sit both Tests. Students must attend all laboratory sessions and submit all laboratory reports.

Expected prior learning

Students must have achieved at least 16 credits NCEA Level 3 in Physics and 16 level 3 credits in Calculus, or equivalent or passed courses (124103 or 124100) and (160103 or 160105), or gained admission to the BE(Hons) or BFoodTech(Hons) programmes.

Restrictions

Similar content
124101, 124111, 124171

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 Interpret and represent physical situations in different forms including written descriptions, diagrams, graphs and mathematical expressions.
  • 2 Apply physical principles to solve problems involving linear and rotational motion.
  • 3 Apply physical principles to solve problems involving fluids and thermal physics.
  • 4 Carry out experiments, analyse the results with proper considerations of measurement uncertainty and make valid conclusions.

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

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Test 1 2 25%
Test 1 2 3 25%
Test 1 2 3 10%
Practical/Placement 1 4 15%
Exam (centrally scheduled) 1 2 3 25%

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

PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS WITH MODERN PHYSICS PEARSON NEW INTERNATIONAL EDITION (PNIE)

Author
GIANCOLI, DOUGLAS, C
ISBN
9781292020761
Edition
4TH EDTION
Publisher
PEARSON

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