Unit of Study PHYS1004 Physics I: Motion, Mechanics and Waves (2025)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Placement

No

Unit description

Introduces the basics of motion in one and two dimensions. Students will learn about mechanics, which is the interaction of force and motion, and about waves in water and air. This will develop the foundational knowledge needed to understand how physics describes the action of forces and apply it to a variety of different fields such as engineering, human body movement and projectiles.

Unit content

Module 1: Kinematics

Module 2: Two-dimensional kinematics

Module 3: Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion

Module 4 Work, energy & power

Module 5 Optics and waves

Module 6 Statics and torque

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
Gold Coast	Term1	Term1
Lismore	Term1	Term1
Online	Term1	N/A

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

explain basic concepts of motions, waves and mechanics across various fields of application

apply knowledge of two-dimensional kinematics, Newton's laws, and energy conservation to solve industry-related problems

explain how the concepts of forces, energy, and waves drive emerging trends across various fields of engineering

perform experiments on motion, forces, energy, and waves to measure, analyse, and apply basic design concepts in mechanics

analyse the principles of statics and torque in equilibrium and apply them to real-world engineering applications

investigate and solve problems involving the interaction of light, sound, and waves in various engineering contexts.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)

Assessment
Quiz	30%
Workbook	40%
Presentation	30%

Teaching method

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)

Assessment
Quiz	30%
Workbook	40%
Presentation	30%

Teaching method

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)

Assessment
Quiz	30%
Workbook	40%
Presentation	30%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts

Prescribed text information is not currently available.

Prescribed Resources/Equipment

Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees.

Find out more for domestic fees