Year 1 courses

It is important that you select your Stage I Physics courses according to your background preparation in Physics and the major subject or professional degree which you intend to pursue.

The standard first-year physics courses are PHYSICS 120 (Physics of Energy) and PHYSICS 150 (Physics of Technology). In addition, students are recommended to take the course PHYSICS 130 (Properties of Matter) if they intend to proceed in any area of experimental or applied science. These courses assume an entry standard equivalent to above average achievement in Level 3 NCEA Physics and Mathematics with Calculus. Alternatively, PHYSICS 102 (Basic Concepts of mPhysics) may be taken initially and a good pass in this course should provide sufficient preparation for PHYSICS 120/150. The course PHYSICS 130 is taught jointly with the Chemical and Materials Engineering Department and concentrates on various aspects of materials science and classical physics.

Courses PHYSICS 120 and PHYSICS 150 will give you a good grounding in physics and passes in both will satisfy the recommended preparation in physics for any Stage II Physics course. However you should notice when planning your programme that most Stage II Physics courses also have recommended preparation in mathematical analysis and students should take MATHS 108 (or 150) and MATHS 208 (or 250).

For students advancing in the biological and health sciences, PHYSICS 160 (Physics for the Life Sciences) provides, in a single course, material especially relevant to the life sciences. The standard is similar to that of PHYSICS 120/150. Less well-prepared students are encouraged to take PHYSICS 102 (Basic Concepts of Physics) followed by PHYSICS 160 (Physics for the Life Sciences).

Students with an interest in physics but who have not achieved a Level 3 standard in NCEA Physics should enrol in PHYSICS 102 (Basic Concepts of Physics). Physical concepts are emphasised and there are many demonstration experiments. A pass in PHYSICS 102 together with some mathematical analysis (MATHS 102 or 108), should provide suitable preparation for courses PHYSICS 120 to PHYSICS 160 for those wishing to advance further.

Course PHYSICS 107/107G (Planets, Stars and Galaxies) is an introduction to astronomy giving an overview of the universe starting with the solar system and ending with large-scale cosmology. No background in physics is required.

Course PHYSICS 108/108G (Science and Technology of Sustainable Energy) gives an introduction to the science concepts surrounding use of energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, bio and tidal.

Course PHYSICS 140 (Digital Fundamentals) is a practical starting point for both Physics and Computer Science students wishing to learn about the electronics behind digital systems. It has a strong hands-on laboratory component.

(15 points) S1C, S2 C

A course for students with little or no formal experience in physics interested in understanding the physics of everyday phenomena. The course requires a minimal background in mathematics and physics, and stresses the conceptual understanding of important physical ideas. Demonstration experiments are a feature of the course.

Restriction: Cannot be taken either with or after any of PHYSICS 120-160.Z
Assessment: 20% tests, 20% assignments, 60% final exam
Textbook: Conceptual Physics 11th ed Hewitt, P

(15 points) S1C, S2C

A course for students interested in astronomy. The course requires a minimal background in mathematics and physics. Topics include a survey of astronomical objects in the universe, the tools of observational astronomy, stellar evolution, quasars and black holes, cosmology.

Assessment: 30% tests, 10% laboratory, 60% final exam
Textbook: Explorations – An Introduction to Astronomy, 4th ed Arny, T T (McGraw Hill) 2006

(15 points) S2C

Leading-edge science behind the various technologies which underpin new sustainable energy sources will be discussed in a way which will lead to understanding of the advantages, disadvantages and compromises involved. Case-study examples include solar energy, wind energy, biofuels, geothermal energy, tidal energy, wave energy and hydrogen energy.

Assessment: 40% tests and assignments, 60% final exam
Textbook: Energy: Its Use and the Environment, 4th ed, Roger A Hinrichs and Merlin Kleinbach (Thomson Brooks/Cole) 2006

(15 points) S1 C

A course designed for students either advancing in physical science or with a major interest in field studies offered at both campuses. It covers motion and its causes, as well as the production, transformation and propagation of energy in its thermal and mechanical forms. Physics and mathematics at NCEA level 3 or equivalent of a pass in PHYSICS 102 are recommended for students intending to enrol in this course.

Restriction: PHYSICS 160
Assessment: 22% tests/assignments, 8% team based learning, 15% laboratory, 55% final exam
Textbook: Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, 8th ed

(15 points) S1 C

Static equilibrium of solids and fluids with an introduction to fluid mechanics. The physical properties of condensed matter including strength, elasticity, and other mechanical characteristics. The electrical, optical and thermal characteristics of materials with technological applications including alloys, ceramics, polymers, glasses and plastics. Physics and mathematics at NCEA level 3 or equivalent, or a pass in PHYSICS 102 are recommended for students intending to enrol in this course.

Restriction: CHEMMAT 121
Assessment: 15% Tests, 15% laboratory, 70% final exam
Textbook: Recommended Reading:Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, 7th ed Callister W D (Wiley) 2007

(15 points) S1 C

Logic components, Boolean algebra, combinational logic analysis and synthesis, synchronous and asynchronous sequential logic analysis and design, digital subsystems, computer organisation and design.

Restriction: PHYSICS 219 and 243
Assessment: 20% tests and assignments, 20% laboratory, 60% final exam
Textbook: Digital Fundamentals 10th ed Floyd, T L (Pearson Prentice Hall) 2009, or 9th ed Floyd, T L (Pearson Prentice Hall) 2006.

(15 points) S2 C

Prescribed for students advancing either in the physical sciences or in other science and technology programmes offered. It covers basic aspects of circuits, fields, optical systems and quantum effects common to modern communication systems and devices. Physics and mathematics at NCEA level 3 or equivalent, or a pass in PHYSICS 102 are recommended for students intending to enrol in this course.

Assessment: 25% coursework, 15% laboratory, 60% final exam
Textbook: Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, 8th ed

(15 points) S1 C, S2 C

Designed for students intending to advance their studies in the life sciences. Topics covered will be especially relevant to biological systems: mechanics, thermal physics, wave motion, electricity and medical physics. This course requires a knowledge of physics and mathematics to at least NCEA level 2. This course is a component of the common year 1 programme for students intending to progress in life science oriented BTech, BSc, Faculty of Medical and Health Science programmes.

Restriction: PHYSICS 120
Assessment: 40% tests, assignments and laboratories, 60% final exam
Textbook: College Physics 2nd ed 2001, Urone

Courses PHYSICS 107, PHYSICS 120, PHYSICS 130, PHYSICS 140, PHYSICS 150 and PHYSICS 160 have a laboratory component as well as lectures. It is compulsory for students to attend the laboratory stream to which they are assigned.

Each laboratory stream has a supervisor who is responsible for the allocation of experiments and this supervisor decides whether a student has completed satisfactory practical work. A pass in the practical work must be obtained before a pass in the course as a whole can be awarded, except in PHYSICS 107. The operation of the laboratories is fully explained at the introductory sessions and by way of handouts. Laboratory manuals for courses that require them are available at the introductory laboratory or as advised in lectures.