PHYSICS I

100 hour comprehensive course in physics; a foundation for understanding photography, energy systems, mechanics, construction; or for further studies in the physical sciences.

Course Code: BSC206
Fee Code: S2
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification Statement of Attainment
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Physics Allows Us To Work More Efficiently

Physics is the study of the physical world. Everything you see, hear, feel and touch is affected by physics and when you understand physics better, you can also do most things better. It covers the nature and properties of energy and matter.

Physics pervades our everyday lives from turning on a tap to driving a car. We can look at most things and explain them through physics.  An understanding of physics also helps to answer fascinating questions like the origins of the universe, the building blocks of life, and the future of the solar system. Without an understanding of physics we wouldn't have effective tools and equipment; and the work we do on farms and in gardens would be much more limited.

Students of this course are introduced to scientific laws and how they are applied to explain principles like mass, force and movement. Find out why matter behaves in particular ways, what happens when atoms heat up, magnetic forces and electricity, and the properties of light.  

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

  1. Review of Basic Algebra
    • Equations & Formulae
    • Variables
    • Quadratic Equations
    • Graphing
    • Geometry
    • Triangles
    • Basic Formulae
    • Quadrilaterals
    • Angles & Radians
    • Logarithms & Exponentials
    • Trigonometry
  2. The Scope & Nature of Physics
    • Observing, Measuring, Modelling, Predicting
    • Units of Measurement
    • Converting Between Units
    • Precision of Measurements & Identifying Significant Digits
  3. Forces & Mechanics
    • Physics & Motion
    • Displacement
    • Speed & Velocity
    • Acceleration
    • Force
    • Force of Gravity
    • Work
    • Power
    • Energy
  4. Waves
    • What Are Waves?
    • Properties Of Waves: Longitudinal Waves, Transverse Waves
    • Wave Terminology
    • Relationship of Frequency or Period
    • Wave Speed
    • Electromagnetic Radiation & Waves
    • Sound Waves
    • Sound Spectrum
    • Measuring Sound
    • Speed Of Sound
    • Doppler Effect
    • Standing Waves & Resonance
  5. Electricity & Magnetism
    • Electrostatics
    • Conductors & Insulators
    • How To Make An Electroscope
    • Coulomb's Law
    • The Electric Field
    • Electricity & Electric Circuits
    • Current
    • Voltage
    • Resistance
    • Power
    • Ohm's Law
    • Circuits: Series, Parallel
    • Magnets
    • Magnetic Forces
    • Ferromagnetism
    • Creating Magnets
    • Earth's Magnetic Field
    • Geomagnetic Reversal
    • Electromagnetism
    • Electromagnetism And Solenoids
    • Electric Motors
    • Magnetic Force
    • Right Hand Rule
    • Inductors
    • Lenz's Law
  6. Energy & Work
    • What Is Energy?
    • Mechanical Energy
    • Potential Energy
    • Kinetic Energy
    • Conservation of Total Energy & Mechanical Energy
    • Converting Kinetic Energy into Potential Energy
    • Work & Force
    • Conservative & Non-Conservative Forces
    • Conservation of Mass Energy
  7. Fundamentals of Thermodynamics
    • Temperature Measurement Units
    • Fahrenheit
    • Celsius
    • Kelvin
    • Converting Between Units
    • What Is Heat?
    • Heat Transfers: Thermal Equilibrium
    • Thermal Expansion & Thermal Contraction
  8. Light & Optics
    • What Is Light?
    • Reflection
    • Refraction
    • Demonstration of Refraction
    • Index of Refraction
    • Diffraction
    • The Electromagnetic Spectrum
    • How A Rainbow Forms
    • What Are Mirrors?
    • Flat Mirrors
    • Convex Mirrors
    • Concave Mirrors
    • Lenses
    • Converging Lenses
    • Diverging Lenses
  9. Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity
    • Structure of Matter
    • The Periodic Table
    • What Is Radioactivity?
    • Alpha Radiation
    • Beta Radiation
    • Gamma Radiation
    • Radioactivity Applications
    • Nuclear Medicine - Diagnostic & Therapy
    • Radioactive Tracers in Agriculture
    • Food Irradiation
    • Archaeological & Geological Dating
    • Radiocarbon Dating
    • Half Life
    • Power Generation
    • Radiation Effects & Injuries
    • Cancer & Burns Caused by Radiation
  10. Astronomy, Cosmology & Astrophysics
    • What Is Astronomy?
    • The Pioneers of Astronomy
    • The Branches of Astronomy
    • Sub Fields of Astronomy
    • Astronomy in our Daily Life
    • The Most Important Discoveries in Astronomy
    • What Is Cosmology?
    • How Did Cosmology Evolve?
    • Hubble's Law
    • Cosmological Principle
    • Calculate The Age of The Universe Using The Hubble Constant
    • What is Astrophysics?

Why Do We All Need To Understand Physics?

Physics is part of our every day life; more than what most people realize. Whatever your job; you are going to use physics every time you move yourself, or something else; and every time you hear or see something. 
 
Through the knowledge you derive from this course, you will have an enhanced ability to understand the physical world around you, and be better able to work within that world. 
  • Gardeners, Tradesmen and Farmers are able to understand and use tools and machinery better, when they understand physics better.
  • Tools as simple as wheelbarrows and shovels are all depending upon the basic laws of physics for their optimum use.
  • Health and fitness professionals can better comprehend the human body, particularly it's physical structure and the operation of muscles and bones.
  • Knowing about energy, force and movement, will provide insights into moving anything and everything from stacking boxes to driving cars.
  • Knowing about light and sound energy will enable us to more efficiently manage our use of those energies, from lighting an interior space, to ensuring appropriate acoustics in a meeting.
 

How This Course Could Help You

This course should be of value to people working in a range of fields where an understanding of physics is required. It may also be useful for those planning on pursuing higher level qualifications. Even people in non-related fields who just wish to improve their understanding of physics for personal development will get something out of this course.  

Study this course to give yourself a foundation from which to study other sciences. Study it by itself or as part of a certificate or higher level qualification. 

 



Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Sarah Jury

Over 15 years working in small business, I.T., education and science. Sarah has a PGCE(Post Compulsory Education), BSc(Hons) (Genetics), DipComp(Open), CertWebApps(Open).
She has designed and created several Web sites for different organisations.

Josiane Joubran

CSC consultant with IBM, Software QA Engineer, Course Writer and Tutor. Josiane is an I.T professional with extensive experience with computer hardware and engineering in Lebanon and Australia. Josiane has a B.Eng., Grad.Dip.I.T., Master Info.Tech., MCP,

Barbara Seguel

Teacher and Researcher, Biologist, Aquaculture expert.
Barbara has a B.Sc. and M.Sc in Aquaculture Engineering.
Over the past decade, Barbara has worked in Hawaii, Mexico, Chile, New Zealand, and is now settled in Australia. She has co authored severa

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