This is the first semester paper of a two-semester introductory calculus-based first-year physics sequence. PHSI131 and PHSI132 are the standard entry courses to university-level physics. Our goal is for you to learn to approach, solve, and understand a wide variety of physics problems on both qualitative and quantitative levels, and to relate “classroom physics” to the real world we live in. We emphasize conceptual understanding along with problem-solving skills. We cover the development of physical law from Newton to Einstein, and the physics of the real world including applications of physical principles to a technological society.
This course is suited to students with a good working knowledge of high school physics (NCEA level 3). A good knowledge of trigonometry, calculus, and algebra is assumed, and we recommend that students take MATH 160 & 170 concurrently with PHSI 131 and PHSI 132.
The course contains both laboratory and workshop sessions. They are designed to introduce students to experimental methods and advanced problem solving skills. The laboratory sessions and workshops occur in the same time slot in alternate weeks.
Assessment:
| Laboratories 15% |
| Assignments 15% |
| Workshops 15% |
| Lecture Participation 5% |
| Final Exam 50% |
Important information about assessment for PHSI131
Course Director:
Dr Mikkel Andersen
Course Coordinator:
Paul Yates
Professor Blair Blakie
Associate Professor Mikkel Andersen
Professor David Hutchinson
Associate Professor Colin Fox
Paul Yates
Paul Muir
- Know the basic physical laws in the key topics of the paper: Newtonian classical mechanics, wave mechanics, and basic quantum mechanics
- Apply the physical laws to understand modern technologies and predict the outcome of real-world physical phenomena
- Use physical principles, in conjunction with calculus, to solve quantitative problems in the topic areas
- Present a solution to a physics problem and be able to assess whether a solution is physically reasonable
Lecture Topics
| Topic | Number of Lectures |
|---|---|
| Mechanics | 24 |
| Waves and Oscillations | 8 |
| Relativity | 4 |
| Modern Physics | 12 |
Laboratory Topics
| Topic |
|---|
| Computer-Aided Modeling |
| Motion |
| Sound and Acoustical Resonance |
| Force and Equilibrium |
| Hydrogen Spectrum |
| Photoelectric Effect |
This is a textbook-based course and text is Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations and Connections, Extended Version with Modern Physics. by Deborah M. Katz.
Formal University Information
The following information is from the University’s corporate web site.
Details
The development of physical law from Newton to the revolutionary ideas of quantum physics formulated by Planck, Schrödinger, Heisenberg, Bohr and Einstein. The physics of the real world: motion, energy and its transfer, and an introduction to the quantum mechanical nature of light and matter. Applications of the principles of physics to a technological society.
PHSI 131 Fundamentals of Physics I is the first semester of a two-semester, introductory, calculus-based sequence. Our goal is for you to learn to approach, solve and understand a wide variety of physics problems on both qualitative and quantitative levels and to relate "classroom physics" to the real world we live in. We emphasise conceptual understanding along with problem-solving skills.
| Paper title | Fundamentals of Physics I |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSI131 |
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- PHSI 191
- Schedule C
- Science
- Notes
- (i) It is recommended that students enrolling for PHSI131 have a background in NCEA Level 3 Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent). (ii) Students with excellent results in NCEA Level 3 Physics (or equivalent) are advised to contact the departmental course adviser about substituting an appropriate 200-level paper for PHSI131.
- Eligibility
This paper is suited to students with a good working knowledge of secondary-education-level physics (NCEA level 3). A good knowledge of trigonometry, calculus, and algebra is assumed, and we recommend that students take MATH 130 and 140 concurrently with PHSI 131 and PHSI 132.
- Contact
- Course Director: mikkel.andersen@otago.ac.nz
Course Co-ordinator: paul.yates@otago.ac.nz - More information link
- View more information about PHSI 131
- Teaching staff
Professor Blair Blakie
Associate Professor Mikkel Andersen
Professor Craig Rodger
Associate Professor Colin Fox
Paul Yates
Paul Muir- Textbooks
Required: Katz, Deborah M. Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations and Connections, Extended Version with Modern Physics.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship,
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Students completing this paper will:
- Know the basic physical laws in the key topics of the paper: Newtonian classical mechanics, wave mechanics, and introduction to the quantum mechanical nature of light and matter
- Apply the physical laws to understand modern technologies and predict the outcome of real-world physical phenomena
- Use physical principles, in conjunction with calculus, to solve quantitative problems in the topic areas
- Present a solution to a physics problem and be able to assess whether a solution is physically reasonable
