Paper description
This is the second semester paper of our 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. The paper covers the physics underlying modern techonolgy, including the foundations of electromagnetism.
This course is suited to students with a good working knowledge of high school physics (NCEA level 3). A good knowledge of calculus, trigonometry and algebra is also assumed, and we recommend that students take MATH 160 and 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% |
| Final Exam 55% |
Important information about assessment for PHSI132
Course Director:
Associate Professor Mikkel Andersen
Course Coordinator:
Paul Yates
Dr Annika Seppälä
Associate Professor Colin Fox
Associate Professor Inga Smith
Professor Niels Kjærgaard
Paul Yates
Paul Muir
- Know the fundamental physical principles in the key topics of the paper: electromagnetism, optical properties of matter and thermal processes
- Apply the principles to understand modern technologies and predict the outcome of real-world physical phenomena
- Use the 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 |
|---|---|
| Electromagnetism and electronic circuits | 26 |
| Optics | 10 |
| Matter and Thermodynamics | 13 |
Laboratory Topics
| Topic |
|---|
| Electric Fields and Electric Potential |
| Properties of Light |
| Images and Optical Instruments |
| Electrical Measurements |
| Bernoulli's Law And The Continuity Equation |
| Thermometry |
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 physics of modern technology. Foundations of electromagnetism and electronic circuits, applications of geometrical and wave optics, properties of materials, and thermal physics.
PHSI 132 Fundamentals of Physics II is the second semester of our introductory, calculus-based, first-year 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 emphasise conceptual understanding along with problem-solving skills.
| Paper title | Fundamentals of Physics II |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSI132 |
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Schedule C
- Science
- Notes
- It is recommended that students enrolling for PHSI132 have a background in NCEA Level 3 Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent).
- 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 and algebra is also 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 132
- Teaching staff
Associate Professor Niels Kjærgaard
Associate Professor Colin Fox
Dr Annika Seppala
Dr Inga Smith
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
- After completing this paper a student will:
- Know the fundamental physical principles in the key topics of the paper: electromagnetism, optics, properties of matter and thermodynamics
- Apply the principles to understand modern technologies and predict the outcome of real-world physical phenomena
- Use the 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
