Nationally recognised with two teaching awards, Foundations of Physics aims to teach you to “think like a physicist!” A course for anyone who wants to get a solid foundation in basic-physics concepts, or needs to catchup before entering into a major. It will also teach you skills and an approach to problem solving that you will take forward in your life.
The course offers a unique 'hands on' approach to learning physics. You'll get the background material for each week in a short 1 hour theory lecture, and then have the opportunity, over the course of an afternoon, to put that theory into practice. You'll work in small teams to build, test and analyse physics experiments directly relevant to the material you're learning. Lab manuals and instructions are forbidden! Just like a real researcher.
We introduce students to the key concepts in physics in the areas of mechanics, electricity and magnetism. It is an algebra-based course suitable for those who wish to undertake some physics but do not have a strong mathematical background, and great for those keen on entering graduate medicine via the GAMSAT.
If you've ever wanted to get a real taste of what physics is all about, this is the course for you.
The course is taught by young, enthusiastic and experienced teachers with research interests in quantum mechanics (atom lasers and precision measurement), advanced materials engineering, laser science, and more!

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of classical mechanics, electric and magnetic fields and simple electrical circuits.
2. Be able to apply these principles to the solution of problems and to the conduct of experiments.
3. Have a basic understanding of uncertainty in the context of physics, and how to handle it.
4. Have basic laboratory skills including equipment skills, data gathering, record keeping, data analysis, experiment design, and presentation.

Recommended Resources

We STRONGLY recommend keeping a good lab notebook for the assessment tasks. Take pictures and videos on your phones, and keep a good record to aid yourself in completing the assessment tasks. See the wattle resources page for more ideas and information. 

Recommended student system requirements 

• ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:
• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Videos: written feedback related to marking rubric for each submission within 7 business days of submission.
• Written assignments: written feedback within 2 weeks on turn it in system, and related to rubric.
• Online weekly homework: correct answers and solutions to a subset of questions available through webassign system after homework due date. Ability to repeat assignment indefinitely.
• Mid-term: usually a review session covering common issues will be run. Date TBA during semester.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Weeks 1-12: The course will be divided into a "Mechanics" section before the mid-semester break, and an "Electricity and Magnetism" section after the mid-term break. Content and concepts will go up on Wattle each week as we progress through the course. Every week, the course is centred around a 3-4 hour workshop/lab session. This is where you get your hands dirty and apply concepts introduced in a single lecture each week. The schedule is below. Compulsory Timetable Items Studio Lab/workshops session (3 hours) is considered compulsory every week that it runs (not all weeks). There is at least 1 weekly concepts lecture (see weekly wattle blocks and timetable) per week. There is an important intro lecture on Monday week 1. This only runs in week 1. Tutorials will be drop-in style in the Physics Studio G1. Recommended Timetable Items While not compulsory, you will be at a disadvantage if you miss these sessions: Weekly drop-in tutorial for help with assessments.	There are a total of 9-10 lab sessions over the semester. Participation in these sessions will be graded via 7 assessment tasks over the semester. There are weekly online homework problems. There are two exams, one mid-term and one final.

Tutorial Registration

Tutorials will be drop-in style in the Physics Studio G1 on Fridays 1 – 3 pm. We will be there and you can ask question about WebAssign, or the course.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Weekly Homework	30 %	*	1,2,3
Lab/Workshop Sessions: 4 Video summaries, 20% total (5% each)	20 %	*	1,2,3,4
Lab/Workshop Log Book review 5% total	5 %	*	1,2,3,4
Formal lab report or physics essay #1	7 %	06/04/2023	1,2,3,4
Formal lab report or physics essay #2	7 %	26/05/2023	1,2,3,4
Mid Term Exam	10 %	31/03/2023	1,2,3
Final Exam	20 %	31/05/2023	1,2,3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation in lab/worshop sessions will be graded via 7 assessment tasks over the semester.

Examination(s)

Please check ANU Exam Timetables or Wattle for final dates, times and location as appropriate.

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for mid-semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for end of semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Weekly Homework

Weekly homework assignments are run using the WebAssign homework system. This will become available in week 1. Instructions for logging in can be found on Wattle. Assignments are due every week and will be returned the following week.

Each week, there will be 3 parts.

•  Part A is worth 60% and you get 5 attempts at questions.
•  Part B is worth 20% and you get 2 attempts at questions.
•  Part C is worth 20% and you get 1 attempt at questions. 

The parts get progressively harder. Getting most of Part A correct is a Pass/Credit level, Most of B will be Credit/Distinction level, and Most of C will be a High Distinction level. 

They will open after the week's lecture and be due 1 week later.

Extensions will only be granted if they are applied for well before the close, and for good reason. Email michaela.froehlich@anu.edu.au stating how long an extension you need and why.

Students are expected to contribute on an on-going basis throughout the semester.

Assessment Task 2

Lab/Workshop Sessions: 4 Video summaries, 20% total (5% each)

Each week, we will pick a group of students at random who will be required to submit a Video Summary of their lab, of no longer than 5 mins length. These will be graded by the instructors according to the criteria as outlined on Wattle. Please see the Lab video resources page for more details and resources on making these videos. Every student will submit 4 videos over the semester, which means you will not submit a video every week. 

Students are expected to contribute on an on-going basis throughout the semester.

Assessment Task 3

Lab/Workshop Log Book review 5% total

Every student is required to keep a good lab log book. We recommend a bound book so you may sketch/easily take notes for future reference (a pad or loose paper will not be accepted). Digital logbooks are fine, especially on tablets. A computer based logbook might be disadvantageous.

Log books should keep track of:

• Date/day and time.
• What you're doing, and why.
• What you find, with measured values (including measurement uncertainty).
• Diagrams of setups etc.
• Failures as much as successes.

You will be required to have your book signed off at EACH lab, and we will grade you as pass/fail based on the above points. You must have a single logbook for PHYS1001 and use it each week. If you forget to have your book signed off, we will not assign a pass later. Total grade will be calculated as a percentage of passes over the semester.

Students are expected to contribute on an on-going basis throughout the semester.

Assessment Task 4

Formal lab report or physics essay #1

Value: 7.5%

One of these is due per term. You may choose any of the labs, or an experiment you conduct at home, to write a formal report on. Alternatively, you may pick an essay argument, that is backed up by physics. Something of relevance in the world. For an essay we expect around 1500 words. For the report, we suggest the following headings (I) Abstract, (II) Introduction, (III) Experimental Method, (IV) Results and Discussion, (V) Conclusion, with no strict word limit (although communication is a marking criteria, and being concise is important). 

We'll be marking both the reports/essays on according to: 

• correct physics (60%)
• Have you incorporated the correct physics, and the right amount? Can you back up results/analysis or arguments?
• critical thinking/reasoning (25%)
• Correct analysis and interpretation of results.
• For essays, reasoning based on science and critical arguments.
• Good communication (15%)
• Clear, concise English, free of jargon. If you cannot communicate effectively, this will likely effect other parts of the rubric. The Academic skills centre can help you improve your writing.

A High Distinction will only be given in the case that we really find your work exceptional.

Assessment Task 5

Formal lab report or physics essay #2

Value: 7.5%

One of these is due per term. You may choose any of the labs, or an experiment you conduct at home, to write a formal report on. Alternatively, you may pick an essay argument, that is backed up by physics. Something of relevance in the world. For an essay we expect around 1500 words. For the report, we suggest the following headings (I) Abstract, (II) Introduction, (III) Experimental Method, (IV) Results and Discussion, (V) Conclusion, with no strict word limit (although communication is a marking criteria, and being concise is important). 

We'll be marking both the reports/essays on according to: 

• correct physics (60%)
• Have you incorporated the correct physics, and the right amount? Can you back up results/analysis or arguments?
• critical thinking/reasoning (25%)
• Correct analysis and interpretation of results.
• For essays, reasoning based on science and critical arguments.
• Good communication (15%)
• Clear, concise English, free of jargon. If you cannot communicate effectively, this will likely effect other parts of the rubric. The Academic skills centre can help you improve your writing.

A High Distinction will only be given in the case that we really find your work exceptional.

Assessment Task 6

Mid Term Exam

Midterm Exam (10%) - Date/location to be determined.

Please check the course Wattle site and the ANU Examination Timetable to confirm the date, time and location of the mid semester exam.

Assessment Task 7

Final Exam

Final Exam (20%) - Date/location to be determined.

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of online weekly homework (assessment task 1) without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task 1 is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded. Partially completed homework will be graded.

Late submission of video and written tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Weekly assignments will be returned the week after submission.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students