Foundation Physics

Course Coordinator: Ms Prudence Poon, BEng(Hons), MEng

Course Development Coordinator: Dr Lo Chui Man, HKMU

SCI S123 is a foundation course in Physics. It is a suitable starting point if you plan to follow a degree programme in Applied Science and Environmental Studies. This course covers major topics in physics including classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, properties of light, thermodynamics, and modern physics. These five areas form the basis for the development of other scientific disciplines.

Advisory prerequisite(s)
There is no entry requirement for SCI S123. However, university-level English skills and mathematics skills will help you to complete this course successfully.

Aims
This course aims to:

• introduce fundamental knowledge of physics at university level;
• develop the application of basic physics concepts;
• develop an integrative view of the physical sciences;
• build up a scientific basis for pursuing middle- and higher-level science courses; and
• develop the skill of analytical thinking.

Contents
Topics to be covered in the course:

• Mechanics
• Electricity and magnetism
• Properties of light
• Thermodynamics
• Modern physics

Learning support
There are regular tutorials and surgeries with your tutors throughout the course.

Assessment
Two assignments are designed to assess your progress in the course. Both assignments will count towards the overall continuous assessment score. There will be a three-hour final course examination at the end of the course. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Equipment
Students will need an electronic calculator for data analysis and access to a personal computer or other electronic devices with an Internet connection.

Set book(s)
Hewitt, P (2015) Conceptual Physics, 12th edn, Addison Wesley.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs
Students with impaired vision may have particular difficulties but other students with disabilities or special educational needs should be able to cope with the essential parts of the course. When in doubt, advice should be sought from the Course Coordinator.