Unit Outline
XPD016
Physics
IPC Semester 1, 2025
Jan Hansen
DVC - Education
Academic Division (Division)
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Jan Hansen
Email: jan.hansen@utas.edu.au
 

What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
In this unit you will learn how to describe the behaviour of objects and systems using fundamental theories of work, motion, wave systems and electricity. You will apply your understanding of these concepts to solve simplified real-world problems and evaluate the results. You will also practice scientific investigation by designing, conducting and reflecting on your own experiments to demonstrate these fundamental theories. 
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1
Describe the behaviour of objects and systems using foundational physics theories.
2
Apply physics models to solve simplified real world problems.
3
Plan and conduct science inquiry investigations
4
Communicate and explain methods and results of analysis and experiments.
Alterations as a result of student feedback
 
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 

How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Science inquiry into motion and work
Week 7
10 %
LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
Science inquiry into electricity and circuits
Week 13
10 %
LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
Learning logbook
Refer to Assessment Description
15 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 4:
Quizzes
Refer to Assessment Description
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 5:
Examination
Exam Period
35 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Science inquiry into motion and work
Task Description:
You will exercise science inquiry skills by planning and conducting an experiment that demonstrates a concept relating to motion and work.
Task Length:
3-4 hours
Due Date:
Week 7
Weight:
10 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Plan and conduct a scientific inquiry
LO3
2
Collect and record experimental/simulated data
LO3
3
Present and explain results with respect to the relevant theory.
LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: Science inquiry into electricity and circuits
Task Description:
You will exercise science inquiry skills by planning and conducting an experiment that demonstrates a concept relating to electricity and circuits
Task Length:
3-4 hours
Due Date:
Week 13
Weight:
10 %
 

 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Plan and conduct a scientific inquiry
LO3
2
Collect and present experimental/simulated data
LO3
3
Present and explain results with respect to the relevant theory.
LO4
 
Assessment Task 3: Learning logbook
Task Description:
You will be assigned learning activities every week to consolidate your learning and develop your skills.
Task Length:
1 hour/week
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
15 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Interpret problems to identify the relevant theory
LO1
2
Apply theory to conduct analysis
LO2
3
Communicate the logic and results of the analysis
LO4
 
Assessment Task 4: Quizzes
Task Description:
Online tests/quizzes
Task Length:
3 x 1 hour each
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Interpret problems to identify the relevant theory
LO1
2
Apply theory to conduct analysis
LO2
3
Communicate the logic and results of the analysis
LO4
 
Assessment Task 5: Examination
Task Description:
A supervised examination, you will be allowed to bring an approved scientific calculator and an A4 page (double sided) of handwritten notes.
 

Task Length:
 
Due Date:
Exam Period
Weight:
35 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Interpret problems to identify the relevant theory
LO1
2
Apply theory to conduct analysis
LO2
3
Communicate the logic and results of the analysis
LO4
 
 
 

How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 

 
 

Required Resources
Required reading materials
Gregg Wolfe et al, College Physics for AP® Courses 2e, OpenStax
This is a free online learning resource available at: https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics-ap-courses-2e 
 
Recommended reading materials
Other resources will be provided in the MyLO unit.
 
Other required resources
You require a laptop and a scientific calculator.