Overview
Physics for Engineers I is an introductory calculus-based course in mechanics and quantitative physical modelling. Topics include units and dimensional analysis, vectors, one- and two-dimensional kinematics, Newton’s laws, free-body diagrams, friction, circular motion, work, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy, linear momentum, impulse, collisions, rotational kinematics, torque, angular momentum, static equilibrium, and introductory oscillations.
Laboratory and applied activities develop skills in measurement, uncertainty analysis, graphical interpretation, computational analysis, and engineering-system evaluation. Students translate physical situations into mathematical models, select governing principles, solve multistep problems, assess assumptions and limitations, and communicate results using appropriate units, significant figures, computational tools, and graphical methods. Emphasis is placed on conceptual reasoning, problem decomposition, teamwork, laboratory safety, and the relationship between physical laws and engineering design.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply dimensional analysis, vector methods, and significant-figure conventions to engineering physics problems.
- Model one- and two-dimensional motion using appropriate kinematic relationships and graphical representations.
- Analyze mechanical systems using Newton’s laws, free-body diagrams, friction models, and circular-motion principles.
- Solve multistep problems involving work, energy, momentum, impulse, collisions, torque, angular momentum, and static equilibrium.
- Evaluate assumptions, approximations, uncertainty, and limitations in physical models and experimental results.
- Conduct laboratory investigations safely, collect and analyze data, and communicate findings using quantitative and graphical evidence.
- Use computational or graphical tools to investigate physical systems and interpret the relevance of results to engineering design.
- Synthesize conceptual reasoning and mathematical methods to justify solutions to unfamiliar mechanics problems.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 3 hours | Weekly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Quiz (5 × 2%) | 10.00% |
| Assignment | Problem-solving assignments (3 × 5%) | 15.00% |
| Deliverable | Laboratory reports and data analyses (5 × 4%) | 20.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester test | 20.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 35.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement 14 NCEA Level 2 Mathematics credits, externally assessed
- Requirement 14 NCEA Level 2 Physics credits, externally assessed
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
