Overview
Applied Physics for Engineering develops the physical principles and quantitative methods required for engineering analysis and design. Topics include vectors, units, dimensional analysis, uncertainty, kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, work and energy, momentum, rotational motion, oscillations, fluids, thermodynamics, electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, waves, optics, and selected modern physics applications.
Students translate physical situations into mathematical models, apply conservation laws and governing equations, estimate magnitudes and scaling behaviour, and evaluate the assumptions and limitations of engineering models. Applications include structural loads, machines, fluid systems, thermal devices, sensors, electromagnetic technologies, and optical instruments.
Laboratory activities develop experimental planning, instrument selection, calibration, data acquisition, graphical and computational analysis, uncertainty estimation, and evidence-based technical conclusions. Differential-equation concepts are introduced where appropriate to describe dynamic systems and engineering phenomena.
Learning Outcomes
- Formulate physical engineering problems using vectors, units, dimensional analysis, free-body diagrams, and explicit modelling assumptions.
- Apply Newtonian mechanics, conservation laws, rotational dynamics, fluid principles, and thermodynamic relationships to engineering systems.
- Analyze oscillatory, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, wave, optical, and selected modern-physics phenomena using appropriate mathematical models.
- Evaluate magnitudes, scaling behaviour, limiting cases, and model sensitivity to determine whether calculated results are physically reasonable.
- Design and conduct laboratory investigations using suitable instruments, calibration procedures, controls, and data-collection methods.
- Analyze experimental data using graphs, computational or graphical tools, uncertainty estimates, and appropriate comparisons with theoretical predictions.
- Assess the limitations of physical models and experimental methods, distinguishing systematic and random effects in engineering measurements.
- Justify engineering decisions by communicating physical reasoning, quantitative evidence, assumptions, and conclusions clearly and accurately.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 3 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Short conceptual and quantitative quizzes (5 × 2%). | 10.00% |
| Assignment | Mathematical modelling and engineering applications assignments (3 × 5%). | 15.00% |
| Deliverable | Laboratory reports and uncertainty analyses (4 × 5%). | 20.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester test on mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics. | 15.00% |
| Test | Test on electricity, magnetism, waves, and optics. | 10.00% |
| Exam | Comprehensive final examination. | 30.00% |
Prerequisites
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.
