FIELD THEORY
MODULE DETAILS
Module Name: FIELD THEORY
Nominal Duration: 27 hours
Module Code: ONPS 5082 (RA330) SC103
Module Purpose:
To introduce students to some of the fundamental physical concepts
and principles underlying modern technology and current scientific
thought.
To introduce students to the applications of scientific methods in
modern technology.
To develop the scientific problem solving skills and logical thinking of
the students.
To use the theoretical principles underlying Field Theory as a basis for
application to technology in a laboratory environment.
Prerequisites: ONPS 5078 (SC101) Physics Fundamentals
Equivalent subjects containing functions, algebraic manipulation and
calculus in mathematics and the equivalent of at least two units of
VCE Physics from other courses may also be recognised as acceptable
pre-requisites.
Students able to show disadvantage, or adult students, will be
considered individually case by case but will be given every
opportunity to attempt the module.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Differentiate between electrostatic, gravitational and magnetic fields.
2. Apply the field law's to calculate field intensity, potential and potential
energy and, in the case of electrostatic fields, electric potential
difference.
3. Define Kepler’s laws and apply them to calculations on celestial
motion.
4. Derive and apply relationships for escape velocity and energy of bound
orbits.
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FIELD THEORY
5. Calculate the magnetic force on a moving charge and the magnetic
force between current carrying conductors.
6. Describe the effect called magnetic induction and use Lenz's Law in
the solution of problems.
Summary of Content:
Gravitational force, gravitational field, gravitational potential
energy, gravitational potential, Kepler's laws, escape velocity,
energy of bound orbits.
Coulomb's Law, electric field, electric potential energy, electric
potential, electric potential difference.
Magnetic field (permanent magnets, current carrying conductors),
magnetic force on a moving charge, magnetic force between
current carrying conductors, electro-magnetic induction, Lenz's
law, transformers.
Assessment Strategy:
Students must demonstrate mastery of each of the Learning
Outcomes.
The subject is assessed using unit tests (60%) and assignments
(40%).
A student must achieve a result of at least 80% on each test
question to be considered as having satisfactorily completed
those Learning Outcomes covered by a given unit test. Those
questions on which 80% is not attained will be examined again.
A student may have to sit a number of questions on a given
Learning Outcome in order to reach the required standard for that
particular outcome.
A student unable to satisfactorily complete assessment on a
specific Learning Outcome after two attempts will be permitted to
take a challenge test in the following semester. If still
unsatisfactory, the student will be required to do the module
again.
The unit tests may be used as challenge tests for students wishing
to gain exemptions, based on prior learning, from sections of the
subject.
Students must complete a number of assignments related to
applications of selected topics from the module.
A student must achieve a result of at least 80% for each
assignment and may be required to resubmit a given assignment
until a satisfactory standard is reached.
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FIELD THEORY
Students will be expected to discuss the contents of an assignment
with their instructor as part of its assessment.
Delivery of the Module
Delivery Strategy
The module should be delivered through a combination of theory,
tutorial and practical classes.
Suggested Resources
Access to suitable references and facilities.
Halliday and Resnick, Fundamentals of Physics, 3rd Ed. Wiley.
Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern
Physics, 4th Ed, Saunders.
Giancoli, DC, General Physics, Prentice-Hall.
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