Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Basic Physics

Swinburne University of Technology via Open2Study

This course may be unavailable.

Overview

In our highly technological society, it is useful to have a basic understanding of the how and why the world works the way it does: that’s what physics is all about. It also involves a touch of history, a bit of mathematics, and many everyday examples.
Before starting this course, you are recommended to have the following equivalent mathematical knowledge:

• Calculus
• Elementary statistics
• Trigonometry
• Sine and Cosine graphs
• Algebra

Physics is concerned with every aspect of our universe, and in Basic Physics you will explore 4 main areas: Motion, Waves & Sound, Electricity & Magnetism, and Light. You will gain some valuable insight into these topics, and be able to make simple calculations and predictions.

What will I learn?
  • The important quantities that describe motion: position, velocity, acceleration
  • How to analyse the causes of motion using Newton’s Laws of Motion
  • What the relationship is between force and energy
  • How to understand the properties of waves, including a mathematical description
  • How to understand sound and light in terms of their wave nature
  • How waves overlap and interfere, and how this applies to some musical instruments
  • Why a siren changes pitch as it moves past you
  • The general properties of electric and magnetic fields
  • How to understand the motion of charge as an electric current, and its application in simple circuits
  • How to determine the forces on charges and currents from magnetic fields
  • Key steps in the development of our understanding of light
  • How to use the basic principles of reflection and refraction to understand the behaviour of lenses and mirrors
  • An insight into the unusual and unexpected properties of light that are simultaneously wave-like and particle-like

This course requires approximately 2 - 4 hours of study per week, but can vary depending on the student. This includes watching videos, and taking quizzes and assessments.

If you pass this course you'll receive a Certificate of Achievement. While this certificate isn't a formal qualification or credit, you can use it to demonstrate your interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.

Where could this lead me?

If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.

  • Researcher
  • Engineer
  • Physicist

Syllabus

MODULE 1: MOTION     MODULE 2: WAVES & SOUND     MODULE 3: ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM     MODULE 4: LIGHT & OPTICS

Taught by

Dr Wayne Rowlands

Reviews

3.4 rating, based on 10 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Basic Physics

  • Gerardo Fernández
    I think it is appropriate for high school level students. Its level is bellow of that of a basic university physics course.
  • Sowmya
    Can we get transcripts and certification after completing the course?
    Please let me know
    Course is very appropriate for my requirements.
    Thank you
  • Actually I don't watch all lectures, but I think that it is a good channel to recap my high school physics!
  • Alan Salsac
  • Amar Doshi
  • Abhilash Gandluri
  • Anonymous
  • Asmaa Koshok
  • Michael Nome

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.