Introduction to Physics (Undergraduate Foundation)
Physics is not a collection of facts; it is a quantitative language. This course establishes that language. We cover the formal system of measurement and units, the rigorous method of dimensional analysis, the complete framework of vector algebra, and the use of calculus to describe how vector quantities change. This is the essential grammar of science.
The tools in this course have immediate, practical applications. Correct dimensional analysis is a critical technique for verifying equations and preventing catastrophic errors in any technical calculation. Vectors are the required language for describing forces, displacements, velocities, and fields in any engineering or scientific discipline. Mastering this material is the first step to becoming a competent technical professional.
Upon completion, you will command the mathematical toolkit for physics. You will perform dimensional analysis to validate equations. You will resolve vectors into components, calculate vector sums and products, and differentiate vector functions to analyse rates of change, such as deriving velocity from a position vector.
This course is the mandatory starting point for first-year university students of engineering, physics, computer science, and related disciplines. A firm command of secondary school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is a prerequisite. It is also suitable for professionals who require a rigorous and efficient refresher on the foundational mathematical tools of science.
10 hrs
Enrolment valid for 12 months
This course is also part of the following learning track. You may join the track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.
PHY 101: General Physics I - MechanicsThis learning track provides a complete and rigorous treatment of introductory classical mechanics as specified by the NUC Core Curriculum. It is structured to build a comprehensive analytical framework, starting with the mathematical description of motion (kinematics) and progressing through its causes (Newtonian dynamics), the powerful conservation laws, the dynamics of rotating systems, and finally, the principles of universal gravitation. Mastery of this material is the non-negotiable foundation for all subsequent study in physics and engineering.
The principles of classical mechanics are the operational language for analysing the physical world. This track provides the essential toolset for solving problems in every field of engineering, from aerospace to civil, and for understanding phenomena from the trajectory of a projectile to the orbits of planets. By the end of this track, you will be able to analyse motion using vectors and calculus, apply Newton's laws to solve any standard dynamics problem, use conservation laws to analyse complex systems and collisions, analyse rotational motion, and solve problems in celestial mechanics.
This learning track is a mandatory prerequisite for all first-year university students of physics, engineering, and related physical sciences. It provides the foundational knowledge required for all subsequent courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
PHY 101: General Physics I - Mechanics
This learning track provides a complete and rigorous treatment of introductory classical mechanics as specified by the NUC Core Curriculum. It is structured to build a comprehensive analytical framework, starting with the mathematical description of motion (kinematics) and progressing through its causes (Newtonian dynamics), the powerful conservation laws, the dynamics of rotating systems, and finally, the principles of universal gravitation. Mastery of this material is the non-negotiable foundation for all subsequent study in physics and engineering.
The principles of classical mechanics are the operational language for analysing the physical world. This track provides the essential toolset for solving problems in every field of engineering, from aerospace to civil, and for understanding phenomena from the trajectory of a projectile to the orbits of planets. By the end of this track, you will be able to analyse motion using vectors and calculus, apply Newton's laws to solve any standard dynamics problem, use conservation laws to analyse complex systems and collisions, analyse rotational motion, and solve problems in celestial mechanics.
This learning track is a mandatory prerequisite for all first-year university students of physics, engineering, and related physical sciences. It provides the foundational knowledge required for all subsequent courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
This learning track provides a complete and rigorous treatment of introductory classical mechanics as specified by the NUC Core Curriculum. It is structured to build a comprehensive analytical framework, starting with the mathematical description of motion (kinematics) and progressing through its causes (Newtonian dynamics), the powerful conservation laws, the dynamics of rotating systems, and finally, the principles of universal gravitation. Mastery of this material is the non-negotiable foundation for all subsequent study in physics and engineering. The principles of classical mechanics are the operational language for analysing the physical world. This track provides the essential toolset for solving problems in every field of engineering, from aerospace to civil, and for understanding phenomena from the trajectory of a projectile to the orbits of planets. By the end of this track, you will be able to analyse motion using vectors and calculus, apply Newton's laws to solve any standard dynamics problem, use conservation laws to analyse complex systems and collisions, analyse rotational motion, and solve problems in celestial mechanics. This learning track is a mandatory prerequisite for all first-year university students of physics, engineering, and related physical sciences. It provides the foundational knowledge required for all subsequent courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
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Course Chapters
1. Introduction2
1. Introduction
2
This chapter establishes the course framework. It defines physics as a science of precise measurement and outlines the fundamental approach required for all subsequent topics. Master this section to understand the structure of the course and what is required to succeed.
Key objectives: define the scope and methodology of physics; understand the course structure and assessment; and confirm your command of the required mathematical prerequisites.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
39:01
2. Measurements5
2. Measurements
5
Precise measurement is the foundation of physics. This chapter introduces the core concepts of physical quantities and the standards that define them. We will establish the International System of Units (SI), the formal framework required for all subsequent quantitative work.
Key objectives: distinguish between fundamental and derived quantities; identify the seven SI base units; and explain the role of standards in defining physical units.
Concept Overviews
5 Lessons
54:28
3. Length, Mass and Time5
3. Length, Mass and Time
5
This chapter examines the three fundamental quantities of mechanics: mass, length, and time. We will establish their formal definitions and the SI standards used to quantify them. A precise understanding of these core concepts is the absolute prerequisite for the study of motion.
Key objectives: define mass, length, and time and state their SI units; distinguish clearly between the concepts of mass and weight; and identify the standard instruments used to measure these quantities.
Concept Overviews
5 Lessons
1:20:50
4. Dimensional Analysis23
4. Dimensional Analysis
2
3
A physical equation must be dimensionally consistent to be valid. This chapter details the method of dimensional analysis, a critical tool for verifying equations and preventing errors in technical work. Mastery of this technique is a non-negotiable skill for problem-solving.
Key objectives: determine the dimensions of physical quantities; apply the principle of homogeneity to test the validity of equations; and use dimensional analysis to deduce relationships between variables.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
39:35
Problem Walkthroughs
3 Lessons
26:10
5. Scalars and Vectors78
5. Scalars and Vectors
7
8
Physical quantities have either magnitude (scalars) or magnitude and direction (vectors). This chapter defines this critical distinction and establishes the complete mathematical framework for vector algebra. Command of vectors is non-negotiable for describing forces, velocity, fields, or any change in physical systems.
You will: distinguish scalars from vectors; resolve vectors into components; add vectors analytically; calculate scalar and vector products; and differentiate vector functions.
Concept Overviews
7 Lessons
2:52:00
Problem Walkthroughs
8 Lessons
1:16:36
6. Conclusion1
6. Conclusion
1
This chapter consolidates the course's core analytical tools. It summarises the complete toolkit – dimensional analysis, vector algebra, and vector calculus – confirming your command of the non-negotiable foundation for all subsequent study in the physical sciences.
You will: consolidate your understanding of the course's analytical methods; recognise their direct application in mechanics; and verify your readiness for the next physics course.
Concept Overviews
1 Lesson
6:17