Physics forms the foundation of so much of our daily lives. Tools, machines and equipment that we use every day are commonly designed, built and used by applying the principles of physics. This course is an ideal introduction to the science of physics, and relevant to many industries, from farming, construction and engineering to transport and even photography!
The Certificate of Physics is an online program that will introduce you to the scope and nature of physics, including the concepts of placement, velocity, speed and acceleration.
In this professional development course, you will delve into the fascinating world of waves, forces, mechanics, electricity, magnetism, energy, light and optics.
You will also study basic algebra, the fundamentals of thermodynamics, radioactivity and nuclear physics, and astronomy, cosmology and astrophysics.
On completion of this course, you will be able to apply the theories of physics to a variety of career roles, including in the rural, health sciences, engineering and environmental management sectors.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Review of basic algebra
- Introduction
- Equations and formulae
- Variables
- Quadratic equations
- Graphing
- Geometry
- Triangles
- Basic formulae
- Quadrilaterals
- Angles and radians
- Logarithms and exponentials
- Trigonometry
Unit 2 - Introduction: scope and nature of physics
- Observing, measuring, modeling, predicting
- Units of measurement
- Converting between units
- Precision of measurements and identifying significant digits
Unit 3 - Forces and mechanics
- Physics and motion
- Displacement
- Speed and velocity
- Acceleration
- Force
- Force of gravity
- Work
- Power
- Energy
Unit 4 - Waves
- What are waves
- Properties of waves: longitudinal waves, transverse waves
- Wave terminology
- Relationship of frequency or period
- Wave speed
- Electromagnetic radiation and waves
- Sound waves
- Sound spectrum
- Measuring sound
- Speed of sound
- Doppler effect
- Standing waves and resonance
Unit 5 - Electricity and magnetism
- Electrostatics
- Conductors and insulators
- How to make an electroscope
- Coulomb’s law
- The electric field
- Electricity and electric circuits
- Current
- Voltage
- Resistance
- Power
- Ohm’s law
- Circuits: series, parallel
- Magnets
- Magnetic forces
- Ferromagnetism
- Creating magnets
- Earth’s magnetic field
- Geomagnetic reversal
- Electromagnetism
- Electromagnetism and solenoids
- Electric motors
- Magnetic force
- Right hand rule
- Inductors
- Lenz’s law
Unit 6 - Energy and work
- What is energy
- Mechanical energy
- Potential energy
- Kinetic energy
- Conservation of total energy and mechanical energy
- Converting kinetic energy into potential energy
- Work and force
- Conservative and non conservative forces
- Conservation of mass energy
Unit 7 - Fundamentals of thermodynamics
- Temperature measurement units
- Fahrenheit
- Celsius
- Kelvin
- Converting between units
- What is heat
- Heat transfers: thermal equilibrium
- Thermal expansion and thermal contraction
Unit 8 - Light and optics
- What is light
- Reflection
- Refraction
- Demonstration of refraction
- Index of refraction
- Diffraction
- The electromagnetic spectrum
- How a rainbow forms
- What are mirrors
- Flat mirrors
- Convex mirrors
- Concave mirrors
- Lenses
- Converging lenses
- Diverging lenses
Unit 9 – Nuclear physics and radioactivity
- Structure of matter
- The periodic table
- What is radioactivity
- Alpha radiation
- Beta radiation
- Gamma radiation
- Radioactivity applications
- Nuclear medicine -diagnostic and therapy
- Radioactive tracers in agriculture
- Food irradiation
- Archaeological and geological dating
- Radiocarbon dating
- Half life
- Power generation
- Radiation effects and injuries
- Cancer and burns caused by radiation
Unit 10 - Astronomy, cosmology and astrophysics
- What is astronomy
- The pioneers of astronomy
- The branches of astronomy
- Sub fields of astronomy
- Astronomy in our daily life
- The most important discoveries in astronomy
- What is Cosmology
- How did cosmology evolve
- Hubbles law
- Cosmological principle
- Calculate the age of the universe using the Hubble constant
- What is astrophysics
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Engineering roles
- Environmental management
- Health sciences
- Foundation course for many industies
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