Offered to students admitted to Year 1 in ALL
Major/Minor ALL
Course Type
Offer in 2023 - 2024 Y N
Course Code PHYS1250
Date2023/09/24 20:46
Enquiry for Course Details
PHYS1250 Fundamental physics (6 credits) Academic Year 2023
Offering Department Physics Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Dr J H C Lee, Physics < jleehc@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr J H C Lee,Physics)
(Dr M K Yip,Physics)
Course Objectives This is the first physics course for those who want to minor in physics or astronomy as well as for those who want to have an overview in physics.  It covers the fundamental blocks in physics in one semester.  Conceptual ideas in physics are emphasized and the mathematical treatment is moderate.  Those who enter HKU before 2018 may also take this course as one of their astronomy, math/physics or physics major requirements.
Course Contents & Topics Topics include: Mechanics, Wave Motions, Physical Optics, Thermodynamics, and Electromagnetism.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 describe and explain the fundamental physical principles
CLO 2 apply these principles, together with logical and mathematical reasoning, to situations of the physical world
CLO 3 analyse and solve problems with the aids of mathematics
CLO 4 acquire and interpret experimental data to examine the physical laws
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Level 3 or above in HKDSE Physics or equivalent, or Pass in PHYS1240; and
Not for students who have passed in PHYS1050, or already enrolled in this course; and
Not for students who have passed in any level 2 PHYS course or above.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2U000C00 Course not offered under any Major/Minor/Professional core
2023 Minor in Astronomy ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Physics ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Minor in Astronomy ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Physics ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Minor in Astronomy ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Physics ( Core/Compulsory )
2020 Minor in Astronomy ( Disciplinary Elective )
2020 Minor in Physics ( Core/Compulsory )
2019 Minor in Astronomy ( Disciplinary Elective )
2019 Minor in Physics ( Core/Compulsory )
Course to PLO Mapping
Offer in 2023 - 2024 Y        1st sem    2nd sem    Examination Dec    May     
Offer in 2024 - 2025 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills. Apply highly effective lab skills and techniques. Critical use of data and results to draw appropriate and insightful conclusions.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills. Apply effective lab skills and techniques. Correct use of data of results to draw appropriate conclusions.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills. Apply moderately effective lab skills and techniques. Mostly correct but some erroneous use of data and results to draw appropriate conclusions.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills. Apply partially effective lab skills and techniques. Limited ability to use data and results to draw appropriate conclusions.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective. Apply minimally effective or ineffective lab skills and techniques. Misuse of data and results and/or unable to draw appropriate conclusions.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture with laboratory component course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Laboratory 6
Lectures 36
Tutorials 8
Reading / Self study 80
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 10 CLO 1,2,3,4
Examination 2-hour written exam 50 CLO 1,2,3
Laboratory reports 15 CLO 1,4
Test 25 CLO 1,2,3
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Lecture notes provided by Course Coordinator
Raymond A. Serway and John W. Jewett: Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Thomson, 2011, 8th edition)  
James S. Walker: Physics (Prentice Hall, 2009, 4th edition)
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk
Additional Course Information NIL
Back  /  Home