Module description
This module will provide you with an in-depth introduction to major physics topics required for successful undergraduate study. The module is delivered through a combination of theoretical lectures, problem-solving tutorials and laboratory based practicals. These will provide you with a thorough introduction to the key subject areas of basic mechanics, waves, atomic and nuclear physics, the structure of matter, thermal physics and electromagnetism. You will be supported in manipulating your knowledge of key concepts so that you are able to apply them and discuss them in familiar contexts.
Assessment details
Coursework 50%; Final exam 50%
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, you will:
- Be equipped with the relevant terminology and understanding of the core concepts above.
- Have the skills required to progress successfully into undergraduate study in natural and mathematical sciences.
- Have the practical skills required to do simple laboratory experiments.
- Be able to interpret the data from those experiments in the context of relevant theories.
Teaching pattern
During this module, you will cover key issues in the following areas:
- Introduction: SI units; dimensional analysis; coordinate systems; scalars and vectors.
- Mechanics: displacement, velocity and acceleration; Newton’s laws of motion; weight; normal force; friction; Hooke’s law; static equilibrium; work; conservation of linear momentum; collisions; circular motion; angular velocity, period and frequency; centripetal acceleration and force; simple harmonic motion; gravity.
- Waves: transverse and longitudinal; wave equation; phase; superposition and interference; diffraction; sound waves; intensity and intensity level; Doppler effect; stationary waves; nodes and antinodes; electromagnetic waves and spectrum; law of reflection; concave and convex mirrors; refraction; refractive index; Snell’s law; convex and concave lenses.
- Atomic and nuclear physics: atomic energy levels; periodic table; protons, neutrons and isotopes; radioactivity;
- Structure of matter: phases of matter: solids, liquids, gases and plasmas; crystals; density; pressure; stress and strain; Young’s modulus; hysteresis; pressure within a fluid; Pascal’s principle; Archimedes’ principle and buoyancy; equation of continuity.
- Thermal physics: temperature; thermal expansion; heat; thermal equilibrium; specific heat; phase changes; latent heat; calorimetry; ideal gas law; gas laws; conduction, convection and radiation; blackbody radiation.
- Electromagnetism: electric charge; Coulomb’s law; electric field/field lines; electric flux; Gauss’s law; electric potential; capacitors; parallel plate capacitor; direct current; conductors and semiconductors; drift velocity; Ohm’s law; resistors; Kirchhoff’s laws; electrical power; magnetism; magnetic field/field lines; force on moving charge; Ampère’s law and applications; solenoids; magnetic flux; magnetic induction; Faraday’s law; Lenz’s law; inductance; energy stored by inductor; transformers; alternating current.
Strong emphasis is placed on rigorous mathematical treatment; it is therefore essential that you have a good basic background in algebra, trigonometry and geometry.
Suggested reading list
Textbooks for module
During your course, you will be required to do a lot of reading. It is not necessary to purchase all books, but you should try and ensure you have access to some of the following:
| Required textbook |
Recommended textbook |
James S. Walker “Physics” (International Edition) 3rd Edition, Pearson Education International (2007)
ISBN-13: 978-0132270199, ISBN-10: 0132270196 |
K. Johnson, S. Hewett, S. Holt, J. Miller, “Advanced Physics for you”, Nelson Thornes Ltd.
[ISBN 0 7487 5296 X ] |
James S. Walker "Physics", Peason Education International (3rd or 4th edition)
ISBN: 978-0-321-61111-6 (4th edition) |
|