Teaching format Frontal lectures and occasional exercises in class.
Educational objectives This is a basic course on the fundamental of physics.
The course aims to give the attendants a basic scientific understanding on mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism.
The lecture is linked to the associated course:
42606 Laboratory of Physics applied to Mechanics
Knowledge and understanding
1. Knowledge and understanding of physical laws of:
- Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
-Electricity and Magnetism
Applying knowledge and understanding
2. Ability to analyse and solve simple problems on mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism.
Making judgements
3. Students are expected to develop the ability to judge the plausibility of results.
Communication skills
4. Further development of a quantitative, technical, and scientific terminology to express ideas and opinions about physical phenomena.
Ability to learn
5. Development of an analytic attitude enabling the student to divide a problem into sub-tasks which can be solved using previously acquired knowledge.
Assessment Formative assessment:
Form: In-class exercises
Length/duration: Continuously as part of course-accompanying exercises
ILOs assessed: 1-5
Summative assessment:
Form: oral
Length/duration: 20 minutes
ILOs assessed: 1-5
Evaluation criteria The oral examination consists of 3 topics per person:
1. Explanation of a topic from the lecture (correct answer is sufficient to pass).
2. Application of a known principle from the lecture to a new problem (correct answer improves the mark).
3. Discussion of an unknown problem related to the lecture (correct answer/convincing discussion is necessary to achieve a "cum Laude" distinction).
All answers/discussion will be oral but may be supported by sketches and written formulae on paper.
The following will be assessed:
• The correctness of the approaches and steps to the solution, and the correct use of physical quantities and units
• The correctness of the answers and arguments presented, and the terminology used.
To pass the exam the final score must be greater or equal to 18. If the final score is greater than 30, a “with honors” is awarded.
Required readings
Blackboard.
Supplementary readings
Various textbooks can be used as a reference, for example:
Physik für Bachelors, Johannes Rybach, Carl Hanser Verlag, 3. Auflage, 2007 (only in German).
Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Wolfgang Demtröder, Springer International Publishing, 2017.
Electrodynamics and Optics, Wolfgang Demtröder, Springer International Publishing, 2013.
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, Douglas C. Giancoli, Pearson, 4th edition, 2008.