BIP-10303 Physics MLS

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This physics course teaches the key concepts behind classical mechanics and oscillations/waves. The course follows closely the book from Halliday/Resnick (10th edition). In the first part on classical mechanics we introduce a set of physical laws describing the motion of bodies under the action of a system of forces. In the second part on oscillations and waves we develop the theoretical framework necessary to continue with courses on quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure and spectroscopy.
Students will be trained to describe simple physical phenomena not only verbally but especially using a mathematical formalism that allow making observable predictions. At the end of the course, knowledge and compression is evaluated in an exam compromising of selected textbook questions (Halliday/Resnick) solving of which is trained during the exercise session after each lecture and homework.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate understanding of Newton's laws that describe the motion of simple objects in time and space;
- apply Newton's laws dynamics using differential and integral calculus to solve problems encountered in real life practice;
- explain and apply the work-energy theorem which describes how net work on a system changes the kinetic and or potential energy of the system ;
- explain and apply various conservation laws (energy, impulse and angular impulse) that describe mechanical systems;
- explain and apply the concepts of oscillations and waves and their implications of superposition on interference phenomena;
- analyse real life problems using mathematical and physical formalisms introduced in this course and evaluate the limitations of classical mechanics in discussions during the lecture and the exercises;
- demonstrate understanding of using numerical computation environments to solve small problem sets.

Activities:

Prepare and attend the lectures, preceding the daily tutorials. Learn and understand by exercises. Participate in computer practicals.

Examination:

- the course will be concluded with a written exam;
- attendance of all computational tutorials is required to attend the exam;
- the exam is composed of text book questions and conceptual questions;
- the use of the textbook is allowed during the exam;
- the minimum mark for a pass is 5.5.

Literature:

Halliday, D.; Resnick, R.; Walker, J. (2014). Principles of physics, 10th ed. International Student Version. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 320p. ISBN 978-1-118-23074-9.