Run by School of Ocean Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Laura Grange

The Essential Physics module aims to provide students with the essential physics knowledge and skills that are required for a successful progression to degree-level study. The module will cover a range of key topics with physics, including mechanics, thermodynamics and current electricity, but will also place a strong emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to a range of subject areas.

Topics covered by this module may include the following: Mechanics: Scalars and vectors, forces in equilibrium, uniform acceleration, Newton’s laws of motion, free fall, drag and terminal velocity, work and power, conservation of energy.

Thermal Physics and Thermodynamics: Heat and temperature, microscopic and macroscopic descriptions. Phase changes, latent heat and specific heat capacity. Thermal energy transfer, conduction, convection and radiation.

Current Electricity: Circuit diagrams, current and potential difference, resistance, resistivity and superconductors, power and electrical energy, e.m.f and internal resistance, conservation of energy and charge in circuits, alternating current.

Waves: Nature of waves, transverse and longitudinal waves, superposition and interference, stationary waves, diffraction and interference.

threshold

Grade D- to D+ Demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject but some errors present. Some inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Limited ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios. The clarity of information presentation is weak and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is limited.

excellent

Grade A- and above An excellent understanding of the subject matter with virtually no inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Demonstrates a very good ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, with very few errors. The clarity of information presentation is excellent and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is very well developed. Evidence of reflectivity in the work produced.

good

Grade B- to B+ A good understanding of the subject matter. Very few inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Demonstrates ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, with few errors. The clarity of information presentation is good and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is well-developed. There is evidence of engagement with published information sources.

C- to C+

Grade C- to C+ A clearer understanding of the subject matter. Demonstrates ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, but with some errors. The clarity of information presentation is acceptable and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is developing. There is evidence of some limited engagement with published information sources.

1. Demonstrate an accurate understanding of physics principles and concepts

2. Present information clearly and logically using specialist vocabulary.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate methods in physics

4. Apply physical principles to different subject areas

Type	Name	Description	Weight
CLASS TEST	Test 1: mechanics	Multiple Choice Questions	20
CLASS TEST	Test 3: current electricity	Multiple choice questions	20
CLASS TEST	Test 2: thermodynamics	Multiple choice questions	20
COURSEWORK	Practical Portfolio	The portfolio will contain reports from practical experiments undertaken during the module.	40

		Hours
Lecture	20* 2 hour lectures	40
Practical classes and workshops	4*2 hour practical classes	8
Tutorial	12*1 hour tutorials	12
Private study	Time spent working on guided and independent study and on the preparation of assignments.	140

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.

Resource implications for students

Students will be required to access online resources. Use of personal computers or University facilities will enable this.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/osf-0102.html

Compulsory in courses:

• H61F: BEng Electronic Engineering year 0 (BENG/ELEF)
• F62F: BSc Geological Oceanography year 0 (BSC/GEOF)